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Tottenham Hotspur defender Emerson Royal has been torn into on Sky Sports News following his involvement in the big VAR talking point on Sunday.

Why wasn’t Hakim Ziyech sent off?

The main talking point of the London derby on Sunday was the mess created towards the end of the first half by the officials in deciding whether or not Hakim Ziyech would be sent off.

Stuart Attwell showed the Moroccan a red card after minutes of deliberation following the forward’s push on Emerson which caught the Brazilian in the face.

However, the red card was then taken back by Attwell just seconds after he delivered it following a review on the VAR monitor.

Having agreed with the referee’s final decision, Steven Warnock has slammed Emerson for exaggerating the push from Ziyech when speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch:

(7:30) “I thought was embarrassing from Emerson Royal. I was so angry when I saw it because I’m thinking you’re on VAR now everyone can see what you’re doing. To go down off that.. so he instigates the whole thing by running in banging into the back of Ziyech if it was the other way around and Ziyech had run in and done that on Royal, he’d have hit the deck.”

“And the way he hit the deck I’m thinking what are you trying to instigate? Like why would you even try and do that? I thought it was pathetic from Emerson Royal.

“I was made up it got overturned because straightaway I thought you’ve tried to kid on the ref here, but everyone can see it’s so obvious. I was furious. I cannot stand when players do that.”

Should Ziyech have been sent off?

Ziyech was in the middle of the controversy having been involved in the foul leading up to the pushing which saw him hit with a yellow card.

However, it was Kai Havertz who received a warning for the foul with the German the first player to foul Richarlison before Ziyech took him to the ground.

But there will still be controversy as to whether Ziyech’s red card should have been rescinded by the referee with his push catching Emerson in the face.

There is no doubt the push did not have the force to send Emerson to the ground, however, it was apparent the Brazilian was emphasising the fact he’d been caught by a raised hand.

What saved Ziyech is that his push was seemingly destined for Emerson’s upper body before being deflected up into his face.

A lot of Spurs fans may accept this, but the time it took for Attwell to come to his final verdict is something which will surely frustrate fans across the league.

And whether or not there was enough in the push from Ziyech to send Emerson to the ground, it is apparent the Spurs man was wanting the officials to know that Ziyech had raised his hand to him.

Although Warnock was clearly not impressed with Emerson’s involvement, everyone at Spurs will have been delighted by his latest display in the starting XI.

Throughout the game, Emerson won 13 duels, recorded seven tackles and was able to recover the ball on nine occasions.

This is a far cry from the player who was being booed onto the pitch by his own fans just a matter of months ago.

Manchester United are reportedly willing to offer €130m for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.

The Lowdown: Camavinga profiled

Camavinga made the move to the Bernabeu back in 2021 from Rennes and has gone on to make 79 appearances for the Spanish giants.

Still just 20 years of age, the France international can play as a holding or central midfielder and actually shares the same agency as United left-back Luke Shaw.

He has already won seven major honours during his career, including the Champions League, and has been hailed as ‘spectacular’ by Carlo Ancelotti.

The Latest: United interest

Defensa Central shared a transfer update in the last 48 hours regarding United and Camavinga.

The report states that the Red Devils are willing to offer €130m (£115m) for Camavinga after missing out on his services to Madrid back in 2021, but those at the Bernabeu view the player as non-transferable.

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The Verdict: Club record

A deal in that region would be a club record at Old Trafford, however, it looks as if United chiefs face an uphill task to bring the Frenchman to Manchester.

Reports have suggested that the club have made a new midfielder and forward a priority, so Camavinga would seemingly fit the bill and you’d expect he still has plenty of room for improvement before reaching his prime.

The Real Madrid young star has actually outperformed Marcel Sabitzer, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Fred this season, as per WhoScored, so may represent a long-term upgrade in the middle of the pitch, however, a transfer could prove unlikely given Madrid’s current stance.

Manchester United are one of the many European clubs who are following the Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos ahead of the summer transfer window.

What is Goncalo Ramos’ release clause?

