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Newcastle United could transform their defence by signing Celtic powerhouse Kristoffer Ajer this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Magpies are very much interested in signing the Norway international, and there has now been a major update on their pursuit of the centre-back.

The Northern Echo claim that Steve Bruce is keen to kick off his side’s summer business with a move for the 6 foot 6 giant, and that “with Newcastle having sent a series of scouting delegations to watch the Norwegian this season, the Magpies’ interest is currently understood to be at a much more advanced stage.”

The report adds that Ajer is set to leave Celtic in a mass exodus from the club, and the Hoops currently value him at around the £8m mark.

Imagine him and Lascelles

Speaking earlier this season, former Scotland boss Alex McLeish said: “I go back to that St Johnstone game, you see sometimes when it’s not going for Celtic and the game’s in its dying embers, and then all of a sudden you see Ajer striding up the pitch trying to inspire like Roy of the Rovers.

“Running from defence, augment the attack and then it leads to a goal – these are inspirational moments and he is an inspirational, influential player for Celtic. Like Virgil van Dijk, he came to Celtic and we all know what happened next.”

Ajer’s teammate and fellow centre-back partner Christopher Jullien hailed him as a “unique talent”, and it’s no surprise given his combination of size and elegance on the ball when he brings it out from the back.

That kind of ball-playing ability, combined with someone like Jamaal Lascelles could form the basis of a really strong spine at St James’ Park.

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The duo’s different strengths could compliment each other, with Lascelles’ no-nonsense approach to defending – he made the fourth-most clearances and third-most blocks for Newcastle – fitting in well with Ajer’s more measured style.

With Ajer also standing at an imposing 6 foot 6, the Magpies would have a couple of towering units at the back, that will leave opposition strikers thinking twice about trying to bully either of them.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must land this Championship star…

Contrary to previous reports, Charlton attacker Chuks Aneke has not rejected the club’s offer of a new contract at The Valley.

What’s the talk?

TeamTalk reported earlier this week that Aneke is set to depart Charlton at the end of the month after rejecting their contract renewal offer. The outlet claimed that Reading, Coventry, Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City and Middlesbrough are all interested in signing Aneke, who they claim is going to be a free agent this summer.

However, the South London Press has rebuffed TeamTalk’s claim that Aneke has turned down Charlton’s attempts to tie him down to an extended contract. Aneke has not refused to sign an extension at Charlton and the club’s offer is still on the table for the former Arsenal midfielder.

Aneke’s former manager Steve Davis hailed him as a “powerhouse” during his time with Crewe. David told Crewe’s official website: 

“I thought Chuks was excellent in behind the striker, where he can play those passes. He looked quick and strong for such a big guy and was a real powerhouse for us.”

Charlton fans will be buzzing

Charlton fans will be buzzing that Aneke has not turned down the club’s advances as of yet. Whilst no deal has been agreed with Aneke to stay at Charlton, this update leaves the door wide open for that to happen whereas the TeamTalk report stated that outright that the attacker would be leaving for nothing.

This means that Addicks fans have gone from believing that their top scorer was on his way out of the door to now still thinking their side are in with a chance of him being part of Nigel Adkins’ squad next season.

The £5.4k-per-week dynamo bagged himself 15 goals in League One for Charlton, four more than the second-highest scorer in the squad Conor Washington. Aneke and Washington were the only players able to hit double figures for goals in League One, highlighting Aneke’s importance to Adkins in terms of the goals he provides. The 27-year-old only started 11 games in League One, with a further 27 substitute appearances, and averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.83.

In his 11 starts, Aneke scored six goals, provided one assist, and averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 7.30. For context, Jayden Stockley was the only Charlton player who managed a WhoScored rating of 7.30 or higher over the course of the campaign. This suggests that Aneke was one of Charlton’s top performers when chosen from the start, whilst also providing quality off the bench with nine strikes in 27 substitute displays. Therefore, Charlton fans should be delighted that there is still a possibility of him being at the club come the end of the month.

AND in other news, Nigel Adkins heading for huge error over £7k-p/w flop, Charlton fans will be fuming

Liverpool are set to rival Leeds United for the signing of Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, acting as a big blow to the Whites’ hopes of securing a deal.

The Lowdown: Long-term Leeds target

Leeds were strongly linked with a move for the 26-year-old last summer, failing to bring him in on Deadline Day after pulling the plug on a deal.

