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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ injured centre-back Willy Boly is progressing well according to his teammate Romain Saiss, who has often been filling in for him since the mainstay colossus fractured his fibula in training last month.

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What’s he said?

The 28-year-old had started the season impressively, resulting in transfer reports linking him with a switch to both north London clubs, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Wolves were expected to suffer in his absence given the lack of depth, and somewhat trust, in Nuno Santo’s backline.

The likes of Saiss himself and even fellow midfielder Leander Dendoncker have come into their element while playing alongside captain Conor Coady in defence.

Speaking to the Express & Star, the Morocco international gave an encouraging update surrounding his injured teammate, he said:

“He’s really good. He’s working really, really well, every day.

“It’s a tough situation when you’re injured, but he is working really well with the physio.

“I hope he can come back, maybe early [next] year.

“He’s a strong guy and keeps smiling every day.”

Encouraging

Boly is expected to be out for the foreseeable future given the severity of his injury, but the Express & Star do mention that the timeframe surrounding his return could be as early as January.

These comments from Saiss only add further fuel to the fire as he suggests that the powerhouse is working hard to mount a rapid comeback.

His return could be a timely boost on their season as they look certain to advance into the next round of the Europa League while Nuno has guided them to fifth spot in the Premier League, which has been very much under the radar.

The club were always looking to add a central defensive option in the winter window, per BirminghamLive, so don’t expect Boly to lose out on his place completely during the time he sits on the sideline.

He’s a big part of Nuno’s plans.

In other news, Wolves could be set to lose one of their first-team players in January due to the decisions made by Nuno Santo this season…

Many Tottenham Hotspur fans are raging after Ricky Sacks relayed a report from Football Insider saying that chief scout Steve Hitchen has been forced to take a pay cut, while Jose Mourinho is staying on his full salary.

Football Insider report that as well as having his recruitment department shut down, 44-year-old Hitchen is also part of the 550 non-playing staff who have been placed on the government’s furlough scheme.

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The story that adds while the Portuguese manager is, of course, not managing at the moment with football suspended at the current time, he is remaining on full pay – The Daily Mail reported this was £15m when he was appointed as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been the subject of criticism from journalists and supporters alike already this week following the staff furlough decision, and this latest report has got them fuming, too.

While one fan said “what a joke” about the report, another said they were “disgusted”.

It is fair to say that Tottenham as a whole isn’t a happy camp right now.

Here is a selection of the reaction…

In other Tottenham news, one journalist has made a fresh Spurs transfer claim, suggested big Pochettino favourite could leave club this summer…

Lots of Newcastle United fans have slammed Professor Simon Chadwick’s revelation that a takeover of French club Olympique de Marseille is being pondered by Saudi Arabia.

This follows rumours that it is a Saudi prince’s will to buy Marseille which would supposedly raise less controversy than the buyout of the Tyneside club.

Members of the Toon faithful would perhaps be relieved that it is not Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the Saudi crown prince looking to take over at St. James’ Park.

The bid has been backed by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), as the Saudi-led consortium, spearheaded by businesswoman Amanda Staveley, look to end Mike Ashley’s reign of 13 years in the North East.

The Reuben brothers are also set to become part-owners of the Magpies if a deal goes through.

Nevertheless, they may not be the only club owned by Saudis if this attempted buy of Marseille is completed.

These NUFC supporters were slamming Chadwick’s claim:

Geordies, do you think this would affect the takeover? Comment below!

The Chronicle journalist Lee Ryder has made an exciting claim about Newcastle’s potential transfer plans for this upcoming summer transfer window.

What did he say?

The Magpies are approaching the beginning of a new era, with Mike Ashley’s nightmare reign looking ever more likely to end sooner rather than later.

And now, Ryder has suggested that the club could be looking at some serious money to play with over the next couple of seasons, with the prospective new owners keen to give the manager their full backing in the market.

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He said: “Without doubt, whoever is in charge of Newcastle at the start of a new era would get a competitive transfer kitty – potentially as much as around £200million as new owners are prepared to push the full pot of profits the way of the first team boss.

“Financial fair play rules would become the subject of discussion at St James’ Park, but profits from TV and Premier League prize money could still be spent on new players without causing any issues.

“Under Mike Ashley, the club have held back from spending TV and merit money in certain windows which has caused unrest between the Sports Direct magnate and the fans in previous winter and summer trading periods.”

Exciting times

Make no mistake about it, Newcastle could turn into serious players in the transfer market very quickly.

Of course, having Champions League or even Europa League football to offer will be something new signings will be hoping for, but the fact the Magpies could have the sort of big money to spend on transfer fees and wages should mean they can compete for some of the very best stars on offer.

All it needs is just that one prominent superstar to walk through the door, as was the case at Manchester City when the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva first joined the Citizens’ new project. Newcastle will be hoping for something similar once this takeover is confirmed.

Meanwhile, Mark Douglas reveals what Newcastle’s new owners will focus on.

Garry Monk has offered several Sheffield Wednesday youngsters new contracts, with talks of others also being close to new deals.

