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West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths could be set for a summer exit from The Hawthorns.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, who claimed in a post on Twitter that the 19-year-old shot-stopper is attracting interest from both Portsmouth and Lincoln City in the summer transfer market.

Nixon goes on to state that the Baggies are currently deciding whether or not to allow the England U21 international to leave the club on a temporary basis, with the future of the West Brom number one Sam Johnstone also being somewhat up in the air.

Big mistake

While the interest in Johnstone appears to have died down in recent weeks, with both West Ham United and Watford believed to have been put off by the £20m price tag of the England international, it is by no means certain that the 28-year-old will still be at the club at the start of next season.

As such, considering the uncertainty surrounding the future of the club’s number one, in addition to the fact that West Brom are yet to appoint Sam Allardyce’s successor at the club, allowing such a highly-rated prospect to leave would appear to be something of a mistake from Xu Ke. That’s especially considering how impressive the 19-year-old was while on loan at Cheltenham Town last season.

Indeed, over his 44 League Two appearances for Michael Duff’s side, Griffiths helped his team keep an extraordinary 21 clean sheets and conceded just 37 goals, as well as making an average of two saves and 0.4 successful runs out per game.

These returns saw the £450k-rated ‘keeper earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as the Robins’ ninth-best performer in the fourth tier of English football, playing a huge role in the club’s title-winning campaign.

As such, it would very much seem as if the man whom Andy Wilcox claimed has a “big future” in the game is more than capable of making the step up to the West Brom first team, something that he may well have to do if Johnstone does go on to leave the club this summer.

In other news: West Brom handed boost over “top-class” manager target that should have fans buzzing

Sheffield Wednesday have been boosted by the news that key pair George Byers and Liam Palmer should be fit for the crucial clash with Fleetwood Town.

The Lowdown: Huge game for Owls

The Owls were beaten 1-0 away to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, in what was a damaging defeat in the League One promotion battle.

The loss leaves Darren Moore’s side in seventh place and outside the playoff places ahead of Tuesday evening’s massive trip to struggling Fleetwood.

Wednesday had to make do without both Byers and Palmer for the Wycombe game – they didn’t come off the substitutes’ bench – with the pair key players this season, having started a combined 54 league matches.

The Latest: Key duo return

Speaking to the media on Saturday [via Football League World], however, Moore confirmed that he expects the duo to return to the fold at Fleetwood, having rested them at Adams Park:

“It has been a big week. The likes of George and Liam Palmer have played twice this week and we decided to rotate. Now we get them back and ready for Tuesday.

“We have suffered a lot of injuries this season from over misuse and fatigue and tiredness from games. I was able to rejuggle the pack and get ready for Tuesday.”

The Verdict: Massive boost for Wednesday

This is a huge boost for anyone of an Owls persuasion, given the enormity of Tuesday’s potentially make-or-break trip to Highbury.

Victory there would leave playoff destiny in Wednesday’s hands, taking them above Plymouth Argyle and Wycombe, and possibly Sunderland, too, if they don’t win at home to Rotherham on Tuesday.

Both Byers and Palmer would surely both be in Moore’s strongest possible XI and them being back in the team enhances the Owls’ hopes of securing a top-six place, ahead of the final game against Portsmouth at Hillsborough next weekend.

Byers has brought quality and poise to Wednesday’s midfield, scoring five league goals, while Palmer is a model of consistency, having now made 342 appearances for the club.

Many Wolves fans have been buzzing as early team news has emerged ahead of their game at West Brom in the Premier League on Monday evening.

As per the Irish Independent, Nuno Espirito Santo has claimed that Raul Jimenez ‘could be involved’ in the Black Country Derby.

The Mexico international has not played since fracturing his skull in the 2-1 win at Arsenal back in November, and it is clear that Wolves have missed him while he has been absent, losing 12 of their last 26 matches across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The prospect of having him back playing against their Midlands rivals would certainly add a goal threat back up top for Wolves again and could well give them the edge.

Wolves fans on Jimenez injury update

These supporters were buzzing upon reading the injury update as it was shared on Twitter, with one fan describing it as ‘huge’:

“HUH. Tears are in my eyes”

Credit: @Lem_WWFC

“Oh my oh my oh my could be happening”

Credit: @rylandavies16

“Huge if true”

Credit: @wwfcjack5

“Back to score against the Baggies, you really love to see it”

Credit: @Millenwwfc

“Imagine”

Credit: @ryangill126

“Wow”

Credit: @danwallisx

In other news, find out what damning statistic has left these Wolves fans fuming.

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

West Ham continue to be left frustrated in their attempts to sign Nikola Milenkovic…

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable ExWHUemployee dropped a fresh update on the situation earlier this week and it’s sure to leave many around the London Stadium absolutely furious.

“For the last week or so I have reported that agent’s fees (particularly where Milenkovic is concerned) are an issue and that this is what is holding up the deal,” he revealed to his Patreon site ‘The West Ham Way’.

“Milenkovic’s contract is up at the end of the season and this is obviously the most profitable scenario for an agent – where a club doesn’t have to pay a transfer fee and all this money goes to the player and agent.

