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West Brom remain keen on January transfer target Ozan Tufan, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

Turkish news outlet Sabah Spor claim that the Baggies are ‘closely interested’ in signing the 26-year-old midfielder ahead of the summer window, with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace also mooted.

Tufan is said to have a €20m (£17m) release clause and it is thought that Fenerbahce will only sell their star at this price.

Another factor could be Albion’s likely relegation as the Turkey international would love to play in the Premier League in the near future.

Shades of Mulumbu

Currently valued at just £8.55m by Transfermarkt, Tufan would be an intriguing option to have at the Hawthorns as he’s able to contribute offensively despite often playing in a deeper position.

His playing style has drawn comparisons to that of Yaya Toure, and it’s easy to see why – this season alone, the 58-cap dynamo has provided five goals and six assists in the Super Lig.

Toure was renowned for his ability to pick up the ball and travel with it, as well as arriving late in the box to score, too. In some ways, that is also similar to an ex-West Brom legend in Youssouf Mulumbu.

As Chris Brunt recently told the Express & Star: “He would always keep the ball and get you up the pitch.”

This is what Tufan could bring to the current Baggies set-up. The 26-year-old box-to-box enforcer has also supplemented his attacking returns with resolute defending – as per WhoScored, he’s averaged 1.6 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per outing in the Turkish top-flight this campaign.

And a near 60% success rate in the tackle suggests that more often than not, he’s a hard man to get past, whilst his ability to read the danger and subsequently act on it is another attractive attribute.

Mulumbu was hardly known for his goalscoring ability, considering he often played an anchorman role alongside Claudio Yacob, but in his first season in the Premier League, the DR Congo powerhouse managed to score six times, and in the following three top-flight seasons, contributed to at least four goals, as per Transfermarkt.

Industrious would be a good word to describe the former Baggies midfielder, and the same goes for the “quality” Tufan.

Whether or not West Brom chief Luke Dowling can convince him to come to the Midlands remains to be seen, but if he can, then Albion could well unearth their next Mulumbu.

Pair him with Celta Vigo loanee Okay Yokuslu, then perhaps it’ll be Yacob and Mulumbu 2.0 at the Hawthorns next term. That’s a mouthwatering prospect.

AND in other news, Dowling can make amends for Bilic blunder with swoop for 27-goal “leader”…

Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting after it was suggested the Gers supporters were responsible for a recent spike in positive coronavirus tests in the Glasgow region.

The Gers’ status as Premiership champions was confirmed the Sunday before last after Celtic could only manage a 0-0 draw with Dundee United. That led to thousands of jubilant fans pouring into the streets of Glasgow to celebrate – breaking coronavirus regulations in the process.

There has been a recent spike in cases in the Glasgow area in recent days, and Scotland’s chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith has suggested the large gathering of supporters could have led to the increase (planetradio.co.uk) – even though clinical director Jason Leitch has revealed it is far too early to tell whether the celebrations had an effect on the numbers (The Scottish Sun).

The Gers fans, clearly, are far from happy with suggestions they are to blame. They took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say below

“At Xmas they said it would take weeks to see the spike from Christmas gatherings. It suits their narrative and agenda to make the comparison here”

Credit: @g_trader_

“Big bad rangers but no spike in December when thousands went to hampden”

Credit: @DavidMo44520864

“I think it’s scandalous, never heard this narrative after the bheasts lockdown behaviours”

Credit: @TidRangers

“All very predictable I’m afraid. They will ramp up the numbers again in the coming days when they work out the true timescale of exposure to symptoms presenting, to testing, recording results and inclusion in the data being provided for daily briefings.”

Credit: @ElPedro1872

“It’s really scary the way this country going, basically nearly every news media is running with a story that’s so unbelievable if thought out but it’s Scotland where the media is only too willing to print lies especially if it’s about Rangers and it’s fans.”

Credit: @Theprovocateur2

“Anybody else think that the news that Rangers fans caused a spike in covid is just a complete fairytale? So if we consider cases rose on Tuesday which was 2 days after the celebrations in George Square, symptoms (if any) would not have presented so soon”

Credit: @joe_black1509

In other news, Rangers fans slam this Union Bears statement.

