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Tottenham Hotspur’s disgruntled goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has hinted he may push for a January transfer when he meets up with Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas on his return from international duty, according to the Daily Mail and Sky Sports News.

The French shot-stopper only joined the North London club in the summer, but has been kept out of the Spurs starting XI by veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who has been in a rich vein of form since the start of the season.

Lloris singed from Lyon for £8million plus future incentives on transfer deadline day, but has only made a single Premier League appearance.

The French no.1, who featured in last night’s international friendly against Italy, has spent the season warming-up the bench, and is expected to continue doing so for the North London derby at the weekend.

Although considered the future first-team goalkeeper at White Hart Lane, AVB is struggling to keep Lloris happy, suggesting the player will want a move away in January. Villas-Boas is preparing to hold talks with the disillusioned 25-year-old when he arrives back in London following international duty.

It has been revealed that the French international was being closely watched by Arsenal in the summer, but the Gunners pulled out of making a bid at the last minute.

Wenger has recently announced he is on the hunt for a new goalkeeper, and could attempt to lure Lloris to the Emirates during the imminent transfer window.

Lloris told french newspaper L’Equipe: “I remain a competitor. I want to be on the pitch.

“I feel much at ease at the club, where I have been very, very well received by the players, the fans and people at the club.

“Now you have to ask all those questions [over the No.1 spot] to the coach” he added.

France head coach Didier Deschamps has been vocal about AVB’s decision to pick Friedel over the discontented Hugo Lloris.

The former Juventus and Marseille manager has now told reporters: “He doesn’t play enough at his club and it doesn’t sit very well with him.

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“His situation is difficult, burdensome, not ideal.

“Returning to the bench after the performance he made with us in Spain [in the World Cup qualifiers] is not easy. He cannot be satisfied playing only one game out of two or three.

“Of course, he would like to play more. He is getting on with it as best he possibly can but obviously he would like to play more,” added Deschamps.

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As reported by The Scottish Sun, France manager Didier Deschamps has singled out Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic as a danger man ahead of their clash with Australia at the World Cup this weekend.

What’s the story?

The two sides are set to meet on Saturday in Russia, with France one of the fancied sides to go far in the competition this summer. Australia meanwhile have a tough task ahead of them if they are to qualify out of group C.

After signing a new contract at the Hoops at the end of last season, star Socceroos man Rogic is well placed to have a big impact on his countries fortunes and has been singled out by French legend Deschamps as a key threat to France.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Les Bleus’ boss said:

Australia used to be a defensive side, but they have changed that and now have an attacking threat.

I am concerned about their strength going forward – in particular Tom Rogic. They also have Andrew Nabbout, who is an exciting player.

They are well organised and can be an aggressive team.

We have completed our homework on them. It’s a very difficult game against a team who will work very hard indeed.

I have told our players to be careful about the attacking threat Australia undoubtedly pose.

Can the Celtic midfielder show the world why he is so highly regarded by supporters in Glasgow?

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Can Rogic shine in Russia?

While the game against France may be a step up in quality too far for Rogic and Australia this weekend, they certainly have a chance of being competitive against both Denmark and Peru in the subsequent group fixtures.

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Those could be the matches that Rogic steps up and produces something special, as he has done so many times in big matches for Celtic in the past.

Had he not signed a new contract before heading to Russia, that could have been a worry for Hoops supporters, but they can now fully enjoy seeing what he can do against elite competition, knowing he will be at the club for the next few years.

West Ham United will look to move further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

The Irons were slipping back towards the bottom three following a 3-1 defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium earlier this month, but they bounced back from that loss with a 2-0 success against Watford at the London Stadium last time out.

Goals from Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic, who came straight back into the starting line-up after recovering from a hamstring injury that saw him miss three matches, gave the east London outfit a crucial win in their battle to avoid the drop, and they are now four points clear of 18th-placed Southampton.

David Moyes’ men will look to build on that victory against the Hornets ahead of the long trip north to Merseyside this weekend, and the Scot will know how important it is that his side keep picking up results to keep them out of trouble.

It certainly won’t be an easy task against Jurgen Klopp’s side though, and their 5-0 win against FC Porto in the Champions League last week saw their attacking trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah reach the milestone of 60 goals between them this term.

Moyes may well be tempted to stick with the same XI that secured the win against Watford, but the Scot could be asking for trouble unless he makes a couple of alterations.

Here are two changes the 54-year-old must make to his team when they face Liverpool…

Winston Reid for Michail Antonio

Moyes made some big selection decisions ahead of the clash against Watford, including bringing Michail Antonio into the team to play as a left wing-back.

It was a risk that paid off as the 27-year-old assisted Marko Arnautovic’s goal in the 2-0 win, but Moyes shouldn’t play him there again against a Liverpool side that will be far more attacking than the Hornets were.

Antonio seems to struggle defensively and the Scottish boss should move Aaron Cresswell from his previous spot on the left side of a three-man defence to the left wing-back role at Anfield, and bring Reid back into the heart of the defence alongside Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins.

