football-talk.co.uk

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has provided an injury update on key forward Cole Palmer ahead of the Blues’ 180th London derby clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

Palmer’s injury blow came during Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford in September, as he was forced off after just 21 minutes.

The England international, who was recently honoured with a plaque marking his 100th appearance for the Blues, has since missed eight matches, with no clear recovery timeline yet established due to the persistent nature of his groin issue.

The 23-year-old has endured a frustrating campaign, featuring only four times so far and completing the full 90 minutes in just two of those games. Despite limited action, the versatile forward has found the net twice — once in the Premier League and once in the UEFA Champions League.

He has since been sidelined for eight matches for the Blues, and Maresca has now offered an update on Palmer’s condition during his pre-match press conference, outlining the progress of his rehabilitation and when Chelsea supporters might expect to see their key man back in action.

‘I just met him in the canteen for breakfast, and I told him, ‘I will say that in one week you are back,’ Maresca said ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

‘He was laughing. Now with Cole, exactly the same plan. Wait, and hopefully he can be back soon.’

Positive

On a positive note, Chelsea have been handed a triple injury boost ahead of their trip to Tottenham after Maresca confirmed Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are available to start against Spurs, despite nursing injuries and coming off the bench at Molineux.

He also confirmed that Joao Pedro, who has been managing a groin problem, is fit to return for Saturday’s clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after being rested in the game against Wolves.

‘The reason why Joao didn’t play against Wolves is because we tried to protect him. The same thing was with Enzo and Moi, just to give them some minutes, but the idea is to protect these players.’ Maresca said when asked about the fitness update of his squad

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to make a move to sign Juventus forward Jonathan David, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a stellar time at LOSC Lille over the last few years, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess in Ligue 1. He even guided Les Dogues to become French champions in the 2020/21 season, beating PSG in the race.

In 49 appearances across all competitions, the Canadian international scored 25 goals and registered 12 assists last term. So, after being impressed by him, the Bianconeri decided to sign him for free this summer.

Although he scored on his debut for the record Italian champions, he hasn’t been able to find the back of the net over the last two months. In 11 matches in all tournaments, the North American has made only two goal contributions thus far.

Now, Fichajes state that despite David’s struggles in Serie A, Tottenham still believe in his potential and are interested in signing him to reinforce the attacking department.

However, the Lilywhites aren’t the only club looking at David, as Bayern Munich are keen on purchasing him to support Harry Kane.

Having recently moved to Allianz Stadium, David, valued at around £39m by Transfermarkt, still has five years left in his current contract. So, Juventus are likely to demand a big fee to let him leave.

David to Tottenham

Tottenham decided to reinforce the centre-forward position by signing Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. However, he has joined on a loan deal and might return to his parent club at the end of this season.

Apart from the Frenchman, Spurs currently have Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, and Mathys Tel as striker options. However, Solanke remains sidelined due to an injury problem, while Richarlison has displayed inconsistent performances thus far this season and has had fitness problems over the last few years.

Tel, on the other hand, hasn’t been able to prove that he is capable of playing regularly at the highest level. So, Spurs could do with purchasing a new striker next year.

However, David has been displaying below-average performances in Serie A, and it would be a risky move to lure him away from Allianz Stadium by investing big money.

Liverpool’s defence has been extremely poor this season and just like their offensive department was massively revamped earlier this year, the backline might see several new faces join in 2026 with the club in a transitional phase.

Ibrahima Konate’s and Virgil van Dijk’s futures remain up in the air with the former linked with Real Madrid and the latter not living up to expectations, which means the Reds might need to sign at least two new central defenders in 2026.

Fichajes has reported that one of the names on their radar is Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven, who has developed impressively in the last two or three seasons to become one of the Premier League’s best players in his role.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also interested in the player, as per the source, and Tottenham might not stand in his way if they receive an offer near the £87 million next year and the Dutchman also wishes to leave.

