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The Danny Rose saga has been a key talking point at Tottenham Hotspur ever since his public outburst during the summer of 2017 in which he criticised the club for their perceived lack of ambition and refusal to change their wage structure, and a recent report from the Daily Mirror suggests that it could continue for the remainder of August. 

Danny Rose has been a mainstay in Tottenham’s first-team for the majority of his senior career, but he struggled for opportunities last season due to injury problems and the impeccable form of Ben Davies. His failure to break back into the first-team after injury has prompted plenty of speculation linking him with a move away from the club, and the most recent European clubs to express an interest are Paris Saint-Germain and Schalke, according to the Daily Mirror.

The report claims that both PSG and Schalke are interested in signing Rose before the end of August and Tottenham are willing to sell despite the fact they will be unable to sign a replacement now that the English transfer window has shut.

The report is rather concerning for Tottenham fans considering they only have Ben Davies to chose from aside from the England international as there’s no doubt his presence will be needed as the season develops.

But Rose (valued at £27 million by Transfermarkt) could yet change attitudes within Tottenham’s hierarchy by committing his future to the club and vowing the fight for his place this season.

At this moment in time Rose will naturally be tempted by the prospect of moving to the French capital and embarking on a new challenge where he will have the opportunity to resurrect his career, so it would represent a huge statement of loyalty if he were to snub the advances of PSG and fight for his place at Spurs.

Rose has an uphill task ahead of him if he wishes to convince Mauricio Pochettino that he is committed to both him and the club, but if he decides to snub the advances of PSG there’s no doubt he will put himself in a fantastic position to make a full comeback and threaten Davies’ position as first choice left-back this season.

Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

According to The Sun, West Ham could be set to re-sign free agent James Collins only mere months after releasing the defender in the first place. 

What’s the story?

Collins only left the London Stadium at the end of last season, upon the expiry of his contract with the Hammers. The 34-year-old has remained unattached throughout the summer, but could now be set for a surprise return to the East London club.

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Having already served West Ham for eleven seasons – across two spells with the club – it would certainly be a return to familiar territory for the Welsh veteran, who remains a favourite amongst the Hammers faithful.

At this stage of his career, Collins wouldn’t be arriving to play week in week out within new boss Manuel Pellegrini’s set up, but his experience could certainly assist the team over the course of the campaign.

However, at Championship level, Collins could have a bigger impact still. 

Before he has chance to return to West Ham, West Brom ought to offer the centre-back terms to join them at the Hawthorns.

Promotion push

Having been relegated from the Premier League last time out, the Baggies are amongst the favourites to seal promotion from the second tier this season, and make an immediate return to the Premier League.

Darren Moore undoubtedly has plenty of talent amongst the ranks at his disposal, but following an exodus of stars from the Hawthorns over the summer, concerns linger that West Brom may lack the depth required to sustain a promotion push.

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Moore’s rearguard in particular looks a little light on numbers. Ahmed Hegazi, new signing Kyle Bartley and loaned-in youngster Tosin Adarabioyo currently represent the club’s entire quota of centre-back options, although Craig Dawson could also return after failing in his bid to earn a move away.

The recruitment of Collins would provide great competition and cover in that area of the pitch. Whilst the former Wales international may no longer have the pace of the Premier League left in his legs, his physical presence, leadership and authority means he remains quite suitable for Championship competition.

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According to the Express, PSG are lining up a £100 million bid to sign Christian Eriksen from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Danish playmaker first arrived at White Hart Lane in 2013, and has developed into one of the Premier League’s finest creative midfielders during his time with the North London outfit. In the process, the 26-year-old has made himself a firm favourite amongst Spurs fans.

However, the playmaker is currently seeming reluctant to sign new terms with his current club, as reported by the Daily Mail. This contract stand-off could open the door for PSG to swoop for Eriksen, who is valued at £72 million by Transfermarkt.

The Dane’s signature would certainly mark a fine addition to the French club’s squad, which is already teeming with superstars. The Spurs’ hierarchy will be hoping to convince Eriksen to stick with them, but the opportunity to join the Ligue 1 title-holders might tempt him away.

Plenty of Spurs fans have taken to Twitter in light of these reports. Many want to see Eriksen stay, and feel he is worth far more than what PSG are offering…

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It looked almost a certainty that Bryan Oviedo was going to leave Sunderland during the summer transfer window following the club’s relegation to League One and having made two appearances for Costa Rica at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but an exit never materialised for the experienced 28-year-old.

