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West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini has been speaking about midfielder Manuel Lanzini ahead of his side’s clash against Manchester City on Wednesday night, and the signs are that the Argentine star won’t be making his first start for the club since May.

What did he say?

After a long injury absence, the 26-year-old finally made his long-awaited return to action as a substitute in the 3-1 win against Fulham at the London Stadium on Friday, and no doubt Irons fans will be hoping to see their man back in the XI as soon as possible now.

Speaking prior to the perhaps daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium, Pellegrini looks to have dampened those hopes by telling whufc.com: “We must be careful with [Manu].

“He did very well in his 15 minutes and the important thing was that he was not afraid and remembering his knee, so we will see what the best way is to get minutes in every game. You must be careful when you give more minutes.”

Will he definitely not start?

While West Ham will want to finish in seventh position and as the best of the rest this season, taking a risk on a player of the calibre of Lanzini away against City would be a huge risk given he has only just returned, and his manager seems to acknowledge that.

Yes, Pep Guardiola’s men may have played 120 minutes in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and could be a little leggy just a few days later, but Pellegrini can’t risk potentially aggravating the injury given the South American ace isn’t 100% match fit.

Irons supporters will need to be more patient in their bid to see the London Stadium hero back in the side, and they now have the squad depth for that to be an acceptable thing.

Rangers have been linked with a few players going into the January transfer window, but one of the club’s prime targets may have been written off for a move to Ibrox.

What’s the story?

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson has made clear his stance about the current situation on John Souttar’s immediate future at the club. Speaking to Sky Sports about the £3.1k-p/w defender, the Jan Tarts manager said: “From our perspective he’s got a contract until the end of the season, and unless we get a bid we can’t refuse he will be here until at least the end of the season.

‘The owner and Joe Savage have been speaking to him and we feel we have put together a very good contract for him so it’s just negotiating that now.

“If he does decide to leave, it will take a huge bid in January or he will see out his contract and everyone will leave happy.”

Should GVB pursue Souttar?

Van Bronckhorst already has competition when it comes to securing the signature of Souttar, with nine English Championship clubs reportedly interested in the centre-back also.

When it comes to players running down their contracts, usually this encourages clubs to sell their out-of-contract players at a cut-price fee to cash in before they leave on a free a few months later. However, in this scenario it appears that Neilson has made it very clear that a large amount of money would need to be offered for the club to let the defender go before his contract his up, which will be frustrating for Rangers.

Van Bronckhorst has intimated that he would welcome some reinforcements in defence, and Souttar looks to be the perfect suitor to fit the club’s needs moving forward, but whether the Gers will be willing to pay over the odds for the Hearts defender remains to be seen.

Despite being a centre-back, the 25-year-old has three goals already for Hearts this season, proving that he is in fine form and possibly in a strong position to get a move in the January transfer window before his contract ends at Tynecastle in the summer.

However, Neilson’s firm comments indicate that Souttar is not likely to be leaving any time soon, which is sure to frustrate the Ibrox faithful who may have been eager to see him coming to the Scottish champions.

In other news: Van Bronckhorst must secure the signature of this transfer target

Everton reportedly remain interested in signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey in the upcoming January transfer window, with manager Rafa Benitez desperate to improve his engine room options.

What’s the story?

The Toffees have long been linked with a move for the 30-year-old as he’s struggled for regular game time in Turin, and now it appears as though an imminent switch could be on the cards.

According to The Mirror (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), Juve are desperate to get Ramsey off their wage bill and will allow him to leave on free in order to do so, despite him having 18 months left to run on his current contract.

It goes on to state that any potential suitor could end up paying £42m in wages on the Wales international over the next three-and-a-half years, although that’s not something Benitez is concerned about.

Everton can end their midfielder hunt

Ever since playmaker James Rodriguez departed for Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan back in September, Everton have lacked a player capable of carving open opposition defences on a regular basis.

And Ramsey is certainly someone who could solve that particular issue with ease, having proven himself to be an elite-level attacking midfielder throughout his 11-year spell with Arsenal.

Throughout his time with the Gunners, the £175k-per-week maestro scored 65 goals and provided 65 assists in 371 appearances, winning three FA Cups along the way.

