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West Bromwich Albion have a major problem. No one can say otherwise.

They haven’t ever been able to keep hold of their brightest and best academy hopefuls, and it’s through no fault of their own for the most part.

The most damning case has come back to centre stage once again.

Louie Barry left the club for the sunny sights of Barcelona in the summer, but less than six months later, he’s back in the Midlands and appears set to join local rivals Aston Villa – despite West Brom not receiving any fee for him yet.

The 16-year-old was widely regarded as one of Albion’s most highly-rated prospects to ever come through the system, but he was allowed to run down his deal and leave.

It’s happened before, and there are countless examples – Izzy Brown, Yan Dhanda, Jerome Sinclair, and even Nathan Ferguson could soon join this list.

But currently, there’s a like-for-like situation brewing in the youth team right now with Rayhaan Tulloch attracting interest from the top-flight.

A whole host of Premier League clubs have scouted him this season – the worst part of it all is, he’s out of contract in the summer too.

The 19-year-old frontman has scored seven goals in 12 matches for the U23s in the Premier League 2, with him adding two to his tally on Monday night against Sunderland.

Across both levels of youth football, Tulloch has managed to bag 33 goals in 82 appearances, all whilst playing an array of positions in the front three, per Transfermarkt.

This is all too similar to Barry, who netted hatfuls for England U15s and U16s, according to an article by Goal.

Albion had offered him a new deal, but the lure of Barcelona was all too much, highlighting that something has got to change in the near future.

How much do you remember about football in 2019? Our quiz will test your knowledge…

West Brom need to be an attractive prospect for any rising star, whether that is financial terms, the opportunity to play in the first-team or playing at the highest level remains to be seen, but you’d imagine a combination of the above would do the trick.

That falls into sporting director Luke Dowling’s hands. If he doesn’t act soon, Tulloch will be just another Barry that slipped through the net.

And in other news, Slaven Bilic could be taking a big risk by landing this relegation specialist…

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West Ham are reportedly eyeing a deal for tough tackling Chilean international Gary Medel, and it might just be Manuel Pellegrini’s smartest Hammers’ coup yet.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports, West Ham are interested in Medel, and club officials will travel to Turkey in the coming days to discuss a deal for the Besiktas ace.

Medel, who has Premier League experience with Cardiff City, is viewed as a replacement for the injured Carlos Sanchez.

The 31 year-old can play as a defensive midfielder or centre back, and has racked up 114 caps for Chile.

Why do they need him?

The Hammers are on their best run of Premier League form since February 2014, winning four games in a row and scoring 11 goals in those four games.

While Pellegrini’s side are now up to ninth in the table, they have conceded 25 goals in 17 games, and the lack of a proper defensive midfielder is the major reason why.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below...

Jack Wilshere is expected to miss the majority of the season while Sanchez is  out long-term with a knee injury, and an injury to one of Fabian Balbuena or Issa Diop would leave things light as the back as well.

Medel can play both positions, and his experience, versatility and downright fearlessness will be a huge addition to the Hammers’ squad.

What is he good at?

Medel has earned a reputation for mean tackling, and it’s a reputation he is most certainly living up to this season, averaging 2.7 tackles per game for Besiktas, with seven yellow cards already this campaign.

He is also a very underrated passer, creating 0.5 chances per game and completing 89 per cent of his overall passes.

The 31 year-old can play multiple positions, has Premier League, European and International experience, and will add another leader to a West Ham squad that is growing in skill and confidence.

So, West Ham fans, would you back a move for Medel? Let us know your thought by voting in the poll below…

It has been a poor start to the season for Everton and, while it is still early into his tenure at Goodison Park, Marco Silva is already coming under criticism.

And one of his most vocal critics so far has been the father of Nikola Vlasic.

The Breakdown

Vlasic has been loaned out to Russian side CSKA Moscow for the season, and the Croatian’s father, Yoshko Vlasic, has since hit out at Silva for sanctioning the move.

