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Tottenham Hotspur are demanding ‘big money for a loan fee’ before allowing Kyle Walker-Peters to leave the club, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The 22-year-old has allegedly decided that he wants to join Crystal Palace this month.

The Englishman started his team’s first three matches of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle United.

He has not been involved in the league since, though, and has not even made the squad for a top-flight outing since Jose Mourinho’s arrival as head coach.

According to Nixon, any switch for Walker-Peters is currently being held up due to Tottenham wanting ‘big money’ before sanctioning a loan exit.

Money talks: How much did Levy pay for each of these Spurs stars?

Spurs are not exactly full of options at right-back having allowed Kieran Trippier to leave over the summer without signing a replacement, but it does not appear that Walker-Peters is anywhere near Mourinho’s plans in the league.

Nixon’s tweet on the subject is available to view below:

Meanwhile, journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the future of another unsettled player at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Loads of Tottenham fans have been running the rule over their win against Burnley, and they are desperate for the club to extend Christian Eriksen’s contract.

Tottenham grabbed another three points by the skin of their teeth on Saturday afternoon, maintaining their place as the only side in the Premier League yet to register a draw this season.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were sluggish in the first half, but created plenty of chances after the break, most of which were missed by a misfiring Erik Lamela.

Playmaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they’d come knocking in 2005…

Eriksen replaced Lucas Moura shortly after the hour mark, and the 26 year-old found the game’s only goal deep into stoppage time, arriving at the back post to slam home the winner.

The Danish international is perhaps Tottenham’s most influential player, and the links to Real Madrid are worrying to say the least.

His contract expires in the summer of 2020, and fans are desperate to get him tied down to a long-term deal.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

After back to back trebles, Celtic’s start to the season hasn’t been the best as the league champions sit sixth in the table and are currently coming off a run of form that saw the Glasgow side lose 2-1 Kilmarnock and draw with St Mirren in the league.

The Scottish champions are enduring their worst start to a league season in 20 years and look like they could be seriously challenged for the title this season. Brendan Rodgers recently admitted that the fans should be worried by the team’s poor start to the season following their loss to Kilmarnock.

To add even more woe to the club’s plight, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has claimed that Celtic have a divided dressing-room and that players like Olivier Ntcham and Dedryck Boyata don’t really care about the club after their respective transfers fell through.

The Breakdown

Olivier Ntcham had attracted interest from Porto over the summer, while Boyata was incredibly close to a move to Fulham and recently had an argument with Rodgers over his ability to play in the club’s Champions League qualifying loss to AEK Athens.

Both players have still featured heavily for the club so far this season and if both aren’t fully committed to playing for the side, it’s not going to make it any easier for Rodgers. With Hearts starting the season so well and Rangers seemingly rejuvenated under Gerrard, it looks like it’s going to be a tough season for the Glasgow club.

So Celtic fans, what do you think? Let us know!

According to reports in The Times, Manchester City are considering making a January move for Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, who is rated at £70m by the south coast oufit.

The Times says that Citizens boss Pep Guardiola wants to strengthen his central defensive options in the New Year, and he will decide between trying to sign van Dijk or Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez, who would be a cheaper option.

The report adds that long-term admirers Liverpool are still keen on the 26-year-old having seen an attempt to sign him during the summer rebuffed, while Arsene Wenger is also weighing up a move for the Netherlands international.

Meanwhile, Everton’s fortunes have turned around since they were beaten 4-1 by Saints at St Mary’s last month, and they have taken 10 points from a possible 12 since, keeping three clean sheets in the process.

While performances and results have improved following a hugely disappointing start to the campaign, Sam Allardyce is still likely to want to strengthen his squad in January, and the Daily Mail says he is keen to sign a new centre-back.

The arrival of van Dijk at the Etihad Stadium would certainly bring Eliaquim Mangala’s future into doubt, and bringing him to Goodison Park could prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons Everton should move for the Frenchman if City sign the Dutch defender…

Future centre-back options

It is of little surprise that Allardyce is reportedly looking for a new centre-back in January, because it is something that Everton certainly need to sort out not only for this season, but also for the future.

With Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams getting no younger, Michael Keane struggling for form after a decent start to his Toffees career and Mason Holgate still developing, the Merseyside outfit look to need an experienced player that is still yet to reach the peak of his career, and Mangala certainly fits the bill with his Premier League knowledge.

