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Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Tottenham captain Gary Mabbutt said he had no issue with Hugo Lloris’ post-match comments after Spurs’ Europa League exit last Thursday.

Despite holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg, Jose Mourinho’s side were sent crashing out after losing 3-0 on the night, and 3-2 on aggregate, to Dinamo Zagreb following a wretched performance in the Croatian capital.

Lloris spoke to BT Sport after the game, and the Tottenham skipper pulled no punches, brandishing the result a “disgrace”, whilst also questioning club’s mentality.

The defeat came just three days after Spurs’ top-four hopes suffered a major blow at rivals Arsenal, but Mabbutt admitted that Lloris was well within his rights to question his teammates.

He told Football FanCast:

“I have been asked a couple of times about Hugo’s comments. Hugo is probably one of the most respected goalkeepers in the world – a World Cup winner with France, and of course in the dressing room is a big character.

“So to come out and say what he did, that wouldn’t have been just said to the media but that would have been said in the dressing room – whether after the Arsenal game or Zagreb game. He would have made it clear to the players what he felt, and then made it public.

“I had no problem seeing what came out from Hugo or the manager. It was aimed at getting a response, and clearly from the result on Sunday it got the response that everyone was hoping for.”

It was quite simply a disastrous four days for Spurs, but having put those two awful results behind them by beating Aston Villa, the top-four is suddenly in their sights, especially with a winnable trip to Newcastle on the horizon next month.

Speaking after Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-0 win on Sunday, Jose Mourinho praised the performance of Spurs centre-back Davinson Sanchez.

Having started just 10 Premier League fixtures this season prior to the clash with Burnley, Sanchez was perhaps a surprise inclusion in Mourinho’s starting XI on Sunday, with the 24-year-old coming in for Tottenham at the expense of Eric Dier.

However, despite his lack of game-time so far this term, the £36m-rated defender highly impressed against the Clarets, making 10 clearances, winning two tackles, blocking one shot and winning 14 duels over the 90 minutes, earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.8 for his efforts.

Speaking after the match, Mourinho singled out the Colombia international for praise, claiming that the £65k-per-week centre-back put on a dominant display against Burnley. He said: “I think the team played well defensively, it was a good compromise from the team. Then Davinson played a very good game, very dominant, fresh, didn’t play the last match and he was very good.”

Transfer Tavern Take

Indeed, Sanchez’s display against Sean Dyche’s side was comfortably his best of the season, with the centre-back earning a WhoScored match rating of 8.25 for his performance, with his next highest rating this term coming in Spurs’ 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at the beginning of February, when he scored 7.19.

With important games against Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton coming up in the Premier League, as well as a round of 16 tie against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League, Sanchez hitting form now would provide a very welcome boost in Mourinho’s hunt for a top-four finish, as well as the club’s chances of winning a European trophy.

In other Tottenham news, this Spurs transfer admission lifted the lid on a failed Daniel Levy coup with Pochettino – find out more here!

Mike Ashley can strive to quell the emerging turmoil at Newcastle United by appointing assistant coach Graeme Jones as Steve Bruce’s immediate replacement.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, several members of the Magpies first-team want Jones to replace Bruce at the helm, believing that the former Luton Town manager gives them their best chance of avoiding relegation.

United currently sit three points clear of the drop zone but will enter the weekend inside the bottom three, should 18th-placed Fulham pull off an upset and beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night.

Things behind the scenes are rapidly starting to fall apart, as well, with Bruce involved in a training ground bust-up with Matt Ritchie on Tuesday after the 60-year-old allegedly shoulder-barged the ex-Scotland international after Ritchie allegedly called his head coach a “coward”.

Bruce is also claimed to have told the winger “after all I’ve done for you,” to which Ritchie responded with a few choice words.

The incident was sparked following Bruce’s comments to the media on Saturday, in which he blamed Ritchie for not passing on instructions of a change in formation before Wolves scored their equalising goal.

Ritchie was furious with being thrown under the bus, alongside Joelinton, Martin Dubravka and Jamal Lewis, and wished to thrash out his displeasure after the game but Bruce would not speak to the 31-year-old until training on Tuesday – which created further frustration.

Several players reportedly no longer trust Bruce and want Jones appointed as head coach until the end of the season, due to a growing feeling of resentment towards Bruce after teammates sided with Ritchie.

Should Ashley appoint Jones?

Clearly, the situation at Darsley Park is as bleak as it likely has ever been under Bruce, with players also said to have been “disgusted” at how news of Dubravka ousting Karl Darlow appeared in the media 72 hours before Bruce informed the goalkeeper of his benching.