The interest has not gone away, however, and it has been claimed by Football Insider that the Whites have been willing to make a club-record bid for the Argentine this summer, who is valued at £34.2m by Transfermarkt.

Meanwhile, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has said this week they were ‘desperate’ to sign the 19-time capped Argentina international, adding more fuel to the fire.

The Latest: Liverpool emerge as potential suitor

Now, FC Inter News [via Sport Witness] report that Liverpool are in the race to snap up De Paul this summer, stating that their interest is ‘real’, among a host of other clubs.

The Reds are believed to have spoken to the player’s agent Mino Raiola ‘several times’, regarding a move to Anfield, with both Milan sides also interested.

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The Verdict: Undoubted blow for Leeds

This could be a big setback for Leeds given how dead-set they seem on pursuing De Paul, with Liverpool a club with a huge amount of pull with Jurgen Klopp in charge, even despite their struggles this season.

The Reds also have one of the biggest wage bills in football (via The Liverpool Echo), suggesting they would be happy to offer the player an awful lot more than Andrea Radrizzani would.

The hope is that the lure of playing under fellow countryman Marcelo Bielsa could turn the midfielder’s head, however, as well as being more likely to be a guaranteed starter at Elland Road.

With eight goals and assists each in Serie A this season, and an average of 1.3 tackles and 0.5 interceptions per game, he could provide so much all-round quality in the middle of the park, helping Leeds find another level, but Liverpool’s interest being serious certainly feels like a worrying turning point.

In other news, one Leeds player has reportedly already sealed his future. Find out who it is here.

Queens Park Rangers’ loanee midfielder Stefan Johansen has opened up on his future ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Speaking in a recent interview with the QPR website, the Fulham midfielder revealed just how much he has enjoyed his loan spell at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, before claiming that he is unsure what his future holds at present with just one year left remaining on his contract with Scott Parker’s side.

He said: “It’s been brilliant, from day one I have felt so welcome. It’s been such an easy group to come into, they are a great bunch of lads and I have really enjoyed my time here.

“Personally, I don’t know what’s going to happen. I have one more year on my contract at Fulham, but, without doubt, I can say how much I enjoyed my time here.”

Warburton must seal deal

Having only linked up with Mark Warburton’s side in the January transfer window, the impact Johansen has had on the Hoops has been quite sensational.

Over the 30-year-old’s 21 Championship appearances for QPR, the £1.8 million-rated man scored four goals, provided two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 1.6 key passes per game, culminating in a highly impressive average SofaScore match rating of 7.00 – ranking him as the Rs’ sixth-best performer in the second tier this season.

The arrival of the £8,000-per-week Norway international also coincided with a remarkable upturn in form at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, with Warburton’s side winning 12, drawing two and losing seven of the 21 games in which Johansen featured for the club – results which left QPR sitting in fourth place in the league standings over this specific time frame.

As such, a deal to bring the midfielder – whom Ronny Deila dubbed an “outstanding” player – back to the club this summer should very much be a priority for Warburton, as it would seem as if Johansen could well play a major role in QPR’s potential push to secure a play-off place next season.

Indeed, many of the R’s faithful appear to be desperate for their side to make a permanent move for the 30-year-old this summer, with one claiming that Johansen should be the club’s “number one target” in the upcoming transfer window, while another seemed to speak on behalf of the fanbase by stating: “We want you to stay!”

QPR should listen to these fans and do all they can to keep Johansen at the club for next season.

In other news: Bhatia must not cash in on £7.1k-p/w QPR gem this summer, he’s crucial to Warburton – opinion

Brighton & Hove Albion have joined Crystal Palace and Celtic in the race to land Eddie Howe as their new manager.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider, who claim that Palace’s rivals are now keeping tabs on the former Bournemouth boss, with doubts over current manager Graham Potter.

Howe’s Celtic stall

Palace have spoken to Howe and have included him on a three-man shortlist alongside Sean Dyche and Frank Lampard to potentially replace Roy Hodgson at the end of the season.

Howe verbally agreed on a move to Celtic, however, the Hoops fear he’s had second thoughts over a move to Glasgow, and it now seems as if both clubs could end up missing out on the 43-year-old with Brighton in the picture.

Transfer Tavern take

In our view, Palace face a big few months off the pitch ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Up to 12 first-team players are out of contract in the summer and the Eagles currently have the oldest average squad age in the division.