The 5ft 8in defender has been something of a regular in the XI for the Black Cats in England’s third tier so far this season – four starts in six fixtures – and with the quality he has shown in the Premier League and for his country in the past you would expect him to rip things up in a left wing-back role at this level.

Three assists in five league outings suggests that this might be the case, although you have to feel a little sorry for Reece James, who would have surely moved to the Stadium of Light after his contract with Wigan expired at the end of last season in the hope that he would be a first-team regular under Jack Ross.

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While Oviedo, whom fans on Twitter wanted to start against AFC Wimbledon last month, has begun the campaign in positive fashion, with less than two years left on his contract and with his stature you would have to question whether he is still going to be with the Wearside outfit after the end of the current season, or even after the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old James would have hoped to start afresh with Sunderland having made 28 appearances in all competitions for the League One champions last term, but those regular opportunities haven’t come yet for the former Manchester United youngster – even if he did start successive league games against Gillingham and Wimbledon.

So, Sunderland fans, having seen both players this season do you feel that James should start ahead of Oviedo? Let us know by voting below…

Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele has been out of sorts this season and his poor performance in the holding role was one of the causes of Spurs’ shock loss to Watford before the international break.

The 31-year-old was keen to leave the North London club this summer to move to China, and Football FanCast exclusively revealed that he was unhappy that Daniel Levy had blocked any potential deal.

Dembele, who earns £80,000-a-week according to The Sun, appeared off the bench in Tottenham’s first two games of the season after returning late from the World Cup, where he reached the semi-final with Belgium and eventually finished third after Roberto Martinez’s side beat England in the playoff.

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However, the 82-cap international has since struggled to replicate the form that saw him become one of Mauricio Pochettino’s most valued players at Spurs, and he should be the one that loses his for the upcoming clash with Liverpool at Wembley after the defeat to Watford.

So, Spurs fans, do you think the Belgian should be dropped this weekend? Have your say by voting in our poll below.

Arsenal’s season has got off to a slightly stuttering start as the Gunners were handed two tough opening games against Chelsea and Manchester City. 

The Gunners are beginning a new era under the helm of Unai Emery. With that in mind, there were always going to be a few teething problems at the club. The Spaniard is trying to change the way the team is playing while also trying to formulate his best XI, which may or may not include Aaron Ramsey.

Last season, Ramsey was one of the few players to perform anywhere near to his level but as of yet has not signed a new contract to remain at the club and could now agree on a pre-contract agreement in January.

According to the Sun, Ramsey is being lined up for a move by AC Milan.

The Breakdown

Last season, Ramsey scored seven goals in 24 games in the league, while also grabbing 10 assists in a year where Arsenal struggled massively.

In Arsene Wenger’s last season at the club, Arsenal put in poor performance after poor performance and Ramsey was one of the few shining lights within that. Although the Welshman hasn’t had the best career at Arsenal, the Gunners could be about to lose one of their better players once again for a cut-price fee.

Last year, the contract sagas of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez hanged over the club and it looks like Ramsey’s could be about to do the same.

Wenger’s gone but it seems the club are still going through the same old problems.

What do you think Arsenal fans? 

Liverpool certainly have a history of Samba stars. Indeed, having broken a world record earlier this summer to bring Alisson to the club, the Reds have definitely put an awful lot of trust in Brazilian players, with the former Roma custodian joining Roberto Firmino in the starting XI at Anfield.

Firmino, Fabinho and Alisson aren’t the only Selecao stars to have thrilled supporters on Merseyside. Philippe Coutinho, who left for Barcelona little under a year ago, was one of the club’s best players in the Premier League, while Lucas Leiva made himself a cult hero during his stint at the club.

So, looking ahead to the January window, who else could follow suit? Though Jurgen Klopp’s side are in with a great shout of winning the title this season, some clever January signings could put the final touch on a sustained challenge of Manchester City.

Keeping with the Brazilian theme, here’s a look at who might be a good addition in the New Year sales.

Miranda

The signing of Virgil van Dijk in January 2018 certainly had a transformative effect on Liverpool. While the classy Dutchman was hugely expensive, he’s almost single-handily improved Liverpool’s defensive line.

However, the options behind both him and Joe Gomez look a little light. Indeed, though Dejan Lovren may genuinely believe he’s one of the best central defenders in the world, neither he or Joel Matip look overly convincing.

