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A fresh update has emerged on Rangers manager Steven Gerrard, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Rangers head coach is on a three-man shortlist Newcastle have prepared to replace Steve Bruce at St. James’ Park.

The report claims that Bruce is set for the chop and PIF, who have completed their takeover from Mike Ashley, are eyeing three managers to replace him.

Brighton’s Graham Potter and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers join Gerrard on the list, with German Ralf Rangnick also being eyed for a sporting director position.

Concern

This update on Gerrard will surely leave Rangers fans feeling concerned about the situation. Newcastle’s takeover has seen them linked to players like Raheem Sterling, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Philippe Coutinho and Mauro Icardi, with that level of spending power potentially an attractive prospect for managers being approached for the job.

Gers supporters will be particularly worried as this fresh development follows on from a report earlier this month claiming that Gerrard is ‘intrigued’ by the Magpies’ head coach position. The ex-Liverpool man has been put on alert by PIF’s takeover and has shown an interest in learning more about their plans, with this latest update now revealing that the interest is mutual.

Rangers fans would be devastated if Gerrard departed for Tyneside as he has been brilliant for the club. In 185 matches to date, he has won 2.15 points per game and won the Scottish Premiership title in style last season as they went unbeaten and achieved 102 points. This shows that he has been able to build a winning squad, as the Gers sealed their first domestic crown since 2010/11.

He helped to end Celtic’s dominance of Scottish football and is now on course to retain the crown as Rangers sit top of the Premiership after eight games, with six wins, one draw and one defeat.

Gers fans would not want to see their leader leave before the end of the season as it could potentially derail their title challenge and allow the Hoops to reclaim the title.

This is why supporters will be concerned that Newcastle have now narrowed down their search to three names, with Gerrard being one of them. Hopefully, from a Rangers perspective, they go with Potter at Brighton or Rodgers at Leicester and the Gers will be able to watch the Liverpool legend lift another trophy next summer at Ibrox.

AND in other news, Morelos 2.0: Gerrard could save Rangers millions by unleashing 19y/o “big talent”…

Leeds United take on Fulham in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night hoping to get back to winning ways after a tough run of results in the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side head into tonight’s contest at Craven Cottage off the back of an enthralling 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last Friday, and the Whites boss will have to deal with some major injury issues against the Cottagers.

That could see a number of fringe players being given their chance to shine, while a couple of academy starlets will no doubt be banging on the door to make a rare appearance too.

And with that in mind, below is a look at how Leeds might line up when they make the trip down to London to face Fulham in the Carabao Cup.

In goal, Illan Meslier is likely to keep his place especially with there being numerous injuries to the defence in front of him.

The likes of Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Luke Ayling will all be missing through injury, while Pascal Struijk will serve the second of his three-game suspension for his challenge on Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott a couple of weeks ago.

That could see 19-year-old Charlie Cresswell come into the side to make only his second appearance for the seniors, partnering club captain Liam Cooper at the back.

Speaking after signing his new contract earlier in the summer, Crewsswell himself said: “I’m confident, I’m a leader, I like to play and I like to head it! There’s lots of players in the first team that I look up to, the likes of Coops, Bill, they lead by example and that is what I want to try and follow.”

Dubbed a “dying breed” for his leadership and communication skills at the back, Leeds U23’s boss Mark Jackson added: “Charlie’s got that, he understands how to lead and we’ve been working with him a long time, in the academy even, when he first broke through in the 18s as a 16-year-old, (working) on his leadership skills.

“Even on the bench in the second half, he’s still talking behind me so that’s a positive because you don’t find many of them these days and we’ve got to try and embrace that, he’s got to try embrace it and develop it as well – and that’s a real positive within his game.”

Further forward, the likes of Jamie Shackleton and Adam Forshaw could make rare appearances in the first-team, with the latter of course having only recently come back from a very long-term injury.

Crysencio Summerville could get the nod out wide with Dan James on the other side, while Tyler Roberts could come in up front to allow Patrick Bamford to sit out and recuperate.

Predicted XI: Meslier; Dallas, Cresswell, Cooper, Firpo; Forshaw, Shackleton, Klich; James, Summerville, Roberts.

Meanwhile, Bielsa must unleash this Leeds star tonight vs Fulham…

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is being targeted by Barcelona as a potential replacement for Ronald Koeman.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish publication Cuatro, the Argentine is among a number of targets being considered by the La Liga giants as they contemplate getting rid of the Dutchman amid a disastrous start to the new season – they’ve managed just two wins from their opening five league games.

It’s suggested that, having been on Barcelona’s list years ago, Bielsa’s stance could change on leaving Leeds if an offer came in which was too good to turn down.

Fans would be gutted

The level of affinity and love that Leeds fans have for Bielsa is unquestionable, with the 66-year-old a firm favourite in Yorkshire for the way he has embraced the city and brought the Whites back to the big time of the Premier League.

