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Crystal Palace still want to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this month, according to journalist Tom Barclay, who was talking to GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Ramsey links

Palace are yet to bolster their squad this month but could be set for a busy final few days of the January window going off recent reports. According to Italian news outlet TuttoJuve, the Eagles are getting ‘closer and closer’ to signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Patrick Vieira is attempting to ‘convince’ the Welshman over a move to Selhurst Park, with the 31-year-old set to leave Turin before the end of the month. However, it’s not only Ramsey who Vieira wants at Selhurst Park before Monday’s deadline, with Nketiah also on the radar.

The Latest: Barclay’s claim

Barclay was talking to GiveMeSport regarding Palace and the 22-year-old Gunners forward. He revealed that the Eagles are still interested in the £45,000-a-week striker and would like to bring him to the club ‘now’.

Barclay stated: “They are interested. They tried to sign him in the summer and they would like to have him and they’d like to sign him now if possible.

“He’s obviously out of contract at the end of the season. I was told it was a difficult deal to do, Arteta’s gone on record saying he wants him to stay, he’d like him to sign a new contract apparently.”

The Verdict: Unlikely?

Reports prior to the New Year suggested that Palace would cut short Jean-Philippe Mateta’s loan spell to make way for a new striker As we know, that hasn’t happened, and with just days remaining in the transfer window, it seems as if a move for Nketiah won’t materialise.

That’s because Mikel Arteta has previously ruled out a January exit for the striker, so perhaps Palace should be looking at a summer swoop, when Nketiah could be a free agent.

A cut-price move could still be a shrewd one, though, as the forward is only 22 years of age and has 75 appearances for the Gunners under his belt, scoring once every 102 minutes in the current campaign.

In other news: ‘We’re big time’ – Many Palace fans erupt as ‘class’ transfer news emerges

Taking to Twitter, South Korean football reporter Steve Han of Goal has shared news on Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min and his international tour of duty.

The Lowdown: International scares…

Spurs fans will look back to the torrid internationals of September hopeful of avoiding another repeat of the consistent blows.

During that particular break in the Premier League season, many Lilywhites players came back to Hotspur Way having sustained knocks on their tours of duty.

Indeed, the likes of Son, Steven Bergwijn, Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon returned to Tottenham injured from representing their countries over what was seen as the club’s worst international break ever (The Sun).

Meanwhile, South American trio Davinson Sanchez, Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were subject to intense quarantine rules which forced them to spend a 10-day training camp in Croatia before flying back to north London (The Evening Standard).

The Latest: Son sustains ‘knock’…

As new Tottenham boss Antonio Conte potentially sweats on the fitness of his key players while they’re away with their countries, Han has shared news on Son’s condition as he flies out with South Korea.

The 29-year-old helped his country to a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over United Arab Emirates on Thursday as they remain undefeated in their group, with Son proving a constant threat and hitting the woodwork twice (Yonhap News Agency).

However, sharing an update, Goal reporter Han has said that the player was forced to miss training on Saturday and will now be monitored.

“Korea to fly to Doha today for a 3-day camp to face Iraq in #AsianQualifiers,” he explained on Twitter.

“Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae and Lee Jae-sung didn’t train with the team on Saturday with minor knocks, and they’ll be monitored. Son and Kim so far have trained only once with the team in this camp.”

The Verdict: Spurs sweating?

Depending on the outcome of the ‘minor knock’, Spurs fans will be hopeful that it won’t impact Son’s Premier League return as new boss Conte aims to kickstart their season back into life.

Losing the winger would certainly be a setback considering that he was easily their second best player of 2020/21 behind Harry Kane. Only the Englishman racked up more goals and assists combined than Son and both men featured in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

Former Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo lauded the Korean as ‘amazing’ during his brief tenure in charge, and Conte will most likely have one worried eye on Son’s condition.

In other news: Spurs now close to signing ‘monster’ as Conte seeks to solve severe problem, find out more here.

It’s no secret that Liverpool have a significant number of senior players out injured at the moment despite managing to put in a solid performance in their emphatic 4-0 win over Arsenal at the weekend after losing to West Ham United before the recent international break.

With the Reds now back in Champions League action in midweek with a clash against Porto, it seems as though they could potentially be without another player that Klopp would undoubtedly want to have at his disposal on this occasion.

