Tottenham Hotspur have yet to venture into the transfer market this summer despite the comprehensive list of reported transfer targets, and their lack of activity is prompting cause for concern from large sections of their fan base. 

Anthony Martial, Tanguy Ndombele, Mathijs de Ligt, Benjamin Pavard: These are just a handful of names whom Spurs have been linked with so far this summer. With the new season looming on the horizon there’s no doubt that the supporters concerns are natural in a summer when Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal have all spent significant sums of money on improving their squad.

A recent report from the Daily Mail detailing quotes from Mauricio Pochettino suggests that Tottenham may not sign a single player this summer as he admitted “I cannot tell you if we’re going to sign one, zero or two or three or four.”

Naturally, Pochettino’s admission that there is a possibility that no new players will arrive at the club this summer will further legitimise the concerns of supporters who are desperate to see new faces arrive in North London, but those supporters need to remember the extent of the facts before pouring scorn on their club’s transfer policy.

First and foremost, the vast majority of targets Tottenham have been linked with this summer were reportedly being lined up as replacements for players who were supposedly destined for transfers away from the club, such as Mousa Dembele and Toby Alderweireld; Anthony Martial represents the exception to the rule as he would be recruited to support Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, rather than as a replacement for a departing player.

Perhaps even more importantly, Spurs managed to finish in 3rd place last season despite playing all of their 19 home games in the rather bizarre atmosphere of Wembley Stadium. If they’d still been at White Hart Lane there’s no doubt they would have pipped Manchester United to a 2nd place finish.

And through all of this, Tottenham’s defensive lynchpin Toby Alderweireld was sidelined for the majority of the season with an injury problem, Danny Rose also struggled with injury, depression and subsequent issues relating to match-fitness, Harry Winks was absent from mid-Decemeber and Lucas Moura was only a bit-part player after being frozen out at PSG prior to his January transfer.

All the above factors prove that, following a relentless regime of fitness training in pre-season, Tottenham effectively have a handful of new signings to welcome into the squad anyway, even if their financial expenditure suggests otherwise.

Finally, Tottenham’s move into a state-of-the-art cathedral of football is arguably the biggest signing any of the top-six teams will make this summer, and their new fortress should lay the foundations of a genuine title challenge.

With all the above points to consider, there’s no doubt that Tottenham’s lack of transfer activity thus far is far from the disaster which fans and pundits have labelled it in recent weeks and, even if Daniel Levy fails to secure the signing of any new players before the window slams shut next week, the Lilywhites are in prime position to challenge the heavyweights for England’s top prize.

Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

According to The Mirror, Everton are interested in bringing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria to the club in this summer’s transfer window.

Marco Silva’s desire to play a 4-3-3 formation with two holding midfielders next season is expected to see at least one new midfielder arrive before the transfer window closes on August 9.

A number of players have been linked with moves to Goodison Park, but it appears that Zakaria is high on the club’s wishlist.

The 21-year-old represented Switzerland at the 2018 World Cup, and entered that tournament off the back of a very impressive season at Gladbach.

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There is absolutely no question that Zakaria – valued at £18m by Transfermarkt – has lots of potential, and the Everton fans are desperate for their club to sign him this summer.

Indeed, Everton’s new director of football Marcel Brands has been urged by the Merseyside club’s supporters to secure a deal.

A selection of the best Twitter reaction can be seen below:

According to the Express and Star, Belgian winger Nacer Chadli’s release clause of £17m has timed out, strengthening the hand of the Baggies in negotiations for the wantaway midfielder, and they must sign free-agent Bakary Sako as a replacement.

What’s the story?

Chadli made six appearances for his country at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, scoring one goal and providing one assist to raise his stock and surely ensure he won’t be playing in the Championship with West Brom when the 2018/19 season begins.

The 29-year-old joined the West Midlands side from Tottenham for £13m in the summer of 2016. However, injury problems last year limited him to just five Premier League appearances as the Baggies were relegated last season, although he did manage to net a goal in an away fixture against Leicester early in the season.

West Brom boss Darren Moore has currently made five signings this summer, including young winger Harvey Barnes from Leicester, as he looks to build a squad capable of bouncing straight back to the Premier League.

Free-agent

After rejecting a new contract at Crystal Palace this summer, according to Goal, Bakary Sako is now a free-agent and West Brom should act fast to snap up the Mali international as a replacement for Chadli.

The 30-year-old is still blessed with huge pace and power and has much more to give in his career. He was limited to just 16 appearances for Palace last season but still managed to contribute three goals in his limited time on the pitch.

The former Wolves man could be a huge success for West Brom in the Championship and would also be a role model for 20-year-old Barnes.

So, West Brom fans, would you like to see the club sign Bakary Sako on a free transfer this summer? Let us know by voting in our poll below.