His qualities

Mangala has only played 290 minutes of Premier League football for Man City this season, but he has certainly shown his qualities during that time on the pitch.

According to Squawka, the 26-year-old has made six clearances and three interceptions in four top flight outings this term, while he has won six aerial duels and has an impressive passing accuracy of 95% from 135 pass attempts.

The Frenchman was far more of a regular in the 2015/16 campaign where, according to Squawka, he won 41 aerial duels, as well as making 123 clearances and 66 interceptions in 23 English top flight appearances.

The fact that he successfully completed five of the six take-ons he attempted also shows that he isn’t afraid to beat an opponent and is relatively comfortable on the ball.

Price tag

By the time we get to January Mangala will only have 18 months left on his Man City contract, and his lack of game time this term and his season-long loan spell with Valencia during the previous campaign suggests he won’t be offered an extension to his deal while Pep Guardiola is in charge.

If City do sign Virgil van Dijk in January then the Spaniard may be under pressure to sell one of his centre-backs in order to try and balance the books a little, and that could mean that Mangala is available in a cut-price deal.

Considering his experience in the Premier League and in Europe – as well as the fact that he has eight France caps to his name in a highly competitive squad – he could prove to be a bargain buy for Everton.

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

Marco Silva has been manager of Watford for just over two weeks and he has already been linked with several players from last season’s Hull City squad, including Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic.

The 23-year old has played for six clubs in the past five seasons and looks set for seven in six as he is nowhere near Jurgen Klopp’s first team plans.

When he arrived in England ahead of the 2014/15 season, Markovic was expected to become a key man after starring with domestic treble winners Benfica. The Serbian international didn’t impress Brendan Rogers in his debut English campaign and was promptly sent on loan to Turkish side Fenerbache, where he continued to struggle.

He spent the first half of last season with Sporting CP before joining Marco Silva’s Hull on loan in January. Markovic scored two league goals, once against Watford, as Hull’s valiant relegation battle came up short.

The Serbian missed the final two games of Hull’s campaign with an ankle injury but apparently did enough in his loan spell to impress Marco Silva. Liverpool are trying to recoup most of the £20million they paid for the winger in 2014, and the 23-year old could provide what Watford were lacking last season.

The Hornets’ similar players — Isaac Success, Nordin Amrabat and M’Baye Niang — scored only three goals in a combined 56 appearances as Watford finished just above the relegation zone. The on-loan Niang will not be returning to the squad, so there is a space for Markovic.

However, Watford also have several other options to consider that are already at the club. Mauro Zarate will return from a cruciate ligament injury, while Dutch international Steven Berghuis and Venezuelan Adalberto Penaranda have returned from loans.

Marco Silva is more familiar with Markovic, however, and the club certainly needs a kick in the rear after the last campaign.

The Hornets scored only 40 goals as they lacked consistency going forward last season. Markovic still has the skill to become a solid Premier League player and has a high work rate. While he was substituted in seven of his 12 premier league starts, all but one, when he was injured, came in the 75th minute or later.

The winger said in March that he has unfinished business in the Premier League and isn’t going to throw away his second chance very easily. A move to Watford makes a lot of sense for all parties involved, as Markovic isn’t going to play for Liverpool and Marco Silva needs to bring in a couple players he is familiar with.

Perhaps the Serbian is the right player to help make Watford Premier League mainstays.

Southampton play host to Liverpool in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tie at St Mary’s on Wednesday night, with both sides aiming to reach the Wembley final.

Saints come into the fixture in poor form, though, having lost three on the bounce in the Premier League – conceding nine in the process – while they twice lost the lead to draw 2-2 with Norwich City at Carrow Road in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

However, they have beaten three top-flight sides already on their way to the last four in this competition, with the highlight being their 2-0 win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last time out.

Claude Puel’s men will face a tough task against the Merseyside outfit, though, who are second in the Premier League and five points behind the leaders Chelsea.

Like their south coast opponents in midweek, the Reds face a replay in the FA Cup after a much-changed side could only draw 0-0 with League Two outfit Plymouth Argyle at Anfield on Sunday.

Here are FIVE key battles that will decide the outcome at St Mary’s…

Daniel Sturridge vs. Virgil van Dijk

While he has found first-team starts hard to come by this season, with Philippe Coutinho unlikely to be named in the side and Sadio Mane away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Sturridge should get the nod up top at St Mary’s.