Everton booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-final with victory over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek and later today, they will welcome another London side to Goodison Park

The Toffees can move into fourth in the Premier League table with a dominant result over Fulham after Liverpool suffered a defensive collapse at Leicester City yesterday, but Carlo Ancelotti is facing a selection headache after a string of injuries.

Top-scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin and first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford have both been ruled out of action for the visit of Scott Parker’s relegation-threatened side, while James Rodriguez missed the extra-time win over Spurs with a tight calf.

Rodriguez has, however, been passed fit to feature against Fulham. So, with that in mind, here’s a potential XI Ancelotti could field, featuring three changes from Wednesday night…

Pickford has now missed Everton’s last three games across all competitions after sustaining an abdominal injury in defeat to Newcastle United last month, leaving Robin Olsen to continue in goal for his longest run in the side since joining on loan from AS Roma last summer.

Everton will be expected to name an unchanged defence of Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey at home to Fulham, with Sunday’s clash key to the Blues’ hopes of securing European qualification having won just four of 10 home league games so far this term.

Ancelotti faces a greater selection dilemma in midfield with Andre Gomes passed fit after missing the midweek win, and he could come in for FA Cup hero Gylfi Sigurdsson after the Iceland international played the full 120 minutes on Wednesday night.

Sigurdsson will feel hard done by to be dropped to the bench after scoring one of Everton’s five goals against Tottenham and assisting three of the other four, but will likely miss out on facing Fulham so that Rodriguez can return and occupy the attacking midfield role.

Alex Iwobi will be expected to also fall out of the XI for £18m-rated Gomes and Rodriguez to feature, in a return to the 4-3-1-2 that Ancelotti felt Everton performed well in during the 3-3 draw with Manchester United last weekend.

Calvert-Lewin will be unable to lead the Everton attack as he has for much of the season with the striker missing on Sunday with a hamstring injury, which Ancelotti is hopeful will not rule the 18-goal star out of Wednesday’s clash with Manchester City as well.

The England international’s absence should see Joshua King handed a first start in royal blue, having played for just 12 minutes since joining Everton from AFC Bournemouth on Deadline Day.

King can partner Richarlison in the front two, with Richarlison without a goal in his last seven Premier League games despite netting twice against Tottenham in the cup.

AND in other news, Everton are monitoring an “exciting” teen prospect Carlo Ancelotti could sign for free…

When Sunderland needed a striker in January 2019, Stewart Donald rocked back in his office chair in despair.

He had left it until the deadline and with clubs around the EFL well aware of their circumstances following Josh Maja’s departure, negotiations could be drawn out.

Donald identified Will Grigg as his main target but after failing with a few bids, eventually forked out £4m to bring him to the Stadium of Light, a process that was drawn out in front of the cameras for the club’s Netflix documentary.

It was a colossal deal, especially for a club in League One and it hasn’t paid off. Donald signed him as the man to lift the Mackems to promotion but that’s never looked like happening.

Since signing for the club, Grigg has netted just eight times in a Sunderland shirt. It’s a horrible tally for someone who had such a promising record at this level.

Phil Parkinson came in but he failed to get the best from the Northern Irishman. Last term, the striker found the net on only three occasions in a torrid campaign.

The desire of him firing the Black Cats to promotion is now a distant memory. Parkinson could never extract much but he hardly suited his playstyle either.

The former Sunderland manager preferred a more direct approach rather than the quick, offensive style that Lee Johnson has opted for.

However, Grigg is now beginning to flourish and finally find his way. He was granted a loan move to MK Dons in January and has hit the ground running, scoring three goals in his opening six matches.

He’s also picked out three assists for the League One club in what has been a fantastic start to life under Russell Martin. Speaking about the forward recently, he commented: “He has been brilliant. His attitude, his attention to the details, and his quality. He is getting better and better, fitter and fitter.”

With Grigg now in such good form in the same division as Sunderland, Parkinson must be cursing his luck that he couldn’t extract more from the striker.