After one particularly impressive display in a sem-final success against Manchester City back in 2017, Ramsey was even compared to Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard by his former manager Arsene Wenger.

“In my head, Ramsey was going to be a player between 10 and 15 goals a year,” Wenger said – via the club’s website. “He is a Frank Lampard type. He is (about) getting in the box and he has a huge capacity to run.

“Physically, he has a combination of stamina, power and his capacity to repeat high intensity is certainly the best in the league. He has it all in the locker to be defensive and offensive. These kind of players are very important.”

However, things have not gone to plan since his free transfer to Juventus. Injuries have severely restricted his game time, and he’s slipped down the pecking order under Massimiliano Allegri, starting just one game in all competitions this season.

But his fitness woes and astronomic wages are not thought to have put Benitez off, with the 61-year-old said to be a huge admirer of the creative talent and is pushing to make the deal happen in January.

The Mirror claim the Spanish tactician is the driving force behind the Toffees’ interest and that could prove to be a pivotal factor following the recent departure of the former director of football Marcel Brands.

Benitez now holds a huge amount of power in Everton’s transfer dealings, and his first move could be for Ramsey over the coming months. By doing so, he’d end their long hunt for a new option in midfield.

And, in other news…Everton eye swoop for “immense” 6ft4 goliath, he could be a Rafa masterclass

With Sheffield Wednesday currently sat ninth in the League One table, 13 points away from Rotherham United and Sunderland at the top of the pile, the January transfer window could give the Owls the best opportunity to strengthen their squad so that they can make a strong push towards a play-off place.

However, it seems as though Wednesday fans may have to sit tight for the time being when it comes to seeing any potential new players come into the club.

What’s the latest?

In a recent online Q&A for Yorkshire Live, Howson was asked if there are currently any new signings in the pipeline for Darren Moore’s side.

In response, he said: “As things stand, there is nothing close. I am not expecting a new player to come in before Plymouth. Wednesday are working hard behind the scenes on a number of deals. DM has a few irons in the fire.

“The issue is clubs are hoarding players. They are worried about the possibility of being hit by a [virus] outbreak. Clubs don’t want to leave themselves short in the second half of the season.”

Sheffield Wednesday fans could be sweating

With just three centre-backs, one left-back and two right-backs in their squad at the moment according to Transfermarkt, it seems as though the Owls could do with adding some defensive reinforcements to their ranks at some point this month.

Given how Moore’s side have conceded six goals in their two previous league outings, this only highlights the need for some extra stability and strength at the back if they are to have any chance of making their way up the table in the coming weeks and months.

Moving forward, with just over two weeks left until the January transfer window closes, Wednesday will need to ensure that the “irons in the fire”, as Howson put it, will materialise into one or two new recruits at Hillsborough, particularly in defence. Otherwise, Owls fans could well be sweating over the possibility of facing up to another season in League One.

In other news: Howson drops transfer claim on “key component” at Hillsborough which will have fans buzzing

A key boost has emerged for Rangers in their pursuit of a centre-back signing for Gio van Bronckhorst…

What’s the talk?

According to 24Sata, via the Daily Record, Gers target Danilho Doekhi has rejected a contract offer from Dinamo Zagreb in a last-gasp twist on deadline day.

It was reported last week that the player was set to make a decision between signing a pre-contract deal with the Croatian outfit or Rangers. The latest report does not state that he has now agreed to join the Scottish giants, but they now appear to be the only horse left in the race for the Vitesse beast.

Elation

This update will surely leave fans feeling elated as this news suggests that the club will be able to snap Doekhi up on a free transfer in the summer.

If the earlier report is to be believed then the defender may be keen on a move to the Gers and a late deadline day pre-contract deal could be on the cards. Although, it remains to be seen whether or not Ross Wilson will look to strike an agreement now or wait until the end of the season when he officially leaves Vitesse.

Either way, supporters will be buzzing with the prospect of him arriving at the club as he could be an excellent addition to the squad. He is enjoying a fine season with the Dutch club in the Eredivisie, with an average SofaScore rating of 6.99.