What’s the news?

After being substituted off with a dead leg during Belgium’s match against Wales during the recent international break, Liverpool attacker Divock Origi was not included in their squad for the win over Arsenal at the weekend through illness according to the Liverpool Echo, who claim that Jurgen Klopp “will hope” that the Belgian will be available to play in the match against Porto in midweek.

Given how Liverpool have Roberto Firmino out with a hamstring injury and with Diogo Jota receiving a knock to his knee in the Arsenal game, it would certainly be a big blow for the Reds if Origi ends up not being available to play in midweek, one that will leave the manager gutted at his lack of options.

With Origi showing how much of a useful attacking option he can be for the team by scoring a consolation goal for the Reds in their 3-2 defeat at West Ham coming off the substitutes bench, he could be a key figure for them in midweek if he’s fit enough to play.

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Despite only playing a total of 16 minutes in the Premier League so far this season, Klopp has used Origi in the Carabao Cup where he has played the full 90 minutes in both matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist, as well as playing in three of their four Champions League games as well.

Moving forward, Klopp and everyone else at the Merseyside club will undoubtedly be hoping that Origi will be able to make a full recovery in time for the match against Porto so he can give Klopp the option of starting him in the absence of Firmino and potentially Jota too if he’s not able to play.

Should he be absent, the German tactician will be scrambling around for potential solutions to his current centre-forward nightmare.

In other news: FSG could finally secure Wijnaldum heir at LFC with “extraordinary” £81m-rated star – opinion

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is eyeing up a move for Leeds United hero Kalvin Phillips, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Phillips’ future unsure

The 25-year-old has become a modern-day Whites great, helping the club return to the Premier League and becoming a vital player for England, too.

Phillips’ performances have caught the attention of some of the country’s biggest clubs, however, and Leeds could find it tough to keep hold of him.

The Englishman’s current Whites deal expires in the summer of 2024, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City linked with moves in recent times.

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The Latest: Man Utd keen on move

According to ESPN sources, Rangnick sees Phillips as one of three ideal midfield options to come in next summer, as United look to return to the top of English football.

Also mentioned in the report are Amadou Haidara and Jude Bellingham, who are both impressing at RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

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The Verdict: Surely not joining them?

Many Leeds fans may understand Phillips deciding to move on at the end of the season, considering his potential interest in testing himself at Champions League level and potential to win major trophies.

That being said, the thought of him copying Alan Smith and moving to United is a grim one for Whites supporters, given the rivalry that exists between the two clubs.

Moving to Old Trafford could tarnish Phillips’ reputation, which would be a huge shame after 226 appearances and so many influential displays, so seeing him move elsewhere would be preferable if he does decide to leave.

In other news, a key update has emerged regarding Leeds’ January spending. Read more here.

Steve Madeley has revealed that questions have been raised at West Bromwich Albion over Sam Allardyce’s suitability to lead the team in the Championship.

Allardyce future questioned

As it stands, the Baggies look as though they will playing in the second tier next term. With just 10 games left to play, they are eight points adrift from safety (Sky Sports).

Writing for The Athletic, Madeley has revealed there have been “privately raised questions” at The Hawthorns as some people are not sure whether Allardyce can do the job required in the Championship.

Backwards

Allardyce does have a track record of getting promoted to the top tier – he achieved the feat with both Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United. However, both of those successes came a considerable while ago – they now seem to be nothing but a distant memory.

The Championship has changed in recent times. Leeds United have played fantastic football this term after earning promotion last year, while Scott Parker’s Fulham have given themselves a shot at survival thanks to an attractive style. With all due respect to Allardyce, his pragmatic philosophy is somewhat outdated, and at 66 he is unlikely to change now. There are likely better options for the Baggies to pursue if they want to return to the elite as quickly as possible.

In other news, some West Brom fans slammed this man against Newcastle.

Plenty of Sunderland supporters have been reacting to Tom Flanagan’s first half display against Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy Final on social media.

The 29-year-old was handed his 21st appearance in all competitions this season, with Lee Johnson making four changes from the 2-0 win over Portsmouth last time out.

Flanagan, who started just twice in the EFL Trophy during Sunderland’s road to Wembley, didn’t exactly make a positive impression amongst several Sunderland fans.

He turned out in a back four, partnering Luke O’Nien at centre-back, with Max Power at right-back and Callum McFazdean at left-back.