The Red Devils are in need of a new striker in the summer with Wout Weghorst currently Erik ten Hag’s main option in the middle of his forward line.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed United have sent their scouts to monitor Ramos ahead of the summer as they look to bring in their next number nine.

However, they may face some competition if they are to pursue Ramos who will not come cheap with Romano suggesting he has a €120m (£106m) release clause in his contract.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist has shone some light on the interest coming from Old Trafford in the 21-year-old:

“Manchester United scouts have been following the player for a really long time. They really appreciate Goncalo Ramos, he’s one of many players they are tracking. But it’s important to say the Benfica position – Benfica love the player, they want to keep him.

“But there is a release clause. The release clause is there. It’s going to be valid in the summer 100% and it’s €120m release clause for Goncalo Ramos – the same as Enzo Fernandez – so let’s see what happens.”

Would Goncalo Ramos be a good fit for Man United?

One thing which has been apparent this season is the Red Devils’ reliance on Marcus Rahford in front of goal with the Englishman by far their highest goalscorer this season.

So bringing in a player in the summer who is able to take some of the pressure off Rashford’s shoulders is critical but without hindering the 25-year-old’s output.

The Portuguese striker is enjoying a fantastic campaign in front of goal for Benfica having already netted 15 goals in his 19 league appearances as well as another eight in other competitions (via Transfermarkt).

However, what is interesting to see is Benfica play in a similar style to Ten Hag’s United with three behind the lone striker.

And despite Ramos having scored 15 goals in the league alone, the players around him have not suffered with winger Joao Mario also 14 in the league and a further six in other competitions.

In addition, David Neres has netted 10 in all competitions and Rafa has also returned Benfica with 12 goals across all competitions.

With this in mind, the 21-year-old could not only provide United with a long-term option in attack but it does seem as if his success does not limit the output of the players around him.

In comparison to reported target Harry Kane, Ramos has offered fewer shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, however, the Portuguese star is eight years younger than the England captain.

However, if the pair are both expected to cost in the region of £100m, it will be interesting to see whether United would be open to taking a risk with a player who could offer them more years in return compared to Kane.

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a potential move for Napoli and Mexico winger Hirving Lozano this summer.

The Lowdown: Attackers wanted

Newcastle are in the market for new attackers in the summer, having recently been linked with the likes of Liverpool winger Diogo Jota and Reims striker Folarin Balogun, who is on loan from Arsenal.

Despite sitting in sixth place in the Premier League table, they are only the 10th highest scorers, and with their defensive record so good, the forward line is the area that they will likely want to strengthen first come the next transfer window.

The Latest: Lozano interest

As per Italian news outlet Il Mattino, the St. James’ Park outfit are one of a number of clubs ‘interested’ in signing Lozano this summer, with both Arsenal and Chelsea also thought to be in the mix.

The Mexico international would ‘accept’ a move to the Premier League, should Napoli sanction his sale.

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The Verdict: Get it done

Lozano boasts plenty of high-level experience at the age of just 27, as he has played 372 games at club level and also boasts 63 senior caps for his country (Transfermarkt).

In those matches, he has managed an impressive 129 goals, mainly operating from the wings.

Hailed as a player with ‘unique quality’ by his Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti, Lozano would add a different dynamic to the Magpies’ attack for next season, and it would be a real coup to sign him ahead of high-flying Arsenal and ‘big six’ club Chelsea.

Journalist Santi Aouna says that Mohamed Salah is ‘open to leaving Liverpool’ in the summer.

The Lowdown: Conflicting reports

It was reported earlier this month that Salah remains ‘fully committed’ to Liverpool, and the Merseyside club the same to him.

This comes after links emerged over a potential move for Salah to French giants PSG this summer, amid doubts over the futures of attacking trio Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Football Insider have also previously claimed that FSG could be willing to cash in on Salah, who could attract a vast transfer fee for them, and talks have already taken place within the club over a potential big-name sale.

The Latest: Salah ‘open to leaving’

Taking to Twitter, Aouna has now reported that Salah is actually ‘open to leaving’ the Reds, and if he were to exit Anfield, he would favour a move to Spain:

“The Egyptian striker is open to leaving Liverpool this summer.

