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With Southampton still searching for their first Premier League win of the season, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are set to take on Leeds United at the weekend once the international break has ended.

Ahead of the match against Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who are only two points ahead of the Saints in the league table, Southampton could be without one of their regular players for the clash.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by the Daily Echo that Adams has been ruled out of Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands and is also a doubt for Southampton’s match at the weekend, which surely won’t make Hasenhuttl happy.

Southampton signed Adams back in the 2019 summer transfer window from Championship club Birmingham City on a five-year deal for a reported fee of £15m.

Since then, the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £18m according to Transfermarkt has made 83 appearances for the Saints across all competitions, managing to score 13 goals and provide ten assists in the process.

Even though Adams has yet to score a goal for the Saints this season across all competitions and has only managed to provide one assist, we still feel Adams will be a big miss for the club if he can’t play against Leeds.

With the striker racking up 1.4 shots per game, the joint-third highest of any Southampton player in the league so far this season alongside James Ward-Prowse, he has still been an attacking threat. Follow that up with his 1.4 key passes per game, the joint-highest also alongside Ward-Prowse, and it demonstrates why his absence would be felt hard by the boss this weekend.

If Adams does end up being unavailable for the match at the weekend, we feel that Hasenhuttl should give Armando Broja a chance to start. He managed to score in midweek for Albania in their World Cup qualifier against Hungary so is in good form.

However, the manager will undoubtedly be hoping that Adams’ injury is not a serious one so he will be available for selection as soon as possible. The Saints need that first win of the season in order to climb away from the relegation zone.

In other news: Ralph must unleash “perfect” £9m-rated Southampton gem, he’s a real game-changer – opinion

Fulham appear to be closing in on a deal that will see Fabio Carvalho extend his stay at Craven Cottage.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Peter Rutzler, with The Athletic journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that it is looking increasingly likely that the 18-year-old winger will put pen to paper on a new contract with the club, despite the reported interest of Leeds United, West Ham United, Norwich City and Porto.

Earlier reports had claimed that the England U18 international had rejected the club’s initial offer of a new deal, however, following Rutzler latest update, it would appear as if further talks have been positive between the player, his representatives and Fulham.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “It is looking increasingly likely that Fabio Carvalho will sign a new contract. It’s understood the club, player and his representatives are in positive talks, with growing confidence he’ll sign. A good thing too, as this kid looks the real deal.”

Music to the ears of fans

Considering the sheer amount of potential Carvalho appears to possess, in addition to the fact it had started to look as if the winger could be on his way out of the club this summer, Rutzler’s latest comments will undoubtedly be music to the ears of Fulham fans.

Indeed, the £225k-rated man has highly impressed over his three Championship appearances for Marco Silva’s side so far this season, scoring two goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of three shots and making three passes per game.

These returns have seen the youngster average a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.40, ranking him as the Cottagers’ second-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, it would very much look as if Carvalho not only has a fantastic future in the game, but the youngster could well play a key role in Fulham’s push to secure an immediate return to the Premier League this season.

So, should the forward go on to sign a new deal with the west London side this summer, it would undoubtedly be a significant boost for both Silva and fans of the club alike.

In other news: Contact made: Khan opens talks for “quality” £12k-p/w ace, Fulham fans will be buzzing

As per L’Equipe, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension managing director Fabio Paratici, have been gifted a transfer boost involving Paris-Saint Germain striker Mauro Icardi.

The Lowdown: Spurs offered chance…

Last week, news had emerged concerning the Argentina international and both Spurs and manager Antonio Conte had been presented with a chance to sign Icardi in January.

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According to Foot Mercato, the player’s representatives have been working on trying to find him a new club with his chances at PSG limited, with Icardi’s agents offering him out to Tottenham among others.

This comes as Spurs search for a striking alternative to Harry Kane up front, with the most linked forward so far coming in the form of Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.

The Latest: Paratici boost emerges…

As Spurs’ transfer chief Paratici sets his sights on January, he may well have been gifted a boost if he wishes to bring Icardi to north London after the offer from representatives.

L’Equipe (via SW) explain that PSG, while wishing to make back their €50 million (£42.6m) transfer costs for the striker, may well accept less for his services.

As such, they state that it would be a ‘surprise’ if the Ligue 1 giants don’t now accept a more reasonable offer.

The Verdict: Take advantage…

The 28-year-old would undoubtedly strengthen Conte’s forward line so this bit of news comes as a real potential transfer boost.

Icardi’s 121 goals and 31 assists in 219 Serie A appearance before his move to France is a real indicator of the player’s quality in front of goal and there is little doubting he could challenge Kane for a place going forward.

The £157,000-per-week star has even been lavished with praise by legendary Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini, who called him ‘world class’ and extremely tough to play against.

For a potential discounted price as PSG seek to offload, how can Paratici say no?

In other news: Conte wants player gone in January with final decision made, Spurs chiefs already told to sell…find out more here.

Celtic enjoyed a rampant summer transfer window with no fewer than 12 first-team players being welcomed through the Parkhead doors by Ange Postecoglou.

However, January arrivals are looking a little more troublesome for the Australian boss with huge transfer fees potentially having to be spent.

What’s the word?

It’s no secret that the Hoops will need £6.5m in order to lure Jota to the club on a permanent basis and for a man of his talents, it seems a plausible deal to complete.

However, if they want to land fellow loanee, Cameron Carter-Vickers, permanently they will have to cough up an even steeper fee.

In a fresh report courtesy of the Daily Record, it hands a hammer blow to Celtic’s chances of acquiring his signature next year.

Carter-Vickers signed a new one-year extension with parent club, Tottenham, before agreeing on a temporary switch to Parkhead. Yet, it’s now been claimed that the Bhoys will need as much as £10m in order to activate a full transfer.

Significant blow

This is news that is likely to leave Postecoglou fuming, such is Carter-Vickers’ importance to the Celtic side this season.

The American has made an instant impact in Glasgow, hammering home an effort from range on his debut against Ross County back in September.

Since then, he’s gone from strength to strength while in the famous green and white hoops, winning a colossal 4.1 aerial duels per game, the third-highest in the manager’s ranks.

Furthermore, his tally of 1.2 interceptions per appearance is the fourth largest number when compared to the rest of his colleagues.

What’s elevated his status so quickly in the Celtic side is a number of defensive injuries. Christopher Jullien hasn’t been seen all year while Carl Starfelt and Stephen Welsh have recently suffered from their own fitness problems.

Celtic have hardly been perfect from a defensive point of view this term either, keeping 11 shutouts in 28 matches this term but that’s primarily been down to a lack of depth.

Thus, signing Carter-Vickers permanently, either in January or next summer, would have been an important addition to their ranks.

Instead, they are left staring at a potential £10m transfer fee, one they are unlikely to pay when you consider that Odsonne Edouard remains their record signing at £9m.

They do, of course, still have plenty left in the bank following the sales of Kristoffer Ajer and Edouard a few months ago, but this will come as nothing other than a blow to their chances of landing the central defender.

Considering how well the 23-year-old has taken to life under Postecoglou, this revelation is sure to leave the manager rather angry and dismayed.

AND in other news, Huge boost: Alan Nixon delivers promising Celtic update that will leave fans buzzing…

Many Sunderland fans were absolutely delighted with the performance of Callum Doyle during their 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic last Saturday.

The Black Cats got their campaign off to the best possible start as they picked up three points against the Latics. Gwion Edwards gave Wigan the lead, but Aiden McGeady levelled from the spot soon afterwards before Ross Stewart netted to give the home side the victory.

The weekend’s clash was Doyle’s first game for the Wearsiders since making the move on loan from Manchester City (Transfermarkt). The 17-year-old played beyond his years at the heart of the back four, winning four duels and making four interceptions (Sofascore) and Lee Johnson will be hoping that the  teenager can have a big impact on his team’s fortunes as they target promotion to the Championship.

It was a video from Twitter user @VickyKDB_MCFC which prompted numerous Sunderland fans to praise the teenager. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on his “ridiculous” Black Cats debut.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Doyle’s performance

“Absolute quality.”

Credit: @PhilipCh42

“This kid is going to be something special”

Credit: @swinneymr

“I said mate he’s ridiculous for his age and I think he’ll go far in the game. Wish we could have got him for 2 seasons which was what was originally reported”

Credit: @Baldy_95

“Callum Doyle was like a Rolls Royce yesterday. He oozes class and has a big future ahead of him”

Credit: @DaveyPalmer1

“Some fans already calling him the Manchester Maldini. Playing beyond his years already. City have got a gem, just hope he develops like his potential is showing”

Credit: @podmundo

“Unreal lads, fan favourite already. Very strong in the air and when he gets by any stretch ‘beaten’ his blistering pace pays up, great. Bullied the most physical striker in the league last season. Cracking ball playing centre back.”

Credit: @LewisBa98875240

In other news, many Sunderland fans love this man’s appointment.

Michael Ball has questioned what would happen during a Merseyside derby if Rafael Benitez is appointed as the new Everton manager, suggesting that Liverpool fans may end up singing the name of their arch-rivals’ boss.

Benitez is now seen as the frontrunner to become the club’s new manager as they continue their search for Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.

Ancelotti, of course, left to join Real Madrid and the Toffees have been linked with a number of managers since his departure.

Nuno Espirito Santo was, at one point, regarded as the leading candidate but that deal has not come to anything.

Instead, it appears Benitez could become the first manager to take charge of both Liverpool and Everton.

Indeed, the former Valencia boss spent six years at Anfield, winning the Champions League and the FA Cup during his stint.

The Reds’ supporters still sing songs about Benitez, and Ball believes there could be a genuinely embarrassing situation for Everton during a derby if he is given the reigns.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “With the links with Rafa, many of them are questioning whether they’re going to return to Goodison Park. Feelings are running high in Liverpool right now, we know he lives locally, that doesn’t warrant that he should be manager of the club.

“There’s questions over what has he done since he left Liverpool? He was successful at Liverpool and Liverpool fans still sing and cheer his name. What would happen in a derby?

“Would it be embarrassing for Everton fans to listen to their arch-rivals singing about their own manager?”

Manchester United have reportedly identified West Ham star Declan Rice as their priority midfield transfer target for next summer.

What’s the story?

According to the Manchester Evening News, United chiefs have already held talks the potential framework for a deal to sign the highly-rated 22-year-old as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to strengthen his engine room options.

The report states: “Rice is contracted to West Ham until 2024, but he is not expected to sign a new contract, making a move probable next summer as the Londoners would be under pressure to cash in.

“United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted a new midfielder in the recently closed summer window but accepted there was a high possibility the club would not sign one, as United had prioritised a right-winger and a centre-back.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be elated

Rice has become an integral part of West Ham’s side since making his first team debut back in 2017, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 148 appearances for the capital club.

The England international’s magnificent performances in the centre of the pitch have caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including Match of the Day pundit and Alan Shearer.

“He’s still only 22, and this is what he does really well. I think he reads the game, he’s obviously got an excellent partnership with (Tomas) Soucek in the midfield,” said the former Newcastle United legend (as relayed by This is Futbol).

“He keeps it simple; he stops teams attacking, can play, can pass, breaks it up and then sets his team on the front foot. I think he’s an excellent player.”

Rice’s ability to curtail opposition attacks and start one of his own is a set of assets which Solskjaer arguably lacks in his current first team squad.

While defensive midfielders Fred and Scott McTominay have performed admirably in tandem when played in a double pivot, the Norwegian is believed to want a holding player who is capable of providing a solid midfielder foundation on his own.

Although there’s no guarantee that Rice would be able to do so, his promising performances for club and country indicate that he’s probably up to the job, and therefore Solskjaer will be elated that United’s hierarchy are preparing a move for the youngster.

In other news… Man Utd suffer big selection setback pre-Newcastle United, Ole will be gutted 

Tottenham Hotspur could find Nuno Santo his dream striker solution in the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, Spurs are among the clubs who could make a move for Torino talisman Andrea Belotti at the turn of the year.

It was thought that the 27-year-old would leave the Serie A outfit in the summer, and with him out of contract at the end of the season, he has still not extended his current deal in Turin.

They claim that Belotti was close to signing for Chelsea or Zenit St Petersburg but it’s Spurs, Inter Milan and Juventus who could look to seal him in January.

It remains to be seen how much the Euro 2020 winner would command given his contractual situation, but Transfermarkt currently value him at £31.5m.

Nuno will be buzzing

The Lilywhites, who are rank outsiders for the Premier League title for those thinking of using their bonus kod kelbet, failed to secure a back-up – or partner – to Harry Kane throughout the summer, so it would make sense for them to revisit one in the next window.

As per The Telegraph in July, the Portuguese head coach is understood to have wanted to switch Spurs’ system to a two-man attack – something which may not be possible right now considering that the England international is his only senior centre-forward.

Belotti would be a dream solution – and potentially a massive bargain.

The 39-cap Italy international has proven to be a prolific goalscorer, even despite Torino’s league struggles – as per Transfermarkt, Belotti has hit at least double figures in every season since 2015/16, including a career-best of 28 goals in 2016/17.

In that time, the Serie A club have not finished above seventh, ending last season in 17th place.

An average of 3.1 shots and 3.9 fouls drawn per game in 2020/21, via WhoScored, suggests that he’s a troubling threat in attack as he’s not only firing off attempts at goal but also forcing the opposition into taking him down.

By comparison, only Kane (3.9) managed more shots each outing, whilst Belotti was fouled over double the number of times of any Spurs star in 2020/21.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Joe Hart, who left for Celtic this summer, has previously played alongside the 5 foot 11 Italian powerhouse and his glowing endorsement should provide further encouragement.

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not,” he told Gianluca Di Marzio. “It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special. He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

If Nuno is really desperate for another striker, then Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici should work his magic back in his home country. After working at Juventus over the last few years, he should know full well what Belotti would bring.

They must launch a bid for the Torino star in January.

AND in other news, Nuno could unearth Spurs’ new secret weapon in “unbelievable” £27m-rated “big talent”…

Liverpool could secure the man who can return them to the summit of English football after it was reported that Lautaro Martinez has been put up for sale by Inter.

What’s the story?

The Italian giants desperately need to raise a significant sum of cash through player sales this summer due to off-field issues, and the 23-year-old is one of the stars available for transfer over the coming months, according to The Guardian.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Martinez in the past as Jurgen Klopp looked to add more firepower to his stuttering attack, meaning a move for the deadly striker could still be on the cards.

Klopp needs him

Martinez has been sensational since arriving at San Siro, scoring 49 goals and providing 20 assists in 132 appearances for the Nerazzurri.

The Argentina international played a pivotal part in Inter’s first Serie A title for 11 years in 2020/21 as the youngster formed an unstoppable strike partnership with Romelu Lukaku.

However, due to the Milanese outfit’s owners incurring financial trouble, the South American’s time in Italian football appears to be drawing to a close.

Martinez’s exploits at Inter haven’t gone unnoticed, though, with his impressing performances attracting the attention from the continent’s biggest clubs, as well as his international teammate Lionel Messi.

“He’s spectacular. He has impressive qualities. You could tell he was going to be a great player, and he is showing that,” said Messi.

“He’s very strong, really good one on one, scores a lot of goals, and in the area he fights with anyone, holds it up, he can turn, scrap to win it all on his own. He has a lot of quality. He’s very complete.”

Any player receiving such praise from arguably the world’s greatest ever footballer must be extremely talented, and that is definitely the case with Martinez.

Liverpool struggled in several areas of the pitch throughout the recently concluded campaign, although perhaps most surprisingly of all, the Reds’ attack suffered a severe drop-off in productivity.

While Mohamed Salah continued to put the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis, the same can’t be said about Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Klopp was able to call upon the impressive Diogo Jota on several occasions to relieve the strain on Mane, but a lack of strength in depth up-front meant Firmino was rarely allowed a rest.

Therefore, the German manager needs a player like the £63 million rated Martinez this summer as the Anfield outfit aim to regain their Premier League crown, meaning director of football Michael Edwards must sanction a swoop for the highly sort after hitman.

And, in other news…Get rid: Klopp must ruthlessly axe £120k-p/w Liverpool flop, he’s not good enough 

Reliable journalist Dominic King has provided a fresh update regarding a Liverpool move to sign AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, confirming Reds chiefs are eyeing the player. 

The lowdown: Frenzy of speculation

This all comes following a report from Santi Aouna of reputable French otulet Foot Mercato, claiming that the Reds have initiated contact over a possible move for the 22-year-old.

Whilst the Anfield club have been tentatively linked previously, this was the first suggestion of a tangible pursuit as Liverpool seemingly moved into the front of the queue to sign Tchouameni.

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However, things may not be that straightforward just yet, with King sharing who the favourites to lock up a deal actually are…

The latest: King delivers reality check

Taking to Twitter, King, the Northern Football Correspondent for the Daily Mail, had this to say when confirming the Reds’ interest in the formidable Ligue 1 talent.

“Lots of stuff around about Liverpool and Aurelien Tchouameni. No question he is a player they are looking at but other clubs in frame, too, most notably Real Madrid, who are favourites. Liverpool, however, most definitely looking for a midfielder with his qualities.”

Elsewhere, Manchester United have also been extensively indexed with a move for the eight-cap France star who has been dubbed as an ‘octopus’ for his unwavering ability to control the game from midfield.

The verdict: Make it happen

As King rightly alludes to, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and new transfer chief Julian Ward should be in the market for an addition to the engine room during the summer transfer window.

Whilst current frontline incumbents Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago and Naby Keita continue to more than hold their own, all four have faced their battles with fitness in the past and with James Milner out of contract at the end of the season, a fresh face is required.

So far this season the £36million-rated (Transfermarkt) ace has earned an outstanding 7.27 rating from 32 Ligue 1 outings, completing 2.5 tackles, 2.8 interceptions and 51.5 passes on average per game (Sofascore).

In fact, he leads the French top flight in winning possession back, puts up great pressing numbers and even wins over 70 per cent of his aerial duels (MaaxiAngelo). Perhaps, then, it is no surprise to see Paul Pogba label his young compatriot as ‘extraordinary’.

Tchouameni’s ability to operate at the base of the midfield as well as in a box-to-box role would make the French youngster an invaluable addition to the Anfield squad and one the board should be pulling out all the stops to get over the line.

In other news, David Ornstein has confirmed some key Liverpool news. Read more here.