If he’d found a play style to accommodate the £6k-per-week earner, the Black Cats may well have found themselves in a better place for promotion. After all, their top scorer last term in the league was Chris Maguire on just ten.

As this term has proven, goals are vital in the race to go up. Charlie Wyke’s haul of 19 has been game-changing with Sunderland now sitting fourth in the table.

This could be a classic case of what if for the north-east side. Parkinson should be tearing his hair out that he lost his job before Grigg found form.

AND in other news, Forget Gooch: Johnson should unleash £4.4k-p/w SAFC dynamo, he left Parkinson fuming…

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.

According reports, Aston Villa are interested in signing free agent Alex Teixeira.

What’s the story?

Dean Smith’s side have enjoyed a superb Premier League season thus far, placing themselves firmly in the battle for a European place. And, according to Spanish publication, Fichajes, Villa are keen on making a move for Teixeira.

The Brazilian left Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning at the end of December, and the report claims that Villa, along with both Benfica and his former side Shakhtar Donetsk, are keen on giving him an immediate return to football.

It’s further suggested that Villa see Teixeira as someone who could give a “big boost” to their European push.

Upgrade on Barkley

Described as a “technical leader”, Teixeira has been doing the business across the world for a number of years now, amassing a quite incredible 172 goals over his illustrious career – that despite predominantly featuring as a number ten or out wide.

Speaking back in 2016, Teixeira’s then boss at Shakhtar, Mircea Lucescu, said: “He’s incredible, very fast, very good technique. I compare him with other players of the same age who changed (the fortunes of) a club, (Angel) Di Maria for example at Paris Saint-Germain.

“Teixeira can be at the same level, better even. He doesn’t get injured, and every year he gets better and better.”

The Brazilian would offer an immediate upgrade on Ross Barkley, who has still yet to prove himself as a real consistent performer over the years. He has never managed more than eight goals in a single league campaign, whilst his totals in the past three seasons in particular have been shocking to say the least, with three, one and two goals respectively.

On the other hand, Teixeira has consistently broken past the ten goal barrier in the league both at Shakhtar and with Jiangsu. Since the 2012/2013 campaign, he has managed totals of: 10, 6, 17, 22, 11, 8, 13 and 18. The veteran is a goal-scoring machine from midfield, and would give Smith’s side an added dimension, instead of just having to rely on Ollie Watkins to score all the time.

Teixeira’s consistency over such a long period of time, and the fact that he’s had plenty of experience playing at the highest level in the Champions League too, means he would surely represent an upgrade on Barkley. The fact he “doesn’t get injured”, like has been the case with the England international, makes him all the more of an attractive proposition when you add that to the fact he would arrive on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, this Aston Villa star has been a revelation…

Since arriving from Porto in a big-money deal back in the summer transfer window, it’s fair to say it’s been a slow start for Fabio Silva at Wolves.

The 18-year-old has understandably been eased into life in English football, with just 142 minutes of Premier League football spread out over six games – his only starts for the club have come in the Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy.

But with Raul Jimenez being forced out of action with a sickening clash of heads in the game against Arsenal a couple of weeks ago, there has surely never been a more perfect time for Nuno Espirito Santo to unshackle his teenage prodigy.

Silva’s potential is undoubted among those in the Wolves camp, with Jeff Shi waxing lyrical about his new signing a few months ago. He said: “Our recruitment team have been watching Fabio since he played for Portugal Under-16s. They feel he has always been the best number nine coming through his age group anywhere in Europe.

“Fabio is a young player who shows not only incredible technical ability, but also his game intelligence for a player of his age is top class.”

And with Saturday’s opponents in the Premier League, Aston Villa, coming into the game off the back of two successive defeats against the likes of Brighton and West Ham, Silva has a perfect opportunity to hand Silva his first start in the top-flight.

With games coming thick and fast this month, making sure his young striker is ready to play from the off could be the key to ensuring Nuno has his team firing on all cylinders and not missing Jimenez too much.

With the clash against Villa coming at Molineux too, Silva will be in familiar surroundings, and it’s surely all set up for him to shine.

