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Crystal Palace have the opportunity to finish in the top half this season, currently just two points behind Leicester City and Aston Villa, but with Patrick Vieira planning for his final push in the remaining Premier League fixtures to secure a top finish, he may have been delivered a huge setback.

What’s the word?

As reported by Daily Mail, Wilfried Zaha had to sit out of the international friendly against England last night after suffering a grade two hamstring injury in training with the Ivory Coast.

The Crystal Palace forward is now very unlikely to be available for selection in Monday’s clash at Selhurst Park against Arsenal, as he reportedly was given an X-ray that has revealed the extent of an injury causing problems.

The Ivory Coast manager, Patrice Beaumelle, revealed further that “if it gets worse it is maybe six weeks or two months out.”

If it is that bad, it may mean that Zaha doesn’t play again this term.

Vieira will be gutted

With only nine Premier League fixtures remaining for the Eagles, the French manager will surely be gutted to have potentially lost one of his most reliable and experienced attacking threats in the team.

The 29-year-old has scored ten goals in all competitions for Palace already this season, with some of his strikes making an important impact on points won for the side. For example, there was a crucial second half goal scored against Norwich that pulled back a point, and a penalty scored against Wolves to seal a comfortable victory recently away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Palace also have a hugely important clash in the FA Cup coming up at Wembley against Chelsea in just over three weeks, and losing the attacker for the monumental clash that has taken Palace to their first FA Cup semi-final since 2016, could be a disaster for Vieira.

There will surely more clarity on the seriousness of the injury when Zaha returns to his club and is further assessed later this week, and the Eagles boss will likely call upon his other attacking players to complete the difficult challenge against the Gunners at Selhurst Park this weekend, no matter the outcome.

In other news: Vieira set for huge howler as CPFC plot bid for “terrible” £91k-p/w dud who’s “so bad”

West Ham recorded a crucial 2-1 victory over Everton in the Premier League this afternoon as goals from Aaron Cresswell and Jarrod Bowen secured three points for the Hammers in the quest for European qualification.

The left-back scored an excellent free-kick to give David Moyes’ side the lead going into half-time before defender Mason Holgate volleyed a deflected equaliser past Lukasz Fabianski in the second half.

However, Bowen, on return from a month-long injury layoff, scored the decisive goal, tapping into an empty net after Michail Antonio’s strike was parried by Jordan Pickford.

To make matters even worse for Frank Lampard’s relegation-threatened side, captain Michael Keane was shown a second yellow card, the third consecutive league game in which Everton have seen a man sent off.

Although the English duo scored the goals, fellow countryman and midfielder Declan Rice was a rock in the middle of the park for the East London outfit at the London Stadium.

According to SofaScore, the Englishman recorded a 7.2 match rating after making 95 touches and enjoying a 94% passing accuracy against the Merseyside outfit.

Moreover, the 23-year-old won half of his ground duels whilst contributing one key pass, losing possession just nine times, an average of every 10.6 touches.

From a defensive point of view, the colossus showed just why he’s been dubbed an “explosion” and a “revelation” by his manager, contributing three interceptions as well as two blocks and one tackle.

It’s no surprise that West Ham’s prize asset was impressive, particularly against one of the top-flight’s biggest strugglers in Everton.

Rice has been repeatedly subject to a potential big-money move away from East London this summer, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola labelling the 23-year-old as “an exceptional player.”

However, Moyes has recently stated that the midfielder isn’t for sale and that a fee north of £150m would be the minimum asking price if he is to depart.

The Irons are now back into the Premier League’s top six after their important league victory, however, seventh-placed Manchester United are level on points and have a game in hand.

Next up for the Hammers is the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, another crucial game that Moyes will need all of his players to step up for. A performance similar to that of today’s from Rice certainly won’t be objected to by those associated with the Stratford side.

AND in other news: Moyes can finally axe “shocking” WHU dud as claim emerges, supporters surely buzzing

It would take a brave man to say that Celtic’s managerial chase was finally reaching a conclusion.

It has now been over three months since Neil Lennon resigned from his position with the Hoops with an arduous saga taking place since.

The Bhoys missed out on Eddie Howe but now have another man in their crosshairs.

What’s the word?

After their ploy to lure Howe to Celtic Park fell through, Ange Postecoglou has been the primary target for Celtic.

They’ve reportedly been tracking him for months and now view the Australian as the man to finally replace Lennon.