The backline came under some early pressure from Tranmere, with Grant Leadbitter almost opening the scoring at the wrong end, only for goalkeeper Lee Burge to bail the midfielder out.

Here is what these Black Cats supporters had to say about the 29-year-old’s first half display against Keith Hill’s side, with one describing him as ‘half-fit’ given his recent injury concerns.

Sunderland fans react to Flanagan’s first half performance

“Sorry but Flanagan is a liability”

Credit: @Safcftm2016

“Tom Flanagan makes me so nervous”

Credit: @Tom_D23

“Tom Flanagan with the ball at his feet isn’t good for my heart rate”

Credit: @SpeakSAFC

“You can tell Flanagan is back, the ball is like a hot potato when it’s at his feet or with McFadzean. Very noticeable the difference when O’Nien or Power are playing out from the back”

Credit: @Kevsol

“Started poorly. The Flanagan pass out between the lines is one of the scariest things in football”

Credit: @carlrutherford

“Makes a big difference when you replace Sanderson, who has the potential to be a PL player, with a half-fit Flanagan”

Credit: @gyrwum

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh have shared a promising transfer update out of Rush Green involving Leeds United and Premier League star Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Hammers make move…

Hammers boss David Moyes, according to reports, was heavily interested in signing the Brazilian playmaker over winter.

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West Ham apparently made a move for Raphinha in January but to no avail with the South American coming as yet another marquee target GSB couldn’t bring in for the club.

Their bad luck in the last transfer window has even lead to doubts surrounding head of recruitment Rob Newman, according to Claret & Hugh again, with the Irons chief now facing a pivotal summer window.

As Newman aims to take his next set of opportunities to land key targets, C&H have shared an update on Raphinha and West Ham’s interest.

The Latest: Newman could launch ‘cut-price’ move…

According to their information, West Ham, and by extension their transfer chief Newman, are keeping a ‘close eye’ on Leeds’ situation in case they’re relegated.

The club insider goes on to say that the Whites’ drop down to the Championship could allow West Ham to ‘launch cut-price moves’ for Raphinha and another target in Kalvin Phillips.

C&H add that ‘deals will surely be there to be done’ if Jesse Marsch’s side go down.

The Verdict: Promising update…

Signing a player of Raphinha’s calibre for a bargain fee would be pretty special, especially given his serious links to La Liga giants and footballing heavyweights Barcelona.

The 25-year-old has been a revelation at Elland Road and one of their most pivotal figures, with ex-top flight goalkeeper and pundit Paddy Kenny claiming he has been ‘unbelievable’.

Raphinha’s sensational numbers back his obvious quality with the Whites superstar averaging more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than anyone in Marsch’s squad this season (WhoScored).

If Leeds do indeed drop a division, we believe West Ham shouldn’t hesitate in making a bargain move for the attacker.

In other news: As of now: ExWHUemployee shares West Ham player update after agreement reached…find out more here.

Many Liverpool fans concluded that midfielder Naby Keita should be sold next summer after he suffered another setback.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference before tonight’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa (via James Pearce), manager Jurgen Klopp confined that the 25-year-old will not be fit enough to face Dean Smith’s side.

Keita has suffered various injury issues this season and hasn’t started a game since the Reds’ 7-0 win against Crystal Palace last month.

The Guinea international is sidelined, along with Joel Matip and Diogo Jota, in a game that is essentially in doubt after a mass coronavirus outbreak in the Villa camp.

With this in mind, supporters have had enough of Keita and some believe that his time at Anfield is coming to a screeching halt.

“Naby can just go in the summer… Dude just can’t stay fit”

Credit: @PromoPromise

“Just sell”

Credit: @okekemezie1

“This is how I didn’t react. Guys a sicknote, unfortunately…Sturridge II”

Credit: @NOMISYOUNG

“He’s made of glass… He will come back… Play 4 games… Then out for another 4/6 weeks.. Klopp should cut his losses in the summer and sell him… Imo”

Credit: @Oddjobbobajobb1

“Ruled out again. Who treats him, physios or Autoglass? It’s a shame but it’s like Aquilani all over again.”

Credit: @LeeGregson

“He’s been a massive disappointment. Tries to do too much, loses the ball, gets injured. Rinse, repeat.”