Meanwhile, Wolves can find their long-term Moutinho successor in this Brazilian prodigy.

Glasgow Rangers will want to continue their newfound momentum when they travel to McDiarmid Park to take on St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night.

Steven Gerrard’s side survived an early scare at the weekend as they had to come from behind to beat Motherwell at Ibrox and extend their lead over Celtic to 16 points at the top of the table.

The Ibrox boss has shown no hesitation in rotating his squad in anticipation of the busy schedule and he faces some tough decisions before the Light Blues take the trip to Perth, with clashes with Aberdeen, Celtic and Hibernian on the horizon.

Here’s our predicted starting lineup for tonight’s action, which sees Gerrard make three changes to the team that beat the Steelmen.

Allan McGregor will keep his place in goal behind an unchanged back four consisting of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and Borna Barisic.

It’s hard to work out which players will be forced to make room and that’s something Gerrard will continue to assess before kick-off, but it’s likely he’ll bring first-team stars Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi into the starting line-up, which means Scott Arfield and Glen Kamara will be rested before the clash with Hibernian at home.

The Ibrox boss will stick with the usual 4-3-2-1 formation, with Aribo, Steven Davis and Hagi forming his midfield three in the engine room.

This means that Bongani Zungu will have to settle for a place on the bench, such is the strength of Gerrard’s squad right now.

With Alfredo Morelos serving a two-match suspension, Cedric Itten will most likely lead the line flanked by the ever-reliable Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe, who came off the bench to score against the Steelmen at Ibrox.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Pundit drops big claim about Alfredo Morelos’ future at Glasgow Rangers…

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…

A well-connected former chief scout has made a January transfer claim involving Arsenal, and he says that sporting director Edu Gaspar is indeed after a new striker.

Arsenal linked with new striker for 2025

The Gunners have been linked with a host of new strikers over the last few weeks, with reports suggesting that a new forward is on their agenda for either January or 2025.

£265k-per-week star could leave Arsenal with Arteta a fan of 25-year-old

The Spaniard is a real admirer.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 8, 2024

Doubts surround Gabriel Jesus right now as the Brazilian struggles to find his best form and give on-fire star Kai Havertz good competition.

It is even believed by some media sources that Jesus could depart for Palmeiras, and while it remains to be seen if the £265,000-per-week attacker could depart, that reportedly hasn’t stopped Edu and co from looking at new options.

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Liverpool (home)

October 27

Newcastle United (away)

November 2

Chelsea (away)

November 10

Nottingham Forest (home)

November 23

Indeed, the latest number nine who Arsenal are taking a look at is Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush. The Egypt striker has started this new season in fine form – scoring nine goals and registering six assists over just nine appearances in all competitions – and this form has led to serious interest from the Premier League.

Marmoush apparently fancies a move to Arsenal, alongside Liverpool, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg sharing news this week that he’s also “hesitating” on a new contract.

As well as Marmoush, Arsenal are apparently still keeping tabs on Benjamin Sesko, coming after the north Londoners failed to strike a deal for him in the summer. The likes of Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres and Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram have also been sporadically linked, but these are all just rumours.

Now, a well-connected source has shared what he’s “heard” about the prospect of Edu bringing in a new centre forward in January.

Arsenal "want to buy" new striker in January

Speaking to Football Insider, “well-connected” ex-chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at both Man United and Tottenham, says he’s “heard” that Arsenal want to buy a new striker mid-season – if the right option becomes available and despite the form of Havertz.

“Havertz has been brilliant recently,” said Brown.

“You have to give people like that a lot of credit because questions have been asked of him and a lot of people would have shied away. But he’s done a great job for them.

“You have to credit Mikel Arteta because he’s brought this out of him. I’ve heard, though, that if there was the right option out there, Arsenal still want to buy somebody in that position.

“The problem is there’s not a long list of players who are good enough to play that role and are also available to come to the Premier League. Arsenal won’t want to waste any money they have on a player they don’t need.

“They’ll be prudent, but I know they’ll be looking for areas they can improve, and I think that will be one even with Havertz playing as well as he has been.”