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Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira may be forced to make changes ahead of the Eagles’ clash against his former club Arsenal on Monday night.

Take nothing away from Palace this season; these changes won’t be a knee-jerk reaction to their recent form. With three wins and two draws from their last five games in all competitions, the Eagles have hit form at an ideal time.

They have bagged nine goals in that time, although their ability to pick up points of late is not just down to their goalscoring acumen.

Vieira’s side have displayed incredible defensive stability, with their water-tight defence leaking just two goals over their last five outings. Impressively, during that run they faced the second-highest scorers in the league in Manchester City and came away with a point and a well-earned clean sheet.

Unfortunately for Palace fans, there are doubts over the talismanic duo of Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise after the pair picked up injuries whilst on international duty.

The Ivory Coast forward missed his nation’s friendly against England due to a hamstring problem, whilst the France under-21 starlet withdrew from international duty after suffering inflammation on his foot.

Although neither have trained since their respective returns from international duty, Vieira is optimistic that the pair could feature against Arsenal, with Eagles fans able to take solace in the 45-year-old’s positivity as the duo “still have a chance” of playing at Selhurst Park on Monday.

Here is how we think Palace XI will line up against the Gunners, in a 4-3-3 formation:

Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guéhi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Kouyaté, Schlupp; Ayew, Mateta, Édouard

If our prediction is accurate, the game on Monday will see Vieira make four changes from last time out as the Eagles look to capitalise on their good run of form.

Those changes could see the likes of Jack Butland, Eberechi Eze, Olise and Zaha – who all featured in Palace’s 4-0 demolition job against Everton in the FA Cup a fortnight ago – drop out. Vicente Guaita, Jeffrey Schlupp, Andre Ayew and Odsonne Edouard, who was hailed as a “special talent” by his former Celtic boss Neil Lennon – all coming in against Arsenal.

Whilst Zaha is Palace’s top scorer this season, perhaps the biggest miss will be the “fearless” Olise, who has asserted himself as one of the most creative outlets in the league, creating seven big chances and providing five assists this season.

In other news – Huge blow as Vieira dealt double setback ahead of Arsenal clash, supporters will be gutted

According to reliable Tottenham Hotspur journalist Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard, manager Antonio Conte has now made a player decision ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

The Lowdown: Big summer ahead…

The Lilywhites, currently chasing Champions League qualification, also face a big looming summer transfer window as Conte gears up for his first full season in charge.

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Tottenham have set their sights on a number of top transfer targets already, mainly in defence according to The Athletic, but they may need to offload certain players to boost their kitty.

One of those stars, club record signing and Lyon loanee Tanguy Ndombele, now looks like one Tottenham asset who could be up for grabs as Spurs’ head coach makes a pre-summer decision.

The Latest: Conte makes Ndombele call…

According to Kilpatrick, Conte has no faith in the 25-year-old with his future at Spurs now ‘uncertain’.

Indeed, Tottenham’s manager allegedly ‘sees no future’ for Ndombele at the club, with Lyon also not expected to exercise an option to sign permanently.

The hope now for Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy is his end-of-season performances attract interest from other clubs.

The Verdict: Time to go?

Ndombele, who shined under ex-boss Jose Mourinho at points last season, clearly has bags of ability and Spurs may well be able to attract a fairly substantial sum for his services.

Lauded as ‘underrated’ by pundit Martin Keown last season, West Ham star Declan Rice also revealed that some Lilywhites players believe the France international can be ‘unbelievable’.

The only question marks, as ever, will be centred around his attitude and application and that could prove a major sticking point for clubs interested in making a move.

Ndombele’s possible exit may well be one of the talking points of Tottenham’s summer transfer window and it will be interesting to see if Spurs manage to offload for a decent fee.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder, find out more here.

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Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to react after The Sun revealed that Gary Cahill is being considered as a late loan target for the Eagles, as Fulham eye a centre-back of their own in Scott Dann.

Dann has made just one appearance this season, playing 90 minutes in the FA Cup against Grimsby having made a full recovery from a serious knee injury suffered against Manchester City last season, although he is now struggling to dislodge James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho from the starting lineup.

Fulham were keen on a deal for Cahill originally, as the 33-year-old is seemingly surplus to requirements at Chelsea under Maurizio Sarri, but the England international was not keen on a move to Craven Cottage.

