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Jack Harrison could be left out of Leeds United’s starting XI to face Wolves on Saturday, according to former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Leeds host Wolves

The Whites are back in Premier League action this afternoon, as they look to finally kick their 2021/22 season into gear.

Last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Southampton was the latest disappointing showing in a string of worrying results, which have them languishing in 17th place in the table.

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The Latest: Harrison tipped to be left out

A win is much-needed against a Wolves side who have won their last three league matches and it will be interesting to see how Marcelo Bielsa’s starting lineup looks.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips , 48, claimed Harrison could be the man to make way, allowing Raphinha and Dan James to start out wide, even though he didn’t rule out the prospect of all three starting:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Bielsa played all three [Raphinha, James and Harrison] to go all-out to win the match. But if someone were to make way, it would have to be Harrison.

“With James coming in for big money, you’d like to think he will start. Raphinha will play, he’s one of their best players.

“I would have thought it will be a straight swap for Harrison.”

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The Verdict: Right decision?

Harrison hasn’t made a big enough impact yet this season, failing to score or register an assist in six league appearances to date.

For that reason, Bielsa leaving him out would feel justified, allowing Raphinha and James to prove their worth and show that they should be the first-choice wide pairing moving forward.

Given the former’s brilliance, both for Leeds and Brazil, and the latter’s big-money move from Manchester United in the summer, it certainly feels like that could be the case moving forward.

In other news, a worrying update regarding Bielsa’s Leeds future has emerged. Read more here.

Injury expert and Sky Sports contributor Ben Dinnery has relayed a big injury update out of Wolverhampton Wanderers before their clash with Burnley this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Wolves host Clarets

Bruno Lage’s side are back in Premier League action today, making the trip to Turf Moor as they take on a relegation-threatened Clarets side.

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It is a huge game for Burnley, as they tussle with Everton to remain in the division, but it is also an important match for Wolves, following a positive season at Molineux.

As kick-off approaches, a key Wanderers injury update has emerged in recent days.

The Latest: Key trio ruled out

Taking to Twitter, Dinnery relays that Neves, Podence and Kilman are all out injured for the weekend action:

“Ruben Neves, Daniel Podence and Max Kilman are all out of the trip to Turf Moor. Raul Jimenez returns after completing a two-match ban.”

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The Verdict: Europe still possible

Victory on Sunday could bring Wolves level on points with seventh-place West Ham, depending on how the Hammers fair against Chelsea this afternoon.

Their goal difference is currently inferior by four as David Moyes’ side currently lie in the UEFA Conference League-qualifying spot.

It highlights the importance of Wolves’ showdown at Molineux this afternoon with there being no threat of Lage’s men putting their feet up with nothing to play for in the remaining weeks of the season. Qualifying for Europe would be a wonderful achievement.

Having to make do without Neves, Podence and Kilman is an undoubted blow, however, with the trio all influential in their own right. The former has averaged 2.3 tackles per game in the league this season, while the latter has won 2.2 aerial duels per match.

In other news, Wolves are eyeing up an exciting move for an international player. Read more here.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has suffered a major injury blow over Dan James ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Arsenal at the weekend.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, James picked up a muscular injury during that defeat at the Etihad, and it remains to be seen how long he could potentially be out for.

That was then followed up by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who via Bielsa’s pre-match press conference, revealed: “Dan James and Jamie Shackleton are out this weekend. Robin Koch available though. No other changes to the absentee list. Firpo serving a one-match ban.”

Big blow for Leeds

While James may not have exactly lit Elland Road alight with his performances this season since his move from Manchester United – he’s scored just one goal and provided only two assists in 16 Premier League games – he remains a vital part of the first-team squad for Bielsa.

The Welshman has been involved in every single Premier League game this campaign bar one, and that was way back in mid-August when he remained on the bench against Southampton in only the second match of the season for Leeds.

With the Whites already without a number of key first-team stars for the game against Arsenal – including the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford among others – losing yet another player on the eve of the game is a major blow and setback for Bielsa.