The England international scored twice in a 6-1 thrashing of Southampton at St Mary’s in the same competition last season, and he will look to replicate that impressive goalscoring form on Wednesday.

However, he will come up against one of the most-wanted centre-backs in the Premier League in Van Dijk, who continues to impress with his aerial dominance and his comfort and quality on the ball.

While he is strong in defence, the Dutchman has also shown how he can be a threat at the other end of the pitch for the low-scoring Saints with goals against Tottenham and Norwich in the last couple of weeks.

Adam Lallana vs. Oriol Romeu

Despite his success with the Saints, Lallana always gets a mixed reception when he returns to St Mary’s and he will certainly be keen to silence the boo-boys on Wednesday night – and he is in the form to do exactly that.

The England international has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season – he has scored seven goals and picked up seven assists in 18 top flight appearances – and he will be looking to make another impact in an attacking sense in the semi-final tie.

He will come up against Oriol Romeu who has often been the deepest-lying Saints midfielder this season, tasked with protecting his back four.

The Spaniard will need to be at his best and most aware to stop an in-form Lallana.

Roberto Firmino vs. Cedric Soares

Earlier on in the campaign, the link-up play between Firmino, Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane was quite sublime at times, but with the latter definitely out and Coutinho a doubt, it will be up to the Brazilian to provide that attacking spark on Wednesday.

With the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi looking for service, Firmino will need to put in an influential performance to break down a Saints defence that they couldn’t in a 0-0 draw at St Mary’s in the Premier League in November.

If he starts on the left-hand side, the attacker will come up against Euro 2016 winner Cedric Soares, in what will be an interesting battle.

The pacey Portuguese right-back came off with a head injury in the defeat to Liverpool’s rivals Everton at Goodison Park last week, but is expected to be fit enough to start for this huge tie.

Divock Origi vs. Ryan Bertrand

The Belgian has probably had more first-team minutes than he might have expected this season – often being preferred to Daniel Sturridge in attack – and Jurgen Klopp will likely give the forward a start in this clash at St Mary’s, if nothing else for his outstanding performance in the same competition last season.

Origi netted a hat-trick in the 6-1 thrashing of Saints in the quarter-finals of the League Cup in 2015, and he will want to show that same clinical finishing to help his side reach a Wembley final.

While he and Roberto Firmino are likely to switch wings throughout, Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand will be up against Origi at some stage, no doubt.

The England international is one of the south coast side’s most consistent performers and he has certainly stood up in an attacking sense in recent weeks, scoring the equaliser in the 3-1 win against Bournemouth while he also netted in the previous round of this competition – a 2-0 triumph against Arsenal at the Emirates.

Jay Rodriguez vs. Dejan Lovren

Similarly to Lallana, Lovren isn’t the most popular player when he returns to St Mary’s following the way in which he left the Saints to join Liverpool in 2014.

The centre-back has certainly come on leaps and bounds for the Reds this term after a dodgy spell last season, and he is the club’s first choice at the heart of the defence right now with Joel Matip still on the sidelines through injury.

The Croatian will come up against a Rodriguez that is slightly different to the one he played with before he moved to Anfield, with the attacker still struggling to get back to the form he was showing three years ago.

There have certainly been glimpses of him getting back to his best, though – think the brace against south coast neighbours Bournemouth last month – and he will need to get the better of Lovren on Wednesday night if he is to find the net again.

The Rugby World Cup is well underway and although we’re obviously obsessed with the beautiful game here at Football Fancast, we’ve certainly got some time for it’s oblong cousin too.

And no doubt, the tournament in England has already produced some rather incredible moments, not least including Japan’s historic victor over 2007 winners South Africa courtesy of a last-minute try and Wales’ stunning comeback against England last Saturday night despite a plethora of their key players being stretchered off.

In fact, we’ve been so impressed with the rugby here at Football FanCast Towers that we’ve started to consider what football could learn from the world of egg-chasing. We aren’t suggesting a change in shape of the ball just yet, but we have come up with FIVE things the beautiful game should adopt from Rugby.

Would the beautiful game benefit by copying these practices from the world of Rugby? Let us know by commenting below!

Keep up with all the action from the 2015 Rugby World Cup with Rugby Right Now. Rugby Right Now brings all of rugby’s latest news, expert views and team and player social media platforms all together at the touch of your fingertips. Available to download now in the App Store on iOS or visit online at www.rugbyrightnow.com.

