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Aston Villa are edging ever closer to unveiling Steven Gerrard as their new manager.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent Gregg Evans article for The Athletic, in which the journalist revealed that Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens appear to be closing in on a deal for the Glasgow Rangers manager, whose switch to Villa Park could be completed by as soon as the end of the week.

Evans goes on to state that, despite NSWE initially insisting they would take an in-depth look at a number of the candidates on their managerial shortlist, after a breakthrough in talks over the last 24 hours, Gerrard now looks set to become Dean Smith’s successor at the Premier League club.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering the rather remarkable job Gerrard has done at Ibrox since his appointment back in 2018, the news that Aston Villa look to be closing in on a deal for the former Liverpool captain is sure to have left fans of the club elated.

Indeed, after securing a second-place finish in his first full season in charge of the Glasgow giants, the 41-year-old went on to become the first Rangers manager to lift the Scottish Premiership since Walter Smith in the following campaign – with the Gers winning 28, drawing five and losing no games whatsoever in 2020/21.

Furthermore, the former England international has also masterminded Rangers to the last 16 of the Europa League in each of the last two seasons, once again becoming the first Rangers manager to reach this stage of a European competition for ten years.

As such, with Villa’s current 16th place league position proving that the Premier League side are very much a team who also need restoring to greatness, considering Gerrard’s track record of doing exactly this north of the border, the Whiston-born manager looks to be an excellent fit for the second city side.

In other news: 73% win rate: NSWE could revive Villa with “remarkable” 51 y/o Gerrard alternative

Newcastle United have reportedly now made an ‘indispensable proposal’ to sign Axel Witsel in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Work behind the scenes

Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy recently revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful are already working to strengthen the squad ‘behind the scenes’, and Witsel is a player who has been talked about.

They are understood to be ‘weighing up a move’ for the Borussia Dortmund midfield player in the January transfer window, and he could be made available by the Bundesliga club.

The Latest: Proposal

As per Tutto Juve, the North East club have now made an ‘indispensable proposal’ to Witsel in order to try and persuade him to sign in January, despite the fact that he can leave on a free transfer in the summer.

They have offered the Belgium international a deal worth almost €10m (£8.4m) a season, much more than the €7m (£5.9m) a campaign that he currently earns, which would price Juventus out of a potential move.

The Verdict: Get it done

Given that he is 32 years of age, and seemingly unwanted by Dortmund, Witsel should not cost too much money, meaning that the Tyneside outfit could get themselves a potential bargain in January.

Lauded as a ‘top professional’ by footballing legend Fabio Cannavaro, he can lead by example both off of the pitch as well as on it, given the glittering career that he has had.

Nonetheless, he would be an upgrade to Eddie Howe’s current options in the middle of the park, averaging more interceptions, clearances and passes at a higher success rate than Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in their respective domestic leagues so far this term (WhoScored).

Given his previous work as assistant manager at Belgium, Graeme Jones will also have a good understanding with the player, and so he can aid Howe in helping to get the best out of him on the field, providing that he signs of course.

In other news, find out which three January signings PIF are plotting here!

Leeds United are not expected to do much business in the January transfer window, according to LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross.

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable journalist delivered a fresh claim to supporters in a recent Q&A on the website, where he said:

“We know the club and Bielsa do not see a lot of value in January, nor do they see the time available for new arrivals to have an impact before the season finishes, given how long they will need with the under-23s and on the training field to reach Bielsa’s high standards.

“If Leeds are really in the thick of the bottom four or five teams when the window opens though, there surely has to be some frank conversations about the risks of not strengthening for the final stretch of the campaign.

“It will be interesting to see what compromises, if any, Bielsa or the hierarchy make in the window to get business done.”

Worrying news

The Yorkshire giants are just one place and two points above the relegation zone heading into this weekend’s fixtures and they could well drop inside it, depending on other results.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side face the stiff test of Brighton and Hove Albion in Saturday’s late kick-off, with the Seagulls currently occupying a place inside the top ten.

A lot of their struggles this season could be attributed to persistent injury problems to several key stars, including vice-captain Luke Ayling and leading striker Patrick Bamford, both of whom have missed several months of action.

Neither has a genuine alternative, so it’s no wonder that United have suffered in recent games, and it would make their stubbornness to change their ways this January look stupid.

