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Christmas came early for Jose Mourinho after he finally got what he wanted all along. 

Tottenham Hotspur signed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton for a reported fee of around £17m on Tuesday.

For years Spurs have been accused of having a soft under-belly and being “too nice” after Mourinho lamented the lack of “aggression or ruthlessness” when their Champions League hopes were dealt a huge blow in defeat by Wolves on home soil last season.

Standing at 1.85m (6 ft 2), Hojbjerg is an enforcer who does not shy away from launching himself into a crunching tackle (or two).

According to The Athletic, as per @TranSPURS, the 33-cap Denmark international attracted attention from Ajax, Everton and Monaco, but the midfielder wanted to move to Spurs and work with Mourinho despite being offered higher wages elsewhere.

The 25-year-old scored five goals and supplied six assists in more than 100 appearances for the Saints after arriving from Bayern Munich for £12.8m in 2016.

Mauricio Pochettino put his faith in his philosophy to play an exciting brand of football at Tottenham, but the ability to play ugly is a dark art that shouldn’t be ignored anymore.

Hojbjerg is someone who can do precisely just that. The box-to-box destroyer topped the charts for recovering the ball 326 times for Southampton last term.

In stark contrast to Spurs’ record signing Tanguy Ndombele, the Danish midfielder could make an immediate impact by doing all the dirty work that often goes unnoticed. Once tipped as Sergio Busquets’ successor during his time at Bayern Munich, Hojbjerg has the tenacity to hit the ground running and is a player who pays close attention to positional awareness.

At £17m, he may turn out to be the bargain deal of the summer, and he could be a regular starter for the next decade.

Tottenham fans, do you think Hojbjerg will prove to be a good signing for Spurs? Let us know your views in the comments below!

Noel Whelan has said that Ryan Kent’s future at Glasgow Rangers may be taken out of manager Steven Gerrard’s hands.

Leeds United have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old winger, with them even having a £10m bid rejected by the Ibrox outfit. Kent has had a fantastic start to the new campaign, scoring three goals and creating two in his first six games of the season, but when asked about his future with the 54-time Scottish champions, he failed to fully quash any rumours of a departure.

Talking to Football Insider, Whelan believes that Gerrard may have no say in the £3.15m-valued man’s future (as per Transfermarkt). He said:

“It was not a definite no from Ryan and every player is for sale at a certain price.

“I am sure that Steven Gerrard would love to keep him there because he knows him from his Liverpool times, that is why he bought him in the first place but sometimes it is out of a managers hands. If a decent offer comes in from a Premier League club they may have to let him go.

“Rangers need to have a player on standby to come in and fill that void.”

Gerrard, of course, will do all he can to keep one of his star players at the club, but as Whelan says, if a bid matches the 54-time Scottish champions’ demands, it will be hard to keep hold of Kent – after all, the Premier League is a significant step up in quality.

At some point, Kent will leave, but keeping him this term is vital. The Gers have a real chance of winning the Premiership this season – they currently top the table and have not yet conceded a goal. To do so, they will need to keep their best players at the club, and Kent definitely falls into that category.

Let us know what you think below!

Sunderland have beaten off Premier League competition to sign Josh Hawkes from Hartlepool, according to TEAMtalk.

The League One club have snapped up the 21-year-old, despite rival interest from northern rivals Newcastle United, along with Leeds United and Middlesbrough.

Hawkes is a left winger who can also play in central midfield and at No.10.

The 21-year-old’s contract has expired and he is poised to move to Sunderland on a free transfer.

Hawkes has made 63 appearances for Hartlepool in total, scoring 13 goals and registering one assist.

Cameo Clubs: Which obscure teams did these football legends play for?

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He has only played twice in League Two, making the majority of his appearances in the National League, but the interest shown in him speaks to how good he could be.

He is now poised to become a League One player with Sunderland, where he will hope to take the next step in his career.

A separate TEAMtalk report states that both Newcastle and Middlesbrough had watched Hawkes continuously, with their scouts checking on his progress.

They were not able to agree a deal, however, while Sunderland did manage to get the deal over the line.

In a shock new update, Liverpool could be set to cash in on rising star Rhian Brewster in order to raise more transfer funds.

The 20-year-old looked set for another loan move as the likes of Sheffield United have shown interest in his services. However, a new report from the Liverpool ECHO (relayed via @LFCTransferRoom), believes the Reds are open to cashing in on a permanent move for the striker.