RESPECT FOR OFFICIALS

The players may spend 80 minutes wrestling each other into bubbling pools of mud and occasionally instigating ad hoc boxing matches, but respect for referees is ingrained into rugby’s DNA.

Indeed, the referee’s word is final in the world of egg-chasing, indisputable and essentially gospel. They command respect and any hint that it’s not being given will quickly result in a penalty. If a penalty is already awarded, it’s moved ten yards up the pitch.

Compare that to football, where influencing referees has become part of its culture from the terraces to the touchline and even on the pitch itself. One wrongly awarded throw-in leads to chants of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ from the stands, whilst officials have become the go-to scapegoat for managers after practically every underwhelming result.

There’s been an improvement from players in recent years but it’s still common practice to see almost entire teams, including the goalkeeper, surrounding referees to pressure a certain decision out of them them.

Rugga ref Nigel Owens, one of the sport’s most renowned officials, recently claimed that he’d love to referee a Premier League game but ‘they’d be down to five-a-side before half-time’, which sums up the monolithic difference in the way football treats it’s officials.

Keep up with all the action from the 2015 Rugby World Cup with Rugby Right Now. Rugby Right Now brings all of rugby’s latest news, expert views and team and player social media platforms all together at the touch of your fingertips. Available to download now in the App Store on iOS or visit online at www.rugbyrightnow.com.

VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

The use of video technology seems to be a never-ending debate in the world of football, in no small part due to the fact sports like Rugby adopted it some time ago.

Every major decision in Rugby is replayed time and again and swept over with a fine toothcomb, ensuring as few mistakes from the officials as technology will allow and that impartial justice always prevails.

Football, in comparison, is still stuck in the dark ages. Only since 2013 has goal-line technology been used in the Premier League and much of UEFA still oppose it.

Manchester City’s recent Champions League win over Borussia Monchengladbach saw a Martin Demichelis header travel a yard over the line, but somehow the 5th official didn’t award the goal. Absolutely criminal.

There’s certainly some substance to the argument that calling upon video replays will slow the pace and intensity of the beautiful game, which is why it’s such a popular sport worldwide.

Yet a weekend doesn’t pass in the Premier League without at least one controversial decision deciding a match. If we ever want a sport where ability is always the ultimate decider of success, we need to adopt video technology.

Keep up with all the action from the 2015 Rugby World Cup with Rugby Right Now. Rugby Right Now brings all of rugby’s latest news, expert views and team and player social media platforms all together at the touch of your fingertips. Available to download now in the App Store on iOS or visit online at www.rugbyrightnow.com.

MANNING UP

Rugby is sport of 30 men continuously inflicting pain on each other and pretending it doesn’t hurt. Football, on the other hand, is a sport of 22 prima-donnas who collapse to the floor like they’ve just been shot the moment someone brushes their little finger.

Diving and simulation is so rare in Rugby that they don’t even have any official rules for it – it simply falls under the parameter of ‘ungentlemanly conduct’.

In the theatrical world of the Premier League, meanwhile, players will throw their bodies to the ground at any opportunity, in the hope of a free kick, penalty or most unsportingly of all a red card.

The FA are attempting to tighten up on simulation; any player caught feigning injury to deliberately deceive referees can now receive a retrospective three-match ban.

But cheeky dives to win free kicks, especially from defenders, are still common practice. Likewise, the amount of times players end up rolling around on the floor holding their face after a shoving match – considering the vast majority of them measure in at over 6 foot and are in top physical condition – is hilariously farcical. Overall, football seriously needs to man up.

Keep up with all the action from the 2015 Rugby World Cup with Rugby Right Now. Rugby Right Now brings all of rugby’s latest news, expert views and team and player social media platforms all together at the touch of your fingertips. Available to download now in the App Store on iOS or visit online at www.rugbyrightnow.com.

CROWD BEHAVIOUR

Fortunately, football seems to be gravitating further away from the dark hooligan era of the 1970s and 1980s with every passing year. But there’s no question it still lays beneath the surface of the beautiful game; the recent derby between Aston Villa and Birmingham City in the Capital One Cup saw 28 people arrested alone.

I’m sure there’s the odd ruckus at rugby matches too, but they are a drop in the ocean compared to the spectator violence motivated by football throughout the last half century. Opposing fans even share the same stands in the world of egg-chasing from time to time – imagine the chaos that would cause at a football match!

