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Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned his old club about selling star players Danny Ings and Jannik Vestergaard to Tottenham this summer, and believes the former may have an “agreement” already with the north London side.

According to The Mirror, Jose Mourinho is considering making a move for Vestergaard once the transfer window opens, while Eurosport have credited the north London outfit with an interest in Ings.

While a lot still has to happen before any of these potential transfers materialise, the links are a worrying sign for Southampton, who have sold the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and Luke Shaw to Premier League rivals in previous windows.

And Palmer believes it is not sustainable for the Saints to continue selling key assets every time one of the division’s big boys come knocking.

“It’s not sustainable for anybody to sell their best players,” the retired England international exclusively told FFC when discussing Tottenham’s reported interest in both Ings and Vestergaard.

“I think Danny’s gone off the boil. I think if reading between the lines from how I see it, it almost seems as if Danny’s got an agreement with Spurs, that’s just the way I feel. Listen, I don’t blame him. If you’re looking at Southampton, you’re looking at Spurs, Spurs are going to always be at the top end of the table and they’re going to be challenging for major honours. I don’t blame him.”

Ings starred for Southampton last season, finishing the 2019/20 Premier League campaign with an impressive 22 goals to his name, while Vestergaard has made a good name for himself in defence this term.

The Danish defender is currently winning 3.6 aerial duels per league game, the highest average in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad (via WhoScored), and is also making the most clearances out of all of his team-mates (4). Furthermore, losing both players would have to come as a blow to the south coast outfit.

According to a report by ‘transfer insider’ Dean Jones, writing for Eurosport, West Ham United could face stiff competition from Leicester City over a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard – with the Foxes set to monitor his situation ahead of a potential summer bid. 

Brendan Rodgers’ men are reportedly showing some interest in signing Lingard after his head-turning start to life in east London, with West Ham now facing competitors if they wish to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

West Ham face potential Jesse Lingard worry

West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh claimed at the start of this month that despite Manchester United failing to include an option to buy in the loan deal, Lingard is likely to become an Irons player at the end of the season regardless.

Having just a year left on his current deal, Lingard could be made available for around £10m according to C&H – but fellow transfer insider Jones has now stated to Eurosport that David Moyes could face stiff competition from Leicester.

Transfer Tavern take

Given Lingard’s start to life at the London Stadium, scoring three goals in four Premier League starts already (WhoScored), including a winner against Tottenham last weekend, it’s hardly surprising that other clubs are monitoring his situation.

A potential worry for Moyes if he wishes to sign Lingard permanently, especially given that the Foxes look destined to achieve Champions League qualification this season, something that could tip the scales in their favour.

In other news: ExWHUemployee dropped an enticing behind the scenes claim, find out more here.

Steve Bruce must place his trust in Newcastle United prospect Elliot Anderson following injuries for Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron.

The Toon duo were both casualties of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Saint-Maximin sustaining a groin strain and Almiron forced off with an issue in his knee.

Bruce admitted that he fears the worst for Almiron after the game and that the pair would undergo scans on Sunday, but concerns have arisen that the Paraguayan’s season could be over.

If Almiron’s campaign has reached its end, Newcastle will lose their second-best goalscorer as the 27-year-old has provided four of his side’s 27 strikes over 24 Premier League outings. Bruce is also still without 10-goal top-scorer Callum Wilson for the next three to four weeks.

Being without Saint-Maximin as well will remove a vast quantity of United’s creativity, with the 23-year-old the Magpies’ second-ranked option for assists with three in 16 games to Wilson’s five in 21 outings to date.

These blows could open the door for academy product Anderson to make his full step up to the senior-fold, having been given his debut in the FA Cup away to Arsenal in January before featuring from the bench for his Premier League bow nine days later.

But Anderson has not been seen on the field since his three top-flight minutes at the Emirates Stadium, with Bruce only naming the 18-year-old as a substitute three further times before omitting the midfielder altogether.

Bruce had blocked all loan approaches for the North Shields-born talent during the winter transfer market, despite Luton Town wanting to take Anderson and give him regular game time in the Championship during the remainder of the season, per Chronicle Live.

The Magpies boss believed Anderson had a chance of establishing himself at St. James’ Park before United were engulfed in a relegation battle, yet should now give him that chance as attacking options dwindle.

Newcastle have high hopes for Anderson’s potential and Bruce has stated that he’s “delighted” with the progress seen. The United coach has also declared that the midfielder has a “big future” ahead of him, and he should now unleash the technically-gifted player.

Anderson is lauded for his knack of getting into the right positions to pose a threat on the edge and inside the box, and quickly earned the respect of the first-team dressing room with his efforts in training following his call-up earlier in the season.

He has often shown the touch in front of the goal that Newcastle will lose without Almiron and Saint-Maximin with the Toon’s Under 23s, and took his tally for the term to seven in nine games across all competitions with a goal during a 3-2 win over West Bromwich Albion last week.

