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Pundit says Wilson must leave Liverpool

Paul Stewart has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Harry Wilson must leave Liverpool to progress his career.

The Wrexham-born attacker came through the academy at Anfield but has made just two first-team appearances for the Reds – the second of which came against Arsenal earlier this season in the Carabao Cup.

As a result, Wilson has spent the previous four seasons out on loan in both the Championship and Premier League.

The last of those was back in his native Wales with Cardiff City where he scored seven times, including an exquisite hat-trick against Birmingham in their penultimate game earlier this month, and added 12 assists, in the latest in a long spell of loan spells for the 24-year-old.

Wilson showed two years ago at Bournemouth that he’s more than capable to competing at Premier League level, although a career at Liverpool doesn’t appear likely.

The Athletic recently reported that Wilson has no future on Merseyside, and Stewart believes that he must leave Liverpool to further his own career having been continuously overlooked by Jurgen Klopp.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“I actually thought at one point that he was doing so well on loan that he could come back and maybe have a future at Liverpool.

“But for him to progress in his own career he’s maybe got to look at leaving Liverpool, otherwise, if he stays, he’s probably going to be loaned out and not be a fixture in the team.”

Moshiri won’t sack Benitez at Everton

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

Moyes must keep the faith with Lanzini

West Ham United boss David Moyes must keep the faith in Manuel Lanzini when his side travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley this afternoon.

The Irons bounced back in the Premier League with a stunning 3-2 victory over rivals Chelsea last weekend, having witnessed defeats to Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers beforehand.

Moyes named a heavily-rotated starting XI for their final Europa League group game as a youthful-looking Hammers outfit were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Dinamo Zagreb.

The Scot now has several dilemmas to consider heading into today’s kick-off, not at least in the attack, where he could well bring Said Benrahma back into the fold after his axe against the Blues.

However, with Lanzini in much better form right now, the West Ham manager must stick with the Argentine against the Clarets.

His 40th-minute penalty was his second goal in three games, which is even more impressive considering his appearance at the London Stadium last Sunday was his first league start of the 21/22 campaign.

It’s now three direct goal contributions in his last five appearances and that is much better returns than the Algerian winger, who will be off on Africa Cup of Nations duty next month anyway. It could be wise for Moyes to find his replacement, sooner rather than later.

After starting the season on fire, contributing a pair of goals and assists in the Irons’ opening two games, Benrahma has now gone ten games without scoring a goal, in which he has provided just the one assist.

He has failed to register a WhoScored rating above 6.9 in any of his last eight outings either, with his performances in those two aforementioned defeats drawing his lowest two ratings of the season, a 6.04 against City and a 6.15 against Wolves.

There will be a temptation to bring him back into the fold as on his day, he can be a nightmare for the opposition but Sean Dyche’s side are a tough outfit and the 26-year-old lightweight could be exposed in the current form he’s in.

Instead, Moyes should start Lanzini for the second successive game. Last weekend, he was described as “West Ham’s main creative spark” by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, whilst in the past ex-Hammers boss Slaven Bilic likened him to Luka Modric.

Therefore, the £70k-per-week player, who was also dubbed a “top player” with “wonderful feet” by Darren Bent, must start against Burnley – and over Benrahma – this afternoon. It could be another game-changing call from Moyes if so.

AND in other news, Newman can seal West Ham’s biggest signing since Payet in “complete” £24.3m-rated gem…

Leeds dealt big January transfer blow

Leeds United have been dealt a setback in their efforts to sign Ben Brereton Diaz this winter…

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire giants have regularly been linked with a move for the Blackburn Rovers forward in recent windows, with claims earlier this month suggesting that a serious push to sign him would be made in January.

However, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, it’s going to take a massive offer for the Championship outfit to even consider letting him go, so that puts a big dent in their chances of sealing him.

“I don’t think he goes … unless offer is mad,” he tweeted.

Diaz is out of contract in the summer but the Lancashire side have an option to extend that by a further year. Meanwhile, a fee in the region of £20m has previously been mooted, as per the Mirror.