Raphinha and Jack Harrison will surely be expected to start out wide, but it leaves Bielsa with very little room to manoeuvre when it comes to options off the bench and potential game-changers.

Leeds fans will surely be absolutely gutted with the kind of injury luck they have had in recent weeks in particular.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star must be axed vs Arsenal…

A journalist has claimed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) could now sign Hans Hateboer for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Two in, third on the way?

The Magpies have already signed Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood from Atletico Madrid and Burnley respectively, and there will likely be more to come through the door at St James’ Park.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday, the Toon Army will now be desperate for more bodies to come in, as Eddie Howe’s men look to try and haul themselves out of the dreaded relegation zone.

The Latest: Hateboer an option

Speaking to Tutto Atalanta, journalist Lorenzo Casalino has claimed that PIF could ‘immediately’ sign Hateboer for the Magpies

He revealed: “The team that could detect him immediately in this market session is the Newcastle of the Arabs in the Premier League, we will see…”

The Verdict: A useful option to have

Howe could certainly do with more bodies in his injury-plagued Newcastle squad, and Hateboer would give him a very handy option.

The Netherlands international is capable of playing in a variety of different positions across the pitch, including at centre-back, given his 6 foot 2 frame.

Also, he has a wealth of experience playing at the highest level, including in the Champions League as well as Serie A, and at 28 years of age, he is at the peak of his powers to help Newcastle get out of trouble.

In other news, find out who Newcastle are now in talks to sign

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes that a Celtic swoop for Ahmed Kendouci would be the ‘icing on the cake’ for their January transfer window, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Transfer request submitted

Kendouci has been linked with a move to Parkhead this month, despite Ange Postecoglou already adding to his midfield ranks with the signings of Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Matt O’Riley.

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The 22-year-old, who has scored 18 goals for Algerian club ES Setif, has even handed in a transfer request following links of a move to Celtic Park.

The Hoops’ crosstown rivals Rangers have also been name-checked with an interest in Kendouci, who can play as a central, attacking or left midfielder.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Transfer insider Jones was talking to GiveMeSport regarding a possible late January move to Celtic for Kendouci.

He believes that a late move for Kendouci could continue the ‘positive’ steps taken under Postecoglou and labelled as potential late deal as the ‘icing on the cake’, saying:

“They don’t want to lose everything they’ve built, in terms of momentum, up to this point.

“Since Ange came in, almost everything has been a positive. I think this would be the icing on the cake if they could get someone of his quality through the door.”

The Verdict: Not vital

Even though another new face would be exciting for Hoops supporters heading into a crunch period of fixtures, not signing Kendouci this month wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Celtic are now well-stocked in the middle of the park following their January business and still have David Turnbull to come back into the frame from injury.

However, it seems as if the Hoops are keen on the versatile midfielder, and getting one up on their Glasgow rivals could be nice ahead of the Old Firm derby next week, so it may be one to keep an eye on ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

In other news: Kieran Devlin has claimed that another Premier League club are now ‘in for’ this Celtic gem

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Everton U23 manager David Unsworth waxed lyrical about 22-year-old goalkeeper Mateusz Hewelt following his display and clean sheet in the 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers in Southport on Monday night, as per evertonfc.com.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 22-year-old has been the first-choice for the U23s for a while now and he stepped up to the plate with a huge performance against the Lancashire outfit on Monday, with Unsworth seriously impressed with what he witnessed.

The one-time Toffees caretaker boss told evertonfc.com post-match: “That’s the best I’ve seen him.

“I’ve told him that. He made saves to keep us in the game and it was a fantastic performance. He gave us a platform to go and win the game. His was one of a number of outstanding performances.”

The goalkeeper made two brilliant saves to thwart Joseph Nuttall and John Buckley after Rovers started strongly, before goals from Bassala Sambou and Fraser Hornby eventually wrapped up the points for the Merseyside outfit.