Leeds enjoyed a superb first season back in the top-flight last term, finishing in the top ten and picking up some notable scalps along the way, not least a fantastic victory over eventual Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

After Spurs decided to sack Jose Mourinho before the end of the campaign, Carlton Palmer suggested that Bielsa could be tempted by a switch to north London.

He said: “You want to better yourself. You want to get the top jobs, just like players want to go to top clubs, so it’d be a fantastic opportunity for him.

“If Spurs come knocking, that’s a different ball game. That’s a great career opportunity for him. I’d be very surprised if Tottenham came knocking and he wasn’t prepared to go.”

While moving to Spurs would be one thing, Barcelona are a completely different kettle of fish – one of the best clubs in the world and regularly challenging for major trophies both home and abroad.

Make no mistake about it, more than any new signing they could potentially make, ensuring that Bielsa remains at Elland Road for the long-term must be Andrea Radrizzani’s biggest priority.

The fact that pundits are talking of Bielsa going to one of the Premier League’s ‘big-six’ clubs should be seen as a compliment and recognition for the incredible work he has done at Elland Road, not an insult.

However, it could raise questions as to whether the 66-year-old could move to an elite European club sooner rather than later, and the potential opening at Barcelona could present him with an opportunity to do just that.

It’s exactly why Radrizzani must avoid making an unforgivable howler and ensure that the Argentine stays put at Elland Road. Leeds fans would be absolutely devastated if he doesn’t.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered an update on this former key figure at Elland Road…

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson has revealed that Luke O’Nien is set to play out the rest of the season with his shoulder injury before having it looked at for a permanent fix.

The Black Cats boss has praised the medical staff for their work with O’Nien and said that the ex-Wycombe man may need to deal with it dislocating regularly between now and the end of the campaign.

He told the Sunderland Echo:“The physio and doctor have done a great job again. With that kind of injury, when they dislocate, the danger is the length of time that the shoulder is out. If that’s three or four hours, that’s a big problem. If it’s 20 seconds, it’s different.“Hopefully, we’ll be able to get through to the end of the season, but inevitably, he’ll probably need that shoulder pinned eventually.“If he can handle it keeping on coming out and going back in, then we’ll be okay. But it’s a fine line. You want to protect him in the long term, but at the same time, we need him.” Fans will be relieved

Sunderland fans will be relieved to hear this update from Johnson as it means that O’Nien should not miss a chunk of the current season through injury.

If all goes according to plan, the midfielder will be able to play through to May with assistance from the medical staff before potentially having surgery in the off-season.

The alternative solution is for him to fix it now and miss crucial matches in League One as Sunderland mount a promotion bid, which is not what the fans will be wanting to happen.

O’Nien has had a strong start to the campaign on the pitch. In three starts in midfield, he has averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 6.98 – making an average of four tackles and interceptions per game. This shows how big of a role he has played so far for the Black Cats, with three wins from their first four League One matches.

Back in 2019, former Sunderland boss Jack Ross heaped praise on the former Wycombe utility man as he told The Chronicle: “He ticked a lot of boxes and then even when we did one-v-one stuff in training, he is awkward to get past, he is physical, competitive, and he doesn’t like people going by him.

“He has been a revelation in that respect, and credit to him for how he has faced that challenge.”

This, along with his statistics this season, highlights how important the £4k-per-week beast is to Sunderland and why fans will be delighted that he is set to continue playing, despite the injury.

Hopefully, this decision will not cause any long-term damage and he will be able to manage his way through the campaign.

 AND in other news, Forget Winchester: SAFC beast with 12 duels won was Johnson’s unsung hero vs Wimbledon…

Tottenham Hotspur could end deadline day with a bang if they manage to seal a move for mooted target Adama Traore…

What’s the word?

Earlier in the day, Football Insider reported that super-agent Jorge Mendes was playing a huge role in trying to bring the Spanish winger to north London before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

It’s thought that negotiations over various types of structured deals have taken place after Wolves rebuffed a loan bid from Spurs, though they are willing to listen to further offers.

Since then, football.london’s Alasdair Gold has played down their chances of getting it over the line in time.

“Wolves are standing firm at the moment. Spurs aren’t currently hopeful of anything happening for him today. Perhaps it’s one to look at again in the future as Nuno [Santo] and [Fabio] Paratici do love him,” he revealed in a Q&A with supporters.

It’s thought that the Midlands outfit value him in the region of £40m.

Get it done!

If Spurs can complete a move for Traore before 11pm, then it would be one hell of a way to end the transfer window.

Nuno does have plenty of options in the wide department but perhaps not enough on the right-hand side of midfield, where the Spanish winger has been a regular threat for Wolves, both now and under the Portuguese in recent times.