The Scotland U19 international has also provided one assist in the Premier League 2 this season, and captained Chris Hogg’s young United side in the EFL Trophy against League Two outfit Bolton Wanderers in November.

Bruce surely has to place his trust in Anderson offering that same option in the senior fold now. As if the loss of two first-team stars does not create that chance, when will it?

He might not want to start the youngster, but he should be trusted as a bench option at the very least.

AND in other news, Newcastle have joined the race for a sought-after “real talent” capable of “outstanding” displays…

Fulham extended their recent unbeaten run as they earned an impressive 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

Jose Mourinho’s side looked to be in control after Harry Kane’s first-half header but a superb second-half display from Scott Parker’s side saw them deservedly leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a point, following Ivan Cavaleiro’s second goal of the season.

There were lots of impressive performers for the Cottagers in North London, with Alphonse Areola making some superb saves in goal, whilst Ademola Lookman starred from the bench, but it was perhaps Tosin Adarabioyo who impressed the most.

The centre-back, who joined from Manchester City during the summer transfer window, picked up a 7.0 rating from SofaScore for his display, which was the joint-best of any Fulham defender, with only Harrison Reed, Cavaleiro and Bobby Decordova-Reid rated higher of the Fulham players who started the match.

As per SofaScore, the 23-year-old centre-back would block one shot, make three tackles, and perhaps most impressively, make as many as nine clearances, in what was a superb defensive effort.

Whilst the Fulham man has averaged a strong 6.1 clearances per game in the Premier League so far this season, it was clear that he stepped up to another level on Wednesday night making almost three more than his average in 2020/21.

The young centre-back, who earns £60k per week at Fulham, would also win 100% of his aerial duels during the game, which is impressive when you consider the threat that Harry Kane poses in the Spurs attack.

Whilst the England captain was on the scoresheet, Adarabioyo’s impressive display limited his impact on the game, as he was only able to win 1/9 of his aerial duels during the game – he won 3/5 in Tottenham’s 3-0 win against Leeds United last time out in the Premier League as a comparison. Kane was also limited to just 44 touches, which was the lowest of any Spurs player who started the game.

As a result, he earned a 7.12 rating from WhoScored, which is well below his average rating of 7.86 in the Premier League so far this season and is also his worst home top-flight statistical performance since the opening day defeat against Everton.

Therefore, it is clear that the Fulham defence often had the better of Kane on what was a frustrating night for the 27-year-old, and Adarabioyo was a huge part of that. He dominated the prolific forward in the air throughout the 90 minutes, which will definitely have delighted Parker as the London club picked up another vital point in their Premier League campaign.

And, in other news… Fulham handed huge boost in chances of signing “outstanding” winger; Khan must act

In 2021, Leeds just haven’t been at the races. They have lost every single game this year and thus, Marcelo Bielsa is starting to feel the pressure.

This United side are still a bustling one full of intensive attacking energy, but they must ensure they get the balance right.

On the chalkboard

One of the big issues in recent weeks has been defensively. Leeds went through a period where they missed Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente – all three of the club’s senior centre-halves.

Thus, issues at the back were hardly surprising. Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk initially tried their best to marshal things and a clean sheet against Burnley typified how solid they can be.

Yet, with Kalvin Phillips part of a defensive trio when they played Crawley and then when he was suspended against Brighton, they floundered and didn’t look up to scratch.

Philips is often the heartbeat of this Leeds team but as Bielsa’s side were knocked out of the FA Cup, he was at fault for one of the goals and gave the ball away 24 times. It was an uncharacteristic showing from someone usually so reliable.

However, he isn’t the problem, something their 1-0 defeat to Brighton showed.

Struggling Struijk

Last month we issued rallying cries that the young Dutchman was finally Premier League ready. In terms of his contributions in a back four, that’s certainly the case.

Yet, two games in a row he has looked out of his depth while playing as a makeshift defensive midfielder.

It was bizarre he played in that role versus Crawley with Phillips playing further back, but he was the only one capable when they took on the Seagulls, predominantly because Leeds failed to sign another midfielder in the summer.

It’s safe to say that decision hasn’t been vindicated. The centre-back was dragged off after just 45 minutes in the FA Cup a fortnight ago, failing to win a single ground duel. For a holding player, that’s an essential part of the game so it speaks volumes about how poor his display was. It also says a lot about Bielsa’s feelings – he was clearly seething inside with how the game went.

Meanwhile, against Graham Potter’s team, Struijk gave the ball away 13 times – the sixth-worst tally on the Leeds side – and completed just 80% of his passes, a tally down 8% on his season average.

