Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk has offered a blunt response when asked about long-serving goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, which certainly raises question marks over his future at Hillsborough.

What’s he said?

The Owls take a break from Championship action on Friday night as they face a trip to league rivals Queens Park Rangers for an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Loftus Road.

Monk’s side recorded a historic victory over Premier League side Brighton to get here, but last time out they were dealt a humiliating blow by losing 5-0 to Blackburn Rovers.

The 40-year-old was left “shocked” by the performance as he revealed in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon whilst he also offered injuries updates on a trio of players.

Both Liam Palmer and Fernando Forestieri are back training, but he wasn’t so forthright over Westwood’s situation. He simply said:

“Yeah, he’s fit.”

Garry Monk, pre-game press conference.

Unlikely future

The 35-year-old has been at the south Yorkshire club since the summer of 2014 when he was signed by former boss Stuart Gray. He has gone on to play 179 matches for the Owls and has twice been named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

Recently however, Westwood has struggled to keep his number one spot under Monk ever since picking up an injury in November.

In fact, he has been missing from the starting line up in 12 straight games now in all competitions and has only been named on the bench twice in that run.

Cameron Dawson has been favoured between the sticks while both Paul Jones and another goalkeeper returning from injury, Joe Wildsmith, have been selected above him on the bench.

Who the heck is that?! Can you name all of these obscure Sheffield Wednesday players…

The veteran shot-stopper has another year on his current deal at Hillsborough, but his recent exclusion from the matchday squad despite being fit only raises doubts over whether or not he has a future at the club.

Monk’s frank admission doesn’t fill you with enough confidence to say otherwise either.

And in other news, Alan Nixon reveals that the Owls are some way off in their pursuit of this Premier League striker…

Sunderland are closing in on their first signing of Deadline Day as Swansea City wing-back Declan John appears to be very close to joining on loan.According to Phil Smith at the Sunderland Echo, the 24-year-old is on the verge of signing for the remainder of the season as Phil Parkinson looks to bolster his defensive ranks.He tweeted:

John will arrive with a wealth of experience at both domestic and international level.

The Welshman has been capped seven times for Ryan Giggs’ Dragons whilst he has also featured in the Scottish Premier League – making 26 appearances for Rangers and in the Championship for his parent club, the Swans, where he has made 33 outings, per Transfermarkt.

What could’ve been… Can you name the clubs these football legends almost joined?

It could be the first of several incomings at the Stadium of Light with less than eight hours remaining before the transfer deadline with Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo looking likely to join per TEAMtalk.

Denver Hume has played the majority of the season on the left-hand side, starting 21 matches. He has provided three assists and even got on the scoresheet once, via WhoScored.

Dion Dublin does not believe that Richarlison is worth £85m despite Everton rejecting a bid from Barcelona for the forward, per BBC Radio Five Live.

What’s he said?

Sky Sports News reported on Wednesday that the Catalan giants had submitted a massive offer for the Brazil international, which was almost instantly rejected.

But Dublin, who played for the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Leicester City during a storied career, has been baffled by the offer, insisting that he is simply not worth it.

Asked about the bid, Dublin chuckled and was asked why he reacted in such a way.

He said: “Because he’s not worth €100m. I don’t see him as a prolific goalscorer at all.

“I do believe he’s got everything that you would need to hit any league by storm with goals, I think he’s got good movement, spends too long on the ground for me, he’s not strong enough with his back to goal but I understand that’s not his game.

“For me, in today’s market, he’s possibly worth 50 or something stupid – I’m not throwing figures out there willy nilly, it’s a lot of money – but I’d say 50 maybe 60 but 85…”

Did he play for Everton? Simple question but a lot tougher than you think…

Everton’s value

The selling club only ever indicates the value of a player.

In this case, there are two days remaining of the transfer window and the sale of Richarlison, had it happened, would have left the Toffees scrambling to find a replacement at the eleventh hour.

The likelihood is that they would have had to overpay to bring them in, too, so a valuation of over £80m doesn’t seem too egregious when one considers the manner in which the Toffees would have had to do their business thereafter.

Perhaps in the summer, the price will drop to Dublin’s suggestion of around £60m but that is because they will have time to source a proper replacement and do their due diligence.

At this point, though, with the timing of the bid, Everton’s valuation makes all the sense in the world.