With players also growing frustrated at Bruce for passing the blame onto them rather than taking responsibility for results, it surely has to be time for Ashley to step in and relieve the boyhood Newcastle fan of his responsibilities.

It has been claimed that Ashley will remain hands-off as long as United stay out of the drop zone, but that can no longer be the case, and Jones – who former Toon defender Steve Howey exclusively told FFC is a “very good organiser” – should be promoted from the assistant role he took up in January.

As well as allegedly having the backing of some of the dressing room already, Jones has frequently been acknowledged for his man-management skills and ability to get players on side in difficult circumstances.

“With him, it’s very easy… if he does not like you, he tells you straight to your face and this is very important,” Kevin Mirallas, who worked with Jones at Everton and Belgium told Chronicle Live. “Some assistants do this job well; some do not. I know this guy very well and he’s a very good person.”

Former Toffees midfielder Leon Osman also claimed: “Bonner would tell you what he wanted you to do but if the standard wasn’t up to what he expected, he would let you know in no uncertain terms.

“He expects that when you do anything on the field, you do it to the best of your ability – no passengers, no easy rides. On the flip side of that, I found he knew how to relate to people, and he knew how to relate to individuals.”

A character like Jones may be just who Newcastle need at the helm at a time of apparent crisis, it just remains to be seen if Ashley is willing to pay Bruce the seven-figure sum needed for his sacking.

AND in other news, an “absolutely awesome” titan has been tipped to quit Newcastle this summer…

If the transfer gossip columns are to be believed, Glasgow Rangers want to bolster their midfield options in the January transfer window.

Four names have continued to dominate the Rangers rumour mill in recent months, namely Aberdeen’s Scott Wright, Peterborough’s Siriki Dembele, Preston North End’s Daniel Johnson and former West Ham star-turned-free-agent Jack Wilshere.

Light Blues boss Steven Gerrard has remained tight-lipped over any potential incomings at Ibrox but hinted that there’s still business to be done in the transfer market as he bids to prevent Celtic from winning ‘ten in a row.’

Reports have now emerged over the past week that Rangers have started negotiations with Johnson, whose contract is set to expire in the summer, having rejected a club-record contract offer from the Championship club.

Kingston-born Johnson, 28, has been impressing in the English Championship for Preston with four goals and three assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this season.

He began his career at Crystal Palace before a major move to Aston Villa’s academy. After excelling as a youngster, he signed his first professional contract at Villa Park, where he played under former Rangers manager Alex McLeish, who was effusive in his praise for the “lovely little player.”

Capable of playing in the centre, on the left or on the right of the midfield, he has legitimate claims to not only being one of Preston’s best central midfielders but also one of the best attacking players in the division too, based on the statistics.

Last season, Johnson bagged 12 goals and 7 assists from the midfield in 33 appearances in the Championship, resulting in a 7 average rating, per WhoScored. For context, that’s only four fewer than tenth-placed Swansea City striker Andre Ayew.

In fact, if you take a closer look at the numbers, the Jamaican actually outperformed Ayew in certain areas, producing 1.4 key passes to Ayew’s 0.9, suggesting that he has a well-rounded game and create chances for others whilst scoring himself.

It’s hard to ignore the fact that a fit and in-form Johnson would be a valuable asset to most sides in the Scottish Premiership.

An extremely talented player, the two-time £3.6m-rated Jamaica international has scored 36 goals in 203 Championship appearances for Preston, emphasising the fact he could add a natural goal threat in the middle of the park.

If that isn’t enough to convince you otherwise, former Motherwell player Chris Humphrey played with him at Preston and recently described his former teammate as an “unbelievable” talent.

Having failed to sign him from Deepdale last summer, Ross Wilson must try and sign the midfielder on a pre-contract agreement in January. After all, he may not get another chance.

AND in other news, Rangers should unleash Cedric Itten against Ross County…

According to Goal, Celtic are tracking Hibernian starlet Josh Doig ahead of a potential transfer move.

What’s the story?

The 18-year-old has established himself as a key part of Jack Ross’ squad this season, making 16 appearances in the Scottish Premiership alone.

And now, Goal claim that along with Celtic, the likes of Manchester City and Leeds United are also interested in the left-back, and that he would command a fee of around £1m.

The report adds that despite City’s interest, the likes of Celtic and Leeds could prove to be more attractive propositions given they could give him a clearer route into the first-team.

Could be Celtic’s Tierney successor

Ever since Kieran Tierney left Celtic to move south of the border to join Arsenal in the Premier League back in the summer of 2019, the Hoops haven’t quite settled on a player to fill his shoes.

