Redknapp, Lo Celso, VAR, Magalhaes, Alderweireld + more

Well I have a selection bag for you now including Jamie Redknapp, Giovani Lo Celso, VAR, Gabriel Magalhaes and a spot of speculation over Philippe Coutinho, Toby Alderweireld, Nelson Semedo and Tanguy Ndombélé.

First up, injury prone ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp.

“I’m worried about that midfield if I’m honest, Lo Celso isn’t very good on the ball, West Ham could have a lot more of the ball in that area tonight”

On the subject of VAR, I have watched the first goal again and again and I simply can't see what David Moyes is talking about.

The ball doesn't touch Sanchez's arm, the spin of the ball doesn't change, which it would had he accidentally touched it.

Therefore, the goal was a good one and it was the right decision to allow it.

His pretence that West Ham have been harshly done is simply to take the heat off the players, manager mind games. Deflect the truth, create a hard done by story and everyone will centre on that instead of the problems.

That gives him breathing space, rather than having the fans on his back.

22-year-old (23 in December) Gabriel Magalhaes agent, Fernando Garcia, has previously confirmed that Arsenal, Everton and Napoli have made an offer for the Brazilian U-20 international (4 caps).

Both clubs have been waiting on Lille making a decision about his future.

Lille, like all French clubs apart from PSG need to sell by the end of the month. Napoli agreed a £19.92m (€22m - AUS$36.03m - US$24.76m) fee + £2.72m (€3m - AUS$4.91m - US$3.38m) in bonuses and Lille, like they do every window, have hung on until late in the window to see if anyone will pay more.

Everton also agreed a deal also but have not pursued it.

Spurs have been watching, waiting for time to wind down and for José Mourinho to assess our centre-backs. He has now had a few weeks to work with them and how he wants them to play.

Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth will be leaving have now made an offer for the centre-back. Eric Dier is an addition to the ranks really so there is a spot available.

For me that puts Toby Alderweireld under the microscope.

Alderweireld is wanted by Barcelona, who want Ndombélé to.

If both were included in a deal with Philippe Coutinho coming to Spurs plus cash or other players, then that would leave a hole in the defence for Magalhaes.

Is that why 31-year-old (32 next March) Belgian international Alderweireld has sat on the bench for both the two games and not been given any minutes at all?

Could a swap deal for Coutinho and Semedo, Alderweireld and Ndombélé be being negotiated?

If we sold Alderweireld that would at least raise some money to help resolve the right-back issue or pay for buying Magalhaes, for whom Spanish outlet Fichajes say Spurs have made a £27.16m (€30m- AUS$49.12m - US$33.76m) offer.

Gabriel Magalhaes is one of the best young left footed defenders in the world right now. He has made more successful tackles per min than Van Dijk, is dribbled past very low, doesn't concede fouls, he is fast.

My question is why would we start negotiating at £27m?

Does that sound like Daniel Levy to you?

If Napoli have agreed £22.64m including bonuses, all we would have to do is match that and offer the player better terms to be with a chance of signing him or offer better payment terms or slightly beat them on price.

The offer suggested seems to be over the top.

If it is true and I have grave doubts, then that figure must include and there must be a hefty chunk of add-ons, which are only payable if certain criteria are met, like winning the Premier League or Champions League.

There is plenty for you to think about.

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