With that in mind, perhaps a move for Inter Milan’s Brazilian lynchpin, Miranda would be a good idea. A no-nonsense defender,  the 34-year-old would be a wonderfully experienced option to compliment van Dijk.

Lucas Paqueta

Though Liverpool’s best weapon right now is their thrillingly devastating frontline, the club did miss out on the signing of Nabil Fekir over the course of the summer. So, it’s clear that the Reds wanted another option, an attacking midfielder to feed the likes of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.

With that in mind, what better way to replace Coutinho, than with a younger Brazilian?

Lucas Paqueta of Flamengo may have some way to go until he can be considered in the same class of Coutinho, though certainly has the talent to be. A gifted technician, perhaps bringing him to Europe in January would be a good idea from those at Anfield.

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Aston Villa have sacked seven members of their technical staff as they move in a new direction under the new owners, The Daily Mail reports.

What’s the word?

Steve Bruce’s side have endured a laboured start to the Championship this season but the midweek victory over Rotherham, which saw Aston Villa rise to seventh in the table, has eased some of the pressure on the side.

While the squad battle for consistency on the field, there has also been major changes behind the scenes as The Daily Mail reports that seven members of the club’s technical staff were sacked on Wednesday as the club continues under the tenure of their new owners.

Bruce was present for the meetings at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training complex in what was a major purge of the staffing members at the club.

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Who’s gone?

The most high-profile departure is the exit of 61-year-old Ian Atkins, who held a position as Villa’s Chief European Scout since being appointed two years ago and a number of the other departures also relate to scouting.

Scout co-ordinators John Harrower and Mark Britland were also let go along with three scouts, as well as Villa’s loan manager Tommy Mooney.

Dave Downes, who is in charge of sourcing talent for the club’s academy, remains in his role for the time being but performance psychologist Tom Bates could also leave as his future is uncertain.

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What does this mean?

While Villa’s cull is certain to attract headlines, it is nothing unusual for a club that has recently undergone a change in the board and provides an indication that the new owners are keen to make improvements on the transfer front.

Villa appointed Christian Purslow as chief executive last month and The Daily Mail states that a sporting director could also come in, while also identifying that this is just the latest in a number of changes behind the scenes.

Earlier this year, head of domestic scouting Tony Coton left his role and was followed out of the door in July by director of football Steve Round.

Arsenal maintained their excellent form in the Premier League with another win against Watford at the weekend.

Unai Emery’s side have bounced back from their worst start in 26 years with their seventh straight victory in all competitions. It took a while for the deadlock to be broken at the Emirates but the goal eventually came when Craig Cathcart turned in Alex Iwobi’s cross into his own net. Just minutes later, Mesut Ozil doubled their advantage from Alexandre Lacazette’s delivery to secure all three points.

The Gunners look like a side capable of challenging for a top-four spot after putting their early season difficulties behind them. The Spaniard’s substitutions against the Hornets were key to the victory and the Emirates faithful will be over the moon with his start as Arsenal boss. To continue their form, Arsenal need to open their chequebook in the January transfer window.

An inspired addition to the squad could be Manchester United defender – Luke Shaw. Valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, the former Southampton man’s career at Old Trafford looking to be coming to an end after falling out of favour with Jose Mourinho. However, Shaw has been one of United’s best players this season and his form earned him a deserved recall to the England squad.

Despite his renaissance, the 23-year-old has less than one year remaining on his contract meaning Arsenal could pick up a bargain in the January window. While Nacho Monreal has been a wonderful servant, Shaw would be a massive upgrade on the Spaniard. Still developing and improving, Shaw would thrive in Emery’s attacking based system in North London.

Not only would the Englishman be a wonderful addition, it would also significantly weaken a Premier League rival. This one should be a no-brainer for the Gunners.

Arsenal fans, thoughts?

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Alexis Sanchez’s bad start to the season continued on Tuesday evening when Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw by Valencia at Old Trafford in the Champions League, and the Chilean failed to impress in what was another disappointing result for José Mourinho’s men.

Sanchez, who joined United in January after deciding he wanted to lave Arsenal, has yet to make a real impact with his last goal coming in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur back in April.

Comparing that to his destructive goalscoring form with the Gunners, United fans are worried as to why the club and manager aren’t getting the best out of him. Sanchez started on the left-wing as part of a front three next to Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford, with the Red Devils desperate for a good result against the Spanish side.

However, the draw means that they have now gone four games without a win as the pressure continues to mount on Mourinho and the club.

Here are some of the Twitter reactions by the fans to Sanchez’s performance: