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The Athletic’s Sam Lee has given his verdict following the news that Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo has signed a contract extension.

The Lowdown: Cancelo’s rise at City

The Portuguese defender became the most expensive full-back of all time in 2019 when he signed for Manchester City from Juventus in a deal worth £60m, with Danilo heading the other way for £34m.

Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, the 27-year-old has played an integral part in Pep Guardiola’s side, having totalled 106 appearances for the Citizens. That includes 22 Premier League outings this season, where he has amassed one goal and five assists in becoming one of the team’s best performers, according to WhoScored metrics.

Cancelo signed a six-year deal when he joined the Sky Blues, keeping him at the club until 2025.

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The Latest: Cancelo signs contract extension

Despite having three years left on his contract, City have been looking to tie down Cancelo on a long-term deal. On Tuesday morning, the club announced that the full-back has signed a two-year contract extension, which will keep him at the Etihad until 2027.

The Athletic’s Man City reporter Lee shared this news on Twitter along with a link to his corresponding article, beaming that it is ‘a fitting reward’ for the 27-year-old’s impressive form.

He proclaimed: “New deal for Joao Cancelo, a fitting reward for his emergence as a key City player and his phenomenal form over the past few months in particular”.

The Verdict: Great business

Cancelo is currently one of the most valuable full-backs in world football, with Transfermarkt estimating his value at a cool £54m.

When the initial lockdown happened, the defender struggled to adapt to life in England and thus wanted to leave the club. However, he overcame this to duly become one of the key components of Guardiola’s side.

Former City midfielder Nigel de Jong has offered some effusive praise of the 27-year-old, saying: “We can have a healthy discussion and debate on who is the best right-back in the world and Cancelo is certainly up there for me. It’s not only his versatility but also the fact he is as strong defensively as any right-back or left-back in the world.”

Taking everything into account, this seems like a brilliant bit of business by City, and it’s no wonder that Lee has voiced his firm approval of Cancelo’s contract extension.

In other news: These Manchester City fans approved of one prospective successor to Pep Guardiola

Everton journalist Patrick Boyland reckons that the Blues will be open to letting Cenk Tosun leave in January. 

The lowdown

The Turkey international was an unused substitute in the Toffees’ 1-0 defeat away to Brentford on Sunday.

It had looked like a potential starting opportunity for the striker, with Richarlison suspended and Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured, but Rafael Benitez favoured Salomon Rondon instead.

Tosun missed the first nine matches of the season with a patella rupture, but he has been in Benitez’s last four matchday squads (via Transfermarkt). However the £2.7m-rated 30-year-old is into the final year of his £60,000-per-week contract.

The latest

Boyland told supporters on The Athletic’s matchday discussion boards on Sunday that Tosun could be made available for transfer in the mid-season window.

In reply to an Everton fan bemoaning the striker, the journalist replied: “Leaning on the fact that Rondon has played more minutes, I think. Tosun is likely to be available come January – just a case of needs must in terms of padding out squad until main strikers back”

The verdict

It’s absolutely no surprise that Tosun could be on his way out of Goodison Park. He has failed to live up to his £27m price tag, contributing just 11 goals in 58 appearances.

The Turkish frontman, who spent the first half of 2021 on loan at Besiktas, is clearly well down the pecking order under Benitez too, given his lack of involvement even with a sparsity of centre-forward options and Rondon enduring a terrible run of form.

While they may not recoup much in terms of a transfer fee, Everton will be hopeful of clearing Tosun’s lofty wages off their books, especially with the club hamstrung by Financial Fair Play regulations.

In other news, many Everton fans reacted negatively to this piece of training insight

According to Calciomercato, Tottenham have entered the race to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger next summer.

The Lowdown: Rudiger out of contract

Under Thomas Tuchel, the 28-year-old has developed into one of the Premier League’s best defenders – he has featured in eight of the Blues’ nine Premier League outings this term (Transfermarkt) as they have conceded just three times in the league (Sky Sports), while Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann labelled his progress as “fantastic” (The Sun)

However, his contract is set to run out at the end of the season, and as it stands, Chelsea and the Germany international are at an impasse with regards to a new deal (ESPN).

The Latest: Spurs want Rudiger

As per this latest report from Calciomercato, Spurs are one of the many clubs interested in signing the former AS Roma centre-back.

They are joined by Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in their admiration for the Champions League-winning defender.

The Verdict: Beyond them

While it is ambitious from Spurs to enter the race for Rudiger, it would be a surprise to see him move to north London. For a start, that would represent a significant step down – after all, Chelsea are European champions and currently top the Premier League, while Spurs are sixth and competing in the Europa Conference League, the third-tier continental tournament, this season.

Not only that, the other four clubs in pursuit are more attractive propositions, and not just because of their Champions League presence. The £31.5m-valued defender (Transfermarkt) is said to be looking for £200,000 per week (ESPN) if he is to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge, which would immediately make him the joint-highest earner at Tottenham – even Harry Kane does not take home more (Spotrac).

Quite frankly, it seems a pipe dream that Rudiger would end up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In other news, this man wants to leave Tottenham

A number of Sunderland fans have been speculating on social media ahead of the club’s Carabao Cup quarter-final with Arsenal on Tuesday evening.

Both Sunderland and the Gunners managed to play on Saturday, with Lee Johnson’s side drawing 1-1 with Ipswich and Mikel Arteta’s men beating Leeds 4-1.

There were plenty of games called off, however, with a number of teams suffering due to positive virus cases. Only six out of 12 games were played in League One, whereas just four managed to go ahead in the Premier League.

At this moment in time, Sunderland’s trip to north London is going ahead as scheduled despite a positive case within the squad, but as we know with Aston Villa’s weekend game with Burnley being called off just over two hours before kick-off, that could change very quickly.

Sunderland fans react

Sunderland posted a picture of the Emirates Stadium on their official Twitter channel on Sunday evening with the caption ‘next stop’.

Here is what these Black Cats supporters had to say in reply, with a number of fans speculating whether the game will even go ahead due to the sheer number of cancellations over the weekend.

“Getting called off Tuesday afternoon when we’re an hour away from London, watch”

Credit: @TomNixon03

“Hopefully…. I keep wondering if I’m half way down and getting told to turn around”

Credit: @twangmackem

“Scared”

Credit: @MackemDuck

“Class, now it’s gonna be off”

Credit: @spj7104

“Jinxed it now”

Credit: @RyanC2408

“Can we be told today if going on not tomorrow when everyone’s left”

Credit: @michaelcopelan9

Real Madrid star Raphael Varane has remained tight-lipped about his future in Spain, following reports linking him with a move to Liverpool.

The Frenchman has been a colossal performer for the La Liga giants for a number of years now, playing a key role in their success since joining from Lens in 2011.

Varane has won a hugely impressive four Champions League crowns and three Spanish league titles, not to mention clinching glory at the 2018 World Cup with France. He made both FIFA and UEFA teams of the year in 2018, while also earning a spot in 2018 World Cup ‘dream team’ – the standard for centre-backs doesn’t get much higher.

It could be that he moves on to pastures new this summer, however, with Liverpool reportedly one of the clubs believed to be interested in signing him, according to the press in Spain.

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Varane remains coy over his future

Varane’s current contract expires at the end of next season, so Madrid may believe now is the right time to receive a significant fee for his services.

Speaking to Marca [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], the 27-year-old provided an update on his future, remaining coy over any possible move elsewhere:

“Do I see myself at Madrid for many more years? We’re 2 days away from a game with France and I’m focused on that. I don’t want to answer that question.”

Transfer Tavern take

While Varane remains a world-class defender who would no doubt strengthen Liverpool’s team, it is hard to see Jurgen Klopp paying big money for a player of his age.

Granted, he is still only 27 – soon to be 28 – but given the money he could cost, and the wages he may demand, it seems likely that the Reds will look elsewhere for a new centre-back, seeking a younger partner to learn from and perhaps eventually take over from Virgil van Dijk.

In other news, Liverpool have received an injury blow during the international break. Read about it here.

Celtic are thought to be interested in a move for Peterborough United forward Siriki Dembele.

That’s according to an exclusive report from Give Me Sport, who claim that his impressive form in the current campaign has sparked intrigue from the Hoops.

Dembele’s impressive Peterborough form

The 24-year-old has netted seven times and provided 12 assists in English League One this season, helping the Posh to second place in the division ahead of the run-in.

His London Road deal expires at the end of June, meaning the Hoops could strike a pre-contract agreement over the coming months.

Transfer Tavern take

Dembele appears to fit one of the club’s two transfer policies of being a UK-based talent with high upside potential available on a pre-contract.

He has lined out on the left and right, at centre-forward and as an attacking midfielder during his career, so his versatility could be welcomed at Parkhead.

Dembele is also the older brother to Hoops teenager Karamoko. Reports have suggested that the 18-year-old is set to leave Celtic in the summer, but could the possibility of his brother moving to Glasgow change his mind?

In other news: Celtic readying summer move for player Nick Hammond watched live two months ago, find out more here. 

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Matt Targett to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by 90min, who claim that sources have revealed Victor Orta is hoping to hijack Newcastle United’s £15m signing of the Aston Villa loanee this summer, by launching an offensive of his own for the 26-year-old left-back.

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The report goes on to state that both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City are also keen on the former England U21 international, however, Targett’s preferred destination is thought to be St. James’ Park.

Orta must move

Considering how impressive Targett has been following his January switch to Newcastle, coupled with Junior Firpo’s struggles on the left of the Leeds’ backline following his own £13m move to Elland Road last summer, it is not difficult to see why Orta would be keen on a deal for the Aston Villa defender at the end of the season.

Indeed, over his 12 Premier League appearances for the Magpies, the £15.3m-rated full-back has been in fantastic form for Eddie Howe’s side, making an average of 2.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 2.3 clearances and 0.2 blocks per game.

The £35k-per-week defender has also impressed in a creative capacity, making an average of 1.3 key passes, 1.6 crosses and 1.8 long balls per fixture, in addition to completing 0.6 dribbles and taking 0.5 shots per outing.

These returns have seen the player who Aaron Stokes dubbed a “tremendous” signing and James Hendicott labelled a “beast” average a WhoScored match rating of 6.99, ranking him as Newcastle’s fifth-best player in the top flight.

Meanwhile, over Firpo’s 19 league fixtures for the Whites, the £10.8m-rated left-back has been rather less impressive, averaging an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.59, ranking him as Jesse Marsch’s seventh-worst performer in the division.

As such, it is clear to see that the signing of Targett would be a huge upgrade on the 25-year-old Dominican Republic international, leading us to believe that Orta must do all he can to land the former England youth international this summer.

However, with Newcastle also appearing extremely keen on making the defender’s temporary stay at St. James’ Park a permanent move at the end of the current campaign, the Spanish sporting director certainly has a battle on his hands for the Aston Villa sensation.

AND in other news: Forget Rodrigo: “Pathetic” Leeds dud who lost ball every 2 touches failed Marsch again

Ben White would be a great signing for Liverpool, Rob Lee has told The Transfer Tavern, after reports emerged once more about a possible move to Anfield for the Brigton man.

Ben White still on Anfield wanted list?

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool for a number of months now, after returning from his successful loan spell at Leeds United.

White has started all 19 Premier League games this season for the Seagulls but the South Coast side are still struggling down the bottom end of the Premier League table.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Lee explained why he believes that White would be a good addition to Klopp’s team.

“There’s no secret they need a centre-half,” he said. “It’s a case of ‘can they get who they want in this window?’ Which I doubt.

“Ben White, I think would be a very very good signing for them, can play with Van Dijk when he’s fit. They’ve had horrendous injuries at centre-half and it affects everything.

“Van Dijk not being in there affects the fullbacks. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and [Andy] Robertson have been nowhere as good as they were last year – for whatever reason.”

Lee’s comments came aftet the Liverpool Echo suggested that the Merseysiders may consider making a summer move for the young Englishman, despite the current fitness issues in their defensive department.

Transfer Tavern Verdict

We agree with Lee on this one. White could have the opportunity to flourish alongside the Dutchman in defence. The only issue is that he would likely come at a hefty price due to being a promising young English player.

However, waiting until the summer to sign a new defender will not do much to appease the restless supporters at the minute, as many of them are desperate to see someone brought in before Monday’s deadline, especially after yet another injury for Joel Matip against Tottenham.

Time will tell what Liverpool choose to do – and what consequences that their actions, or lack thereof, have on the rest of the season.

In other news, Paul Robinson criticises Liverpool following David Ornstein update.

Mark Douglas has dropped a promising Newcastle United transfer update regarding Joe Willock.

The Lowdown: Willock impresses

It is safe to say that Willock has taken his loan spell to St James’ Park by storm, having racked up seven goals in 13 Premier League games for the Magpies before their final match away at Fulham this afternoon (Transfermarkt).

It is not just with his goals in which he has contributed, but his overall displays as well, with Alan Shearer hailing his performance as ‘magnificent’ in the 3-2 home win over Southampton back in February when he first arrived on Tyneside.

The Latest: Promising Willock update

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Douglas has reported that Newcastle believe Willock wants to return to St James’ Park for next season.

Key to the Magpies’ pursuit is that they would build a team around the central midfielder, whereas he is not guaranteed to be a regular starter at Arsenal.

Willock does not want to go back to being a bit-part player and sees the Toon as the perfect platform to continue his development as a footballer.

The Verdict: Newcastle must sign Willock

Newcastle must do all that they can to ensure that Willock is signed on a permanent deal once the summer transfer window opens.

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The 21-year-old has already shown his worth with his goals, and he certainly gives an added athleticism in the middle of the park which Steve Bruce will need going into the new campaign.

Nonetheless, other clubs will surely come knocking at the Gunners’ door given his form on Tyneside, and Newcastle need to make sure that St James’ Park is his only destination.

In other news, find out what big Tyler Roberts transfer claim has been dropped!

It’s the final game of the Premier League season and Tottenham Hotspur have everything to play for.

Ryan Mason’s men sit in seventh place knowing that a defeat at Leicester City this afternoon could result in the prospect of no European football next season –  if other results go against them.

However, a win would secure them a place in either the Europa League or the newly-formed Conference League.

After a shocking 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in midweek, the 29-year-old caretaker boss must look to spark a reaction ahead of kick-off, and he can do so by altering his starting XI. In truth, Spurs were crying out for some added quality in attack, with the likes of Heung-min Son, Dele Alli and Harry Kane underperforming.

Gareth Bale should’ve been the man to provide that spark but there were concerns over his fitness heading into the match, and subsequently, he did not start from the off.

It’s time to unleash him later today as he could prove to be the Lilywhites’ game-changer for one final time.

This encounter against the Foxes is huge for both teams, so it would be wise to let a four-time Champions League winner loose at the King Power Stadium.

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The 31-year-old superstar was in and out of the team under Jose Mourinho, and while he still proved to be a regular source of goals whenever he featured, it is more recently that he has thrived under Mason.

As per Transfermarkt, the Wales international has scored 14 goals and provided three assists, meaning he has averaged a direct goal contribution every 96 minutes across all competitions.

By comparison, Kane is managing a goal or assist every 81 minutes, and Son is averaging a contribution every 100 minutes, so that shows just how crucial Bale can be to Spurs right now.

Earlier this season, Mourinho lauded the Real Madrid loanee for his “remarkable” and “incredible” attitude off the pitch, and later claimed that he was “better than ever.”

Once hailed as “unplayable” by Harry Redknapp, the £18m-rated dynamo has to be starting a game of this calibre if Mason wants to end the season on a high note.

Bale could hold the key to whether or not Spurs are competing in Europe next season, in what could be his final swansong in a Lilywhites shirt before his loan deal ends.

AND in other news, Levy could rock Spurs’ squad by hiring 43 y/o “phenomenon” who he’s watched “closely”…