“In case of departure, Salah favours Spain.”

Expanding in his corresponding article for Foot Mercato, the journalist notes that Salah only extended his contract with Jurgen Klopp’s team last year until June 2025, and he can see himself joining another ‘major’ club in Europe, with Spain thought to be his preferred destination at this particular moment in time.

The Verdict: Keep him at all costs

Salah may not be having his best campaign so far in terms of numbers by his usual standards, with just 11 goals in the Premier League, but his record in terms of goals and assists outside of this season for Liverpool is simply outstanding (Transfermarkt).

The ‘Egyptian King’ as he is nicknamed by Reds fans in their beloved chant of him has played a key part in wining the club both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League in recent seasons, and create a number memorable moments along the way.

Of course, the Merseysiders are in danger of missing out on the Champions League this campaign given their league position, which would make it harder to keep Salah beyond this summer, but they simply cannot afford to lose a player so key to them at this moment in time.

Nonetheless, it will no doubt be interesting to see how this story develops over the next few months or so, given the conflicting reports of Salah’s commitment, or lack of, to the club, and the fact that he will only have two years left remaining on his contract.

Liverpool are maintaining their interest in flourishing forward Randal Kolo Muani, who has been a clinical presence for Eintracht Frankfurt this season.

What's the latest on Randal Kolo Muani to Liverpool?

According to recent reports from Spain, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is considering a replacement for Roberto Firmino, who has confirmed his departure from the club at the end of the season, and Kolo Muani has indeed been touted as the prime target.

The French forward is reportedly available for €100m (£88m), according to L'Equipe (via the Metro), and while such exorbitant demands would be unlikely to be met by Liverpool, prospects of a move might solidify should the price be whittled down.

Liverpool signed Darwin Núñez for a club-record £85m in the summer, while dynamic attacker Cody Gakpo joined the fray this winter for £35m, but with the Merseyside outfit languishing outside the top-four and unable to add to the Community Shield in silverware this term, Kolo Muani might well be the conclusive piece of the puzzle.

Who could Kolo Muani replace at Liverpool?

While the aforementioned reports from Spain state that the 24-year-old could be the ideal Firmino replacement, he would likely flourish as the heir to Sadio Mane's throne, the Senegalese phenom joining German champions Bayern Munich in the summer for roughly £35m.

As per FBref, Mane is listed as a comparable player to the Frankfurt gem, who ranks among the top 3% of forwards for rate of assists, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, which would only enhance the robustness of Liverpool's collective attack, Kolo Muani driving at the heart of opposition back-lines with venom.

He is the prolific presence to work in tandem with the imperious Mohamed Salah on the right flank, with the six-cap Frenchman scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists from 32 appearances for his German Bundesliga outfit this season.

Hailed as a “top-class talent” by journalist Zach Lowy, Kolo Muani certainly mirrors many of the superlative qualities of the 30-year-old Mane, who ranks among the top 3% of forwards for progressive carries, the top 9% for successful take-ons, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 3% for shot-creating actions.

Praised as "brutal" and a "machine" by Klopp, Mane was integral in Liverpool's recent success since arriving from divisional rivals Southampton for £34m in 2016, scoring 120 goals and serving 48 assists from 269 appearances, winning a plethora of major honours including, notably, the Premier League and Champions League.

For such a dynamic attacking outlet, Klopp might be wise to throw everything at clinching a deal; the price might be high, but with Kolo Muani in the fold, Liverpool could create a lasting dynasty as Klopp's era at Anfield enters what feels like a new chapter.

Arsenal are thriving on the pitch of late, with Mikel Arteta's well-oiled machine seemingly cruising towards the Premier League title.

His side is easy on the eye, relentless in their work rate, and as such boast both one of the best attacks and the best defences in the division. Try as they may, Manchester City have a tough task on their hand usurping the Gunners as they enter the climax of the season.

This title charge has been a product of the culture shift at the Emirates, which their young Spanish boss instigated by ruthlessly offloading all who he deemed to be dead wood. Instead, he would replace them with young, hungry assets all with a point to prove; a point they are so emphatically making this season.