Van de Ven perfect replacement for Van Dijk

Micky van de Ven is the ideal replacement for Virgil van Dijk in the heart of Liverpool’s back four. His exceptional speed, technical qualities and intelligent reading of the game, coupled with a brilliant game on the ball make him an all-round package.

His aerial attributes, heading and stamina are also outstanding attributes and at the age of only 24, there is every reason to think he will only get better. Therefore, Tottenham Hotspur’s £87 million asking price might turn out to be a reasonable investment.

And while Liverpool would like to acquire him next year, Tottenham are likely to want to sell him to an overseas club in order to avoid strengthening a domestic rival, hence giving Bayern Munich and Real Madrid the edge over Arne Slot’s side.

With the likes of Dayot Upamecano and Marc Guehi also on Liverpool’s radar, it will be interesting to see where Micky van de Ven is in their shortlist of centre backs considering he will not come for cheap.

Tottenham Hotspur are actively expected to pursue a striker’s transfer next year with Dominic Solanke’s form a major cause for concern, and a new addition to the squad as early as in January has not been ruled out.

Italian source La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Tottenham are looking to sign Juventus forward Jonathan David, who could be sold by the Serie A giants just months after a free transfer from Lille after a barren start to life in Turin.

With only one goal and an assist in all competitions so far for Juventus, David’s form has seen him fall behind Dusan Vlahovic as well as Loic Openda in the pecking order, therefore forcing the Bianconeri to potentially cash-in on him.

David produced exceptional numbers in Ligue 1 and the Champions League last year, but the Serie A’s low blocks and generally defensive structure has not worked favourably for him, so a move to the Premier League might help him regain his feet.

Spurs cannot afford to take a risk once more

Jonathan David has shown massive potential earlier in his career and remains Canada’s number one striker as well, but off the back of a slow start at Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur cannot afford to risk another striker’s signing going against them.

Harry Kane has not been properly replaced by the Lilywhites yet, and with the likes of Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel and Richarlison all failing to fill into the Englishman’s boots, the squad needs a long-term and reliable option once and for all.

Spurs are unlikely to be able to sign Jonathan David for cheap either, as he is valued at £40 million on Transfermarkt and uventus will also look to recoup as much of the signing-on fee and salary that they have paid to the player so far.

It remains to be seen whether the possibility of a loan is on the cards for January, which might be a safer option for Tottenham as they would have six months to see how the player does in the Premier League before deciding over his permanent signing.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ‘preparing’ to launch a formal proposal to sign West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Since moving to the London Stadium from Hull City, the 28-year-old has established himself as a talismanic figure, helping his side win the Conference League.

He made more than 20 goal contributions in the last two consecutive seasons in the Premier League, and although the East London club have endured a dire start this term, the Englishman has showcased his qualities.

In 10 appearances across all competitions, the West Ham star has scored three goals and registered two assists thus far this campaign.

Now, Fichajes state that after purchasing Mohammed Kudus from the Hammers this summer, Tottenham are planning to raid the East London club once again, with Bowen on their radar.

Bowen has a contract until 2030 with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, so they aren’t in any rush to sell him, and Spurs are ‘preparing’ to launch a formal proposal worth around £52m to seal the deal.

West Ham are currently languishing in the relegation zone, sitting four points behind safety. So, if they eventually fail to keep hold of their top-flight status, they might be forced to sell him next summer.

Bowen to Tottenham

The 28-year-old is a right-winger by trait but is also capable of providing cover in the centre-forward position if needed. He is quick, strong, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, is efficient in creating opportunities for fellow attackers, can finish off his chances, and also works hard without possession.

Tottenham currently have Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel, Kudus, Brennan Johnson, Xavi Simons, and Dejan Kulusevski as options to deploy on the flanks. However, Kulusevski has been out injured since the start of the season.

Simons, on the other hand, is more comfortable in the creative midfield position. Johnson and Odobert have failed to showcase their best consistently, while Tel is still young and needs time to develop.