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It’s fair to say that Tottenham Hotspur didn’t have their best ever transfer window this summer.

Despite being linked with a number of players, Daniel Levy didn’t manage to bring any new faces into the club this summer, although he did manage to avoid selling any Spurs stars.

After their third place finish last season, fans hoping for renewed investment in the club to take them to the next level will be understandably disappointed.

All of Tottenham’s top six rivals have made additions to their squads while Mauricio Pochettino will have to make do with his team from last season.

The Spurs boss has come out with his excuses for not making any signings and has labelled the cost of a new stadium and the effect of Brexit on the strength of the pound as the causes of the club’s lack of movement, according to Sky Sports.

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Tottenham fans have been reacting to Pochettino’s comments on social media and here’s a selection of what they’ve had to say.

Rangers have been heavily linked with a move for Kyle Lafferty, but if Steven Gerrard wants a target man he should really be looking at Derby County’s Chris Martin.

What’s the story?

According to Daily Express writer Bruce Archer, Rangers have once again had a bid rejected for Hearts striker Lafferty.

The towering Northern Irishman has been heavily linked with a move back to Ibrox, as Gerrard continues the hunt for a striker to support Alfredo Morelos.

Umar Sadiq was signed on loan earlier this summer, but the towering youngster is still very raw, so an experienced goalscorer to offer something different to Morelos is still needed.

While Lafferty knows the club and knows how to score goals in the Premiership, the Gers could grab themselves a real coup by signing Derby’s Martin.

The 17-cap Scottish international is unlikely to get any regular playing time at Pride Park, but his goalscoring record speaks for itself.

The big number nine is 13 months younger than Lafferty, has been more successful in tougher leagues, and could jump at the chance to revive his stuttering career under Gerrard.

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The man to get the best out of Morelos?

Martin and Lafferty could fulfil very similar roles at Ibrox, as both players would offer the target man presence that could help make Morelos even better after his positive start to the season.

However, Martin’s goalscoring record in the Championship is extremely impressive, and while his lack of pace has caused his downfall at Derby, it would be less of an issue playing alongside the pace and hungry running of Morelos.

The 29 year-old has scored over 50 Championship goals for the Rams, including a three-season run where he bagged 20, 18 and 14 league goals respectively.

Compare those numbers to Lafferty, who managed just two league goals in 31 appearances for Norwich between 2014 and 2017, and it’s pretty clear which is the more natural goalscorer.

Martin’s physical presence and ability to grab plenty of his own goals would take pressure off Morelos, and would help the 22 year-old build on his fantastic start to the season.

So, Rangers fans, which striker would you rather sign? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

Manchester City continued their impressive start to the defence of their Premier League title.

The Citizens opened the season with a win over Arsenal at the Emirates before welcoming Huddersfield to the Etihad Stadium. Despite being without Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane, Pep Guardiola’s men ran riot. A superb hat-trick from Sergio Aguero as well as goals from Gabriel Jesus, David Silva and an own goal handed City a comfortable 6-1 victory against the Terriers.

City look unstoppable yet again and are hoping to become the first team since Manchester United in 2009 to retain the Premier League title. They made just one major signing in the summer window, the £60m capture of Riyad Mahrez, meaning they have plenty to spend when the January transfer window rolls around. One man they should definitely try to sign is Wolves maestro – Ruben Neves.

Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the Portuguese was considered one of Europe’s hottest prospects after becoming Porto captain at such a young age. Surprisingly, Neves chose to join Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer and helped them lift the Championship title to earn promotion to the Premier League. He scored six goals and notched one assist in England’s second division last year.

His impressive form continued following their promotion, scoring a wonderful free-kick against Everton before providing the equaliser for Raul Jimenez. Reports suggest that City have been keeping tabs on the midfielder ahead of a January move. There might not be a player better suited to Guardiola’s system, especially considering the lack of defensive midfield cover currently at the Etihad.

The 21-year-old has a fantastic range of passing and loves spraying the ball long to the wingers meaning Sterling and Sane would flourish with Neves in the side. The Portuguese is also capable of scoring excellent goals from distance, highlighted by a world-class goal against Derby last year. Neves is the ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho in the engine room.

He wouldn’t come cheap, but City wouldn’t regret splashing the cash to bring him to Manchester.

Manchester City fans, thoughts?

According to The Birmingham Mail, West Brom have set out the conditions that suitors of left-back Kieran Gibbs must meet if they want to buy the former Arsenal man. 

Sporting Lisbon are pursuing the 28-year-old (valued at £7.2m on Transfermarkt.co.uk), and he has said that he would like to leave. If history is anything to go by, when a player wants to leave a club, it is best he is sold, as it is unlikely that they will get the best out of that player.