A compensation fee has been agreed with his current club Yokohama Marinos but a hugely promising update emerged late on Saturday night.

According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic have now agreed personal terms with the 55-year-old over a move to Parkhead.

The outlet goes onto claim that barring any other hitches, a move will be concluded in the next 72 hours.

Exciting times for Celtic

If you told supporters when Lennon quit that on the eve of the transfer window they’d still be searching for a new manager, they’d have looked at you in disgust.

Unfortunately, that’s the reality of the situation for the despairing Celtic fan base.

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They have been left disgruntled this season and embarked on mass protests at Paradise against the club’s ownership.

You can hardly blame the anger when you consider a trophyless campaign and an abject summer on the recruitment front 12 months ago.

Therefore, the news that Celtic are well and truly finally on the verge of announcing a new manager should come as great comfort.

It might not be their first target in Howe but Postecoglou is still a fabulous choice for the hot seat.

First and foremost, he has more experience than Howe. He’s taken charge of Australia and began his managerial career back in 1996; 24 years ago.

Since then, he’s acquired expertise throughout Asia and had one spell in Greece, the country of his birth.

Postecoglou also ensures his team plays a vibrant style of football, something that will no doubt suit the Hoops hierarchy.

Raheem Sterling and Pep Guardiola have both complimented the way he gets his players to move the ball while his relentlessly high press can cause nightmares.

His Yokohama Marinos team have also enjoyed the highest percentage of possession of any team in the Japanese top-flight this season. That serves as a further plus point in their bid to lure him to Celtic.

Supporters should be excited that not only is this long-running saga set to end, but it’s coming to a climax with a manager who ticks plenty of boxes from a stylistic point of view.

AND in other news, Celtic can find a new Jullien by signing “special” 6ft4 tank, he’s “one of the best”…

Jacob Murphy may leave Newcastle United for Rangers in the summer transfer window, according to Kevin Campbell.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Arsenal, Everton and West Brom striker has claimed that Murphy may be attracted to winning trophies and potentially playing in the Champions League, and therefore could make the move to Glasgow. The 51-year-old said:

“There’s a good chance for Rangers to get him.

“He hasn’t played that much this season, he’s a Premier League player and he’d be quite a big name to go up there. 

“To play, to challenge for trophies, to play in the Champions League, hey listen, that’s a big stage and it will turn his head. 

“Let’s face it, Newcastle aren’t going anywhere fast are they?”

Newcastle should keep Murphy

There is no doubt that, if possible, Newcastle should do all they can to keep Murphy at St James’ Park and not let him be tempted by a potential swoop from Steven Gerrard’s men.

The 26-year-old has emerged as a key player for Steve Bruce’s team playing in the right wing-back role of late, and given that he is a winger by trade, his added versatility is a very useful asset to have in the squad.

Murphy has contributed a goal and an assist in his last five games for Newcastle in the Premier League (Transfermarkt), showing that he can certainly provide in terms of key contributions.

Nonetheless, the Englishman still has a lot to offer to the Magpies, and selling him in the upcoming summer transfer window would not be a smart bit of business given his recent run of form.

In other news, find out what PIF claim has been dropped on the potential takeover!

The agent of Franck Kessie has revealed Tottenham are interested in signing the midfielder, and he could leave AC Milan this summer.

The Lowdown: Spurs prepare for new season

Spurs went through a difficult campaign last term, finishing in seventh place in the Premier League and therefore only qualifying for the Europa Conference League.

Qualification for the new UEFA competition means the Lilywhites must prepare their squad for a gruelling term with travel to some rather unorthodox away days, and so it will be no surprise to see Fabio Paratici target quality depth in this summer’s window.

The Latest: Spurs eye Kessie

Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, Kessie’s agent Massimo Brambati has revealed Spurs’ interest in the 24-year-old. He said:

“Having a contract expiring in 2022 with an important player, one of Milan’s strengths, is a danger. Here too there is a basic error.

“Now he is the one who has the knife on the side of the handle and can decide what is best for him and not for the club.

“I know that in addition to Inter there are also two Premier (League) teams on him, one is Tottenham. “

The Verdict: Top target

There is no doubt about it – Kessie would be a top signing for Spurs. The 44-time Ivory Coast international has made 184 appearances for Milan, scoring 30 goals and providing 15 assists (Transfermarkt).

He has also been compared to compatriot and former Manchester City star Yaya Toure by Antonio Cassano, who also called him “devastating” (sempremilan.com).