Football is certainly improving in this respect as it becomes a more corporate and family-orientated franchise. But for a wide variety of socio-economic and cultural reasons, there will unfortunately always be a few idiots ruining it for the rest of us.

Rugby fans, meanwhile, seem to be able to leave their differences on the pitch. It’s the reason football supporters aren’t allowed to drink in the stands but their rugga counterparts are.

Keep up with all the action from the 2015 Rugby World Cup with Rugby Right Now. Rugby Right Now brings all of rugby’s latest news, expert views and team and player social media platforms all together at the touch of your fingertips. Available to download now in the App Store on iOS or visit online at www.rugbyrightnow.com.

IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL GAMES

There is no greater honour in rugby than representing your national side. In a similar vein to cricket, the domestic game is centred around accommodating and improving the international scene as much as possible, which is the true platform for the world’s elite players.

In football, however, club is increasingly taking precedent over country. Players seemingly feel no shame in ruling themselves out of international fixtures through injury only to be fully fit for Premier League action next weekend, whilst many give the allure that representing their country is as much a burden as it is a duty.

There’s perhaps a different mindset when it comes to the World Cup or European Championships, but during international breaks you get the feeling many players, especially those representing England, would rather not be there.

Rugby players, on the other hand, are always proud and patriotic. Perhaps because caps aren’t simply dished out to anybody showing a few games of decent form, perhaps because they’re not always facing minuscule opposition like San Marino and Andorra.

Whilst the Rugby World Cup remains the pinnacle of the sport, many would argue the Champions League now trumps international football in terms of importance.

Keep up with all the action from the 2015 Rugby World Cup with Rugby Right Now. Rugby Right Now brings all of rugby’s latest news, expert views and team and player social media platforms all together at the touch of your fingertips. Available to download now in the App Store on iOS or visit online at www.rugbyrightnow.com.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly set his transfer shortlist for the summer window, which will be his first as part-owner of Manchester United.

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United exposed in Fulham defeatRatcliffe to oversee first window in summerThree key positions targeted by INEOS chiefWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils fell to an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday as Alex Iwobi silenced the Old Trafford crowd with his 97th minute winner. The result came just days after minority investor Ratcliffe made some bold claims about knocking Liverpool and Manchester City "off their perch". Since his 27 per cent purchase of the club was confirmed last week, Ratcliffe's first window to make the necessary changes will come in the summer, and reports where the INEOS chief plans to spend his money.

Advertisement(C)GettyImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ramus Hojlund was absent from Saturday's defeat through injury and was sorely missed, with Marcus Rashford struggling in a more central position. That deficiency has prompted Ratcliffe to target a new striker to support Hojlund and take some of the pressure off the Dane's shoulders.

Elsewhere, the right side of defence is reportedly considered a key area. At right-back, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is yet to sign an extension on a contract that has just one season remaining, with Diogo Dalot appreciated but often needed to cover on the left side. At right-centre-back, Raphael Varane looks set for a move to Saudi Arabia, and he, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire all see their contracts expire in 2025. Jonny Evans is not seen as a viable long-term option having been signed for cover this term.

DID YOU KNOW?

A supporting striker, right-back and right-sided centre-back are therefore the priorities for Ratcliffe in the coming window, but notes that a midfielder may also be targeted. That move would depend on the fate of Casemiro, who like Varane has attracted attention from the Saudi Pro League.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

Tellingly, Ratcliffe's comments about the need to be "world class" never officially endorsed manager Ten Hag. After Saturday's result saw United slip to eight points off fourth, it remains to be seen whether he will be the man to oversee the potential influx of players during Ratcliffe's first transfer window. The likes of Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann have been linked with succeeding the Dutchman at the end of the season.

PSG have a number of choices to consider as the best possible replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who could be on his way out in the summer.

How on earth do PSG replace Mbappe? The 24-year-old is one of the best players in the world, a completely unique footballer. There is no equivalent talent, or archetype of player. And if there was, he certainly wouldn't be for sale, no matter how deep PSG's pockets are.

But there are some elements of Mbappe to be found in a handful of players around Europe. If he does leave, the French club will need a top-class goalscorer, who is capable of working in new manager Luis Enrique's possession-heavy style. Their next striker will ideally be young, a player already among Europe's best but who can still be developed further. He should also, preferably, be French.