Brewster played a part in Liverpool’s Community Shield performance which could have been the start of an exciting season. He has also been impressing in pre-season, even netting a brace against Red Bull Salzburg last month.

But now, he may not even be part of the team at all as the club consider using him as a pawn in their transfer game.

The Reds have made just one senior signing this transfer window after adding Kostas Tsimikas to the roster for a fee of £11.7million (via Sky Sports). The next player on their list is Thiago Alcantara, but his reported asking price of £26.6million has yet to be met by the English champions.

A large amount of the Anfield fanbase has lashed out at this update and one supporter feels as though ‘we have been scammed’.

Another fan has said that ‘FSG need to sell up’ if they can’t fund a transfer window, despite winning the Premier League, without selling players first.

Read more replies from the Anfield faithful here:

How do you feel about Liverpool selling Rhian Brewster? Have your say in the comments below…

Jurgen Klopp has revealed the details of a pact he made with his Liverpool players as they continue to dominate with their high-intensity football.

The Reds have had numerous managers over the years, the same as any club. Some fited like a glove, some were a lot more questionable. However, since the arrival of Klopp back in 2015, the entire dynamic of Liverpool Football Club has changed for the better. The German pulled the team out of the mud after the murky days of the end of Brendan Rodgers’ reign and has spearheaded them to their first-ever Premier League title and their sixth European Cup/Champions League win.

Liverpool and Klopp: A match made in heaven

“We agreed a while ago that we would try to make this the best time of our lives as long as we are together and that is what we are still doing,” Klopp vowed (via The Mirror). “So I am not in any doubt at all about the desire and hunger of my boys.”

Liverpool look the strongest they have arguably ever been after claiming the title of English, European and World champions in the space of 12 months but they aren’t looking like faltering either. The Reds have taken off this season with a 100% winning streak in the Premier League so far, already putting daylight between themselves and Manchester City.

With Klopp’s like-minded attitude to his team, the Merseysiders could be on track to securing back-to-back titles. They certainly have the firepower in the tank and with a driven manager at the hilt, anything is possible.

“Because it is a little bit my job as well to keep that going and I have known myself long enough to know that I can do it differently,” Klopp continued. “So that means we are on the safe side. If we don’t succeed, it will not be because we don’t want it with all we have.”

In other news, Naby Keita hints at exciting partnership ahead of Aston Villa clash…

Darren Bent has given a rather blunt reaction to Moise Kean leaving Everton on loan for the rest of the 2020/21 term to join PSG.

Indeed, the Italy international has managed to get himself a move away from the Merseyside club to the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League finalists.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa striker gave Football Insider his thoughts on the move:

“First and foremost, he must have the best agent on earth to get a move to PSG because that is crazy.

“He’s going there, I understand it. He’s probably sitting there thinking ‘I’m sitting on Everton’s bench, I may as well go and sit on PSG’s’.

“At least he’ll get to play with the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, players like that. He might as well go and do that.

“It has been difficult  for him and he has found it really tough, but if he does need game time, I don’t think he’s going to get it there.”

Kean struggling at Everton

Indeed, Kean only managed to score a mere four goals and make just two assists in 37 matches over all competitions for Everton, according to Transfermarkt.

With the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison as options up front for Carlo Ancelotti at the moment, the 20-year old fell down the pecking order, and so a move away from Goodison Park would have perhaps been best for all parties going into the rest of the season.

PSG move ‘crazy’

As Bent perfectly puts it, Kean getting a move to PSG is ‘crazy’ given his woes at the Toffees and the pedigree of the French champions.

Paris Saint Germain will compete in the UEFA Champions League again in this campaign, with the Blues having no European football to offer, and will also be looking to add yet another league title to their recent success.

Kean fighting for his Everton future

Kean will surely now have to perform on the big stage if he is to have a future at Everton, or else he may be a player that the club look to offload in next summer’s transfer window.

That said, the goals and chances created in Paris may offer the youngster a chance to – for lack of a better phrase – pad his stats a little, perhaps increasing the eventual transfer fee Everton will receive.

Evertonians, would you keep or sell Kean after his loan spell ends? Comment below!

Liverpool put in a solid performance on Saturday to ensure they came away with nothing less than three points from their latest home fixture. The Reds played host to a struggling Sheffield United, who put the reigning champions to the sword. However, despite their best efforts to nullify Jurgen Klopp’s side, Liverpool were able to resurrect their winning Premier League form.

Thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota, the title holders are on their way to re-establishing their dominance after their 7-2 loss to Aston Villa threw a spanner in the works. But it wasn’t just Klopp’s attack that had an influence on the match. His makeshift defence did him proud and will have eased a lot of his worries after key man Virgil van Dijk could be out for the remainder of the season.

Joe Gomez impressed against Sheffield United

Despite worry from the fans, Joe Gomez is doing a fine job of stepping into his Dutch partner’s shoes. In the absence of van Dijk’s calm composure and natural leadership, things looked bleak at the back for Liverpool. However, Klopp’s pairing of the England international and Fabinho has proved to be a winning formula so far.

The two were strong at the back against Ajax and continued their impressive displays at Anfield on Saturday. Gomez particularly impressed and will have undoubtedly eased a lot of pressure off Klopp’s shoulders.

According to Sofascore, the 23-year-old maintained a 94% passing accuracy and was successful in 100% of his 12 attempted long balls. Additionally, Gomez made a mighty nine clearances and two interceptions, showing his confidence exactly where it was needed to be put on display.

Fans are thrilled with the £36million-rated centre-back and have waxed lyrical about the VVD-esque shift he put in against the Blades. One supporter has said that he is “proving everyone wrong” amid the doubt over whether he will be able to lead Liverpool’s defence this campaign (via Rousing The Kop).

His teammates, fans and manager will definitely be pleased with both him and Fabinho. Their next challenge will come against Midtjylland in the Champions League, which could be another chance to showcase his presence across the backline.

In other news, Shock Jurgen Klopp revelation could spell a Liverpool return for Rhian Brewster…

Despite suffering the loss of Virgil van Dijk and eventual replacement Fabinho, Liverpool are showing no signs of struggling without these key players. The Reds have deployed the likes of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams to plug the leaks, which is proving to be effective so far.

But that’s not to say the reigning English champions are out of the woods. They must be proactive going into the January window to avoid any further injuries rocking their season. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland feels that a new centre-back signing is “definitely now” on the cards for the Reds.

A centre-back signing is on the cards for Liverpool

“I would be amazed if they didn’t already have a target,” the Colne goalkeeping coach told Football FanCast. “I think we needed someone anyway to be honest. Obviously [Dejan] Lovren went and he played a lot of games for Liverpool and did really well.

“He lost favour towards the end but I do think we needed someone anyway, and definitely so now.”

Indeed, the business done on Lovren over the summer was a great haul for the club, who pocketed just shy of £11million. But with no replacement coming in, it’s a decision that has come to bite Liverpool where it hurts. January’s priority will undoubtedly be someone who can partner Joe Gomez in defence, allowing Fabinho to return to midfield once he is back to full fitness.

“Yes, the players score the goals which wins your game but you only win games if you’re keeping clean sheets,” Kirkland continued. “And the back unit is vital. I know they’ll be looking at players and they’ll already have targets.”

Despite the fact Liverpool continue to show their unwavering form, bolstering their backline will improve their chances of winning a second Premier League title. A chance many thought had been thwarted through van Dijk’s ACL injury.

The Dutchman could be set to miss the rest of the season and Joel Matip’s injure proneness isn’t something Jurgen Klopp will feel he can rely on. Diogo Jota has proven that he is more than a good enough backup for the front three, which gives the club the freedom to put all their focus on a new centre-back.

Potential centre-back options for Klopp

The Merseysiders have been linked with a number of defenders ahead of the winter window, with names including David Alaba, Conor Coady and Ozan Kabak cropping up regularly.

Alaba in particular is an attractive target due to the fact he will be available for pre-contract negotiations in January. Arriving at Anfield on a free transfer will be music to FSG’s ears, but a recent revelation of his £400,000 per week wage demand could put the club off.

Even former target Kalidou Koulibaly has reappeared on the radar, despite Napoli demanding a mammoth £65million for his services.

Whatever option Klopp chooses will be a well-thought out decision. There will be players queuing up to join the Premier League champions so the list of targets isn’t a short one, but any addition will be a positive one amid Liverpool’s current injury crisis.

In other news, Liverpool right not to pursue summer move for disappointing Kai Havertz…

Sunderland failed in what could have been the perfect chase of an “aggressive” defender this summer, leaving Chief Executive Officer Jim Rodwell to surely rue missing out on Charlie Goode.

What’s the word?

According to The Northampton Chronicle, Sunderland were one of many sides to have held an interest in Goode this year, with his future at the Black Cats’ League One rivals Northampton Town in doubt following an outstanding campaign.