Unlikely move?

Historically, the January transfer window has not been one that Leeds often get involved in.

“The feeling in the club and in the recruitment department is generally that they would like to do as little business as they can in January,” once claimed The Athletic’s Phil Hay, whilst Marcelo Bielsa’s comments in the past have hinted towards there being a lack of activity.

The Argentina head coach also spent a lot of money in the summer, breaking Untied’s club record to sign Dan James, one of several £20m+ signings, so there are questions over how much of the budget is left for further additions next month,

However, Leeds need reinforcements as their injury list continues to pile up. They have missed the likes of vice-captain Luke Ayling and leading goalscorer Patrick Bamford for most of the season, without an adequate backup, whilst a fresh blow to Kalvin Phillips is certainly worrying.

Bamford returned from injury and suffered another setback, meaning he has played only 22 minutes in the top-flight since September, so it’s no wonder Bielsa has his sights set on a new frontline addition in Diaz.

Reports in Chile have previously suggested that the 66-year-old has been a huge fan of the Blackburn star, ever since the two sides met in the Championship for the first time several years ago, so he will be absolutely gutted to not be able to sign him this January, if Nixon’s claims are accurate.

The striker, dubbed a “beast” and an “extraordinary talent” by his manager Tony Mowbray, has been in electric form this campaign, where he has delivered 19 goals and one assist in 23 league games, via Transfermarkt.

Bamford’s only backup is academy gem Joe Gelhardt, so a move for one of the Championship’s most prolific goalscorers does make sense but it now seems unlikely given that Rovers will not sell him on the cheap, despite his contractual situation,

As such, Bielsa and co have been dealt a big blow in their attempts to bring in an alternative this winter. He will surely be devastated as his nightmare campaign at Elland Road looks set to continue.

AND in other news, Big relief: Phil Hay finally relays positive injury news for LUFC, fans surely buzzing…

Leeds want Reading’s Michael Olise

According to reports, Leeds are still interested in Reading’s Michael Olise ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports back in January suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were very much interested in bringing the 19-year-old to the Premier League, and now Football Insider have delivered a major update on the situation.

The report claims that the Whites are still closely monitoring Olise, but are facing strong competition from a number of Premier League clubs, including the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.

Game-changer for Bielsa

With five goals and ten assists, Olise has been an absolute revelation in the Championship for Reading this season, and it’s no surprise that so many of the Premier League’s biggest clubs are keen on seeing him play at a higher level.

His teammate at Reading, Sam Baldock, said early last year: “Michael is a real talent, he’ll get on the ball in any situation. He’s fearless, if you ask him today I’ll guarantee that he had no nerves. He’s a lively character and one who I’ve noticed a real change in the last couple of months.”

Hailed as “super talented” by Reading boss Veljko Paunović, the 19-year-old has already earned rave reviews for his ability, with his former manager at the Royals, Jose Gomes, adding: “Michael is really special. He can see, even before receiving the ball, more options than regular players. His technical ability and speed, decision capacity is really, really good.”

His tally of ten assists is significantly higher than anything that any of Leeds’ players have produced this season, and given his ability to play as a number ten or even out wide, could be a real game-changer for Bielsa.

Not only would he offer support for the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison, but he could really give Rodrigo a run for his money for that attacking midfield role.

As those who know him well have attested to, Olise has got that ability to take players on and create a moment of magic. And that’s exactly the kind of match-winning quality Bielsa would surely love to have in his side.

Meanwhile, Bielsa should unleash this Leeds starlet next season…

Everton fans love new stadium news

Lots of Everton fans are loving an update involving their proposed move to a brand new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

As per a tweet from Sky News correspondent Tom Parmenter, the chief executive at Liverpool City Council has said that nothing should jeopardise or delay the Merseyside club’s proposed move from Goodison Park as of yet, as it still awaits its final sign off.

The government had previously asked if they could have more time to consider the Toffees’ stadium plan, but it looks as if everything is good to go for now, which should excite several members of the Blues faithful as they eye up a brand new, shiny home for themselves.

