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Rightly or wrongly, Mike Dean has developed a reputation for favouring Tottenham Hotspur.

Indeed, Dean is usually revered as one of the Premier League’s least partial referees simply because he seems to enjoy infuriating every team by equal measure. But over the years, accusations have grown that he’s got a soft spot for the Lilywhites, partly because of the exceptionally harsh treatment he usually reserves for their bitter rivals Arsenal.

Accordingly, Gunners fans aren’t too happy that he’s been appointed for the North London derby this weekend, and the statistics suggest those concerns are justified. Despite his reputation, out of the 18 referees to officiate in the Premier League this season, Dean has ranked in the bottom seven for fouls per tackle and fouls per game – and that would seem to benefit the visitors more.

Indeed, the difference between Arsenal and Spurs for tackles and fouls this season is minimal, 0.4 and 0.7 respectively, but it will likely be Tottenham who set up to do the majority of defending on Saturday – not only are they the away side but they’ve also shown real potency on the counter-attack this season.

That inevitably requires more tackles and more physical challenges than the opposition, something Dean is showing a surprising leniency towards this season. Likewise, whereas Arsenal have seen 15 yellow cards this term, Spurs have been issued just eleven – and Dean is currently averaging the third-most per game in the top flight. Clearly, the Gunners will have to show better discipline to avoid bookings this weekend.

On top of that, only one referee has overseen more away wins in the Premier League so far this season, while Dean’s ratio of 38% is only bettered by six of his colleagues.

That makes the three points Arsenal crave on Saturday the least likely result under the 49-year-old, the remaining 62% hinting that Spurs will leave the Emirates Stadium with at least a draw.

That being said, the idea of Dean favouring Tottenham remains a bit of a myth. He’s already overseen one Arsenal win this season, whereas the only Spurs match he’s refereed ended in a disappointing draw against Swansea City at Wembley.

Perhaps the worst thing Arsenal fans can do then, is give Dean an unnecessarily hostile reception.

If you’re thinking of taking charge of Liverpool on Football Manager 2018 then you would be mad to ignore the very impressive pool of potential wonderkids waiting in the wings of the first team.

Over the years Liverpool have produced some exciting talents, not least legends of the game like Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard, while we all know about the type of youngsters currently coming through the Anfield academy right now.

That will be one of your objectives when replacing Jurgen Klopp on FM18, to make use of the club’s youth academy and bring through the youngsters you think can make the step up to the first team.

We’ve identified 11 potential wonderkids in Liverpool’s youth teams that with the right training and development, could become world class superstars.

Take note of this lot and see whether you can continue Liverpool’s proud tradition of trusting in youth…

Curtis Jones

Age: 16

Position: AM(C), M (C)

Nation: England

Value: £4.5k

Asking Price: £6.75m

Joe Gomez

Age: 20

Position(s): D (RLC)

Nation: England

Value: £10.75m

Asking Price:£61m

Conor Masterson

Age: 18

Position: D(C), DM

Nation: Ireland

Value: £42.5k

Asking Price: £10.25m

Rhian Brewster

Age: 17

Position: ST (C), AM (RLC)

Nation: England

Value: £150k

Asking Price: £13m

Paul Glatzel

Age: 16

Position: AM (C), M (C), ST (C)

Nation: England

Value: £27k

Asking Price: £3.2m

Harry Wilson

Age: 20

Position: AM (RL), AM (C)

Nation: Wales

Value: £925k

Asking Price: £34.5m

Ryan Kent

Age: 20

Position: M/AM (RL)

Nation: England

Value: £7.75m

Asking Price: £64m

Edvard Tagseth

Age: 16

Position: M/AM (C)

Nation: Norway

Value: £85k

Asking Price: £650k

Ben Woodburn

Age: 17

Position: AM (LC), ST (C)

Nation: Wales

Value: £2.7m

Asking Price: £68m

Glen McAuley

Age: 17

Position: ST (C)

Nation: Ireland

Value: £50k

Asking Price: £7m

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Age: 18

Position: D/WB (R) DM, M (RC)

Nation: England

Value: £4.3m

Asking Price: £82m

Southampton played out a 1-1 draw with Arsenal at St Mary’s on Sunday, and Saints fans were impressed with Jack Stephens’ performance on a rare start.

The south coast outfit took the lead in the third minute when Charlie Austin scored his fourth goal in his last three starts, but Mauricio Pellegrino’s men failed to hold on as substitute Olivier Giroud headed in an equaliser two minutes from time.

Despite making 24 first-team appearances for Saints last season in the absence of Virgil van Dijk through injury and starting their first four Premier League games this term, the 23-year-old hadn’t played at all since the defeat against Watford in September.