Therefore, Spurs could do with adding a new wide forward, and Bowen would be a shrewd acquisition should they eventually manage to secure his service next year.

Manchester United are on a three-match winning run in the Premier League and among a number of standout players, Casemiro has been among those delivering although there does remain a need for more depth in midfield.

Ruben Amorim is expected to be backed with the funds to make a few more signings in 2026 and as per Football Insider, Manchester United are among the leading candidates to sign Sporting Lisbon star Morten Hjulmand.

Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be keen on the Danish international with Rodrigo Bentancur past the age of 30 and Yves Bissouma expected to depart at the end of his contract next year, with Manchester City the third suitor for Hjulmand.

Sporting are prepared to get rid of the 28-year-old for £50 million next year, according to the source, with Amorim’s association with the Portuguese giants and the midfielder likely to keep Man United in pole position for his signing.

Hjulmand ideal for Man United

Morten Hjulmand would be the ideal signing for Manchester United with his brilliant pressing, tackling and recovery rate making him the perfect fit in Ruben Amorim’s double pivot, with his ball retention and passing through the lines also proving solid.

Casemiro is already a defensive midfielder, so while Hjulmand would not be an kind of offensive minded player alongside the Brazilian, the strong foundation in the engine room would give the wing backs the leeway to attack more freely in the final third.

Having said that, Tottenham Hotspur will also look to sign him given their need for midfielders and could use Thomas Frank to convince his compatriot into joining them, whereas Manchester City will always remain a strong contender for his transfer too.

It will be interesting to see whether the player himself is keen on prioritising a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, or would prefer a winning project like City’s, but all things point towards him being a good purchase for the Red Devils.

Tottenham Hotspur will travel to St James’ Park to face off against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup fourth round fixture tonight.

The Lilywhites have struggled away from home against the Magpies in recent years, losing the last three consecutive matches, including the 6-1 thrashing a couple of years ago. The last time Spurs defeated Newcastle at St James’ Park was back in 2021.

However, Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a bright start to this season under new manager Thomas Frank, and they would be hoping to change their recent poor record against Eddie Howe’s side tonight.

Team news

Tottenham have been plagued with injury problems during the first few months of this season, with Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Koto Takai remaining sidelined due to their respective problems.

On the other hand, Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero, and Destiny Udogie have stepped up recovery to return to full fitness, but this game will come too early for them to be involved.

Predicted line-up

Frank is unlikely to make many changes to his starting line-up that defeated Everton in the Premier League last weekend. However, Antonin Kinsky might get the nod to start in goal ahead of Guglielmo Vicario.

Micky Van de Ven should be at the heart of Spurs’ defence alongside Kevin Danso amid Romero’s absence, with Pedro Porro and Djed Spence likely to be the two fullbacks.

João Palhinha has enjoyed a promising start this season since joining from Bayern Munich on loan and is expected to keep hold of his place in the defensive midfield position.

Rodrigo Bentancur could be alongside the Portuguese, with Lucas Bergvall likely to complete the midfield trio for the North London club. So, Archie Gray is expected to be among the substitutes.

Wilson Odobert should be on the left-wing role, and Brennan Johnson could be on the opposite side. So, Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus would feature as substitutes if needed.

Mathys Tel, valued at around £31m by Transfermarkt, may get the responsibility of leading the line for the North London club, and Richarlison would have to make do with a place on the bench.

Expected Tottenham line-up against Newcastle

Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur, Bergvall; Odobert, Tel, Johnson

Chelsea are reportedly battling with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United over a deal to sign Leicester City forward Jeremy Monga, as per transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.

After rising through the Foxes’ youth system, the 16-year-old made his first team debut earlier this year, playing seven matches in the Premier League last campaign.

Following relegation, the youngster has continued to feature for Leicester this season, making two goal contributions in five starts in the Championship.