What makes things even more special around north London is that the squad is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the good work the club is doing, with many of their loanees thriving too.

One such example is Folarin Balogun, who has taken his opportunity to star in Ligue 1 with both hands. He will envision a future where he can challenge for that starting striker spot, but signing Vitor Roque would arguably stunt his growth by adding another blockade to his pathway.

Who is Vitor Roque?

Having recently visited London to discuss the proposals of the numerous European teams vying for the Brazilian, Arsenal are reportedly one of many elite options for the 18-year-old to choose from.

Having scored three goals in just four games this campaign, building upon his 14-goal tally from the season prior, this wonderkid does seem to be the next big thing to come out of South America.

Such is his pedigree, Brazil's former national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari even claimed: "He will become one of the greatest players we have ahead of us." High praise indeed.

Whilst the idea of such a purchase seems so exciting, what Balogun has done this season cannot be ignored. Across 27 appearances in the French top flight, the 21-year-old boasts 17 goals and a further two assists. For reference, Kylian Mbappe only has two more league goals than him.

Arteta has even admitted to standing up and taking note, as he claimed: "When you look at the numbers and what he is doing, it’s just incredible. It’s very rare to see that. But he’s got something special, that’s why we decided to give him a long-term contract and have faith in him."

However, signing added direct competition for his role would likely only see him slide further down the pecking order despite his blistering form. If anyone has deserved to now challenge for the first team it is Balogun.

Fulham have recieved a potential boost with the news that Borussia Monchengladbach defender Joe Scally could be available for €12m (£10.5m) this summer.

How is Scally playing this season?

The American is having an impressive season in the Bundesliga, proving to be an important figure for Monchengladbach and helping them sit comfortably in 10th place currently. Scally has started 21 of his side's league matches, also appearing as a substitute twice, making the right-back spot his own in the process.

With Fulham looking to make reinforcements during the summer transfer window, the defender is someone who has been linked with a move to Craven Cottage. Marco Silva will want to build from what has been an excellent 2022/23 season to date and ensure that it isn't a one-off, turning them into a genuinely established Premier League outfit.

It could be that a fresh challenge appeals to Scally come the end of the current campaign, with a move to England seen as possibly too good to turn down, and a new report has emerged regarding the 20-year-old's future.

Could Scally be off to Fulham?

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], the Monchengladbach man has become a "shaky candidate" when it comes to the players the Bundesliga side could struggle to keep hold of at the end of the season. It is claimed that several Premier League clubs have "put out feelers" regarding the right-back's availability, who is valued at £10.5m. If that amount if met by a club, Scally's club would find it difficult "say no to".

While Fulham aren't specifically mentioned as one of the English clubs in question, it can certainly be assumed that they are one of them, given the recent rumours surrounding a move to west London.

Scally could be an exciting long-term signing by the Cottagers if they get a deal over the line this summer, with the four-cap USA international a long-term acquisition with a high ceiling. He is already a regular for a Bundesliga side, more than holding his own in a top European league, and he could come in and provide competition for Kenny Tete at right-back, who has started 20 league matches this season.

He has been hailed as a "great defender" by compatriot Ricardo Pepi, which further highlights his quality, and an average of two clearances and one tackle per game in the Bundesliga in 2022/23 also show what a competent defender he is.

Everton will make the short trip to Manchester this afternoon for their Premier League clash with Manchester United and Sean Dyche will be hoping his team can continue their unbeaten run.

The Toffees are currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone, matching points with 18th place Bournemouth heading into their challenging fixture away from home, so picking up more crucial points this weekend will be integral to their fight for survival in the top flight.

Since joining the Merseyside outfit at the end of January, Dyche has collected 12 points from his nine league outings and is currently unbeaten in his last four fixtures with points collected from both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in their last two games, putting them in a great position to compete with Erik ten Hag's side.

Indeed, the Everton boss will be without his midfield talisman Abdoulaye Doucoure for the clash due to his red card suspension following an altercation with Harry Kane earlier this week, however, it could now present a golden opportunity to a young player-in-waiting who is all too familiar with the Red Devils.