That narrows the list considerably but there are still a few options that meet some of the aforementioned criteria. This summer's market is an interesting one, there are a number of talented No.9s between the ages of 22-25 that are expected to be available, but all of them have price tags near €100 million (£86m/$110m), and their current clubs wouldn't necessarily be in any great rush to get rid of them.

Still, it is widely assumed that the departure of one could lead to a domino effect of sorts. And, ironically, PSG could start the firesale. The Parisians have reached an impasse with Mbappe, who looks likely to leave sometime in the next six weeks. With the player in open revolt against the club and its owner — and pre-season yet to start — a move in the near future makes sense.

And once he's gone, the pieces across Europe will likely shift. So, which striker will PSG likely buy to cope with Mbappe's departure? GOAL takes a look at their best options…

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  8Neymar

  Should PSG be forced to part with Mbappe, it will be considered a massive failure in the transfer market if they do not bring in an outright goalscorer to step straight in. That said, if signing a replacement is proving a struggle, new boss Luis Enrique could tinker with his line-up and push Neymar to a more advanced role. That would perhaps take away some of the 31-year-old's creativity, but the Brazilian has never had difficulty finding the back of the net.

  Indeed, if PSG are outbid for one of their top targets, and deem that the handful of other options on the market are too pricey, Neymar could comfortably score 20 goals in Ligue 1. It's worth noting, though, that the Brazilian may not be open to such a role — though the choice won't necessarily be his. Consider this one a last resort, then.

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  7Romelu Lukaku

  The Belgian's career seems to be up in the air at this point. Lukaku is still technically a Chelsea player, although that looks likely to end soon. Inter are reportedly interested in bringing him back to Milan, and the striker would seemingly be more than happy to carry out that move. Still, Chelsea have asked for more than the Champions League finalists have offered to date, rejecting a €30m (£26m/$33m) bid outright.

  PSG are in need of a more natural striker, and they have shown some interest in Lukaku before – although they never made a proper offer for his services. This is admittedly an imperfect fit, Lukaku isn't as mobile as the other options PSG are reportedly prioritising, and his struggles in big games are concerning. But this is an expensive striker market. There are not often discounts in football for No.9s that can be counted on for 15 goals plus per season. And while it's laughable that Chelsea's €40m (£47/$50m) asking price is considered cut-rate these days, this one makes sense – if only on a short-term basis.

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  6Harry Kane

  Tottenham do not want to sell Kane – that much is clear. But the England captain is yet to indicate that he will pen a new contract to extend his stay at the club beyond the 2023-24 season. The two parties are at an impasse, then. It makes no sense to let their best player – and most valuable asset – leave for free. But Kane is a game-changing talent, and Spurs' best opportunity to ensure they stay in contention for European football next season.

  Bayern Munich remain keen but, having lodged two bids for the striker which were far off the London club's valuation of the player, there might be an opportunity here for PSG. Indeed, Spurs will not sell Kane to a Premier League rival and while it remains to be seen if they're going to be as picky when it comes to sides in Europe, the competition shouldn't be vast. Real Madrid want, and will likely get, Mbappe. Barcelona do not need another striker. Borussia Dortmund can't afford him, and it's difficult to see an Italian club making a serious push.

  PSG need a striker, ideally a creative one who can bang in the goals, and they've got the money to get it done. Kane would well be their man.

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  5Rasmus Hojlund

  This one would likely break Manchester United hearts. The Red Devils are reportedly interested in a deal for the Denmark international, although they could find themselves priced out – especially if PSG are willing to pay Atalanta's supposed €100 million (£85m/$110m) valuation of the striker.

  And there's a tactical fit here, too. Hojlund is strong and quick, while his finishing continues to improve. His nine Serie A goals don't stand out but the Danish international didn't exactly benefit from regular service. With more chances coming his way, he will score more goals. And with the likes of Neymar and Marco Asensio to feed him, those goalscoring opportunities should come in bunches.

  His relative inexperience is perhaps of concern – Hojlund won't turn 21 until February 2024. Still, this is a signing for the present and future, with Hojlund potentially developing into a top European striker someday. That's worth taking a chance on.

Barcelona came from a goal down to beat Osasuna 2-1 despite seeing Robert Lewandowski sent off in the first half.

No Lewandowski? No problem. Raphinha and Pedri stepped up to the mark as Barca – often accused of having a soft underbelly – strengthened their title credentials by overcoming adversity and picking up a vital win in one of Spain's toughest away trips.