Now, on TBR Football, Bailey says that after displaying glimpses of his qualities in senior football at this tender age, Monga has started to attract the attention of several big Premier League clubs.

He can’t sign a professional contract with Leicester until he turns 17; therefore, the Foxes can’t manage to keep hold of him if any of his suitors manage to persuade him to leave.

Man Utd are interested in him and have been monitoring his development closely before making a potential swoop. However, purchasing him won’t be straightforward for the Red Devils, as Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle United are in this race as well.

Manchester City are currently leading this race and have been working to seal the deal in recent months. They attempted to buy the youngster during the summer, and although they failed to do so, they haven’t given up on their hopes of signing him.

Battle

Monga is a right-footed explosive winger and is comfortable on either flank. He is quick, technically sound, and can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas.

Chelsea have focused on signing young players in recent years and bought Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jamie Gittens this summer. Now, they are planning to follow the same transfer strategy next year.

On the other hand, Tottenham also have a transfer strategy of buying highly talented young players and providing them with the platform to develop at the highest level.

Man Utd, meanwhile, have been known for their ability to develop young players; however, they have struggled to do that in recent years. Still, they haven’t stopped adding young, talented players to their squad and are now looking at Monga.

It is going to be interesting to see whether the Lilywhites, the Blues, or the Red Devils eventually manage to secure Monga’s service next year.

Olympique Marseille frontman Mason Greenwood has been in brilliant form this season, and with eight goals as well as four assists in all competitions, his returns in the final third have caught the attention of clubs in the Premier League.

Caught Offside has reported that Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are those particularly keen on bringing him back to England, with the Lilywhites particularly impressed by the player’s dynamism and unpredictability up top.

Atletico Madrid are also keen on signing the former Manchester United forward, who is valued at £35 million on Transfermarkt and could welcome the chance of joining a bigger side having reignited his career in Ligue 1 over the last few months.

Greenwood likely to prefer England return

In spite of Atletico Madrid’s interest in signing Mason Greenwood, the Englishman is likely to favour a return to his homeland thanks to interest from Tottenham Hotspur as well as West Ham United.

Due to off-field issues a few years ago, his career at Manchester United was unexpectedly cut short but having found his feet once more, Greenwood might believe he has more to achieve in the Premier League itself.

West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur would both be bolstered by his transfer, but the North Londoners are likely to have a significant edge over their competitors as a result of playing in European competitions and doing much better in the league.

That said, it remains to be seen if the sides make an effort towards materialising their interest in the player, however, as his issues from a few years ago could see the fans vehemently oppose Greenwood’s transfer in spite of brilliant performances of late.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a series of mixed results under Thomas Frank but nine matches into the Premier League season, they find themselves third in the standings, which is a testament to the manager’s impact on the dressing room.

In spite of not having a reliable goal-scorer, the Lilywhites have managed to churn out the results at times and with the current quality in their defence and individually in other positions, a few more signings could make them significantly more competitive.

Christian Falk has reported that Tottenham are looking to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, and their bid to do so has been significantly strengthened by Bayern Munich cooling interest in the Serbian international’s acquisition.

Vlahovic is expected to be a free agent next summer upon the expiry of his contract with the Bianconeri, who are keen on retaining the player’s services but have been put off by his wage demands of close to £200,000 per week.

Vlahovic a brilliant signing for Spurs

Dusan Vlahovic has produced brilliant numbers at Fiorentina earlier in his career and more recently at Juventus even though they have not been at their best since several seasons. A switch to Tottenham Hotspur could exponentially help his career too.

With Spurs investing in the likes of Mohammad Kudus and Xavi Simons in the summer, their creative department is at its peak and a potent finisher in the box is all they need to pick up more points than they already have so far.

Given that Dominic Solanke has not maintained his fitness and Richarlison has struggled for form too, Vlahovic might be the missing piece in Thomas Frank’s plans with the Dane’s system also likely to get the best out of him.