A Selhurst Park rebuild appears to be on the cards, and with five academy starlets signing professional terms this season, next year could be the start of a bright future.

Bringing in a manager like Howe, who has successful experience of rebuilding a club during his time at Bournemouth, could be a wise move.

However, it now seems as if the Eagles face serious competition for Howe’s signature from Brighton, which could spell bad news for both them and Celtic.

In other news: Many CPFC fans buzz at ‘huge’ update on midfielder, find out more here. 

Glasgow Rangers fans are loving comments from Steven Gerrard on the bans the SFA dished out to the five Gers players who broke health protocols.

Earlier this year, Calvin Bassey, Bongani Zungu, Nathan Patterson, Dapo Mebude and Brian Kinnear all broke coronavirus regulations to attend a house gathering. In the aftermath, they have since been banned for six games – although, following an appeal from the 55-time Scottish champions, the players will be able to play against Celtic in the Scottish Cup fourth round later this month (Sky Sports).

Rangers face Hibernian on Sunday, and Gerrard was speaking at his pre-match press conference. He was asked about the reason behind the appeal, and he revealed the Gers do not believe the punishment dished out was consistent with sanctions they have given in other cases – he also specifically cited Celtic’s trip to Dubai as an example.

The comments were shared on Rangers’ official Twitter account, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Gerrard below

“Kennedy with the assist and Gerrard fires it into the top bin..”

Credit: @Walker_2603

“Great from the Gaffer”

Credit: @bigdibs89

“Outstanding, Gaffer. Simply outstanding.”

Credit: @55titles2021

“Superb for Gerrard”

Credit: @chr1s_g1llen

“Savage but well put.”

Credit: @KeyWorkerGav

“Can’t be underestimated how much the manager has developed as a political operator in his time with the club. 3 years ago he’d have been sucked into providing a tabloid soundbite. Now he’s swatting these drafties away with a swift, concise and witty response. Delicious.”

Credit: @AuldBaldAaron

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this broadcaster’s comments.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has revealed he is open to the idea of Adama Traore returning to Villa Park.

According to MailOnline, Wolves are willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old this summer after demanding an incredible £70m for him last year, and Hendrie believes the Villans bringing their former player back to the club would be a good move.

Traore was a real handful for teams last season, tearing up that right flank before putting dangerous balls into the box. He finished the 2019/20 Premier League campaign with nine assists and a ridiculous average of five dribbles per game (via WhoScored).

For Hendrie, that kind of attacking threat out wide is something Dean Smith could definitely do with.

On the Spanish winger, the ex-Villa player told FFC:

“I feel he would be a good signing, I really do. I just feel that with a wide man that’s got pace and ability and can put a decent delivery into the box, it would suit Dean’s style of play. Now whether or not he’d come to Villa is a bit of a big question, come back to Villa obviously because he was there beforehand.”

Hendrie finished off by saying:

“Yes, he’d be a great addition with his pace and strength. I feel he’s a player that’s built and got better since coming into the English game so, yeah, I’d have Traore all day in my side because he’s just direct and he is something that I feel would work well for Villa.”

While there is nothing to suggest that Villa will make a move for Traore in the summer, the Midlands club do look set to strengthen the wide positions, with The Telegraph reporting that signing a winger is a priority.

MatériaMais Notícias

Vice-líder do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Flamengo está próximo de conquistar uma vaga na Libertadores de 2017. Publicamente, a diretoria adota um discurso cauteloso ao falar sobre o planejamento do próximo ano, mas especulações sobre o futuro de alguns jogadores já movimentam os bastidores.

Vice-presidente de futebol, Flávio Godinho garante que o Rubro-Negro está tranquilo quando o assunto é a preparação de 2017.

-A prioridade segue sendo lutar pela vaga na libertadores, via Brasileirão e Sul-Americana. Oelenco numeroso e qualificado nos dá tranquilidade para planejar 2017 oportunamente – diz o dirigente.

Márcio Araújo é o único dos titulares que tem contrato somente até o fim desta temporada. O elenco conta com outros cinco jogadores com vínculo próximo do término:Juan, Alan Patrick, Chiquinho, Emerson e Fernandinho.