The Catalans got off to the worst possible start, conceding after just six minutes and seeing their talismanic Pole sent off for a flying challenge on Garcia after just 31 minutes.

Substitute Gerard Pique – playing in his final ever game – also saw red at the break for his complaints to the match officials and it looked like being a long night for the Blaugrana.

But they came straight back into it after the break. Pedri fired home an equaliser just minutes into the second half before substitute Raphinha won it in the 85th minute with a flying header.

Barca now head into the World Cup break with top spot guaranteed – and that type of result will offer real belief that Xavi's side can bring the title back to the Camp Nou this season.

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  Winners

  Pedri:

  Barcelona were heading for a costly defeat at El Sadar until Pedri popped up with a vital equaliser on 48 minutes. The teenager netted for the third time in La Liga this season with a low strike that beat goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez and two of his defenders on the line. The goal gave Barca belief at the start of the second half and was the foundation for the 10 men to go on and take all three points.

  Raphinha:

  Barcelona's winning goal came from the head of Raphinha just minutes after the Brazil international had arrived from the bench. It was a great piece of improvisation from the forward and ensured Barca take home all three points. Raphinha's found life at little tough at Barca recently, struggling for goals and dropping out of the starting XI, but this strike and the result should do him the world of good.

  Barca's title hopes

  Barca were able to capitalise on Real Madrid's surprise defeat to Rayo Vallecano to move five points clear at the summit. Los Blancos can cut the gap on Thursday when they take on Cadiz, but Barca know they will be top of the piile heading into the World Cup no matter what happens at the Santiago Bernabeu. Xavi's side have endured a mixed campaign so far, particularly after an early exit from the Champions League, but this result is a big boost to their hopes of winning La Liga.

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  Losers

  Robert Lewandowski:

  Barcelona's top scorer had a night to forget after being handed his marching orders on the half-hour mark. The Poland international was booked for a poor challenge on Nacho Vidal after 11 minutes and then saw red after needlessly and purposely clattering into David Garcia. It was a crazy moment from Lewandowski and could have proved costly, particularly as Barca were already one down. The striker will now Barca's first game back after the World Cup, the small matter of a local derby against Espanyol.

  Sergio Busquets:

  The Barcelona captain had an awful start to the match that left the visitors a goal down and with a mountain to climb against spirited and quality opposition. Busquets gave up the corner from which Osasuna scored and also failed to mark David Garcia properly from the set-piece, allowing the midfielder to convert. The midfielder was also guilty of giving the ball away in dangerous areas, which led to another chance for Chimy Avila, and was too easily bullied off the ball. Barcelona waved goodbye to Gerard Pique last time out and, on this evidence, Busquets should not be too far behind.

  Gerard Pique:

  Pique was given an emotional send-off last time out on his final Camp Nou appearance, but his final ever match for the Catalan giants ended in ignominy at Osasuna. The defender was named on the bench for the game but ended up being sent-off at half-time, ensuring he had no chance of making a swansong appearance. Pique was clearly riled up at the break and walked onto the pitch to remonstrate with the match officials after seeing his team go 1-0 down and lose Lewandowski to a red card. The complaints did no good whatsoever with Pique also earning a red on the final outing of his career. To make matters worse, Xavi confirmed after the match that he would have come on if available.

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  Barcelona Ratings: Defence

  Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10): Was rooted to his line for the goal but tipped over a brilliant effort from Chimy Avila in the second half.

  Alejandro Balde (7/10): The teenage left-back started on the right again and had his hands full against Avila. Used his pace well and saw a decent shot fly wide.

  Andreas Christensen (6/10): Back in the starting XI after injury and did OK. Tired as the game went on and replaced on 75 minutes.

  Marcos Alonso (6/10): Deployed at center-back and will feel he should have had a free-kick after being clattered for the opening goal.

  Jordi Alba (7/10): A threat down the left and put some quality deliveries into the penalty area. Involved in the equaliser

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  Midfield

  Sergio Busquets (3/10): Poor showing from the captain who was careless in possession, beaten easily on the ball and looked a shadow of his usual self.

  Pedri (7/10): Got Barca back into the game with a low strike after good work from Jordi Alba.

  Frenkie de Jong (8/10): Did a good job in midfield and ended up central defence alongside Alonso after Christensen went off. Set up Raphinha for the winner with a gorgeous ball upfield.