Credit: @Shadows07847621

In other news, talkSPORT pundit lambasted ‘rubbish’ Liverpool mishap during Southampton defeat.

Celtic stalwart Scott Brown has dropped an enticing transfer revelation involving Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Brown a servant to British football

Brown has certainly been a great servant to British football, with well over 600 games played for both the Hoops and Hibernian combined, as well as earning 55 caps for the senior Scotland national team (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, it is interesting to wonder whether his footballing career could have panned out differently as he makes the move to Aberdeen in the summer.

The Latest: Brown could have joined Newcastle

Speaking to Sky Sports (via The Chronicle), Brown revealed that he could have signed for the St James’ Park club back in the 2009/10 season, when he also had interest from Tottenham Hotspur. He explained:

“Then Neil [Lennon] was the manager at the time and I had the opportunity to go to Newcastle.

“I was going to be out of contract but Lenny said: ‘I want to keep you as captain, I want to build the team around you and I feel we can push on’.”

The Verdict: Brown could have been a good signing

Given that Newcastle found themselves relegated from the Premier League in 2008/09, and were also relegated again seven years later (Transfermarkt), Brown could have been a good signing given the know-how and experience he would have possessed at the time, which could have had a big impact at St James’ Park.

The midfielder has gone on to win multiple trophies at Parkhead, and his winning mentality could well have been a valuable asset to have in the dressing room on Tyneside.

It is not just off of the pitch that he could have made a real impact, as he has continued to perform strongly despite being 35 years of age now, as his teammate Callum McGregor highlighted back in October of last year by describing him as an ‘immense’ player.

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Nonetheless, it would have no doubt been interesting to see how Brown would have fared for the Magpies had he made the move back in 2009.

In other news, find out whose display against Manchester City has been criticised by Liam Kennedy.

Reports by Football Insider earlier this week claimed that Manchester United are keeping tabs on Tomas Soucek, but West Ham should repeat their genius Declan Rice move to fend off the interest in their Czech Republic superstar.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils are thought to be among an array of top European sides keeping a close eye on the midfielder, as Soucek continues to enjoy a remarkable campaign at the London Stadium.

The Old Trafford natives view the 25-year-old as a potential summer target should they first wrap up a deal for a new centre-half, with defensive reinforcements the main priority.

West Ham are braced for bids coming their way at the end of the season for Soucek, who has previously been linked with a potential move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Yet Irons insider Claret and Hugh believe there are no plans actively in place to negotiate the sale of Soucek, as it would take an astronomical offer that blows the doors off the London Stadium for the Hammers to part with the towering 6 ft 3 box-to-box menace.

Soucek is not only one of the first names on David Moyes’ teamsheets but he is also West Ham’s top-scorer across all competitions with eight goals, three more than anyone else currently in east London.

The former Slavia Prague star’s late runs into the box frequently cause opposing sides problems as he is able to ghost in often unchallenged, having perfectly pre-empted the path of the ball.

It is not only goals that he offers, either, as the £19m summer capture – now valued by TransferMarkt at £27m – provides the second-most successful tackles (2) a game in the Premier League for West Ham and wins by far the most aerial duels (6), with Michail Antonio (2.7) second after Sebastien Haller’s (4.2) winter exit, per WhoScored.

West Ham will absolutely have to do all they can to retain Soucek in the summer having discovered a glistening diamond in the rough, but should take confidence in doing so after fending off Frank Lampard’s relentless pursuits with Chelsea for Rice in the last off-season.

Lampard’s eagerness for the Stamford Bridge natives to lure Rice back to south west London was seen as one of the deciding factors that led to his sacking, having pushed the Blues to sign Rice again this January despite the club’s reservations of re-signing a player they released from the academy as a teenager.

The Hammers told Chelsea they would only sell Rice for £80m and never saw a formal offer in the summer market as a result, per The Sun, and setting a similar asking price to price Manchester United et al out of signing Soucek may be needed so that he remains in claret and blue for the 2021/22 season.

The Red Devils have shown throughout the years that they will refuse to sign anyone for over the odds, having looked away from Sean Longstaff when Newcastle demanded £50m and turned their back on Jadon Sancho when Borussia Dortmund requested €120m (£108m).

AND in other news, West Ham may face added competition to sign a highly-rated 6 ft 7 titan…