Former Man United academy graduate James Garner could now be unleashed in Dyche's midfield set-up to replace his suspended teammate and could be the secret weapon Everton need to take all three points from their opponents.

Will James Garner start vs Manchester United?

The talented youngster made the move to Goodison Park in a £15m deal from Man United last summer but due to a long-term back injury has found himself becoming a rare feature for the Toffees.

However, now he could seize the chance to get in his manager's good favour by filling the boots of Doucoure, who has recently revived his Everton career since Dyche took over from Frank Lampard.

Over his seven-minute cameo against Spurs, Garner completed 100% of his passes (7/7) and won 100% of his duels (2/2) in the lead up to Michael Keane's 90th minute equaliser that earned Everton a point at Goodison Park.

Despite only averaging 21 minutes per performance, the 22-year-old ace – dubbed "highly-rated" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst – has tallied up an 83% pass accuracy, successfully completed 50% of his dribbles and won the majority of his duels combined over seven appearances, showing glimpses of his consistency in the centre of the pitch.

The Everton boss has already lavished praise on his young talent despite giving him limited game-time, citing Garner's impressive loan spell last season in the Championship with Nottingham Forest:

"From what I saw, and I did see him quite a bit at Forest, he’s got a good engine and running strength, he can strike a very good ball and he is calm in possession and he will cover the yards."

With that being said, there is no doubt that Dyche should now give Garner his first call-up to the starting eleven this weekend, as he could be the perfect replacement for Doucoure.

Leeds United remain engulfed in a battle for Premier League survival amid what has been a turbulent season for the club thus far, with Sunday's 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace having only increased the sense of doom and gloom surrounding Elland Road.

The Whites' current predicament may well be leaving the club's hierarchy ruing their decision to cash in on both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips last summer, with the latter man, in particular, having seemingly been sorely missed at the base of the midfield.

Despite his woes at new club Manchester City – where he has made just six league appearances this season – the England international had previously been a truly influential figure back in Yorkshire, having been hailed as a "magnificent talent" by pundit Frank McAvennie last year.

Supporters may well have been longing for the 27-year-old's return after watching the abject display against the Eagles last time out, with fellow midfielder Marc Roca having been particularly 'dire' on the day, as per Leeds Live's Beren Cross, after being dribbled past on eight occasions.

While there have been murmurings that Leeds could be keen on bringing Phillips back to the club, the relegation strugglers may well already have their next version of the local hero on their hands, in the form of academy starlet, Morten Spencer.

Who is Morten Spencer?

The 19-year-old has been tipped for big things ever since signing from Sunderland back in 2019, with respected source 'The 4th Official' describing the capture as a real "coup" at the time, with the Yorkshire side seemingly beating Man City to the teenager's signature.

Since then, the youngster has shown his class in the academy ranks, notably mirroring Phillips with his ability to feature in midfield as well as at centre-back, having been deployed in both positions so far this season.

The England-born gem – who currently features for Norway's youth sides at international level – has enjoyed a standout campaign to date for Leeds after racking up 15 appearances in all competitions, including three outings in the EFL Trophy earlier in the campaign.

The former Black Cats ace showcased his ball-winning prowess in that latter competition after averaging 1.7 interceptions and one tackle per game, with Phillips also a truly effective screen in front of the back four, as he averaged 1.2 and 2.7 for the same two metrics, respectively, for the Elland Road outfit last season.

The two men also share a likeness due to their ability on the ball, with the current City man having been hailed for having an "array of passing skills" by ex-teammate Barry Douglas, while Spencer was lauded for his "superb" forward passing by Michael Skubala while featuring for Leeds' U21 side against former club Sunderland back in October.

The £140-per-week teen – who "loves a big slide tackle" according to journalist Joe Donnohue – is clearly a player who could be in line for a first-team role sooner rather than later, having only recently penned a new deal at the club until 2024.

The hope will be that Leeds supporters get to see their 'next Phillips' in action at senior level in the near future…