No one is safe from the Playmaker FC’s American Soccer Fan. Check out what happened when he watched West Ham v Crystal Palace on Saturday in the video below…

Roy Hodgson’s Palace are supposedly eyeing a loan move with the potential to make the deal permanent in the summer, however eyebrows have been raised at the news of their interest as they are still in desperate need of a striker.

The south London-based side have seen just three goals scored between their senior striking options this season in Jordan Ayew, Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham – the former has two, Benteke none, and Wickham one.

Understandably, Palace fans aren’t too happy about the club’s reported interest in Cahill…

Newcastle United’s prior relationship with Gleison Bremer’s agency could be key as they pursue the Torino centre-back, The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder says. 

The lowdown

Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via The Chronicle) has named Newcastle among a lengthy list of clubs interested in Bremer.

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Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid were also identified as admirers.

Bremer is represented by CAA Base, whose clients also include Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

The 25-year-old, who signed a contract extension as recently as February, has started every Serie A game for which he’s been available this season.

The latest

Ryder confirms that Newcastle have been watching Bremer and notes that Torino have ‘leaked’ €50million (£41million) price tag to the press in Italy.

The Magpies may hold a ‘trump card’ over their many competitors because of CAA Base’s ‘relationship with head of recruitment Steve Nickson’.

The verdict

This would be a real coup for Nickson and Newcastle.

Bremer is a dominant centre-back, ranking in the 95th percentile for aerial duels won per 90 minutes, and his average of 2.35 blocks per 90 (96th) also suggests he’s something of a warrior.

But that’s not to say the Brazilian’s old-fashioned. In fact, he records a high volume of dribbles (82nd percentile), indicating that he has a great deal of confidence in possession.

He also defends on the front-foot, slotting into the 98th percentile for pressures and leading the way in Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions per 90 minutes. That means he’s making more than renowned specialists like N’Golo Kante.

Journalist Maxi Angelo says he should be a contender for the Serie A Defender of the Season award, while Tifo Football’s Seb Stafford-Bloor has uniquely described him as ‘a vending machine of a centre-half’.

In other news, one Newcastle player was rated just 4/10 vs Leicester.

Tomas Soucek’s long-term future at West Ham is in doubt following contract talks being put on halt by David Moyes.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by 90min, who claim that Soucek’s contract talks have been stalled by Moyes in what could potentially be a bold move with regards to the player’s long-term future at the Hammers.

New contract discussions had begun to motor ahead during the January transfer window, with Moyes and West Ham looking at rewarding the player for his excellent form during his spell so far at the club.

The report by 90min also states that there are two Premier League sides interested in the midfielder, although the clubs are not named.

West Ham would rue not extending Soucek’s contract

The Czech international has scored six times this season, a steady return for a defensive midfielder.

His performances alongside Declan Rice have transformed the Hammers’ fortunes over the previous 18 months and they would be hard-pressed to find another player with his quality for a respectable fee.

The midfielder has played 45 matches for the Premier League side this season as they have exceeded all expectations, closing in on a top-six place and also being through to the Europa League semi-finals.

Moyes may be aiming to persuade players of higher stature to the side following their European success, but this may be detrimental to their finances.

With the 27-year-old being valued at £40.5m and being in the peak years of his career, West Ham could make an exceptional profit on the measly £14.58m fee they paid Slavia Prague for his services two years ago.

However, considering just how important Soucek has proven to be for West Ham since his arrival at the club back in 2020, the argument that losing the services of the midfielder this summer would be a disaster for Moyes and his side is an easy one to make – leading us to believe that West Ham must do everything they can to tie the £47k-per-week man down to a new deal.

Indeed, waving goodbye to the player who Kevin Phillips dubbed a “great asset” at the end of the current campaign is sure to be an outcome that would leave the London Stadium faithful fuming.

AND in other news: Moyes now plotting £21m West Ham offer for 18-goal “unicorn”, imagine him & Antonio

Transfers expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest information regarding Wolverhampton Wanderers’ pursuit of signing young Portuguese forward Chiquinho.

What’s the story?

According to Romano, Wolves are close to making the 21-year-old winger their second signing of the January transfer window.

The transfers expert tweeted: “Wolves are closing on Chiquinho deal with Estoril, final details to be completed next week. Portuguese striker’s set to join on a permanent move for €3.5m fee plus €1.5m add ons.”