Meanwhile, Everton have made an approach for a defensive midfielder!

Aston Villa’s players have gone away on their winter break, with Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings taking a holiday together.

The pair have been key players for Villa this season, starting 23 and 21 Premier League games respectively, so are deserving of their break.

While they are off duty, the pair have still found a way of bringing joy and amusement to the club’s current and former players on Instagram.

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The inclusion of a photoshopped John McGinn in the second post has left the likes of Tammy Abraham, Alan Hutton and John Terry cracking up.

The Scotsman himself was also able to see the funny side of things, as he joined in with the comments.

McGinn has not played since injuring his ankle eight minutes into a 3-1 loss against Southampton, which has seen him miss seven Premier League games so far.

Despite that, he has three goals and two assists in the league this season – including the strike that got Villa’s first goal back in the Premier League, against Tottenham Hotspur.

Who on earth is that?!?! Can you name all of these obscure January signings?

The fact that he and others associated with Villa are able to see the funny side of the situation will surely be seen as a positive sign.

Though they will be desperate for McGinn to get back on the pitch as soon as possible, especially as they currently sit just one point above the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Villa had a lucky escape with their failed under the radar swoop during the January transfer window.

A lot was made of Wolves’ transfer business this winter window. Just about everyone at Molineux from Nuno Santo himself to the fans and probably even the cleaners wanted to see additions ahead of a hectic final third of the season.

In part, they got their wish. Their biggest splash being the signing of winger Daniel Podence from Olympiacos for £16.9m whilst the youth squad was bolstered with Ecuadorian striker Leonardo Campana, Dijon loanee Enzo Loiodice and later this summer, Rochdale wonderkid Luke Matheson.

Someone’s got to own them: Who do these incredibly unwanted PL records belong to?

Although, Wolves didn’t get a replacement for Patrick Cutrone meaning Raul Jimenez is the only senior striker at the club but here’s hoping that Campana can step up if required.

The west Midlanders also changed their attitude over the weeks leading up to and into January – BirminghamLive had reported that they were looking for central options in defence and midfield and ultimately, neither came as they shifted attention to bolstering Nuno’s frontline following the premature exit of the Italian to Fiorentina.

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

So, you’d imagine if Wolves are smart about their summer activity, they will revisit the positions they originally wanted to strengthen, and they may have been handed the perfect opportunity.

On Sunday morning, The Sun newspaper printed a story linking them to Sheffield United centre-back John Egan (page 63), and what an ideal signing that would be.

Aside from proving his worth in the Premier League this season with the fifth-placed Blades, the 27-year-old has been playing in a system that is very much alike to Nuno’s in the fact that he’s part of a back three.

The Wolves boss has switched between 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 at times this campaign, but three central defenders are very much one thing that never changes.

Egan has played 25 times in the top-flight this season, missing just one match, where he has won an average of 3.6 aerial duels whilst recording five clearances, 1.6 interceptions and 1.3 tackles per game. The Irishman has a respectable 81.7% passing success rate to his name too, via WhoScored.

Wolves’ need for a centre-back will increase this summer; Max Kilman is out of contract, the only current backup option to Willy Boly and skipper Conor Coady.

The situation has been that difficult in recent months that Nuno has opted for midfielders like Leander Dendoncker and Romain Saiss in defence with the latter holding down a regular place. So, there is room for another starting centre-back, for sure.

Egan should become their number one priority come the end of the season as he is not only tailormade for Nuno’s style of football, but he’ll come ready-made in the sense that he won’t need time to settle in – he’ll even be on the right side of a back three next to fellow countryman and international teammate Matt Doherty.

It seems the model move to make this summer.

And in other news, Wolves have Kevin Thelwell to thank for this £15m transfer blinder…

Everton will travel away to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal this weekend with Andre Gomes seemingly edging ever closer to his full return to first-team football.

Just recently, the Toffees

/B8oxSxhpgUw/” data-lasso->officially confirmed that Gomes has rejoined the first-team squad in their training sessions, with the Portuguese midfielder stepping up his recovery from the serious injury which has ruled him out since November.

Call yourself an Everton expert? How much did each of these January signings cost?

And now, the player has posted a positive update on his Instagram account, stating that good things are coming in the near future, providing a teaser for his return to the pitch.

Gomes has been sidelined ever since the ugly incident involving Heung-min Son which has forced the Portugal international to miss a total of 19 games so far.

But after months of recovery and patience the former Barcelona player looks set to grace the pitches for the Toffees once again, and a recent update from the BBC suggests he could be ready for a recall this weekend.

It still remains to be seen what part he will play for Everton come Sunday afternoon – if any – but his return seems to be close either way.

Meanwhile, many Everton fans were thrilled with Carlo Ancelotti’s latest comments on his philosophy…

Liverpool will play West Ham on Monday in the latest match in their quest for a first Premier League title in 30 years.

As it stands, they have a 22-point lead at the top of the table, and need just five more wins to confirm their status as champions. However, their loss against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday may have them questioning themselves just a little bit.

No clues: Can you name the season these iconic Liverpool images belong to?

Here, we try to predict the starting XI for the Hammers match.

In goal, Alisson will keep his place. As we enter the true business end of the campaign, the Brazil international may start every single fixture bar injury – only in the FA Cup may he be rested.

The back four is unlikely to change either, meaning that Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will flank Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. The Reds may have had their troubles defensively in Europe so far this term – they have kept just one clean sheet in seven matches to date – but they have not conceded in nine of the last 10 matches in the English top flight.

Fabinho should start in defensive midfield, but Jurgen Klopp will be forced into one change in central midfield.

Jordan Henderson was forced off injured at the Wanda Metropolitano due to a hamstring issue, meaning he will not be available for three weeks. That could see James Milner come into the team alongside Naby Keita who, after not starting against Los Rojiblancos, could be tasked with providing some attacking threat from midfield here.

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Up front, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino should be given the nod. The former may have been withdrawn against Atletico, but that was due to a potential disciplinary issue rather any fitness worries – Klopp will be hoping all three can do the business against the Irons.

Meanwhile, Liverpool scout this 10-goal hot-shot who rubbed shoulders with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in 2019.

Tottenham Hotspur return to league action this afternoon as they head into enemy territory to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho’s side will be looking to put Wednesday night’s disappointment behind them with a serious top-four challenge still on.

They have won three straight in the Premier League and can leapfrog the Blues with a victory today.

But what sort of team will the Portuguese chief select? Here’s what we are predicting…

Mourinho could make as many as three changes from the side that were defeated by RB Leipzig.

A 3-4-3-like system may return in order to give Spurs added bite in attack with a front free of Lucas Moura, Giovani Lo Celso and Steven Bergwijn sharing the responsibility in the absence of Heung-min Son and Harry Kane.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Behind them there are two changes as Eric Dier comes back into the starting XI while Tanguy Ndombele is handed a rare start after an impressive cameo on at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in midweek.

It means Dele Alli, Gedson Fernandes and Harry Winks drop to the bench.

In defence, the wing-backs remain the same but Japhet Tanganga is deployed at centre-back alongside Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld.

Premier League Inflation: You won’t believe how much these famous transfers would cost today…

Hugo Lloris also remains between the sticks.

And in other news, Ryan Sessegnon responds to latest Spurs snub on Instagram…

Former Manchester United ace Paul Scholes has compared midfielder Bruno Fernandes with club legends Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney, per the club’s official website.

What’s he said?

Fernandes has had an immediate impact at Old Trafford following his January move from Sporting Lisbon.

He has made five appearances in all competitions for the club following his £47m transfer, scoring two goals and registering two assists.

The Portugal international scored in the 5-0 Europa League win over Club Brugge on Thursday evening and Scholes has expressed his excitement at the talent shown by Fernandes thus far.

How well do you really know the Premier League’s greatest ever manager? Find out below…

He said: “He looks a special talent and looks like he can be a hero of the fans as well.

“He has got the right name for it, with the song and stuff.

“But then you think of Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney, these people who are idolised by the fans, and you hope that in the future he can become as good as them.”

Big names

These are big names to drop alongside Fernandes.

Yes, he is a remarkably talented playmaker but that much was evident from his time at Sporting alone. He scored 63 goals and registered 52 assists across 137 games.

Of course, he has already hit the net and registered assists at Old Trafford but it’s been four games.

Cantona inspired the club in the early 1990s, winning four Premier League titles, as well as two FA Cups, while Rooney won five titles, one FA Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League, along with the Club World Cup.