Last season, no player in the entire top-flight managed as many dribbles per game (4.1) as Traore, whilst he was fouled a whopping 2.3 times per match (third-highest in the division).

It’s no wonder Jurgen Klopp once lauded him as “unplayable” after his Liverpool side had to combat his explosive pace and physicality.

Similarly, BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand has previously described the 5 foot 10 winger as a “machine,” adding: “He’s powerful and quick and this season he has been scaring defenders. You see teams now trying to double up against him because of the threat he possesses.”

None of Spurs’ current wide options have matched Traore’s dribbling ability so far this season – for example, Nuno’s current first-choice on the right, Steven Bergwijn, has averaged only 1.3 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

He would be a clear upgrade, as evident above, and one who would surely leave the fanbase excited. If Spurs want to end the window with a bang, then Paratici and co must look to sanction this move.

AND in other news, Paratici heading for his biggest Spurs mistake yet amid Alasdair Gold transfer update…

Many Wolves fans have been left fuming as a transfer update emerged on Okay Yokuslu.

As per The Express & Star journalist Liam Keen, reports linking the Celta Vigo midfield player with the Midlands club are ‘wide of the mark’.

It was reported last week that both the Molineux faithful as well as Watford are interested in signing Yokuslu before the summer window ends, and that he would cost a fee in the region of £5m.

While on loan at West Brom in the 2020/21 season, he ranked highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles (2.4), interceptions (2.2), dribbles (1.2), passes (33.1) and pass success (82.5%) per match in the Premier League (Whoscored), and so could prove to be a very handy player to have in Bruno Lage’s current squad.

However, it looks as if the Wanderers are not close to his potential signing.

Wolves fans on Yokuslu transfer update

These WWFC supporters fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was ‘ridiculous’:

“Jesus Christ. We are really going to end up not signing anyone. I’m getting worried”

Credit: @ChriWoodward

“This is getting ridiculous now. We need players, even Dendoncker has come out and said that! I’m not one for ‘pant wetting’ as some on here call it, but even the most positive of Wolves fan must be thinking the same?”

Credit: @app588

“Our transfer windows get worse. It’s a bit embarrassing now after Jeff said trust him as far as strengthening first team. Feel for Bruno”

Credit: @Ianph61

“Got to be the worst window surely?”

Credit: @Alexwwfc_

“Relegation”

Credit: @lewis__wwfc7

“We’re going down”

Credit: @JackRaybould_

In other news, find out what transfer update has Wanderers buzzing here!

West Ham United picked up where they left off as they kickstarted the new Premier League campaign with a win in an exhilarating six-goal thriller at St James’ Park.

The Irons went into the break behind but emerged for the second half rampant, firing three goals to defeat Newcastle United 4-2.

Hammers boss David Moyes witnessed four different goalscorers as he continued to cope with a lack of resources as left-back Aaron Cresswell, midfielder Tomas Soucek, Said Benrahma and leading talisman Michail Antonio all found the net.

The latter two even notched an assist each, putting their name in the hat for the ‘Man of the Match’ award. In the end, the Sky Sports commentary team went with the 31-year-old forward, despite his missed penalty and even missing that sitter from close range.

There was, however, another name that was arguably the unsung hero on the afternoon – Jarrod Bowen.

The 24-year-old dynamo has been subject to transfer interest from Liverpool throughout the summer but he shrugged off any distractions to deliver a masterclass on that right flank.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-the-latest-gossip-and-much-more-3” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and much more!”]

He was a constant thorn in Steve Bruce’s side. Bowen constantly got in behind his counterpart, wing-back Matt Ritchie and he made the most of the chances to take Ciaran Clark on one-on-one – neither of the home duo managed a better rating than 6.2 on SofaScore, in comparison to the Hammers’ star being graded at 7.3.

Bowen’s influenced was emphasised by the fact that he attempted three dribbles and was successful each time, whilst he also won 86% of his duels, with the only battle lost being in the air.

Furthermore, the £27m-rated star put in some defensive work, registering two tackles and one block in what was a pretty impressive and industrious showing.

Plenty of the plaudits will go to the likes of Antonio, Benrahma and even Declan Rice but Bowen’s involvement cannot be understated. As perfectly described by the Evening Standard, who graded his performance a seven out of ten, the Irons machine was “always lively when in possession.”

It was that chaotic presence that helped set the tone to West Ham causing all sorts of problems in the second half and it is also why he should be lauded as Moyes unsung hero on the afternoon.

AND in other news, West Ham given massive Jesse Lingard transfer boost…

Everton have been linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven full-back Denzel Dumfries as they look to bolster their first team squad.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old has long been admired by the Toffees’ director of football and compatriot Marcel Brands, although the club’s hierarchy were worried that the Dutchman’s standout performances at Euro 2020 could spark a bidding war.