Valued at £900k by Transfermarkt, is set to depart Primeira Liga side Estoril, who are flying in the Portuguese top-flight this campaign as they currently sit sixth, and join up with his fellow countryman Bruno Lage at Molineux.

The Portuguese youngster has scored four goals and provided six assists in 18 appearances across all competitions in what has been his breakthrough campaign in top-flight football after Estoril were promoted last season.

According to The Athletic, the 21-year-old is set to be part of Wolves’ first-team group. Moreover, the West Midlands club have done business with Estoril before, signing defender Toti Gomes from the Portuguese outfit in September 2020 who was handed a shock debut on Saturday in the 3-1 win over Southampton.

Wolves fans will be buzzing

Although not a household name, Chiquinho offers a great deal of potential and, for a small fee in today’s market, the deal appears low risk, something that will no doubt delight supporters.

Wolves have become a hub for Portuguese talent with the likes of Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Jose Sa and Nelson Semedo some of the names who hail from Portugal that have been lured to Molineux in recent years as well as former manager Nuno Espirito Santo and current boss Bruno Lage.

The 21-year-old mainly operates as a left-winger but is flexible and can also play on the right-hand side of a front-three, ideal for Wolves who tend to operate with a 3-4-3 setup.

Compared to the other wingers in Lage’s squad, Chiquinho would boast the most league goals so far this season, although the Premier League is a significant step up from the Portuguese top-flight. Currently, Adama Traore is the only wide man to have netted in the league this campaign.

There have been murmurs of the Spaniard departing Molineux in the near future and therefore the Portugal U21 international could prove to be a long-term replacement.

Moreover, Lage is yet to welcome back the injured Pedro Neto, who has been out since April with a serious knee injury.

He may be an unknown name, however, the stats back up the suggestion that Chiquinho could be an exciting prospect for Wolves. Seeing a Portuguese talent excel at Molineux isn’t unheard of.

In other news – £33k-p/w Wolves gem, who created two big chances, stars in victory over Southampton

Liverpool are looking to achieve an unprecedented feat this year that would see them become the first English side to lift the quadruple.

Mohamed Salah is a major component for the Reds in their chase for glory and some interesting news has broken over the future of the Egyptian.

What’s the news?

Last week, an exclusive interview between FourFourTwo’s Chris Flanagan and Mo Salah was made public, with the Premier League’s top scorer offering words on the status of his contract talks with Liverpool.

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Chris Flanagan shared his verdict in the latest report via ThisisAnfield.com:

“He seemed very relaxed about everything, including his future.

“I got the sense that his number one aim is absolutely to stay at the club, but that he was prepared to wait a little longer to get the best deal possible if that’s what it takes.”

Fans on edge

Salah’s future at the club has been an overshadowing worry for Liverpool fans this season, with the Egyptian proving to be a talismanic figure for Klopp’s side since his transfer from Roma back in 2017.

The now 29-year-old has bagged 13 assists in 43 appearances for Klopp’s side this term, yet again proving his value to a side who are capitalising on his performances and setting their sights on an unprecedented quadruple trophy swoop.

Salah has remained composed throughout the contract debacle and has already equalled his goal tally of last season in six games less.

The £90m-rated sensation insisted his contract issues were not about monetary gain, as he told Flannagan: “I think the fans know what I want, but in the contract, it’s not everything about the money at all.”

Asked by ThisisAnfield, Flannagan gave his verdict on the quote from Salah: “His added quote that it wasn’t all about the money was interesting, as it was unprompted – I’d asked him how he saw his future, but my question hadn’t mentioned money.”

Either way, with the clock ticking on his deal, supporters will be on the edge of their seats about whether or not he’ll pen new terms in Merseyside. This claim certainly seems to suggest that he might, however.

In other news: Insider: Liverpool consider move for “world-class” £150m gem, imagine him & Fabinho…

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly now begun talks to sign Hugo Ekitike this summer.

The Lowdown: Breakthrough season

Ekitike is having somewhat of a breakthrough season with Reims in Ligue 1, where he has managed nine goals and pitch in three assists in total in the division so far (Transfermarkt).

So much so, that the likes of Newcastle United and West Ham came knocking in the January transfer window, and more clubs are now set to follow suit in the summer.

The Latest: Tottenham talks

As per Calciomercato, Spurs have begun to build talks with Reims over Ekitike, along with North London rivals Arsenal, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

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Marseille, Lyon and PSG are also thought to be in the mix for his signature, which is thought to cost in the region of €20m (£16.7m).