West Brom’s terms are that Gibbs is bought outright, rather than a loan with the option to buy. This may be a clever ploy by The Baggies in order to buy time as they look for a replacement for Gibbs. Because that is something that they certainly must do.

With just over a week left for manager Darren Moore to find a replacement, West Brom should not do any business with any club regarding Gibbs, unless his successor is found. West Brom could find themselves in a terrible position come September if they fail to have this foresight.

Gibbs is a high level performer, a Champions League player and an England international; it will be hard to replace him with someone from another club, let alone his club. The Baggies will find themselves very thin on the ground when it comes to defenders if they sell him. While they are relatively well-stocked when it comes to centre-backs, they are weaker in the fullback positions.

Conor Townsend is a candidate to replace Gibbs, and while he is a serviceable alternative, there is no room for injuries or resting periods, which can really stretch a squad. That why it is simply essential to have a contingency plan if Gibbs does depart.

Darren Moore is not foolish. He will know the state his club will be left in if Gibbs leaves, so he must act accordingly.

Loads of Leeds fans have been reacting to the latest big update, as Mateusz Klich incredible redemption continues with a call-up to the Poland squad.The Yorkshire Evening Post report that Leeds’ ever-improving midfield ace has earned a spot in the latest Poland squad.Klich, who added to his Championship tally with another fine strike in the 3-0 win at Norwich, has been one of the stories of the season, and that story just got a whole lot better.Poland will face Italy in September, and if the 28 year-old gets a game it will be four years exactly since his tenth and most recent cap.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”280645″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Dodgy De Gea & Arsenal’s MiniRevolution”]Klich made the switch to Elland Road last summer with high hopes, but was loaned out after barely even getting a chance.Bielsa has given him a chance though, and he has taken it with both hands, racking up three goals and an assist already in the Championship.[ad_pod ]Fans are delighted for their midfield ace, and it’s yet another sign of what some confidence from the right manager can do for a player.You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

West Ham United’s disastrous start to the 2018/19 Premier League season continued as they suffered their fourth successive defeat following a 1-0 loss at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers at the London Stadium on Saturday.

Hopes were high following a big summer of spending and the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini that the east London outfit would be in for a successful season, but it certainly hasn’t got off to a good start.

The Irons looked set to at least pick up their first point of the campaign against Wolves in the capital, but Adama Traore’s injury-time goal put paid to that, and with a trip to a Everton followed by the visit of Chelsea and Manchester United to come, they may well be in big trouble by the end of September and preparing for a relegation battle.

One of the Hammers’ biggest issues so far this term has been the lack of quality and cohesion in central midfield areas, with Declan Rice, Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang and Carlos Sanchez all featuring alongside regular Jack Wilshere in the middle of the park.

None of those have particularly shined and Sanchez came under fire from his own fans on Twitter for his display against Nuno Santo’s men on Saturday, but perhaps Pellegrini has the answer to his big problem in the form of a player he knows well.

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Despite being a key player under the Chilean at Manchester City, Pablo Zabaleta has played just 90 minutes of Premier League football for West Ham this season – at right-back in the defeat against Bournemouth.

However, he has the experience, key attributes and quality to play as a defensive midfielder – as he has done on a few occasions in his career previously – and perhaps the 5ft 9in tall ace would be the solution to what is becoming a critical issue for Pellegrini.

So, West Ham fans, do you agree that Zabaleta should be given a chance in the DM role? Let us know by voting below.

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According to The Chronicle, Newcastle manager Rafa Benítez has showed his intention to sign a new striker in January. 

The Magpies signed West Brom striker Salomón Rondón in a season-long loan swap with Dwight Gayle in the summer, but the boss still sees this as an area of weakness.

A perfect candidate to join the Spaniard at St James’ Park would be struggling Arsenal front man Danny Welbeck. The 27-year-old has struggled as of late to get game time with The Gunners, and a loan deal may be the answer to get his career back on track.

The former Man United man has only featured twice this season under new manager Unai Emery, making two substitute appearances, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette look likely to feature ahead of Welbeck (valued at £13.5m on Transfermarkt.co.uk) this season.

Newcastle fans were underwhelmed with the signing of Rondón and are still unconvinced by Joselu as a striker, so Welbeck would be a welcomed addition to the squad. He has a proven track record in the Premier League, which will make him much more attractive than a signing from another league that may need time to settle in England.

After barely featuring for England during the World Cup, Welbeck will know that the only way that he can impress manager Gareth Southgate is by playing regularly, which would be a likely outcome in Tyneside. Likewise, if he were sent out on loan, this would be a chance to convince Emery that he is of the standard that the former PSG manager is seeking.

This would be a deal that would suit all parties involved, and Newcastle should look to it as soon as January comes.