“Marco Silva is under enormous pressure because he loaned Nikola out,” Vlasic told Novilist (via HITC).

“Many fans and pundits believe Everton have big problems in midfield and Nikola is the player they need. Vlasic told Silva before leaving he considered himself the best midfielder in the team. The manager made a big mistake.”

Capable of playing in midfield and attack, by no means has Vlasic been the worst signing Everton have made in recent seasons.

However, Silva and director of football Marcel Brands’ recruitment drive in the summer that saw the likes of Richarlison, Bernard and Andre Gomes arrive at Goodison Park has seen Vlasic’s role in the squad become redundant — and rightly so.

In this moment of time, the Croatia international is not of the same ability as the trio and he has not shown anything in an Everton shirt to suggest otherwise.

In contrast to what his father believes, the Toffees have made the correct call in loaning Vlasic to CSKA Moscow.

All football fans want their clubs to secure a marquee signing during the summer transfer, and if Liverpool bring in Paulo Dybala from Juventus, he will certainly fit in that category.

The attacking star had an impressive season for the Italian giants by scoring 24 goals, 22 of which were in Serie A, as well as seven assists in all competitions.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Reds are considering making an offer for the Argentina international.

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Doubts have arisen over Dybala’s future in Turin due to rumours that the club could be making a sensational move for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jurgen Klopp has plenty of attacking talent at his disposal at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane sharing the goal burden.

It is safe to say that the arrival of Dybala would take the Reds to the next level, and would make their attack even deadlier than it is.

Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

With that being said, is a transfer even a realistic possibility due to the likelihood that Juventus will be demanding a world-record fee?

We asked you if Liverpool could get a deal over the line, and a small majority polled think that it is possible.

Some Manchester United fans generally do not welcome criticism from ex-Liverpool players, and on this occasion, plenty have hit back at one former Red for his comments about Jose Mourinho.

Graeme Souness, who played and managed Liverpool during his career, has claimed that United made the wrong choice in appointing Mourinho last summer.

Under the Portuguese coach, the team’s playing style and particular results in the Premier League attracted criticism.

United did not have the most positive of domestic seasons as they finished sixth in the standings, but they did end the campaign with two trophies – the League Cup and Europa League.

In addition, winning the second tiered European competition resulted in automatic qualification to the group stages of this season’s Champions League.

Souness, though, has not been convinced by the former Chelsea boss. He told Yahoo Sport.

“I didn’t think Mourinho was right for United and I said that from day one. Because Guardiola was coming in an Manchester City, the people making decisions at Old Trafford felt compelled to go and get a big name manager and they ended up with Jose.

“He has taken on a very difficult job at United and struggled to find his find his best eleven last season, if he ever found it. A big concern for me that their best player for most of last season was a 35-year-old in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with 35-year-old Michael Carrick also one of the top performers.

“Mourinho is used to winning league titles and finishing where he did last season in the Premier League will not be acceptable, but it won’t be easy to put it right.”

As expected, not many United fans agreed with Souness’s sentiments, and they were quick to discredit him on Twitter.

Arsenal players are concerned that their teammate Alexis Sanchez could be on his way out of the club, according to The Mirror.

What’s the word?

The contract situation surrounding Sanchez and teammate Mesut Ozil has regularly been reported on in the press over the past few months.

Both players come to the end of their current deals at the end of next season, and manager Arsene Wenger has publicly stated numerous times that talks are ongoing between the pair.

As it stands, neither have signed on the dotted line, which has naturally caused some fans to worry that Arsenal could lose their star duo.

The Mirror is reporting that not only are the fans concerned, but members of the Arsenal squad are also biting their nails.

The national newspaper has stated that some of Sanchez’s teammates think that the Chile international has not signed on the dotted line because he has already received an offer from elsewhere.

Those fears were apparently fuelled when Sanchez was allegedly furious with his teammates for celebrating when they came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday night.