The New Zealand international hasn’t started in the Premier League since the 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on January 4 having been plagued by a groin injury and illness since then – as well as failing to force his way back into the team at Brighton – but if he has recovered from a throat infection that needs to happen on Saturday in order to use his experience to deal with Liverpool’s free-scoring front three.

Manuel Lanzini for Javier Hernandez

Hernandez has scored three goals in his last four Premier League appearances for West Ham as he finally starts to find some form, but he shouldn’t be on the team-sheet against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday – if Lanzini is fit to return.

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The Argentina international hinted on his Instagram story, via Football.London, that he is set to be involved against the Reds this weekend having been absent with a hamstring injury he picked up in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the London Stadium last month, and he has been a big miss for the Irons.

Moyes could and probably should choose to go with a more cautious 3-5-1-1 system on Merseyside, and with Marko Arnautovic able to play in the centre-forward role and undroppable in the form he is currently in – as well as the impressive link up he had with Lanzini previously prior to the duo picking up injuries – it is those two that must start in attack for the Hammers on Saturday.

Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.

Stefan De Vrij looks set to be reunited with Louis van Gaal at Manchester United after Feyenoord rejected a £5 million bid from Lazio, Express reports.

The 22-year-old defender became the target for a host of European clubs after a top display in Brazil for the Dutch national team at the World Cup.

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He was likely to complete a switch to the Serie A in recent weeks but with United preparing to table a £10 million offer, the Eredivisie could accept than amount instead, which is £5 million more than that of Lazio’s.

Feyenoord’s Sporting Director Martin Van Geel also expressed his decision to accept the bid that will see his star defender leave the side.

“It is logical for the player to leave, but it has to be for the right club and the right price.

“I am happy we did not accept Lazio’s offer, as it was too low. After that, no other proposal has been received.”

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With the Red Devils in search of a new centre-back pairing, Van Gaal has also been linked with a move for Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen to add to that of Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, and Chris Smalling.

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Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany admitted that defensive errors cost his side victory during their Champions League tie with Ajax.

The Sky Blues conceded twice early on from set-pieces, but were able to fight back to earn a draw at the Etihad Stadium.

After the game the Belgian confessed that the goals they shipped were avoidable and cost them their chance to win:

“It’s very important to defend as a team when corners come in and we’ve probably let ourselves down on those two occasions.” He told ITV after the game.

“Those two goals were really not good.

“We’ll look back at the game, try to see what went wrong, and try to improve.”

“It’s not the case that we’re not good enough for the Champions League but it’s a matter of time.

“It’s unfortunate that we’re letting those chances go at the moment.”

City were denied a penalty late on in the game as Mario Balotelli appeared to be wrestled to the ground in the area.

Both the striker and manager Roberto Mancini were angered by the decision not to award a spot-kick, but Kompany refused to blame the officials:

“You guys have the images and you’ll be able to judge better than me.” He responded when asked if it was a foul.

“We didn’t do enough to win tonight and we have to learn from this and take it into the next game.”

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Ajax took the lead after ten minutes, as Siem de Jong poked home from close range. The Dutchman then doubled the lead with a header following some slack marking from the City defence.

The home side battled back with goals from Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero, but were unable to force a winner leaving them rooted to the foot of Group D.

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When you win your first World Cup game by a margin of five goals, blind optimism will inevitable grow amongst supporters. But when you win your first World Cup by a margin of five goals at the very tournament you’re hosting, in front of a whole stadium filled of your own fans and indeed Vladimir Putin, expectations will accordingly go through the roof. It’s easy to forget that, according to FIFA rankings at least, Russia are actually only the 70th-best team in world football right now.

Indeed, while the scoreline was by no means flattering, it was by no means a homage to Russia’s quality either. This team is way off the standard Russian football set for itself at the 2008 European championship; they just so happened to face a Saudi Arabia side that will contest Panama for the least competitive team at this edition of the World Cup. The Middle Eastern nation held their own for a while but eventually succumbed to the will of a superior team and once their confidence began to wane, the floodgates quickly opened.

As easy as Saudi Arabia made it for Russia though, there was one relentless driving force behind a win that already makes the tournament feel like a success for not only the host nation but also fans around the world craving a supply of gorgeous goals. While the biggest share was provided by brace-bagger Denis Cheryshev after coming off as a first-half substitute, the true star of the show was Russia’s offensive dynamo in midfield, Aleksandar Golovin.

Indeed, the attacking midfielder created the most chances of any Russia player, five, completed the most accurate crosses, three,  and ranked second for interceptions and tackles, three apiece, while grabbing one goal and two assists in an engine room display that combined elegance and flair with grit and authority. Few players at this World Cup will have such an obvious impact on such a resounding win, even if Saudi Arabia’s lack of quality must be factored into how we judge Golovin’s performance.

And that display comes at a key moment for Golovin, on the backdrop of heavy Premier League interest in his services. The ultimate elite bracket of world footballers is hardly awash with Russian talent but aged 22 and already the stand-out star of the Russian top flight, this World Cup represents perhaps his best chance to move into it – the beautiful game’s greatest tournament always has a knack of transforming careers for those who are just on the cusp of their natural peaks.