Nonetheless, there will surely be further updates as the process gets ever closer to completion.

Everton fan reaction to Bramley-Moore Dock stadium update

These EFC supporters loved the update on their proposed new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, with a couple of fans labelling it as ‘good news’:

“Thank god … wish Everton director hasn’t donated to Labour Party either!”

Credit: @BlueKnight1878

“Well that’s a relief.”

Credit: @CrillyReedy

“Good news thanks Tom.”

Credit: @Everton1878Ste

“Get in there.”Credit: @THEHARRYMCKENNY”Good news…”Credit: @rob_fisher_efc”Phewwwwwww”Credit: @KRay1878In other news, find out which Everton ace’s international display has been lauded by fans here!

Tottenham Hotspur: Alex McLeish drops Christian Eriksen transfer claim

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has claimed that he would not be surprised to see Christian Eriksen return to Tottenham Hotspur, despite interest from Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Eriksen’s contract

Having been released by Inter due to not being allowed to play in Italy with a cardioverter-defibrillator implant device, the former Spurs man was snapped up by Brentford on a short-term contract which is set to expire at the end of the season.

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Consequently, rumours have emerged linking Eriksen with a whole host of Premier League clubs. This includes the Lilywhites, following Football Insider’s report which revealed that Tottenham are keeping tabs on the Denmark international.

The Northern Echo have claimed that Newcastle have a strong interest in the signing Eriksen, and are also hopeful of striking up a deal with the Brentford midfielder.

The Latest: McLeish’s claim…

McLeish, who can be heard on BT Sport nowadays, has admitted that he would not be surprised to see Eriksen lining up in a white shirt next season due to his ‘love’ of the club.

Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed: “Spurs did lose their rhythm a little bit losing someone like Eriksen. He was a key individual in those years where they came very, very close.

“He’ll be a free agent so it wouldn’t surprise me if he went back to Spurs with his love for the club.

“Newcastle are ambitious as well. They’ve had a couple of great results since Eddie Howe brought in a couple of great players in.

“Also, he seems a very honourable guy. If he stayed at Brentford it would be an incredible gesture.”

The Verdict: Could be a good move

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte heaped praise on Eriksen after his Spurs side were held to a 0-0 draw against Brentford at the weekend. He claimed that “it’s amazing” to see the midfielder performing at the level that he is after recovering from the cardiac arrest he suffered last summer.

With the 30-year-old ranking in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals and the 98th percentile for shots and expected assists among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues (via FB Ref), it is easy to see why Tottenham would be interested in bringing the Dane back to Hotspur Way.

Therefore, if Fabio Paratici can get a Bosman deal over the line, this could prove to be a strong addition to Conte’s squad on the cheap.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Alasdair Gold leaks more info on Conte, Pochettino and PSG

Villa’s Nakamba sent Dean Smith a message

After a difficult run of form saw them go win-less in their last four games in all competitions, Aston Villa got back on track with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday night.

Dean Smith’s side returned to winning ways in the Premier League thanks to goals from Ollie Watkins and Bertrand Traore, but amid John McGinn’s suspension against the Magpies, Marvelous Nakamba stepped up to the plate big-time.

With reports linking the Zimbabwe international with a move away in the January transfer window, the game against Newcastle seemed to have echoes of the midfielder entering last chance saloon at Villa Park.

And boy did he take his opportunity.

Partnering Douglas Luiz in the middle of the park, Nakamba was a snarling presence in front of the back four, always making sure that Newcastle couldn’t get in between the lines – he made two tackles and two interceptions a piece, both of which were triple his season average (0.6).

The Zimbabwean also kept things ticking over, winning back the ball and then just playing it simple to the likes of Luiz and Jack Grealish further forward. It was no surprise that he boasted a quite incredible 99% pass accuracy and completed the most amount of passes of any player on the pitch, dictating the tempo for Smith’s side.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece gave him a 7.5, saying: “Back in for his first start and first taste of match action since Burnley in mid-December, some five games ago. Kept possession really well in the heart of Villa’s midfield. Always offered short from goal kicks and looked unflustered against Newcastle’s midfield.