If Leeds are to avoid a relegation scrap all season, then they may well need to bolster the playing squad this winter, as failure to do so could leave Bielsa and co in a very precarious position.

This latest claim from Cross will surely leave those around Elland Road absolutely worried about what might lie ahead. The Whites have won just twice from 12 league games and that doesn’t look like changing anytime soon with the aforementioned players still on the treatment table.

AND in other news, Leeds plot January swoop for “very gifted” £9m-rated “beast”, Bielsa would be buzzing…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have slammed the performance of Ryan Kent in their 1-0 win at Hibernian in the Premiership on Wednesday night.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team managed to nick all three points at Easter Road in the end thanks to a late penalty from Keemar Roofe, which puts them firmly in pole position at the top of the table.

However, while some players impressed in a Light Blue shirt, Kent did not have his best game, as he lost out on nine of his duels and was unsuccessful with all three of his shots on goal (SofaScore).

The 25-year-old was also guilty of giving the ball away on 17 different occasions in the match, the joint-second most out of his teammates (SofaScore), in what was a frustrating night for him individually.

Rangers fans slam Kent

These Rangers fans slammed Kent’s performance on Twitter, with one Gers supporter going as far as to claim that he was a ‘passenger’ last night:

“Ryan Kent is an absolute passenger so far.”

Credit: @FarvaRangers

“Ryan Kent has been awful for a number of games now – others deserve a chance to prove themselves”

Credit: @RobertsonGreig

“What is the point of Ryan Kent?”

Credit: @mullanmcm

“Ryan Kent having an absolute stinker”

Credit: @BigMoLoyal1872

“Why is Ryan Kent still on this pitch?”

Credit: @StephenMcGarry3

“Ryan Kent still being on the pitch is mind boggling, worst game he’s ever played.”

Credit: @dylanblack23

In other news, find out whose display against Hibs was also slammed by many Gers fans

As per Football Insider, a ‘major update’ has now emerged involving Burnley defender and transfer target James Tarkowski as West Ham eye a move.

The Lowdown: West Ham in Tarkowski hunt…

Since the Irons suffered a major blow with Angelo Ogbonna having to undergo surgery on an ACL injury, West Ham have been tipped to take to the market in search of defensive cover.

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Tarkowski is a man who has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Irons, as reliably backed by The Evening Standard who say he is a transfer target for David Moyes ahead of January.

There have been no shortage of other claims, with Football Insider recently stating that the player himself is ‘very keen’ on a move to East London while The Sun say Moyes is certain to lodge a winter bid.

The Latest: Major update…

As per FI, a ‘major update’ has now dropped on West Ham’s pursuit of the player – but it isn’t good news.

Indeed, according to their sources, Burnley are set to dig their heels in over a January move and the 29-year-old has accepted his fate – now willing to bide his time and wait to leave on a free at the end of 2021/2022.

The Lancashire side are apparently set to reject all offers for him even if both West Ham and Newcastle have been leading the chase for his signature.

The Verdict: Blow for West Ham…

As per WhoScored, Tarkowski has averaged 5.2 clearances per 90 for the Clarets in the Premier League alone this season – more than any West Ham defender in that time, including Ogbonna.

This could highlight he is the man Moyes needs as cover for the Italian as West Ham gear up for a long and tiring campaign still fighting on all fronts, with Sean Dyche also calling his man ‘top drawer’.

However, amid this FI claim, it appears they may now have to turn to other targets with the likes of Niklas Stark and Nathaniel Phillips also being eyed by the club.

The 6 foot 1 powerhouse could have come as an ideal January signing but perhaps signing him on a free next summer could also come as an astute option.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Siuuuu’, ‘Tears’…West Ham fans rave as ‘massive’ off-field news comes to light, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Joe Rodon is attracting increasing interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to a number of reports (via One Football), the 24-year-old defender is being monitored by both West Ham United and Newcastle United ahead of a potential swoop for the Wales international in the winter market.

An earlier report by Football Insider claimed that a Spurs source had revealed the centre-back “100%” wants to secure a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January, after Antonio Conte informed the defender that he views him as backup to Eric Dier in the club’s defensive pecking order.

Paratici heading for disaster

While Rodon has been a bit-part player for Spurs since his £11m move to North London – starting just 13 games for the club thus far – it is undeniable that the Welshman is a player who possesses the traits to become an extremely important part of Antonio Conte’s side.