Manchester United have been mooted as potential suitors for the young midfielder, alongside Arsenal and Chelsea. But the promising Russian would arguably be a better fit at Tottenham, a team that would suit his energetic style and ability to combine defensive resilience with offensive threat, usually within the same movement. Currently, the Lilywhites are hot on the heels of Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and the CSKA Moscow star would bring similar qualities to the team – not quite as nimble when running with the ball, but a dynamic creator nonetheless who can help them pick apart well-organised defensive blocks and provide real offensive energy in the middle of the park.

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Also valued at just £16.2million by Transfermarkt, he could well prove to be a much cheaper option for Spurs. Although they’ve offered only £15million for Grealish, Villa will surely expect more for one of the most promising young Englishmen around at the minute and the negotiations could go on for much of the summer because of that. Golovin, on the other hand, looks ready to move on and won’t be accompanied by the inflation of price-tags that accompanies English talents.

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So, Tottenham fans, which midfielder do you want Pochettino to swoop for this summer? Let us know by voting below…

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Tottenham Hotspur stole a late point in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, and Spurs fans were quick to praise Jan Vertonghen for his performance.

The Reds looked to be on their way to victory for large periods of the match following Mo Salah’s early goal, but a brilliant second-half strike from substitute Victor Wanyama was followed by Harry Kane winning a penalty, but the England international failed to convert.

Salah then looked to have won the game for Jurgen Klopp’s men before Kane did score from the spot after Erik Lamela was adjudged to have been fouled by Virgil van Dijk.

While Davinson Sanchez visibly struggled, Vertonghen was much more impressive alongside the Colombian, and he was key to Mauricio Pochettino’s men picking up an important point.

Tottenham supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the 30-year-old’s display, and while one said “Vertonghen is clearly our most important player”, another said he was “head and shoulders above any player out there for Spurs today”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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After much speculation, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy finally exercised the contractual clause to dispense with Tim Sherwood’s services as manager. The news that nearly everybody had expected for some time eventually broke earlier today, with Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino identified by many outlets as the most likely successor.

A divisive figure in the dugout, Sherwood’s sacking received a mixed response from Spurs’ fans on Twitter.

Once the news broke, several users identified their reasons behind the sacking.

Other football fans decided to make light of Sherwood’s departure.

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Just like the man himself, Sherwood’s sacking has divided Spurs’ supporters. If the rumours are to be believed however, the former Tottenham manager won’t be out of work for long.

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have confirmed that Paul Jewell has left the club by mutual consent following a disappointing start to the Championship season.

Jewell joined the club in January 2011 and led them to a 13th place finish and followed that up by finishing 15th last season. But just one win in their opening 12 Championship games this season has seen Ipswich slump to the bottom of the league, four  a drift from safety.

A statement by club owner Marcus Evans on the club’s official website reads: “Since he first walked through the door here, no one has worked harder to bring success to this Football Club than Paul Jewell.

“Unfortunately his outstanding commitment has not been rewarded by results on the pitch and having spoken with Paul at length, we feel it’s best for him and the Club if we go our separate ways.

“I’m bitterly disappointed – as is Paul – that it has not worked out as we had hoped when he became our manager 21 months ago and I would like to put on record my thanks for his services to the Club and wish him every success in the future.”

Paul Jewell said: “We all know that football is a results business though and I’ve never hidden from the fact that our results have not been good enough.

“It’s been a privilege to be manager of such a fantastic football club and I want to thank the staff and the supporters for the backing they have given me in my time at the Club and wish Ipswich Town the best of fortunes ahead.”

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Assistant manager Chris Hutchings will take over as caretaker manager while a search for Jewell’s replacement gets under way.

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Tottenham will definitely sign a centre back this summer if Toby Alderweireld leaves, but which young defender should they go for?

According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham are looking to hijack Chelsea’s pursuit of Jamaal Lascelles, after cooling interest in Matthijs de Ligt.

Lascelles is a “key target” for the Blues according to the report, and could cost as much as £45m this summer.

Tottenham are eyeing up the Newcastle skipper as well though, as they search desperately for a replacement for Toby Alderweireld.

Alderweireld is of course still a Tottenham player, but with no signs of a new contract on the way, it seems only a matter of time before the big Belgian makes the move to Manchester United.

Lascelles would replace the leadership lost by the departure of Alderweireld, as the 24 year-old has been an absolute beast for the Magpies since Rafael Benitez handed him the armband.

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Football London claimed today (16:06) that a move for de Ligt is now off, but the club may just be waiting to see if Alderweireld has a last second change of heart.

There could be many reasons for Spurs to halt their interest in the youngster, but it seems unlikely Pochettino would just end his interest in a player he rates so highly, so de Ligt is certainly still one to keep your eye on.

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That said, the issue of Premier League experience is a big factor, and Lascelles has the edge in that regard. The former Nottingham Forest man is also more suited to the physicality of the league, and even at £45m would likely be cheaper than de Ligt.

So, Tottenham fans, do you think it’s a mistake to end the chase for de Ligt? Which young centre back would you rather sign? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…