Speaking to The Star, the manager said the trio of named young players ‘deserve those contracts’ and his view is to ‘assess all the young lads’ and see what they can do.

The young Owls in question are defenders Declan Thompson and Luke Cox, plus goalkeeper Luke Jackson.

As it currently stands, Wednesday could be looking at a mass exodus in the coming weeks. A grand total of 17 players are on the verge of departing the club, with five set to return from their loan at Hillsborough and a whopping 12 out of contract.

The Owls have had a tough time this season, sitting 15th in the Championship table after losing 15 league games under Monk (as per Transfermarkt).

Another issue with the current Wednesday squad is the ageing senior players. Despite 33-year-old Steven Fletcher being the top scorer, it seems having 12 first team players aged 29 or over is starting to show in the sluggish results. The most recent match ended in a humiliating 5-0 defeat away to Brentford.

Monk has started in exactly the right place in setting up the foundations to recover from a tough season. Of course, Wednesday will need to recruit more personnel in the summer, but rewarding the three young Owls for their hard work and progression is the perfect start.

The more these teenagers train around the senior squad, the more ready they will be when eventually called upon. Additionally, Monk could be faced with a very thin squad in the summer and having young, hungry talent in the ranks will be a good safety net in case the transfer window isn’t as successful as hoped.

If the 41-year-old can shift deadwood, lower the average age of the team and bring in some proven talent, then the Wednesdayites could get back on his side and the team can look to start climbing the table once more.

What do you think about the latest contract news, Owls? Is it a step in the right direction for the club? Have your say in the comments below…

Adama Traore should stay at Wolverhampton Wanderers and become a legend for the Midlands club, despite former midfielder now loan chief Seyi Olofinjana hinting that he could leave, as he told Goal.

Indeed, Olofinjana admitted that ‘anybody can leave Wolves’, adding that Traore ‘came from somewhere’ and ‘can leave any day’.

The loan chief also claimed that he was a good player and that everyone has seen what he is capable of doing, whilst also complementing his pace, power, goal scoring stint, skills on the ball and also running the length of the pitch.

Indeed, Traore seems to have stepped up his game this season, with six goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions so far, according to Transfermarkt.

This has led to the likes of Liverpool chasing him, with TodoFichajes fairly recently claiming that the Anfield outfit are negotiating signing him in the upcoming summer transfer window.

As per the outlet, the talks between the two clubs are well advanced and they hope to reach an agreement in the coming weeks, as Jurgen Klopp has apparently recommended the incorporation of the player and has personally telephoned the former FC Barcelona youth squad.

The publication also claims that the Reds are looking for a possible replacement for Sadio Mane should he leave, but Traore should not jump at the chance just yet.

First of all, there is no guarantee that Mane would leave, and so if Liverpool were to sign Traore, he would struggle to displace both him and Mohamed Salah on the wings, given that they are the club’s top scorers so far this campaign.

Also, WWFC have a realistic chance of achieving UEFA Champions League football for next term given that they are still in the Europa League and are potentially just two points off qualifying in the league if Manchester City’s ban is upheld.

The 24-year old could help Nuno Espirito Santo’s team qualify and who knows what may happen after, given that he seems to be heading in the right direction means that he could stay and eventually become a club legend.

Wanderers, do you think Traore will stay in the summer? Comment below!

Tottenham striker Harry Kane scored his first goal of the year in the 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Jose Mourinho bemoaned the lack of attackers at his disposal against Manchester United, but he had no reason to complain after Dele Alli and Lucas Moura returned in time for the London derby.

Kane beat Fabian Balbuena for pace and netted for the first time this calendar year to put the game beyond the Hammers.

Frank McAvennie praised the striker after the game and said “it is great to see him back” for club and country.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham forward claimed Kane will have been “licking his lips” ahead of the clash with the Irons.

McAvennie told football writer Dylan Childs: “It is great for him to get the goal. I like the way he goes about his business. He’s not afraid to drop off get the ball and play with people and he is always in the box when the ball comes in.”

“For England and Tottenham it is great to see him back. He was on the fringes against Man United but you could see his sharpness last night.

“Mourinho has unbelievable faith in him. There was talk of him not playing last night but the best way a striker can get fit is by playing games. That is the only way to do it.

“He must have been licking his lips before the game and there is no way he would have let Mourinho leave him out because he will have fancied scoring against them!”

It is difficult to disagree with McAvennie on this one, as Kane insisted he would be back better than ever before after the nationwide lockdown.

The 26-year-old, who is Spurs’ top scorer this season, has scored 12 goals in 22 Premier League games at the time of writing.

West Ham have shockingly conceded the third highest amount of goals so far, which would have caught Kane’s attention heading into the game.

The England international would have surely fancied his chances of scoring on Tuesday night, as he had found the back of the net eight times beforehand.

Mourinho’s side are currently seventh in the table, four points away from Manchester United, and six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

The Portuguese will need Kane to be at his very best if his team are to challenge for European football next season.