Juan perdeu espaço ao longo da temporada e deve se manifestar em breve sobre os planos para a carreira. Alan Patrick está valorizado, mesmo no banco, e já começa a ter o nome especulado em outros clubes. Já Chiquinho e Emerson não vêm atuando com tanta frequência. Aos 38 anos, Sheik voltou a fazer um gol na vitória sobre o Palestino, mas, ao que tudo indica, não vai permanecer. Por fim, Fernandinho está agradando com boas atuações, mas pertence ao Grêmio.

O goleiro Paulo Victor tem contrato com o Flamengo até 2019, mas recebeu algumas sondagens neste ano. O Rubro-Negro optou por não abrir mão do jogador neste momento em que briga por dois títulos, porém na próxima temporada a história pode ser diferente. O lateral-esquerdo Jorge está valorizado. No entanto, o clube carioca garante não ter recebido consultas.

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Crystal Palace are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon aiming to finally rule themselves out of the relegation picture once and for all.

Roy Hodgson’s Eagles host West Bromwich Albion, with the south Londoners eight points clear of the drop zone following their 4-1 humbling at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Whilst it looks unlikely that they will be under any real threat of the drop, three points against the Baggies should as good as rubberstamp another season in the top-flight.

What starting XI will Hodgson select then?

Due to the current injury situation at Selhurst Park, there may only be slight tweaks to the side which was swept aside by Spurs.

The back five should stay the same, with goalkeeper Vicente Guaita being shielded by Patrick van Aanholt, Gary Cahill, Cheikhou Koyuate and Joel Ward.

The two alterations to the team could then come further up the park. The midfield duo of Jairo Riedewald and Luka Milivojevic should remain, with the likes of James McArthur and James McCarthy both being ruled out.

Eberechi Eze will start on the right-hand side despite a quiet game at Tottenham, but a major boost to Palace will be the return of Wilfried Zaha.

The Ivorian was introduced from the bench in north London but should be fit enough to start. Considering he is the Eagles’ top scorer so far this season with nine goals, he surely has to play in such a crucial game. Andros Townsend drops out as a result.

One final change is likely to occur in attack. Christian Benteke is almost sure to start after his goal against Spurs but should have a different partner.

Jordan Ayew has not scored since early November so it could be time to give January arrival and £13.5m-rated striker Jean-Philippe Mateta a chance from the start.

AND in more news, have a look at why Steve Howey believes it’s time for Crystal Palace to let Wilfried Zaha finally leave Selhurst Park…

Liverpool are continuing to be linked with a move for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus, and he could be the man to help unleash Thiago in the Reds midfield if he were to join.

According to Sport BILD journalist Christian Falk (via Express), the 23-year-old is willing to join the Reds in the summer, and they are now the number one contenders to sign the German, due to Dortmund-bound manager Marco Rose not wanting to sign any of his current players from Monchengladbach when he makes the switch, whilst Bayern Munich are low on funds after their signing of Dayot Upamecano.

Neuhaus has established himself as a top prospect in Europe with his performances in recent seasons, contributing four goals and two assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances last season, resulting in an excellent 6.96 average rating.

The midfielder looks well on track to surpass these statistics this season, having already managed four goals and four assists in 22 appearances in the German top-flight.

Neuhaus would likely arrive as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who looks set to depart Anfield in the summer when his contract expires, and he arguably could be better-suited to this Liverpool midfield than the Dutch international, as his style of play would suit Thiago.

The German is taller than Wijnaldum and would provide more of a physical presence in midfield, which may take some of the pressure off Thiago to defend and try and win the ball back, which doesn’t really suit his skill set.

The Reds need an all-round midfielder with an excellent work rate such as Neuhaus, who averages 13.44 pressures per 90 minutes, as this would allow Thiago to conserve his energy and make himself available for when Liverpool win the ball back with their press, rather than doing all of the chasing himself.

Neuhaus has earned a lot of plaudits with his performances for Monchengladbach, with teammate Marcus Thuram labelling him an “outstanding” player last year, and with Die Fohlen languishing in mid-table in the Bundesliga, he deserves a move to a side that can challenge for trophies next season.

Certainly, his all-round style of play in midfield would definitely compliment Thiago and allow him to get back to his best, as so far, he has failed to reproduce the level of performances he showed in his time with Bayern Munich.

Michael Edwards will be aware of Neuhaus’ quality and availability, sanctioning a move for the Monchengladbach ace could prove to be a masterstroke.

And, in other news… Edwards should swoop for £63m beast who silenced Messi at 19