Championship duo Queens Park Rangers and Middlesbrough were also thought to be keen, though refused to pay the Cobblers a rumoured £750,000 with Boro at most presenting an initial bid worth in the region of £500,000.

Ultimately, neither returned with a larger sum and Goode departed Northampton for Brentford in a club-record deal, said to be worth seven-figures rising up to £1.5million in various add-ons.

Sunderland matching that fee would have seen Goode become the Black Cats’ most-expensive purchase since the £4m arrival for Will Grigg in 2019, while also coming during a window where all other incoming players were signed as either free agents or on loan.

Nonetheless, Rodwell will be disappointed to see Goode now go on and thrive in the Championship with promotion-hopefuls Brentford after establishing himself under Thomas Frank at the 2019/20 Play-Off Finalists.

A solid start

Goode had to wait for his chance to feature for Brentford with Frank retaining Pontus Jansson, Ethan Pinnock and Mads Bech Sorensen from last season’s defence, with the 25-year-old not earning his Championship debut until October’s 3-2 loss at Stoke City.

Frank swiftly reverted back to his more-favoured options against Norwich and Luton Town, but recalled Goode against Swansea as the Bees were held to a 1-1 draw through Andre Ayew in the 77th-minute.

The Carabao Cup was were Goode first made a name for himself with the Bees through three outings from three in the early rounds, while assisting Emiliano Marcondes’ initial equaliser against Premier League West Bromwich Albion before the tie headed straight to penalties.

Frank knew what sort of player he was signing in Goode before the defender had kicked a ball for the Greater London outfit, noting via quotes by The Northampton Chronicle in August: “Charlie is a player I really like.

“He is an aggressive defender and a big aerial threat in both boxes, which is a big thing for us. He has good quality on the ball, which we feel we can develop further within our style of play.

“I feel Charlie can add something to the team, especially given his leadership qualities. We are sure that he will grow and develop further with us over the coming years and that, in turn, he will help us go forward as a club too.”

Goode may be yet to win a Championship game, but in his two second-tier displays to date he has proven worthy of Frank’s praise with an average of nine duels won each match through five ground battles and four aerial contests, per SofaScore.

The towering 6 ft 5 gem has won 91% of his ground duels, too, while averaging 94 touches, 69 accurate passes with an 88% completion rate, 2.5 clearances and 1.0 tackles.

Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson would surely have loved to have worked with Goode this season, but Chief Executive Officer Rodwell will know the deal was always out of reach.

AND in other news, Sunderland have the ideal chance to sign a modern-day gem for free.

Manchester City confirmed their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 1-0 win against Olympiakos on Wednesday night but the performance of Bernardo Silva may have worried Pep Guardiola.

The Portuguese winger was trusted to start by the Spanish manager despite his poor form so far this season, with the former Monaco man having failed to contribute a single goal or assist in any competition during the current campaign.

Unfortunately, Silva failed to repay his manager’s faith, as he produced another disappointing display in Piraeus.

As per SofaScore, the 26-year-old earned a 7.0 rating for his display, with only Raheem Sterling and Ederson earning lower match ratings.

His passing was fairly accurate, with 46/51 of his passes finding their mark, resulting in a pass accuracy rate of 90% but it was his form in front of goal that may have concerned Guardiola the most.

The Portuguese international missed his first great chance of the night shortly after the hour mark, hitting the ball straight into the arms of Jose Sa when it rebounded to him inside the six-yard box, whilst he also put another chance wide when he was put through on goal later in the game.

Silva also struggled to keep the ball during the match, as he lost possession on 13 occasions during his time on the pitch.

He was also second-best on a number of occasions, as of the 10 duels he was involved in during the game, he was able to win just three.

The winger, rated at £72m by Transfermarkt, has been extremely impressive in the past for City but after another display without a goal contribution, surely it is time Guardiola dropped him from his starting XI.

After impressing in the Nations League for Portugal, he earned the praise of Jamie Redknapp, with the pundit telling Sky Sports:

“I don’t think Van Dijk realised how quickly Bernardo Silva had assessed the situation. To have the peripheral vision and the awareness to know the weight of pass, where and when to pass it, because when that ball is played to him he has no clue who is around him really, but he understands where his teammate is going to be. It’s a brilliant pass. He now looks like one of the top players in Europe.” (per Sports Keeda)

Hopefully, it won’t be too long until Silva is back to his best but at the moment, he definitely looks short of confidence in front of goal.