It feels a tad early to be dropping their names alongside Fernandes’ and it only serves to hype the player up.

One has to wonder if he is being set up to fail.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have a huge problem!

Leeds’ promotion bid has been bolstered by the multiple loan players in the squad, and that means the club has some important decisions to make in the summer regardless of whether they are is promoted or not.

The likes of Ben White and Jack Harrison have impressed in their temporary stints, while the Whites’ more recent signing – Jean-Kevin Augustin – could also stay beyond the summer.

His two loan spells this campaign, having also spent time at Monaco, suggests he isn’t wanted by RB Leipzig, and though Leeds are obligated to sign the striker if they go up, it is the option of the club to make his stay permanent if they remain in the Championship.

Given Marcelo Bielsa rates the player highly, that may seem like the Yorkshire outfit is in a privileged position, but the reported €21m (£18.3m) fee that it would take to bring the Frenchman to Elland Road makes the move less attractive.

As a result, we asked our team of writers if it would be wise for the Whites to sign him if still competing in the Championship, and here’s what they had to say.

Viji Jeevathalayan

“If Leeds somehow fluff their lines once again and end up missing out on promotion, then they should kiss goodbye to signing Augustin permanently.

“The Frenchman would represent a solid addition for a Premier League side who could perhaps afford taking a gamble on big-money signings, but for a team in the Championship, shelling out a considerable fee is not quite that simple.

The Whites would have to be a lot shrewder in the transfer market, and source out the best deals possible. Splashing the cash on a player who has featured just three times in the Championship would be a major mistake from Victor Orta.

“This is a deal that hinges solely on whether Leeds can return to the promised land of the Premier League. If they can’t, then they should walk away from signing Augustin on a permanent basis.”

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Matt Dawson

“If Leeds fail to go up but still sign Jean-Kevin Augustin on a permanent transfer then it could have disastrous consequences for the club. The fact of the matter is that the Whites are held down by large financial restrictions and as a result, were forced to sign players strictly on loan last summer. That won’t get any easier this year either when they finally commit the £15m they’re due to pay Wolves to sign Helder Costa on a permanent basis. Add to that that they’ll have to pay £5m for Illan Meslier if he plays ten matches and that’s already £20m Victor Orta has waved out the door.

“Augustin simply doesn’t fit Bielsa’s taste, regardless of fitness and the 49 minutes he’s played since arriving at Elland Road is evidence of that. For the potential fee touted, it fails to make much sense. Leeds would have to pay €21m (£18.3m) in order to land the Frenchman but if they are going to spend any money on one of their loanees, it should be Jack Harrison. The Man City winger could cost £8m but he’s been one of their players of the season, registering seven assists and five goals.”

What could’ve been… Can you name the clubs these football legends almost joined?

Billy Meyers

“The sort of cash reported could potentially buy you about three or four top-class Championship players if you look in the right places – for example, 15-goal Nahki Wells cost Bristol City a sum of £5m, while Nottingham Forest paid £6m for Lewis Grabban who has 17 goals this season. 

“In that respect, Leeds shelling out a sum of almost £20m for Augustin would be crazy unless the former Paris Saint-Germain has a whirlwind finale to the campaign which makes it impossible not to sign him. 

“Additionally, if it does turn out that Marcelo Bielsa’s side don’t go up into the Premier League, it wouldn’t be a deal that makes sense financially either – perhaps his lack of action and impact at Elland Road could be ignored if Leeds are blessed with top-flight cash, but if they remain in the Championship, they should mark this transfer with a red cross.” 

Kealan Hughes

“While there is a natural concern over the cost of the striker, he could be that missing element Leeds need if they miss out on promotion this term.

“The Championship has not yet seen the best of what he has to offer due to his fitness issues but there have been glimpses of his tremendous pace. That can often be a very effective attribute in this division, while it also suits Leeds’ counter-attacking ability.

“Augustin has played for some top clubs in Europe so is clearly highly regarded and at 22-years-old he is only likely to develop, particularly as he will be under the tutelage of Bielsa.

“Signing him ahead of promotion and giving him a year to develop could help him prepare for Premier League life, and Leeds would be all the better for it.”

In other Leeds news, fans have been reacting to the possibility of signing another player as the club prepares for next season…