The Dutchman has won an impressive 66% of his duels, making 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game. This shows that he is strong in his individual battles and capable of regularly winning possession back for his side, which is why he could be a solid player to add to the Gers squad.

He could also be a fantastic piece of business for the future. At the age of 23, van Bronckhorst could work with him in training to help him improve over time, making him a shrewd signing in the short and long term for the Gers.

It is now down to Wilson to take advantage of this boost that he has been given by Zagreb’s offer being rejected. He must swoop in on Doekhi and close out a deal for the defender.

AND in other news, Rangers suffer key transfer D-Day “knock back” that’ll leave fans devastated…

Aston Villa have been handed a major blow in their chase to sign River Plate starlet Julian Alvarez in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had claimed that Fernando Hidalgo, the agent of the 21-year-old, was set to meet with Villa’s representatives over a move to Steven Gerrard’s side ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

That of course failed to materialise, and now, The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has revealed that the Argentine is instead set for a move to Old Trafford.

He said: “I believe he’s Manchester United-bound. Villa looked to have missed a trick for £17m. Trez, Traore and Bailey all missing for the next month.”

Blow for Villa

Like Emi Buendia, Alvarez is very much a creative attacker bagging four goals and setting up another seven in just 20 appearances last season – including a couple of games where he registered an impressive hat-trick of assists against Godoy Cruz and Central Cordoba.

This campaign however has seen him take his game to a completely another level, scoring 18 goals and providing another seven assists in just 21 games in the Argentine top-flight.

Given his ability to play anywhere across the front-line, and his age, Alvarez seems like the perfect profile of player that could have flourished alongside his fellow Argentine compatriots in Buendia and Emi Martinez.

The duo could have helped Alvarez settle into life at Villa Park a bit more comfortably than he may otherwise would have done, and the fact he’s now headed for a switch to United shows just how highly-rated he is.

Preece’s update is a major blow that will surely frustrate Villa fans that they have let an exciting young talent slip through the net.

Meanwhile, Villa are interested in this Serie A starlet…

Lots of Everton fans have been left fuming over a revelation from Farhad Moshiri on Rafael Benitez.

Speaking to talkSPORT’s Jim White, the Goodison Park club’s majority owner has now insisted that the Spaniard will not be sacked and claims that the 61-year-old needs more time.

This comes after the Toffees lost 4-1 at home to bitter rivals Liverpool, which now makes it eight matches in the Premier League without a win to their name.

Goodison Park is at real risk of becoming toxic if Everton lose at home to Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday night, and some Blues supporters have been left angry over Moshiri’s decision not to sack Benitez due to their poor form.

Others are annoyed that he did not give a statement to the fans first before going on talkSPORT, symbolising a lack of communication and understanding between each party.

Everton fans on Moshiri revelation

These Everton supporters fumed as the revelation from Moshiri was shared on Twitter:

“Absolute disgrace if he’s texting the media and not giving a statement to the most important people first, the fans.”

Credit: @ladbehindthebar

“Joke”

Credit: @concho1878

“Sack the board”

Credit: @aGloversStory

“Sorry but we haven’t won a game for two months. TWO MONTHS!”

Credit: @callumruddy

“Shambles this football club”

Credit: @j10efc

“Gonna be a miserable Christmas”

Credit: @ReeceDoran

In other news, find out what behind-the-scenes Benitez claim has been made

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left pleading for Juan Alegria to be given a chance in the first team ahead of their Old Firm clash on Wednesday night.

The Colombian striker opened the scoring in the Academy’s game against Civil Service Strollers in the Scottish Lowland League on Saturday afternoon with a ‘stunning finish’, leaving members of the Ibrox faithful flocking to the post and calling for him to get an immediate first-team call-up.

He has already shown his credentials numerous times already this season, including scoring a hat-trick back in October for Rangers B.

After supporters were particularly critical of Cedric Itten’s performance in the senior team’s 3-3 draw away at Ross County, the 19-year-old could perhaps now be given a chance to impress Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the biggest match of their campaign so far.