Tottenham fans, do you think Harry Kane can make a difference? Let us know down below!

Tottenham Hotspur bounced back to winning ways after beating Arsenal 2-1 at home, but once again they failed to keep a clean sheet.

Tottenham have started to find some rhythm up front, as they have scored three goals in the past three games.

It is no secret the Lilywhites have leaked goals for fun over the course of the season so far, as one only has to see they have conceded more goals than Arsenal, Sheffield United and Premier League champions Liverpool amongst others.

Former Spurs striker Jermain Defoe has urged Tottenham to sign Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake in the summer in an effort to tighten up.

Although they stunned Leicester at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth are on the brink of relegation, as they find themselves three points adrift of 17th-placed Watford.

Ake has been one of the few standouts in an otherwise bitter season for the Cherries, and has been tipped to move to north London this summer, amid interest from Spurs and Arsenal.

“I would love to see him at Tottenham you know,” Defoe told The Beautiful Game podcast.

“He’s got so much potential. Coming from Chelsea it was difficult to get in the team there. He went to Watford, and Bournemouth paid a big fee for him.

“He’s technically good, Dutch players always are. Scores a lot of goals from set-pieces, he is really brave which is good. One of the nicest guys I’ve met in football, you’d even let him date your sister.

“I would love to see him get to the next level and play in the Champions League. I feel he is that good, I’m sure.”

It is hard to argue with Defoe here, as Ake has once again been one of Bournemouth’s best players this season.

The ex-Chelsea ace, who joined the Cherries for a club record fee, has impressed for Eddie Howe’s side, playing 29 Premier League games so far, making 1.1 tackles per game, averaging 1.2 interceptions, and completing a staggering 5.1 clearances on average (via WhoScored).

Mourinho has worked with him before during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Unfortunately, it is unlikely he will play again this season, after he suffered an injury tackling Jamie Vardy in the huge win over Leicester.

Bournemouth’s precarious position has left them vulnerable to a potential exodus of key players, which Daniel Levy could take full advantage of in the summer.

Ake, 25, has received a higher WhoScored rating overall than Davinson Sanchez, and earned the same as Jan Vertonghen, who seems to be heading out the door at any moment.

However, it is worth remembering Blues boss Frank Lampard could still activate a buy-back clause in his contract as he has defensive problems of his own to worry about.

Tottenham fans, do you think Daniel Levy should sign Nathan Ake in the summer? Let us know down below!

Glasgow Rangers can only look on as football north of the border continues to be plunged into chaos.

All of the madness started following the suspension of the Scottish season due to the current pandemic. What should have been a simple vote for the resolution proposal put forward by the SPFL soon became a farce as Dundee’s decision was first not registered and then changed. That led to the Gers accusing the governing body of corruption, before they then demanded an investigation into the governing body, albeit in vain.

Now, Hearts and Partick Thistle have taken over the mantle of taking the fight to the authority, and they have now been hit with a charge from SFA after they took their relegation complaint to court rather than an arbitration panel first.

Scottish football is a farce at the moment, and journalist Ewan Murray has tweeted that the country’s authorities should be laughed at for their incompetence. This has attracted plenty of attention from the Ibrox outfit’s supporters, as you can imagine, and they have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts. You can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.

Let us know what you think!

Name: Jadon Sancho

Club: Borussia Dortmund

Date of Birth: 20 March 2000 (age 20)

Position: Winger (right/left), attacking midfielder

Jadon Sancho – His career so far

Jadon Sancho was born in Camberwell, Greater London, and at the age of seven he joined Watford’s youth academy. At the age of 14, Sancho told his under-15s coach of his aspirations of playing for England one day, and later that year he moved to Manchester City – joining their academy for an initial fee of £66,000.
There was no doubt that the youngster was a serious talent and he was one of a trio of players that Manchester City set to fast-track up to the senior squad in May 2017. Despite this, two months later, Sancho was dropped from the clubs pre-season tour due to a dispute over playing time in his new contract. As a result, Sancho forced a move away from the club and on 31 August 2017 he moved to Germany, joining giants Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of £8m.

Instantly, Sancho was called up to the first-team and made his professional debut for the club against Eintracht Frankfurt on 21 October. Since joining Dortmund, the young winger has gone on to impress – winning multiple Bundesliga Player of the Month awards whilst breaking many records.
Sancho climbed up the youth ranks for Englands national team, and in October 2018 he was called up to the senior squad for the first time. Sancho made his England debut as a substitute against Croatia later that month, and has since gone on to make 11 appearances, scoring twice.

Jadon Sancho – Transfer Latest

Jadon Sancho has been strongly linked with a move back to the Premier League during this summer transfer window – Manchester United are the front-runners for the young English superstar. However, Dortmund will not sell unless their €120m (£109m) valuation is met.

Player Profile

Sancho has all the qualities of a top player, and proves his worth almost every game for Dortmund.
He his fast, agile and very skilful which makes him the perfect winger with the ability to also play as an attacking midfielder behind the number nine.