The Verdict: Bargain

Considering that a £33m deal for Ekitike to go to St. James’ Park fell through on deadline day, to get him for essentially half the price would prove to be a bargain.

The 19-year-old has had no shortage of praise, as his manager Oscar Garcia called him a ‘very special’ player earlier in the campaign, while many in France believe that he could be the ‘next Mbappe’.

There are similarities to how Kylian Mbappe broke onto the scene as a French teenager at AS Monaco, and if Ekitike turns out to be anything like the player Mbappe is now, then the Lilywhites would have a real gem on their hands.

In other news, find out what injury ‘worry’ is now a ‘real problem’ for THFC here!

Everton are on the hunt for their new manager to lead the club out of a tumultuous season so far that has left the club teetering on the edge of the relegation zone just four points clear of the drop in 16th right now, and Farhad Moshiri is wasting no more time after the most recent defeat to Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the word?

According to TuttoSport via Sport Witness, Everton manager candidate, Fabio Cannavaro has made an ‘excellent impression’ on Moshiri and Bill Kenwirght during ‘preliminary talks’ for the potential of taking on the role as the next manager at Goodison Park.

The report states that discussions opened on Wednesday between the Italian legend and the Everton board, with Cannavaro believing it could be the ‘turning point’ in his career.

Sky Sports have reported a number of names in the running for the Premier League job, including Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Graham Potter, who ruled himself out early on, and Roberto Martinez who had the move blocked by the Belgian FA.

Better suited than Benitez

Although the 48-year-old’s CV does not match up to that of former Toffees manager Rafa Benitez, he does come with a better career win rate that is currently 55% compared to the Spaniard’s 49%.

Despite his lack of managerial know-how at an elite level, the Italian, who was hailed an “icon” by Leonardo Bonucci, still brings from his long and successful career some invaluable experiences, winning the Ballon d’Or, World Cup and two La Liga titles to name a few of his impressive accolades.

This winning mentality that Cannavaro has earned and developed throughout his playing career could have a great and unique influence on the Everton team who are clearly lacking confidence and inspiration which has translated into their performances, causing a downward spiral that has led to their ongoing demise in the Premier League with just five wins from 20 games.

Successful players who turn their hand to management, have gone onto great things when given the opportunity to manage at an elite level, with Zinedine Zidane the perfect example of a hugely successful winner as a player turning into a managerial success, and Cannavaro could find the right path with Everton if he was given the opportunity to manage the side.

Moshiri will need to make a decision on the direction for the Merseyside club soon, as Toffees fans fury boiled over this weekend with supporters becoming aggressive in the stadium by throwing bottles at players, protests in the stands and even fans approaching Bill Kenwright after the defeat on Saturday.

In other news: Alan Myers gives an update on Everton’s manager search

As per club insider Claret & Hugh, a West Ham United transfer update has come to light involving boss David Moyes, Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard and owners GSB.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye Lingard move…

In what is potentially the worst kept secret of the January transfer window, Moyes has firmly set his sights on Lingard as a top target with multiple reliable sources confirming the club’s interest.

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Both ExWHUemployee and Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard both say that the England international is up there among Moyes’ top transfer agendas for the winter window.

Amid his precarious contract situation, with Lingard’s deal at Old Trafford set to expire at the end of 2021/2022, West Ham could sign him as a free agent in the summer or agree a cheap fee with the Red Devils in January.

The Latest: Insider shares Lingard update…

Sharing some information, insider Claret & Hugh explain that West Ham’s boss is indeed eyeing a Lingard move – going on to say that the Scotsman has personally told owners GSB that he wants to sign the player.

As well as this, the Irons source claims that ‘a move will be attempted’ as a result before the January transfer window shuts its doors.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The Lingard saga has been dragging on since the beginning of the winter window and last summer, yet his numbers suggest that he would be the perfect addition.

Racking up nine goals and four assists in just 16 Premier League starts, being called ‘sensational’ by former Arsenal man Nigel Winterburn, the 29-year-old was electric on loan with the Hammers last season.

His influence going forward would be major boost for Moyes as he aims to keep West Ham in the mix for a Champions League qualifying spot.

However, if this continues to drag on, we believe all efforts should be put towards signing a striker alternative to Michail Antonio.

In other news: Talks ongoing…ExWHUemployee shares promising update out of West Ham, find out more here.