Rangers fans on Alegria

These Teddy Bears pleaded for Alegria to be promoted to the first team ahead of the derby against Celtic on Twitter:

“Get him in…Itten is finished”

Credit: @MackaMac

“Please please please call him up to the 1st team”

Credit: @YakuzaBoozer

“Promote Alegria and send Itten to B team please”

Credit: @Williamkh__

“Itten’s natural replacement”

Credit: @JackC1872

“Defo due a shout soon, like Lowrie he’s 100% got it”

Credit: @BoxingFootball2

“Promotion time! Get it done”

Credit: @Ganders_76

In other news, what contract update has Gers gushing here!

Celtic have two distinct financial plans in place for whether or not they qualify for next season’s Champions League, according to football finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Celtic closing in on title

The Hoops are enjoying a memorable season to date, with Ange Postecoglou proving to be an inspired managerial appointment last summer despite a rocky start in Glasgow.

As the season slowly reaches its conclusion, Celtic find themselves six points clear of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race, as well as preparing to face their arch-rivals in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

If Postecoglou’s side are crowned champions of the league they would of course qualify for the Champions League, as they look to make their mark in Europe’s biggest club competition.

The Latest: Financial plan in place

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley revealed that plans are in place at Celtic financially, in terms of them qualifying for the competition or not, as it could make a £17m difference:

“You have to be careful, of course. Celtic know near enough what their revenue will be each year because it’s almost guaranteed that you’re going to finish first or second.

“They sell out every week and they know what they’re working with. The differentiator is, of course, European football. If they win the league this year, they get automatic qualification, which is going to be worth £17m minimum.

“That makes a big difference, so they’ll have different models depending on different possibilities.  Model A, they make the Champions League. Model B, they don’t. That extra money makes a big difference.

“Everything is based around those distinct models and whether you can repeat the trick and qualify year on year.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-2/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Shrewd approach from Desmond

This is a really smart approach after major shareholder Dermot Desmond hinted at as much recently, ensuring the club is run in sensible fashion rather than recklessly.

The expectation should be that Celtic are in the Champions League next season, of course, but in the event that it doesn’t happen, it is only right that a contingency plan is in place.

While Postecoglou and his players deserve huge praise for their performance on the pitch this season, the manner in which the club is being run as a whole is also worthy of positive reviews.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has singled out one Celtic player for praise. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier and his current situation…

What’s the talk?

Magpies boss Eddie Howe has revealed that the defender has suffered a setback in his recovery from injury and will not be back in action on schedule.

The full-back has been out since he broke a bone in his foot in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa back in February and it remains to be seen how much longer he will be on the sidelines following this latest blow.

Howe told The Shields Gazette: “His injury is healing, (but) it’s not totally healed.

“Yeah, I think that’s where it is. I think we’ll be able to start pushing him not maybe as quickly as we initially wanted to, but I still think he’ll come back this season. Again, there’s no definite date on that, but he’s making good progress.”

Gutted

The St. James’ Park faithful will surely be left gutted by this body blow as it is a major setback for the full-back and will be mean that they will not be able to watch Trippier play for a while yet.

Howe needs the defender back as quickly as possible as his other right-back options are, quite simply, not up to the job.

Javier Manquillo put in a dreadful showing against Tottenham in the 5-1 defeat to the Premier League side on Sunday, as he lost all of his aerial duels and only made one tackle, interception and block combined. He also fell asleep at the back post for Matt Doherty’s goal, which opened the floodgates for Spurs and allowed them to go on and thrash the Toon.

The Spaniard and Emil Krafth, the two understudies to Trippier, have averaged WhoScored ratings of 6.48 and 6.45 respectively in the top-flight. Meanwhile, the England international has averaged a score of 7.87 across four outings for the club, scoring twice from full-back.

He is light years ahead of the pair in terms of the quality he is able to provide on the pitch, which is why his absence is a major setback for him and the club. Fans will want to see him back in the right-back slot sooner rather than later because they are currently suffering with the lack of Premier League class in the two players who have been playing in his place.

This will be particularly frustrating for the supporters as it comes just days after Callum Wilson also suffered a setback in his recovery from injury. The attacker will not be back in action as soon as he was expected to be, with Trippier’s problems now compounding the misery.

AND in other news, Less touches than Dubravka: “Struggling” NUFC flop with 6 passes was useless yesterday…