Kessie would set Tottenham back a considerable fee – he is valued at £49.5m (Transfermarkt), but he does only have one year left on his contract, so perhaps there is the chance for Paratici to work some negotiating magic there.

They would also have to beat Inter, last term’s Serie A champions, to his services. However, if they were able to capture the central midfielder, he could prove to be an inspired signing.

In other news, Spurs lead the race for this Serie A star striker.

Some Liverpool supporters are concerned about Naby Keita representing Guinea during the international break, due to his recent injury record.

The 26-year-old has had a frustrating Reds career to date, never quite managing to hit the heights many expected of him when he arrived.

Keita joined from RB Leipzig back in the summer of 2018 – he actually signed the previous year – with many expecting him to become Liverpool’s star midfielder.

It hasn’t quite worked out that way, however, with the Guinean falling behind the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum in the pecking order.

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While Keita’s performances haven’t always been up to the required standard, injuries are the main thing that have held him back, with constant absences from the team allowing him no rhythm.

When fit, he is an effective player who has proven his worth many times for Liverpool, but his inability to stay injury-free is a stumbling block.

According to RTE, Guinea’s national team have persuaded the Reds to allow Keita to face Mali next Wednesday, sending him back to Merseyside straight after the game.

Liverpool fans react to Keita’s international call-up

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to give their thoughts on the situation.

“Bad feeling about this”

Credit: @justdatguy_

“For once, Keita needs to take responsibility on his Liverpool career and future. The guy can’t get a run of games. Always injured. He should discuss with the national team and sit out these games atleast till end of the season. If he comes back injured, it’s on him this time”

Credit: @Iam_Ram2128

“OMG! If he comes back injured, that should be the end of his Liverpool career tbh”

Credit: @Smartooski

“I swear to god if he comes back with a broken leg”

Credit: @LivyLFC

“Seems obvious what happens next…..”

Credit: @andyj4mes

“If he gets injured from this I think that’s it for Keita with us”

Credit: @A_MKHIZE_SA

“There is Southgate and then there is this other Fool. We literally trying our best to train amd keep Naby Fit and they go and do this everydamn time”

Credit: @pearlserery

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a fresh transfer link with a Premier League midfielder. Read about it here.

Some Everton fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on James Rodriguez.

Speaking to Sports Blog (via Marca), football journalist Javier Hernandez Bonnet has claimed that the Colombia international has the option of returning back to Real Madrid and reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti on a free transfer.

Rodriguez was such a key player for the Goodison Park faithful in the 2020/21 season, scoring six goals and making a further nine assists in 26 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt), and so it would be such a shame to see him leave after just one campaign, especially given that he largely played without supporters in the stadiums.

Nonetheless, to lose the 29-year-old for free would be a devastating blow, as he would not be easy to replace without spending a bit of cash.

Everton fans on Rodriguez transfer update

These Toffees fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one Blue even going as far as to claim that it was a ‘joke’:

“Smashing my head against the wall”

Credit: @tomefc14

“Joke”

Credit: @danevans_tm

“What did I do in my past life to be forced to support Everton”

Credit: @FylesAj

“Honestly believe we are the worst run club in world football”

Credit: @patto1878

“Not sure I can take much more this week”Credit: @smmoore4″It never rains….”Credit: @RaRaRiggaIn other news, find out what Paul Joyce update has been slammed by EFC fans here!

Steve Howey reckons that Chris Wood would score even more goals should he sign for Aston Villa.

The New Zealand striker is on the back of another impressive campaign in Burnley colours – scoring 12 Premier League goals to not only help keep the Clarets in the league, but to continue his record of having returned double figures in every season at this level.

Wood had only managed four goals in his opening 19 appearances but hit red-hot form by netting eight goals across an eight-game spell between March and May, including a treble in Burnley’s fine win at Wolves.

Such is Wood’s goalscoring exploits for the struggling Clarets, he’s been linked with some bigger sides in the shape of Everton and Aston Villa, whilst he’s also on West Ham’s radar.

All three of those possess far more creative players than Burnley, with Jack Grealish perhaps the best of which at Villa.

And Howey exclusively told Football FanCast that Wood could top his goalscoring tally from this year should he end up at Villa Park this summer:

“He’s awkward to play against. If I’m being critical, not the best at holding the ball up, but very good at flicking on and gets his goals. Strikers that score goals, the amount that he’s scored in the Premier League, is a good striker.