Olivier Giroud netted the equaliser and sparked criticism among fans when he performed a scorpion kick celebration, even though he had rescued just a single point.

Has Sanchez already decided to leave?

It is unlikely that the former Barcelona man has opted to cut ties with Arsenal just yet, despite contract talks being dragged out.

In most of these cases, prolonged negotiations centre around money, and considering Sanchez’s form this season – netting 15 goals in all competitions so far – he is likely to be demanding a big hike in wages.

The 28-year-old is vital to Arsene Wenger’s team, so he knows that he is in the driving seat with regards to contract talks.

The fact that the big boys in China can offer Sanchez staggering salaries puts pressure on the Gunners to meet the Chilean’s demands, and it remains to be seen if they do so.

As for his alleged anger towards his teammates for celebrating Tuesday’s draw, that could innocently be down to his passion for the game.

It is widely known that Sanchez hates to miss a single minute of football, even when he has flown half way across the world on international duty, so for Arsenal to concede three goals in the manner that they did, would have frustrated the prolific forward.

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Gazetta World have managed to get Tottenham Hotspur fans looking up with interest here in the Football Transfer Tavern as they seem to think that Roma could well make a move for Erik Lamela.

The creative star has suffered from a torrid time and lack of form since his move to England, and we think a move away could well be what he needs and with Roma willing to bring him back to the club, it could be a deal that goes through before deadline day.

As one of our regulars quips over a couple of games of pool, we think that the player could well leave and after showing a lack of consistent form in north London, few Spurs fans would miss the player who they seem to think was a big waste of money and total flop.

Spurs fans. Would you like to see Lamela leave? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!

Manchester United are weighing up a January move for Bayer Leverkusen’s £20m-rated defender Jonathan Tah with Newcastle United interested.

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• Man Utd want Jonathan Tah
• Newcastle and West Ham also interested
• Defender rated at £20m

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After losing many defenders to injuries throughout the season, Erik ten Hag is searching for defensive reinforcements. Manchester United may face competition too, as West Ham and Newcastle United are just two of the European teams who have been attracted to the Germany international after his spectacular start to the season. Tah is valued at £20 million (€22m/$24m) according to but considering the demand for a player in his prime, Leverkusen should definitely anticipate receiving a higher offer if they decide to let him leave.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tah has been a standout player in Leverkusen's stellar start to the season, which has seen them lead the Bundesliga. Tah's loss would be incredibly disappointing for Xabi Alonso's team, who also enjoy an undefeated record in the Europa League. This season, the imposing defender has already scored four goals and missed only one game across all competitions. There are little over 18 months left on the 6'5" centre-back's deal, so the German team may feel pressured to cash in if major bids come in January.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  After joining Leverkusen in 2015, the 27-year-old has made over 300 appearances for the team and has earned 19 caps for Germany since making his debut there in 2016.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TAH?

  Tah is currently with the German national team as they look to take on Turkey and Austria before he rejoins Xabi Alonso's side for their clash against Werder Bremen on November 25.

Aitana Bonmati has claimed the Women’s World Cup Golden Ball for champions Spain, with Mary Earps and Hinata Miyazawa other big winners.

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La Roja take the ultimate prizeCollect two individual awardsLionesses keeper recognisedGettyGOLDEN BALL

What a season it has been for Barcelona midfielder Bonmati. After helping to deliver Liga F and Champions League glory at club level in 2022-23, she has now gone on to inspire a World Cup triumph. The classy 25-year-old was constantly pulling the strings for Spain in Australia and New Zealand, with the Catalan native able to make the game look so easy.

She appeared to be playing a different sport to her international rivals at times, with three goals recorded from the middle of the park. The first of those came in a group stage opener against Costa Rica, before then bagging a brace in a 5-1 demolition of Switzerland in the last 16. Bonmati starred for Spain throughout and must now be considered a leading contender for the 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin.