Indeed, despite only featuring in 12 Premier League fixtures last season, the £17m-rated man nevertheless impressed, helping his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.8 interceptions – the most of any Spurs player – 1.2 tackles, 31.5 passes and winning 73% of his duels per game.

These returns saw the player who BBC reporter Rob Phillips dubbed a “colossal” talent earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as the club’s seventh-best player in the league, as well as their second-best performing centre-back behind Toby Alderweireld.

So, Rodon’s efficiency in passing, interceptions and tackles would appear to make him a fantastic candidate for a starting role in Conte’s back three, leading us to believe that, should Fabio Paratici go on to sanction the departure of the centre-back in the upcoming January transfer window, it would undoubtedly be something of a disaster on the part of the managing director.

In other news: Paratici must seal Spurs swoop for £287k-p/w “phenomenon” who’s “better than Mbappe”

Rangers youngster Josh McPake is set to return to Ibrox from his loan spell at Morecambe, ahead of a temporary January exit elsewhere.

The Lowdown: McPake on loan at Morecambe

The 20-year-old moved to Morecambe in the summer transfer window but he has been limited to just five League One appearances, with only three starts coming his way.

The hope was that McPake would pick up some much-needed playing time there but it looks increasingly as though he could be a peripheral figure.

A current report suggests it could be all change for the winger ahead of the upcoming January window.

The Latest: Another temporary move on the cards

According to Football Insider, a Rangers source has confirmed that the club are set to recall McPake from Morecambe, prior to loaning him out elsewhere next month.

Oldham Athletic and Hartlepool United are mentioned as possible suitors for the youngster, who was described as ‘fantastic’ by former Morton manager David Hopkin.

The Verdict: Invaluable experience

It is vital that McPake continues to get minutes away from Rangers, so this is a decision that makes perfect sense.

The hope is that the young wide man has a bright future at Ibrox but he may need to prove that he’s got what it takes during these current loan spells – another 6 months struggling to make an impact at the senior level could seriously damage his chances.

Competition for places is always likely to be strong under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, but an eye-catching second half to the season could make him part of the manager’s plans in 2022/23.

Four goals in 23 appearances in League Two is proof that McPake can shine at a good level – now it’s about making another step up.

In other news, three Rangers players struggled against Rangers. Find out who they are here.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans weren’t impressed with the defensive display of centre-half Issa Diop during their crunch London derby clash with Tottenham Hotspur this evening.

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Aiming to keep their hopes of clinching the Carabao Cup alive after knocking out both Man United and Man City, David Moyes’ men travelled across the capital to Tottenham for their second meeting against the Lilywhites so far this season.

A hotly contested clash saw goals at both ends with both Moyes and new opposition boss Antonio Conte aiming to clinch silverware with their respective sides.

Tottenham took the lead twice in the first half through Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura with the Hammers briefly equalising in-between thanks to a very well taken individual goal by Jarrod Bowen.

Failing to find a breakthrough, West Ham eventually crashed out of the competition to their rivals.

West Ham fans slam Diop…

Amid an entertaining Quarter-Final tie, many West Ham fans saw fit to criticise the performance of Diop for his display – particularly for playing a big role in the conceded goals.

The Frenchman lunged for an interception in the build up to Spurs’ first, arguably leaving space for Bergwijn to tap home (Dan Silver), while he also failed to block the cross for Tottenham’s second goal through Lucas (Spurs Web).

He arguably wasn’t helped much by left-back Arthur Masuaku with many supporters believing their left-side was particularly exposed, taking aim at Diop and his fellow defender.

As per SofaScore, he also finished the night among West Ham’s lowest-rated players – leaving little wonder why West Ham fans weren’t impressed after a shaky evening.

Find all of their verdicts from Twitter down below:

“Diop needs to go”

Credit: @BobLaundry19

“I’m sorry but Diop is an absolute liability today, that’s about 4 huge mistakes now. Really hoping Zouma is back soon”

Credit: @WHUgameday

“No, Diop is shambolic.”

Credit: @bensmith_95

“Masuaku and Diop are a shambles”

Credit: @HammersleyJerry

“Get Masuaku gone in January. Diop is laughable too.”