“And if he goes to a team that are more creative, he could get a lot of goals.”

This season has been one to forget for Wolves. No longer are they contenders for European football and instead, they’re languishing in the bottom half of the table.

With that in mind, additions would be timely in the summer.

What’s the word?

Wolves have been linked with a number of attackers in recent weeks but it’s a defender that’s now at the centre of their attention.

According to The Express, the Old Gold are in the race to sign Stoke City’s Harry Souttar.

There is no shortage of interest in the defender this summer with West Ham, and Crystal Palace also considering a move.

Wolves are one of three known teams to have sent scouts to watch the centre-back this season and clearly, they have liked what they’ve seen.

The report doesn’t state the fee he may cost, just that it’s likely a significant bid will have to be made in order to prise him away from the Potteries.

Defensive colossus

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Fleetwood but he’s made the transition from League One to Championship football look easy.

Standing at 6 foot 6, it’s in the air where Souttar looks so ominous and impressive. So far this season, the Australian has won a considerable 5.3 aerial duels per match.

Compare that to the rest of the Wolves team and it is streets ahead. Willy Boly is the player with the most aerial duels won at Molineux, prevailing in just 2.9 per match.

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Boly is known as a wall at Wolves so adding a player like Souttar alongside him and Coady would surely make for an ideal backline.

Strong in the challenge, the defender is also astute when reading the play, making 1.4 interceptions a game this term. Only Boly, Romain Saiss and Ruben Neves have made more at Wolves in 2020/21.

Also impressive is his adaptability. After moving on loan to Fleetwood and standing out, Joey Barton commented: “You don’t know what is going to happen when you bring a young loan player in from another club. He has been outstanding. I think he and the rest of the defence deserve all the plaudits they have been getting recently.”

His ability to transition to different levels has been seen in the jump from Fleetwood to Stoke. With that in mind, he’d surely move seamlessly into the Wolves team too.

Another aspect that catches the eye is his ability on the ball. Despite being incredibly tall, Souttar can play out well.

“He’s a player blessed with great natural attributes. Obviously his height but also he’s got good game intelligence and he’s a great user of the ball as well. That’s something which I think will set him apart from the other defenders in this league,” Stoke boss Michael O’Neill said.

He’d be a brilliant addition for a Wolves side who have struggled defensively this campaign.

AND in other news, Nuno must finally unleash rarely-seen Wolves gem, he’s “very similar to Moutinho”…

As per a report in the paper edition of Mundo Deportivo, via Sport Witness, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Dembele contract winding down…

The Frenchman’s current deal in Catalonia is set to expire in 2022 as things stand with his club running out of time to secure the player to fresh terms.

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Dembele is free to negotiate pre-contract summer moves with Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici having long been linked with a swoop.

It has been claimed that the Tottenham transfer chief is eyeing ‘quality players at zero cost’ for Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte with Barca’s ace firmly on the agenda (Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness).

The Latest: Spurs ‘push hard’…

In an update on Dembele’s situation, Mundo (via SW) have made a claim involving Spurs – going on to state that they are trying to ‘push hard’ for the 24-year-old.

Despite interest from European heavyweights Paris-Saint Germain and Bayern Munich, ‘everything indicates’ a move to England for the attacker.

As well as this, Paratici is a personal admirer of Dembele and it is believed that the Italian ‘already tempted’ Barca’s player to join Juventus during his tenure at the Allianz Stadium.

The Verdict: Right move?

As the international’s future in Spain remains a point of contention with many clubs apparently interested (90min), we believe he actually wouldn’t be the most ideal capture for Conte at N17.

Even though Spurs would be signing him on a free transfer, Dembele’s reported salary demands in excess of around £200,000-per-week could be too much financially – especially considering his worrying fitness record.

The former Borussia Dortmund sensation’s long history of hamstring problems should certainly be taken into consideration with pundit Carlton Palmer perhaps best summing it up.

Speaking to This is Futbol, the former England international warned Spurs against a move for Dembele – citing his possible wages and extensive injury history as reasons why he would be a ‘crazy signing’ for the club.

Indeed, taking these factors into consideration, Tottenham are perhaps best looking elsewhere for low cost upgrades in the winter window.

In other news: ‘Absolute no-brainer’…Sky Sports pundit thrilled by ‘exciting’ transfer news out of Spurs, find out more here.