“A much welcome 90 minutes for Nakamba who proved his worth to Villa’s squad with a good performance as he broke up play whenever he could. Did well on his return.”

Nakamba sent a huge message to his boss that he can still be a key member of this squad, and it now remains to be seen whether he’s done enough to convince Smith that it would be far better for the club for him to stay put in this January transfer window.

Morgan Sanson may be arriving, but Nakamba isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.

Meanwhile, Villa must land this Scandinavian starlet…

Michael Ball makes Joey Veerman claim

In a recent interview, former Rangers defender Michael Ball has claimed that Steven Gerrard’s side could splash the cash in order to bring SC Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman to Ibrox this summer.

Ball spoke to The Transfer Tavern about the 22-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Rangers ahead of the summer transfer window, saying:

“They know the Dutch, how they are trained, and how they come through the youth system. His numbers are fantastic.

“He will probably cost more than Ryan Kent maybe, or around the same amount of money, so if Steven wants him as number one target, I feel the club will 100% back him.”

It is no surprise that Rangers are taking an interest in Veerman considering his superb performances in the Eredivisie in recent seasons.

Last season saw the young midfielder contribute four goals and five assists in 22 Dutch top-flight appearances, earning an excellent 7.27 average rating from WhoScored across the season.

He has improved on that further in the 2020/21 campaign, with seven goals and 10 assists under his belt in just 31 appearances, which has helped him average an incredible 7.40 rating from WhoScored.

Reports have suggested that Rangers would have to pay around £8.5m to Heerenveen if they were to bring him to Ibrox this summer but given that Gerrard will be looking to add some Champions League quality to his side ahead of next season, it is easy to see why Ball has backed the club to sign him.

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Another former Rangers man, Michael Mols, was full of praise for Veerman recently when asked if he would be a good fit at his old club, saying:

“He is perfect with the ball and in possession, he’s a really great player. His passing and movement with the ball is really relaxed in a good way.”

Given that Rangers have arguably struggled for goals and assists from midfield this season, with Steven Davis, Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield mustering just seven goals and seven assists between them in the league, adding someone with Veerman’s quality could help take Rangers to a new level.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Therefore, if Ball is correct and Rangers will pay Heerenveen’s reported asking price, then Ross Wilson will be handing the 40-year-old manager a huge boost ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Gerrard must axe Rangers’ “exciting talent” after his huge setback

Redmond has become Saints fans’ scapegoat

Southampton produced an extremely disappointing display as they fell to a 3-0 defeat against Europa League-bound West Ham on the final afternoon of the Premier League season.

Two goals from Pablo Fornals and one from Declan Rice secured a comfortable win for David Moyes’ side, whilst the Saints missed plenty of chances and produced some woeful defending, which ensured that they would finish the season in 15th.

One man who was getting plenty of stick for his performance on Twitter during the game was Nathan Redmond, but in reality, he was one of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s best performers at the London Stadium.

As per SofaScore, the former Norwich City man would earn an impressive 7.4/10 rating for his performance, which was the best of any Southampton play to feature on Sunday.

During the game, the 27-year-old winger would have 53 touches of the ball and would complete 26/30 of his passes, resulting in a solid 87% pass accuracy, which is an improvement on the 76.8% accuracy he averaged in the Premier League across the season.

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Impressively, seven of those passes were key passes, as he was definitely Southampton’s most creative player against the Hammers, as this was only one less than the rest of the team combined, and is also significantly more than the one key pass he averaged per game this season.

The winger looked very dangerous at times, as he completed five out of his seven dribble attempts and also impressively won seven of his duels, whereas Stuart Armstrong on the opposite flank would contribute two key passes, two dribbles and three successful duels, yet he is rarely criticised by the Southampton faithful.

Therefore, it definitely seems fair to suggest that Redmond is often scapegoated by Southampton fans, as whilst he has had a poor season overall, his performance against West Ham on the final day should be praised rather than criticised.

And, in other news… Just 10 passes: Southampton star was awful vs WHU, Hasenhuttl surely fuming

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