Though, it’s not just us that has noticed the youngster’s poor form. Speaking about Struijk this week, Leeds pundit Noel Whelan said:

“I think Struijk looks out of place, playing Kalvin’s role. I’ve got to say I don’t think there’s anyone that can play Kalvin’s role in the team which is worrying for me. When he’s out we don’t seem to have that flow in our game going forward and the discipline in the defensive role.”

For Leeds, this should be a huge concern. Although the Netherlands-born defender has proven himself to be adept among a back four, he has been anything but when pushed further forward.

Consequently, the £2.2m-rated centre-back must be reduced to the bench with immediate effect. He is not good enough to play in Phillips’ position, nor is he good enough to play over Cooper.

AND in other news, Leeds should rue not signing £72k-p/w “beast”, he’s better than Struijk…

Phil Hay has delivered a Leeds injury update from Marcelo Bielsa’s latest press conference as they prepare to take on West Ham this weekend. The boss has revealed that Robin Koch’s injury is much worse than originally feared.

The German will undergo surgery on what was initially thought to be a dead leg, but instead he will be sidelined for up to three months with a knee problem. Fellow summer signing Diego Llorente replaced him last time out against Chelsea and was given the green light to stand in during his absence, but now, he has picked up an injury of his own.

Alarm bells for Leeds

Bielsa also leaked what his starting lineup is going to be on Friday, which was a peculiar decision in itself. However, he revealed that he would be starting Luke Ayling at centre-back considering he is now getting down to the bare bones, something the 29-year-old isn’t new to.

The Englishman has operated in a more central role on three occasions so far this season, winning two of those matches. But not having a fit natural centre-back is a worry for Bielsa, who will be concerned that two of his summer signings have picked up injuries which will affect the team.

Although the Whites will be relieved knowing that they will not face the threat of Michail Antonio at the weekend, it’s still alarming that they will be without both Koch and Llorente.

The Irons have won three of their last five Premier League games and recently held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw. Leeds have won just one in their last five and have shipped 11 goals in that time, including their back-to-back 4-1 defeats to Leicester and Crystal Palace.

It will be a tough fixture to host and the pressure will be on Ayling to plug a very large hole in the Leeds defence.

In other news, Alfie McCalmont could be coming for Mateusz Klich…

Steve Bruce must urge Mike Ashley to sanction a January swoop for Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri amid claims of interest from Newcastle United.

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph, Bruce would love to strengthen the Toon first-team in the winter market with the additions of three quality arrivals as he looks to finalise deals for a new box-to-box midfielder, full-back and creative wide forward.

Ashley is expected to grant Bruce his wishes should the Magpies manage to offload a handful of those currently deemed surplus to requirements, otherwise favour the arrival of one key player on loan.

Among the candidates touted for a mid-season switch to St. James’ Park is Liverpool winger Shaqiri, who has seen his future at Anfield thrown into chaos with Jurgen Klopp’s champions open to selling this month but hesitant to cash in after Diogo Jota sustained a knee injury.

Shaqiri has been linked with moves away from Merseyside for the past year, with AS Roma and Sevilla told it would cost them €30m (£26.5m) to finalise a deal 12-months ago, while Fenerbahce are expected to revive their interest after Klopp called off a loan move at the eleventh hour last summer.

The Swiss international also weighed up a Bundesliga return in the off-season after an injury-plagued 2019/20 season, only to endure further struggles with a muscular issue seeing the 29-year-old make only his third Premier League appearance of the campaign away to Newcastle last month.

Should Newcastle target Shaqiri?

Liverpool will likely consider selling Shaqiri in the January market should they receive a suitable offer, with it believed the £14.5m-rated attacker is seen as a player the Reds’ can use to fund a move for a new defender.

If a deal for Shaqiri is there to be had, Bruce must urge Ashley to sanction a swoop to solve his search for a creative wide option with Newcastle’s current squad often failing to produce the needed touch in the final third.

Matt Ritchie has provided a key pass every 30 minutes when fielded in a wide midfield role, which is enough for the 31-year-old to lead the charts for Magpies players who have played over 100 Premier League minutes in a wide forward role this season, per WhoScored.

Allan Saint-Maximin has so far offered a key pass every 57.5 minutes, before Bruce sees a drastic drop to Miguel Almiron (100.5), Jacob Murphy (123.5), Joelinton (126.5) and Jeff Hendrick (422).

Shaqiri may hardly have featured thus far this season as a result of his continued injuries, yet provided an assist in his top-flight campaign debut with a smart pass through to Jota against West Ham United in October.

Former England international Darren Bent continues to be a vivid advocate of the attacker’s talents, too, which would be more than welcome at St. James’ Park this winter.

“He’s still a very, very good player, he can still make things happen, he’s got a great left foot, great technique and there are going to be clubs out there that would love to have him in their squad,” Bent told Football Insider.