This season, loanee Diego Laxalt has stepped into the mix, whilst Greg Taylor came into the side for the 2-2 draw against Livingston in the Scottish Premiership last weekend.

But in the 18-year-old Doig, Nick Hammond could well land the Hoops a long-term successor to Tierney. He’s already racking up considerable experience by starting for Hibs week-in and week-out – he’s made 15 starts in the league this campaign.

Goal claims that “scouts have noted Doig’s attacking output as a huge part of his game, with his crossing ability and tireless running two of his key attributes”,  something Tierney really made a name for himself with.

However, he did have a difficult day against Celtic earlier in the season.

Coming up against another young full-back in Jeremie Frimpong, Doig struggled to hold his own, so much so that he was hauled off at half-time in Hibs’ 3-0 defeat to the Hoops.

Speaking after the game, Ross admitted: “Look, it was difficult for him today. He was up against a difficult opponent who has been lauded in recent weeks for being one of their stronger players. He competed well in the first-half.

“When you are that quick and can be that quick from a standing start it is tough to play against. It is another learning experience for Josh. I had a good chat with him at half-time and I will do so again in the coming days. He has been brilliant this season for a young man who has just turned 18. He will be fine and will play a big part for us moving forward.”

One bad performance doesn’t make a player, certainly not someone who is just a teenager. Given his age, and the fact he’s been lauded for his crossing shows that he’s got potential, and could develop into Celtic’s heir to Tierney.

Meanwhile, Celtic could clinch a bargain in this League One gem…

Liverpool are still looking to make a move to sign Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun, according to reports.

Balogun on Anfield radar

The 19-year-old is a regular for the Gunners’ U23s side and has scored four goals and provided two assists from 10 appearances in the Premier League 2 (TransferMarkt).

But manager Mikel Arteta has been giving the American-born forward opportunities in the Europa League and he has scored twice from four outings.

According to Nik Postinger, a freelance journalist previously of The Guardian and The Telegraph, Liverpool are still in the frame to secure Balogun. Jurgen Klopp’s side were in the mix for the young centre-forward in the summer, who can also play on the left-wing.

Sky Sports reported at the time that Brentford were leading the race ahead of the Reds, and the North London outfit would be willing to listen to offers in the region of £8m.

The England U20 international has a famous fan club in the form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who described him as “fire” having watched him play at the club’s academy.

Transfer Tavern Verdict

This is another example of Liverpool, Michael Edwards and Jurgen Klopp planning for the club’s future.

The duo have worked harmoniously well in terms of bringing in talent. Bringing through the likes of Curtis Jones and Rhys Williams under the watchful eye of Alex Inglethorpe has been the cherry on their red cake.

A versatile attacker such as Balogun is a player that could become useful in the future. With European experience under his belt, he could be well ahead of other players around his age in terms of development.

At around £8m, Balogun might be worth a look. Time will tell as the January transfer window edges closer.

In other news, Liverpool fans stunned by club stance amid Georginio Wijnaldum contract whispers.

West Brom take a break from their Premier League plight today as the FA Cup resumes.

The Baggies face a trip north to face League One outfit Blackpool at Bloomfield Road and they head into this afternoon’s encounter in dire form having been trounced in three of their four games under Sam Allardyce.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 66-year-old call on rotation to take a look at some of the fringe members of the squad he inherited.

Last time out, Albion were thrashed 4-0 by Arsenal in snowy conditions whilst the Seasiders have beaten two lower league opposition teams to get to the third round proper.

So, here’s the West Brom XI we’re predicting for this encounter…

Big Sam is dealing with considerable injury problems, though he will be buoyed by the return of skipper Jake Livermore from suspension and Sam Field, who returned to training this week.

We expect both to come straight in, featuring over Conor Gallagher and Romaine Sawyers, who are rested. It would be the 22-year-old gem’s first start for West Brom since September.

Conor Townsend is still on the sidelines, though Kyle Bartley came on for Branislav Ivanovic against the Gunners, so he could keep his place with rarely-seen centre-back Cedric Kipre getting a runout having played in just two Carabao Cup games.

Kieran Gibbs could come back in at left-back, whilst Darnell Furlong is likely to remain on the right as the club’s only senior option.

The Baggies confirmed the signing of Robert Snodgrass on Friday afternoon and he could feature, but we expect him to be named on the bench rather than from the off, which means young winger Kyle Edwards makes a welcome return to the senior fold.

He’ll partner Grady Diangana on the other flank with Matheus Pereira deployed through the middle. It means Matty Phillips is axed from the lineup.

In the absence of Karlan Grant, who has been ruled out for six weeks, and Hal Robson-Kanu, we expect Callum Robinson to lead the line, particularly with Charlie Austin potentially on the move.