What does future hold for Hewelt?

Despite being with the club since 2015 and the fact that he turns 23 years of age in September, he has only made one appearance in the first-team squad – away against Apollon Limassol in the Europa League in December 2017.

The stopper will surely be keen to prove that he can make the step up on a more regular basis sooner rather than later, and he may well have done exactly that with his latest display.

Marco Silva will be well aware of him and should be in direct contact with Unsworth to see who could be good enough to make the step up, and the 45-year-old’s latest comments prove he has the quality to make a difference.

With Jordan Pickford’s back-up Maarten Stekelenburg 36 years of age and only having just over a year remaining on his contract at Goodison Park, Hewelt could now be ready to seriously challenge the senior Toffees man.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing over an ExWHUemployee update involving forward and target Jesse Lingard.

The Manchester United ace, who was heavily courted by West Ham in the summer, opted to remain at Old Trafford in a bid to fight for his place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, as Lingard’s minutes fail to rack up, murmurs have started to emerge again regarding his future and there is a consensus that West Ham could make another move in January.

According to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, the Irons could reignite their interest mid-season and make a move for Lingard during the winter window.

It is even thought that he would be interested in joining West Ham and Lingard’s own brother has made it clear he enjoyed his time at the club and misses it there.

Flocking to this update on the 28-year-old, it’s safe to say lots of supporters are excited at the prospect of re-signing Lingard and it’s little wonder given his phenomenal loan spell at the London Stadium last year.

If David Moyes is to maintain West Ham’s fantastic 2021/2022 season run, signing the England international in January could be a big move if they can get it done.

West Ham fans erupt over Lingard update…

“crying”

Credit: @petersweterr

“We’re going for the title”

Credit: @Callumfitzer_

“The band could be getting back together!! Woohoo!!”

Credit: @mattdcrane82

“love that”

Credit: @td_ldn

“Yes please”

Credit: @Lord_Irons

“It would be a great signing!!”

Credit: @PJ_10_Cricket

“I would take him tomorrow!”

Credit: @WestHamSteven

“Let’s hope it happens”

Credit: @The_Scotty

In other news: ‘Don’t gas me’, ‘Announce the title’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘exciting’ news has many West Ham fans talking, find out more here.

According to a report from 90min, Wolves are interested in signing Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin in the summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: Eye-catching impact

Since arriving in England from Ligue 1 side Nice for £16.5m in 2019 (Sky Sports), the 25-year-old has been a revelation in the northeast. The Frenchman has scored 12 times and provided 14 assists for the St James’ Park outfit, becoming a fan favourite in the process.

However, the Toon Army could be set to lose their flamboyant talent as Premier League clubs look on with intent…

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The latest: Wolves keen on Saint-Maximin

As per the report from 90min journalist Graeme Bailey, Wolves are believed to be among the clubs interested in signing the 25-year-old monster.

It’s claimed that Newcastle would be ‘open’ to the possibility of a sale as Everton and indeed the Old Gold look on at the £28.8m-valued Saint-Maximin (Transfermarkt).

The report added that Bruno Lage is looking to ‘replace’ Adama Traore, who has ‘no future’ at Molineux regardless of what happens regarding an ongoing loan switch at Barcelona.

The verdict: An improvement on Traore?

Under contract until 2026, prising the mercurial former France under-21 star away from Newcastle may prove an expensive venture for the Midlands club.

However, should adequate funds come in from the sale of Traore, who had attracted January interest from Tottenham Hotspur, a move for the man once hailed as ‘breathtaking’ by Gary Neville could become a reality as Lage attempts to further improve the Wolves squad.

So far this season, Saint-Maximin has registered eight direct goal contributions in 27 league outings, all whilst producing a Premier League high of 4.3 successful dribbles per game (Sofascore) – ahead of Traore in second with 4.2, with the Spain international contributing just one goal and zero assists in the English top flight prior to his mid-season loan move.