However, he started at right-back against the Gunners in the absence of the injured Cedric Soares, and he put in a composed display against Alexis Sanchez.

Southampton supporters were quick to have their say on his showing via social media, and while one said he was the “MOTM for me”, another said he was “an absolute joy to watch”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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According to reports in Italian media outlet Il Messaggero, via Sport Witness, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes that Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could be the ideal replacement for Marouane Fellaini if the Belgian leaves Old Trafford.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Il Masseggero, via Sport Witness, say that a Red Devils scout watched the 22-year-old midfielder in action in his side’s Serie A match against Sampdoria on Sunday, and he certainly would have been impressed with what he saw as the Serbia international scored the equaliser, before his driving run and cut-back eventually fell to Felipe Caicedo to net the winner in a 2-1 victory.

Il Masseggero, via Sport Witness, adds that Lazio aren’t willing to sell the 6ft 4in player on the cheap though, and could demand around €100m (approximately £88.4m right now) if they are to sell the midfielder.

The report adds that while a deal is unlikely in January, the Serie A outfit could struggle to hold on to one of their key players next summer.

How has Milinkovic-Savic done this season?

The Spanish-born player has been a regular in the Lazio side and has chipped in with five goals and a further two assists in 18 appearances in all competitions.

While the majority of his outings have come in a central midfield spot, the 22-year-old has also played in a more attacking central role while he even played as a No 10 in the Supercoppa Italiana final against Juventus back in August.

Would he be a good Fellaini replacement?

He certainly would be.

The Serbia international has proven that he is versatile and can make a big impact at both ends of the pitch – much like the big Belgian – while the fact that he stands at 6ft 4in tall shows he has the strength and physicality to be a success in the often robust Premier League.

According to Squawka, Milinkovic-Savic has made 14 interceptions and 12 clearances in 13 Serie A appearances this season, while he has shown his ability in the air by winning 30 aerial duels and his skill on the ball by successfully completing 24 of the 41 take-ons he has attempted.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, there is little doubt that the 22-year-old could be the perfect Fellaini replacement, but his high price tag could be a problem for Manchester United given that he hasn’t actually achieved too much in his career so far.

If Cristiano Ronaldo ever signed for Newcastle United, the football world would probably have a meltdown.

No disrespect to the Magpies, of course, but it is hugely unlikely that the North-East outfit could convince a five-time Ballon d’Or winner to hop over to St James’ Park from Real Madrid.

It seems, though, that Ronaldo is considering a transfer this summer judging by recent media reports.

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On Friday, The Guardian reported that Italian giants Juventus are confident that they will land the global superstar’s signature.

The former Manchester United hero is believed to have agreed a four-year contract with the Turin-based outfit.

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Over the weekend, the five-time Champions League winner dropped a massive hint that he could be on the verge of a move to Turin after an update was made on his website.

The Independent claimed that the online page selling Ronaldo’s CR7-branded underwear range changed banners to show black and white stripes – the colours associated with Juventus.

Let’s not forget, though, that the strip is also adopted by Newcastle, and some of their fans jumped to conclusions thinking that Ronaldo is on his way to St James’ Park.

It is far to assume, though, that the majority of these tweets were posted in jest.

The future of Lille midfielder Thiago Maia is unsure, with the Brazilian said to be keen on leaving his French club in this summer’s transfer window.

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Newcastle United have been strongly linked with a move, but there have been a lot of contrasting reports surrounding the defensive midfielder’s future in recent days.

Indeed, The Chronicle have claimed that Maia, who could replace Mikel Merino in the middle of the park, is not currently a target for Newcastle, but a number of publications – including Le 10 Sport – are linking the Magpies with a move for the 21-year-old.

Maia joined Lille from Brazilian outfit Santos in July 2017, and made 37 appearances in all competitions for his Ligue 1 club during the 2017-18 campaign.

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The midfielder has also previously been linked with a move to Liverpool, although the Reds have not been credited with an interest since April.

The Newcastle fans have been airing their views on the transfer speculation surrounding Maia, and it would be fair to say that the majority are confused when it comes to a potential deal.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Newcastle supporters can be seen below:

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest target Britt Assombalona will be sold if they meet Middlesbrough’s £15million valuation, according to The Sun as cited in Leeds Live.

What’s the story?

The 25-year-old striker joined Boro last summer from Nottingham Forest for £15million and the lethal finisher had a flying start to the season under Garry Monk but wasn’t favoured so much by new manager Tony Pulis.

He made 34 appearances over the course of the season, scoring 15 goals.