His former club QPR are interested in taking him on loan and according to John Percy, he’s likely to be heading for the exit door before the end of the month.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Sam Allardyce urged to bring Championship man to West Brom this January…

Glasgow Rangers fans are absolutely disgusted with comments from Gordon Parks in his latest Daily Record column.

The Gers have been in fantastic form so far this campaign. The Ibrox outfit are currently nine points ahead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and are unbeaten in 20 games in all competitions. Steven Gerrard will surely be confident that this is the year he can finally get his hands on a piece silverware north of the border.

Celtic are the current holders, of course, having won the last nine titles, but they have not had the best start to the term. It is themselves who are second as they trail their fierce rivals. At the moment, Rangers look by far the better of the two.

Barry Ferguson recently said that not one Celtic player would get into Gerrard’s starting XI. Journalist Gordon Parks clearly didn’t agree, with him saying that only three Gers men – Allan McGregor, Borna Barisic and Ryan Kent – would get into Neil Lennon’s team.

As you can imagine, the Gers fans were disgusted with these comments, and they took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Parks below

In other news, there has been a crushing blow for this Gers man.

Manchester United will be all too aware that they can move above Manchester City in the Premier League as they prepare for today’s clash at Southampton.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side currently sit behind City in the table but can move above their fierce rivals if they beat the Saints on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils return to Premier League action for the first time since beating West Bromwich Albion in a 1-0 win at Old Trafford as they travel to St Mary’s to take on Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side, who are unbeaten in their past seven games in all competitions so far this season.

United battered Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday evening and may look to keep most of the same team in place for what could be another big game for Solskjaer.

You’d expected United to get at least something against the Saints; after all, they haven’t lost in the last nine times the two sides have met.

Here is our predicted line-up for Manchester United this afternoon.

Solskjaer could hand second-choice goalkeeper Dean Henderson his first start for his boyhood club in the Premier League amid reports that he is expected to replace David de Gea between the sticks.

It’s hard to imagine many changes to the back four, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alex Telles and Harry Maguire likely to start. Maybe Victor Lindelof could keep his place, although there are concerns over his match fitness, so we’re backing Axel Tuanzebe to earn a recall as he has impressed in the Champions League so far this season.

Both Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba reportedly face a race against time to be declared fit to face Southampton at St Mary’s, whilst Jesse Lingard has returned to first-team training after completing a period of self-isolation.

Whilst Sunday’s game may come too soon for Pogba, it’s unlikely the Frenchman will start, which provides Solskjaer with the perfect opportunity to test Donny van de Beek.

Edinson Cavani offered very little going forwards against Istanbul in the Champions League, so switching Marcus Rashford back to the left and bringing Mason Greenwood back into the starting line-up on the right could be a shrewd move, whilst Anthony Martial is likely to lead the line.

AND in other news, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must unleash Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek vs Southampton…

Liverpool fans may have been handed a huge boost ahead of their lunchtime clash at Goodison Park. Thiago Alcantara has tweeted a match day image, featuring a picture of himself as the Reds prepare to visit their neighbours in a bid to resurrect their winning form.

The recent Anfield signing has made just one appearance for his new club so far. He was recently reported to have tested positive for Covid-19 and missed the Aston Villa match along with Sadio Mane. Liverpool were handed a huge defeat and were left to mull over their 7-2 spanking on the journey back to Merseyside.

Merseyside boost for Liverpool

After returning to training, Thiago is available for selection this afternoon and could make his return against the club’s bitter rivals. As it stands, Everton top the Premier League table after their perfect start to the season. Liverpool’s recent loss sees them three points behind, but they could pull level with a win at Goodison Park. Jurgen Klopp will need all hands on deck to snub the Toffees in their neck of the woods.

The versatile midfielder played just 45 minutes against Chelsea last month but could be called upon to start the match. Naby Keita is not available for selection meaning Thiago could play alongside skipper Jordan Henderson, who has been impressing in his recent England performances.

The two-time Champions League winner maintained 90% passing accuracy in Liverpool’s win over Frank Lampard’s side. He also made one key pass and was successful in ten of his 12 attempted long balls (via Sofascore).

With Mane back and a strong midfield equipped, the Reds will be eager to get themselves onto the front foot at Goodison. Everton, who know their neighbours’ threat on the counter-attack, may play a more reserved game this afternoon. If this is the case, Thiago’s creative passes and long balls could be the answer to unlocking a tight Carlo Ancelotti defence and chipping away for three points.

In other news, Predicted XI: Liverpool to field strong lineup in mission to upset Everton…