Therefore, it seems that the Newcastle maestro would be an upgrade on the 26-year-old, if that’s the transition which comes about at Molineux.

In other news, Journalist claims key Wolves player could be staying put. Read more here.

Aston Villa are open to moving Trezeguet on during the January transfer window.

That’s according to The Daily Mail’s Tom Collomosse, which has had some Villa fans talking on social media.

Villa have already been extremely busy when it comes to transfer activity this month, with Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne arriving.

Axel Tuanzebe cut short his season-long loan to move to Napoli and Anwar El Ghazi is joining Everton on a temporary basis, while Trezeguet is another player who could depart over the coming weeks.

According to Collomosse, Trezeguet is thought to be available for transfer this month. The 27-year-old is currently away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and has missed the majority of the campaign through injury.

His first appearance of the season came in the 2-1 defeat to Brentford, and it seems as that could turn out to be his final outing in a Villa shirt.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Collomosse’s claim regarding the winger on Twitter. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with a mixed response.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @alexiawhite

“Whilst it feels harsh on El Ghazi and Trez it would seem to me that Gerrard is getting rid of those who aren’t quite good enough for the level he wants. Removing sentiment from it I agree, but I’d be sad to see them both go for various/obvious reasons.”

Credit: @Benjmeister85

“I’m sad”

Credit: @catrinavfc

“Really?”

Credit: @ZM_AVFC

“The clear out has begun”

Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ

“Good don’t wanna see that diver in a villa shirt again”

Credit: @ryanavfc7

In other news: ‘Called it a week after Gerrard arrived’ – Lots of AVFC fans flock to Ornstein’s transfer update.   

Giovanni van Bronckhorst doesn’t officially start his new role as the manager of Rangers at Ibrox until Monday but the Gers have already filled the Dutchman with pure rage.

The former Rangers man watched on from the stands and was left with his head in his hands on plenty of occasions as a number of gasps came from his mouth too.

You can hardly blame him either as the club’s post-Steven Gerrard era began in the worst possible way.

Armed with the likes of Jermain Defoe, David McCallum, Brian Gilmour, and goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart in the dug-out, they watched on as the Glaswegian side were tormented by Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.

This was the perfect opportunity for the Gers to make a huge statement to their new manager but they were carved open at will as they lost 3-1.

Rather than being handed some healthy selection dilemmas, van Bronckhorst will now be reeling with who to axe from the side.

There were plenty of culprits in the defeat on Sunday as Ryan Kent looked a shadow of his former self and Alfredo Morelos put in an anonymous showing.

However, unsurprisingly, it was the defence who deserved the most grief from supporters at full-time. Connor Goldson missed an absolute sitter late on in the clash, firing over the bar from just a matter of yards out.

Yet, it was his colleague at centre-half, Leon Balogun who was arguably even worse. His passing was rash and he looked wildly uncomfortable in being asked to play out from the back.

BBC Scotland’s chief writer, Tom English, said during the game: “Martin Boyle and Kevin Nisbet have just been toying with Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun. Balogun is having a shocker. On that form he would struggle to get a game for the local pub team. He has been absolutely ripped apart and Goldson is not much better. He’s gone from this incredible leader they had last season to looking very vulnerable.”

Those sentiments were summed up by plenty at full-time, with Glasgow Times writer James Cairney writing the following about Balogun: “Often panicked in the face of pressure, hoofing the ball into the stands or aimlessly up the park.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Record’s Gordon Parks noted this about the £14k-per-week defender’s display: “Turned far too easily by Nisbet at Hibs second goal. Headed an effort just wide of target before the interval. Ropey and indecisive, vulnerable to anything played in behind him.”

On that evidence, it would be surprising if the 33-year-old was in van Bronckhorst’s first official line-up in Europe in midweek.

His first performance for the new head coach won’t have gone well with him at all. It was an incredibly shoddy showing, one that leaves him as the first villain from Rangers’ new era.

AND in other news, Gio handed first big Rangers boost as news emerges that’ll surely leave fans delighted…