The Merseyside outfit are yet to follow up their interest with a formal offer, with Dumfries’ agent Mino Raiola handling the initial negotiations with interested parties, but any deal would also need the approval of new manager Rafael Benitez, who is still assessing other potential transfer targets.

Fans will surely be buzzing

Despite the Netherlands’ struggles at the European Championship, Dumfries put in a string of impressive displays for his nation, scoring two goals and providing one assist in just four appearances.

His excellent showing over the summer caught the eye of several onlookers, including former Hull City midfielder David Meyler, who took to Twitter to hail the right-back as “unbelievable” during the tournament.

Dumfries’ energetic and attacking displays saw Bayern Munich linked with a move for the PSV ace, but with the Bundesliga outfit reportedly cooling their interest, Everton could be in pole position to secure his signature.

The 6 ft 2 powerhouse is thought to have a release clause of €15m (£13m) inserted into his contract, meaning a deal could be wrapped up fairly quickly and cheaply should Benitez sanction a move.

Right-back is a current area of weakness for Everton, and news of the club’s interest in Dumfries will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

Seamus Coleman has been a magnificent servant to the Merseyside outfit for many years now, but at 32, he is entering the twilight years of his career. Meanwhile, current backup Jonjoe Kenny doesn’t appear to be at the required standard to take over the mantle.

He failed to impress during a short-term loan spell at Celtic last season, leaving centre-back Mason Holgate to play out of position on several occasions.

If Dumfries arrives at Goodison Park this summer, there will be no more square pegs in round holes on the right-hand side of Everton’s defence next term. The speed demon supplied six goals for his teammates in 2020/21, providing 1.4 key passes per match.

He would bring entertainment and attacking talent in abundance to the Toffees and should be a natural heir to Coleman, so his signature would surely be welcomed with open arms by the club’s fanbase.

In other news… Everton make approach for £22.5m-rated “top player”, Benitez will love him 

West Bromwich Albion are considering a move which would bring Adam Reach to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Express & Star, who claimed that Valerien Ismael is weighing up a move for the former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, who is a free agent following his departure from Hillsborough upon the expiry of his contract with the Owls at the end of last season.

The report added that Blackburn Rovers are also keeping a close eye on the situation of the 28-year-old ahead of a potential move this summer, while it is claimed that the former England under-20 international is one of several targets being monitored by the Baggies.

Reach could transform West Brom

While Reach may not be the most headline-grabbing transfer Ismael could get over the line at West Brom this summer, the possible addition of the midfielder could easily be viewed as a key signing in the club’s transformation under the Frenchman’s leadership.

With the 45-year-old often deploying a 3-4-2-1 in his time at Barnsley, and with the 28-year-old being adept at playing left-back, left midfield and left-wing, Reach could well become an important player for Ismael as a result of his versatility, as well as his consistently impressive level of Championship performances.

Indeed, over his 44 appearances in the division for Darren Moore’s side last term, the £2.52m-rated man bagged five goals, provided three assists and created five big chances for his teammates, taking 1.3 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

The £23k-per-week midfielder also helped out for his team defensively, averaging 0.9 interceptions, one tackle and one clearance and winning 2.8 duels per match.

These returns saw the man who George Elek dubbed a “creative” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.82, ranking him as the Owls’ sixth-best player in the league last term.

With West Brom currently only having Conor Townsend as a viable option for the left-back slot, it is evident that greater depth is required ahead of an arduous Championship season.

As such, Reach could well prove to be a very astute signing for Albion this season, and one who could help transform West Brom into a quintessential Valerien Ismael side.

In other news: Reliable journalist drops West Brom transfer development, Ismael will be gutted

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer does not believe his old side will give up in their pursuit of Rangers’ Ryan Kent.

Kent has been of interest to Leeds since last summer, with Rangers boss Steven Gerrard confirming back then that the Glasgow club had turned down a bid for the player.

According to The Athletic, though, the Whites remain keen on Kent, meaning a new bid for the 24-year-old winger could be launched in this transfer window.

Ultimately, for Palmer, this one is certainly not over as Marcelo Bielsa looks to bolster his squad ahead of the 2021/22 season.

“They’ve been linked with him and he’s a talented player,” the ex-Leeds star told TT. “All you can do is keep tracking the player.

“Howard Wilkinson said when I went to Leeds United he was tracking me for two years. I don’t think you ever give up. If you identify a player that you want, you just keep going.

“You never give up on a target that you really want, you just wait for the opportunity where you may be able to get him out.”

Rangers put up a fight last summer, a successful one, to keep hold of Kent. And this summer, you would expect a similar theme.

He was a very important figure for the Gers in that recent Scottish Premiership title triumph, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists, so the Englishman is not a player Gerrard will want to lose.