AdvertisementGettyBEST YOUNG PLAYER

Teenage forward Salma Paralluelo was trusted with leading the line for Spain in their final showdown with England. The 19-year-old embraced the pressure being lumped onto her young shoulders as she posed the Lionesses all kinds of problems with her movement and pacey runs in behind. The Barcelona starlet was rightly recognised as the hottest prospect at the Women’s World Cup, as she took the Best Young Player award, with crucial late goals being recorded in quarter-final and semi-final clashes with the Netherlands and Sweden respectively.

GettyGOLDEN BOOT

Japan enjoyed a memorable run to the quarter-finals, having stunned eventual champions Spain 4-0 at one stage to top their group. Miyazawa was the undoubted star of the show for the Asian heavyweights as she netted five times in total. Two of those efforts came in an opening 5-0 win over Zambia, with another brace recorded in the aforementioned giant-killing of Spain. The 23-year-old midfielder, who plays her club football for Mynavi Sendai, was also on target in a 3-1 victory over Norway in the last-16 – allowing her to walk away with the top-scorer prize.

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GettyGOLDEN GLOVE

It was not to be for England as they fell narrowly short in a bid to secure a historic global crown, but the Lionesses can be extremely proud of their efforts. The reigning European Champions suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Women’s World Cup final, but Manchester United goalkeeper Earps kept them in that contest when saving a second-half penalty. She landed the Golden Glove on the back of keeping three clean sheets in the tournament and being a reliable last line of defence for England.

How have football stars such as Paulo Dybala, Mikel Arteta and Paolo Maldini been affected by the virus?

The coronavirus pandemic has swept the world and a number of footballers have been confirmed as having contracted it, forcing leagues everywhere to a standstill.

As well-paid athletes, elite-level footballers are ostensibly in a much better position to fight off the virus, but some have reported feeling serious pain and being scared.

There are a few commonly reported symptoms, but those who are asymptomatic can also be carriers and unknowingly spread it.

Some of the main symptoms include:

• Fever 
• Tiredness 
• Dry cough 
• Loss of smell & taste
• Aches & pains
• Sore throat

Goal takes a look at some of the symptoms and experiences reported by footballers who contracted the coronavirus.

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  Mikel Arteta | Arsenal

  Symptoms: temperature, dry cough, chest pain

  Arteta explained: "In terms of symptoms, it was a normal virus for me. I had three or four days which were a little bit difficult, with a bit of a temperature and a dry cough, and some discomfort in my chest. That was it."

  'That's when the fear comes' – Arteta details coronavirus experience

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  Callum Hudson-Odoi | Chelsea

  Symptoms: "similar to a mild cold"

  Chelsea and England star Hudson-Odoi recovered from the virus after spending a week-long period in self-isolation. The winger reported symptoms "similar to a mild cold".

  Hudson-Odoi reveals he has recovered from coronavirus symptoms

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  Daniele Rugani | Juventus

  Symptoms: mild fever

  Rugani tested positive for the virus, but was ostensibly asymptomatic. In a message posted on his Twitter page, he said: "You will have read the news and that's why I want to reassure all those who are worrying about me, I'm fine."

  His girlfriend Michela Persico told: "Daniele recorded three mild fever lines, he was at a temperature of 37.5.

  "He asked to be checked and, the next day, the test was positive, but he already had no fever, nor did he have or had a cough or something else. So we didn't expect it. We don't have a clue how the infection happened."

  Juventus defender Rugani tests positive for coronavirus

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  Luca Kilian | Paderborn

  Symptoms: sore throat, fever, headache

  "On March 12 I had the first of my hot flushes and a day later they were really strong. Fever and strong shivers. It was then I started being really scared for the first time," Kilian told .

  The player added: "It took four days for the fever to drop, and after that I felt better every day.

  "I'm a sportsman and in form, but I had to fight a lot against the virus. For the people who already have health issues, it could put their life in danger."