Credit: @lukejessop16

“Masuaku & Diop need to go, sorry it’s too many years of their shenanigans”

Credit: @jsklen_face

“Diop will never be 1st choice centre back as he switches off mentally too often….he hasn’t really improved since we 1st signed him”

Credit: @lee_sifford

“Diop been terrible as well”

Credit: @andy01176159

In other news: ‘Can’t wait’, ‘Best news today’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘amazing’ update has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.

Leeds United could sign a big upgrade on Adam Forshaw in Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez amid suggestions that the club could reignite their move for the midfielder.

What’s the story?

Reports over the course of the summer window had claimed that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were eyeing up a swoop for the 26-year-old, with Italian publication La Nuova Sardegna even suggesting that the Whites were ready to pay the €36m (£31m) release clause in order to bring him to Elland Road.

Ciclo Deportivo have now claimed (via FC Inter News) that the Whites could return to the table for Nandez, although it’s suggested that it could well be a ploy to get Serie A giants Inter to bid themselves.

Upgrade on Forshaw

With Kalvin Phillips out injured, it’s been up to Forshaw to bring some calm and experience to the Leeds midfield this season; and while the 30-year-old has tried to hold things down, Nandez would represent a real upgrade on him.

Speaking to This Is Futbol, Serie A football expert Conor Clancy said of the Uruguayan: “Anywhere Bielsa wants to play him, he’d do a job. I like him a lot. I think he’s only about five foot seven, but you wouldn’t know it if you just watched clips of him, he is a little bit of a machine. He’s so powerful but at the same time, has really, really good ball control.”

As per SofaScore, he averaged 1.8 tackles and won 6.1 duels per game in Serie A last term, which favours quite well when you compare him to Phillips – the Whites powerhouse averaged 2.6 tackles and won 5.3 duels per match in the Premier League.

Nandez’s performances for Cagliari even led journalist Mina Rzouki to say: “Cagliari’s Nandez is one of the most underrated players. God he’s been so amazing, especially in Cagliari’s last 3 games. He scored the equaliser against Napoli. Man of the match in the win against Udinese. Against Roma – just wow. Unstoppable.”

The £18m-rated Nandez appears to be the ideal solution to Bielsa’s lack of real midfield cover at Elland Road right now, with his combination of work rate and technique making him a perfect fit for the notoriously demanding Leeds manager.

This season, the Uruguayan has averaged far more duels won per game than Forshaw, while also offering a more consistent goal threat too, averaging more shots per match.

At four years his junior, and with plenty of experience in the Italian top flight, Nandez could seamlessly replace Forshaw in the starting line-up at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Victor Orta must ensure that he does this one crucial thing…

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa wanted Pontus Jansson “gone” from Elland Road.

What’s the story?

The big Swede played 120 times for the Whites during his spell at the club before being sold to Brentford in the summer of 2019.

Hay has now shed some more light on that exit, revealing that the board put their faith in Bielsa by backing his desire to offload the centre-back.

He outlined: “Jansson was a slightly different scenario. Bielsa wanted him gone and Brentford’s offer was the only one on the table. It worked out but it has to be said that the board were anxious about selling him for £5m. They just felt they had to back Bielsa.”

Bielsa’s power

Before Bielsa grew tired of Jansson, the big centre-back was a imposing figure in Leeds’ defence, dealing with everything in the air and ensuring that the Whites had a monstrous presence in their penalty box.

In fact, on Jansson’s way to earning his place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year in 2018/19, the Whites let in just 13 goals from corners and free-kicks over the campaign. The Swede was superb in the air, winning 4.9 aerial duels per game during his final season for the club.

The fact that the club backed Bielsa in making that big call to get rid of him speaks volumes of the kind of authority the Argentine possesses at Elland Road, and the kind of respect he has with the board.

Given that Bielsa had only been at the club for just over a year, getting rid of a defensive stalwart and powerhouse in Jansson understandably caused some anxiety among the hierarchy, like Hay has revealed.

However, such has the impression that the Leeds manager has made in his time in Yorkshire that the club felt they had to back him, and that’s something which will surely delight fans.

The Argentine has led Leeds back to the promised land of the Premier League, and his relationship with the club’s supporters is there for all to see – just witnessed how many sung his name at Elland Road despite the heavy defeat to Arsenal two weeks ago.

Knowing that the board will back his decision-making no matter what should be very reassuring to Leeds fans regarding the direction in which the club is going.

Meanwhile, Leeds could finally axe one flop by signing this Championship sensation…