He has been linked this summer with a move back to the City Ground and Leeds are reportedly also interested in a move, but Boro boss Tony Pulis has said they want to recoup all of the £15million the club spent last summer on the striker.

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Is he worth it?

£15million is a substantial sum for a player who is very good at Championship level but has never progressed beyond that.

Has this been the best World Cup ever? Tell us here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

He does guarantee goals and at 25 could still improve but with Leeds currently relying on loan signings and Forest already having done a lot of transfer business this summer, it seems unlikely that this transfer will come to fruition.

Mexico’s World Cup star Hirving Lozano has emerged as a transfer target for a number of clubs this summer, including Manchester United and Arsenal.

The 22-year-old only moved to PSV Eindhoven a year ago but had a stunning season, scoring 17 goals and assisting eight in 29 games.

He then came to global prominence in Mexico’s first World Cup game where he scored the decisive goal in a famous 1-0 win against Germany.

Lozano, known as “Chucky” in Mexico, is valued at £27million on Transfermarkt but it is likely the Dutch club will demand much more following his impressive World Cup.

Along with his goal against Germany, he registered an assist for Javier Hernandez’s goal against South Korea.

In the four games Mexico were in the tournament, Lozano, who is nicknamed Chucky back home in Mexico, made six key passes and won an impressive 14 fouls.

He was a general nuisance for opposition defenders and was a constant threat with his lightning pace and great technical ability.

If he does indeed make a move to the Premier League, he would likely get more time at Arsenal who are lacking any wide men, whereas Manchester United are blessed with options in wide attacking positions.

Newcastle are set to finalise a season-long loan deal for West Brom striker Salomon Rondon, with the Magpies’ striker Dwight Gayle going the other way, according to The Daily Mail.

What’s the story?

With Sky Sports reporting that Aleksandar Mitrovic is in London to finalise his £22m move to Fulham, Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez will finally be able to complete a deal for the Serbian striker’s replacement, Salomon Rondon.

The 28-year-old netted seven goals and provided three assists last season as West Brom were relegated from the Premier League. While these may not be the most amazing numbers, Rondon also acts as a crucial focal point for his side and is able to bully defenders to hold the ball up – exactly what Benitez is looking for from his main man.

For Dwight Gayle though, it looks as though his career at St James’ Park could be over, or at least will be for the next year or so. The pacy striker made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring six goals in the process, but the arrival of Yoshinori Muto for £9.5m will push him down the pecking order even further.

Who’s getting the better deal?

Despite the process being instigated by Newcastle, if West Brom boss Darren Moore is able to secure the signing of Gayle in return for Rondon it could be a fantastic piece of business from the man who many questioned about making the jump from being a coach to a manager.

Gayle almost guarantees goals in the Championship, having scored 13 for a struggling Peterborough side in 2012/13 and a massive 23 in 32 games for Newcastle in 2016/17 as they were promoted to the Premier League.

Rondon departing the club would mean that West Brom’s striking options would be limited to just Hal Robson-Kanu and Jay Rodriguez. Whilst the big Venezuelan striker has been a great servant to the Baggies, Gayle could be the man needed to fire them straight back up to the Premier League at the first attempt.

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According to the Nottingham Post, Nottingham Forest have not given up hope of signing right-back Sam Byram on loan from West Ham this summer.

What’s the story?

Forest boss Aitor Karanka has so far added 10 players to his squad, including the record signing of Joao Carvalho for £13m from Benfica, in the hope that the Reds can challenge for promotion to the Premier League.

The Sun reported as far back as June that Byram was set to join Forest on loan, but a deal has yet to materialise for the Englishman. West Ham paid over £4m to sign Byram from Leeds in January 2016 but the promising youngster has failed to fulfil his potential.

Now 24 years old, Byram made only 10 senior appearances last season for the Hammers and with the arrival of Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer from Fulham he will be pushed further down the pecking order at the London Stadium.

However, he may not be the most exciting right-back option available for Nottingham Forest fans this summer.

Aina could be the man

Chelsea’s 21-year-old full-back Ola Aina spent last season on loan in the Championship with Hull City and helped the Tigers avoid relegation, keeping 12 clean sheets in the process.

The youngster made 44 league appearances in what was his first taste of senior football and provided three assists as he linked up with Hull attacks. With pace to burn and a year’s experience of Championship football under his belt, Aina could be the perfect signing for Karanka’s revolution.

Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to be first choice for the Blues next season, with Davide Zappacosta and Victor Moses fighting to be back-up. This means that Aina will surely spend another season as one of Chelsea’s many loanees and Forest should consider the Nigerian international as an alternative to Byram.

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