AND in other news, an “unplayable” £75k-p/w Newcastle United player is in-demand ahead of the January transfer window…

Liverpool are already making moves to try and solve their current defensive disaster. With Virgil van Dijk likely to be out for the rest of the season and both Fabinho and Joel Matip also sidelined, it’s crunch time for Jurgen Klopp.

The manager needs to make quick decisions if he wants to save Liverpool’s chances of silverware this season. As it stands, Joe Gomez is the club’s only fit senior centre-back, which is not a situation anyone expected to see them in.

The Reds have been admirers of Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly for months now and look to have reignited their interest in his services. However, splashing the cash on the Senegal international could end up doing more harm than good to this Liverpool side.

Should Liverpool sign Koulibaly?

At face value, Liverpool would be foolish to pass up the opportunity to bring the 6ft1 powerhouse to Anfield. The Mirror has reported that Napoli would be willing to let the centre-back leave if an asking price of £65million is met. Whilst this is a pretty hefty amount given the current financial climate, it’s doable for the reigning Premier League champions who just splashed £41million on Diogo Jota.

Koulibaly is already tried and tested and would slot into the Liverpool side nicely. He would also make for a superb partner for van Dijk once he returns from injury. When Napoli faced the Reds back in November 2019, the 29-year-old won 100% of his aerial duels and contributed eight clearances, two blocks and 100% of his dribbles, showing a likeness to Liverpool’s No.4 (via Sofascore).

Roberto Firmino was unable to make any sort of impact on that game, with Koulibaly going as far as clearing his huge chance off the line to keep Napoli in the game.

However, whilst he would be a hugely beneficial addition to this Liverpool side, signing the Senegalese defender could also be very costly.

Divock Origi looks set to be leaving the club in January in search of a loan move. International football is currently his priority and he is looking to give himself the best possible chance to feature for Belgium in the EUROs. This will leave Klopp with only Firmino to deploy as his striker, which is a worrying thought for the holding champions.

Fabinho is set to return after a few weeks and could make a huge impact once he returns, this means the Reds can arguably survive until the summer with him, Gomez and Matip. But should Origi leave, Liverpool cannot move forward without a back-up senior striker.

Michael Edwards has a huge predicament on his hands as he decides where to spend the club’s money in January. One player gained could be detrimental in another area of the team.

In other news, Antonio Rudiger should be serious transfer option for Liverpool in January…

The sad news that Diego Maradona had died at the age of 60 was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, with it bringing an end to the life of one of the best footballers to ever grace the planet.

The Argentina legend will of course be forever remembered on these shores for his controversial role in his country’s quarter-final win against England at the 1986 World Cup, but it shouldn’t detract from just how good he was.

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Teddy Sheringham revealed previously to Stadium Astro that in the 1993/94 season when Maradona’s good friend Ossie Ardiles was in charge at White Hart Lane, he wanted to bring the world star to north London even if it would have been the twilight years of his career.

A move never materialised with Ardiles admitting to Teddy that he had “too much baggage around him”, but what a transfer it could have been.

Asked how good he could have been at Spurs, Tottenham icon Gary Mabbutt exclusively told FFC’s James Beavis:

“He was one of the greastest players in the world. Also during Ossie’s time he tried to sign Mario Kempes for Spurs as well, I think.

“Obviously he had his Argentinian links and he was very good friends with these players. Kempes came on a pre-season tour with us but Diego never actually got to be a part of the club apart from playing in Ardiles’ testimonial game.”

Maradona played for Newell’s Boys instead during the 93/94 season, before finishing his playing career with Boca Juniors in his home country.

It was there that his death announced on Wednesday, and there is no doubt that the 60-year-old will go down in the history as one of the all-time footballing greats.

A number of Manchester United supporters have been reacting to reports that the Red Devils have been working on proposals to re-shape the Premier League along with one of their biggest rivals .

The proposals being mooted by United and Liverpool, dubbed ‘Project Big Picture’, would see the Premier League reduced from 20 clubs to 18. This would be done to free up the domestic calendar and bring an end to the parachute payments issued to relegated clubs, with an immediate £350m rescue package offered to EFL clubs, as per The Telegraph.

These new proposals would also see relegation and promotion slots altered, with the Premier League changing to two automatic relegation spots. Two sides would still be automatically promoted from the Championship, but the 16th-placed Premier League side would face the play-offs against the third, fourth and fifth-placed Championship teams, as per The Telegraph.

It is also thought that, under these proposals, the League Cup and Community Shield could be scrapped, while the one-club, one-vote principle would be abolished, meaning the threshold of 14 votes needed to pass through any regulation changes would be reduced, according to The Telegraph.

Many Manchester United supporters were not in favour of these changes, with a lot of them suggesting that these measures would be unfair for smaller clubs. One fan even described such changes as a “disaster waiting to happen”.

United fans react to Premier League proposals on Twitter

United fans, what do you make of these new proposals? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below!