“Therefore, Milenkovic’s agent is doing what is common at this point and wanting some high fees, which the club do not wish to pay.

“The transfer fee and contract terms are said to be agreed but the agent fee is stopping the deal. The communication is now at a standoff with both sides refusing to budge.”

Leaving it late

The Hammers faithful could be forgiven for being annoyed at this stage. With a little over two weeks to go in the transfer window, they have made just one signing – backup goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

It’s no secret that David Moyes needs reinforcements right across the pitch, especially as the Irons will be competing in the Europa League this campaign.

However, their season gets underway with a trip to Newcastle United on Sunday, so it’s too late for any late signing to make the squad.

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Milenkovic has been mooted with a switch to East London for several weeks now, though there is clearly a major stumbling block that is preventing it from happening just yet, and this will frustrate Moyes and the West Ham fanbase.

Assistant manager Stuart Pearce recently spoke about their struggles in the transfer market, claiming to talkSPORT: “We’ve made bids for certain players and not been able to get one or two for varying reasons but a little bit of common sense has to come into it.”

It’s believed that a new centre-back is among the Scot’s top priorities, particularly with concerns over Angelo Ogbonna’s latest injury and fitness, so the longer this Milenkovic situation rumbles on, the more worried, and perhaps desperate, he’ll get.

West Ham’s frustrations aren’t ending just yet.

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

Manchester City signing Lionel Messi this summer is still a possibility according to some reports, although Pep Guardiola’s side would surely have to shell out record-breaking wages in order to bring him to the Etihad Stadium ahead of next season.

According to The Sun, Manchester City could sign the legendary attacker this summer if they are willing to pay him £500,000 per week after tax, as he is open to spending a year away from Barcelona.

The Argentine’s contract at Camp Nou is set to expire at the end of the current season, which means City are free to approach him on a pre-contract deal ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

However, they would have to pay the 33-year-old an extraordinary wage packet, surely the highest ever paid to a Manchester City player, if they were to convince him to make the move to the Etihad.

Considering that City’s top earner Kevin De Bruyne reportedly earns £350,000 per week, it would surely be a record-breaking deal for the Citizens if they were to pay him that sort of money next term – the club set an English record in 2019/20 with the country’s highest-ever wage bill, which amounted to £351m for the season.

However, considering Messi’s legendary status and exceptional performances this term, it might just be worth it.

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Despite Barcelona’s woes in La Liga and the Champions League, the experienced forward has contributed 38 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, arguably solidifying his status as the greatest footballer to ever play the game.

His performances in La Liga have earned him a remarkable 8.52 average rating from WhoScored, which comfortably ranks him as the best player in the Spanish top flight this season, so there is very little doubt that he would be a success in Guardiola’s side at the Etihad.

The Spanish manager is certainly a big fan of Messi as, during his time at Barcelona, the magician contributed 211 goals and 93 assists in just 219 appearances, whilst the manager also labelled the Argentine the best player of all time back in 2015.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

The “incomparable” forward, in the words of the late Johan Cruyff, would certainly be an unbelievable addition at the Etihad; and given the success he would likely bring, Txiki should definitely consider paying Messi whatever he wants if it means he will be wearing a Manchester City shirt next season.

In other news… Txiki heading for huge Man City mistake with Premier League flop, he’s even worse than Mendy

Everton’s midfield is currently stacked but that hasn’t stopped Marcel Brands and co from identifying that part of the pitch as somewhere they need to recruit.

The Toffees are close to signing Matheus Nunes from Sporting Lisbon but he’s not the only central player on their shortlist.

What’s the word?

Rafa Benitez has only just walked through the door of Goodison Park but he looks set to be backed significantly by Farhad Moshiri and the Everton boardroom.

One player he could use their financial muscle to sign is Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.

That’s according to GIVEMESPORT, who suggest that Everton are in a battle with West Ham United to sign the Finnish star.

Arsenal were revealed as potential suitors to re-sign the 25-year-old while Watford are also interested in luring Kamara back to England.

A big upgrade

Kamara has come a long way since being released by Arsenal back in 2017. He was an imperative part of the Rangers squad that won the Scottish Premiership last term and was one of Finland’s best players during the ongoing European Championships.

In fact, he rates as one of the best in the entire of Scotland according to former Gers player Charlie Miller.

In a recent interview, he commented: “Glen Kamara is the best midfielder in Scotland.

“He has the ability to go and play at a very high level. He is athletic, technically very good, is good in the tackle and is becoming a complete player.”

Miller concluded: “Put it this way, there are players going for £30-£40m in England who couldn’t lace Kamara’s boots.”

Judging by the 34-cap general’s form at Euro 2020, it’s clear to see why he’s rated so highly.

Kamara produced 1.3 tackles and a whopping 3.3 interceptions per game. That second tally was the highest of any Finland player at the tournament, showcasing his wonderful ability to read and break up the play.

He is also particularly comfortable and safe in possession of the ball. During the Euros, Kamara was successful with 87.9% of his passes, the second-highest number of Finnish players to start this summer.

Compared to those at Everton, he is streets ahead of Tom Davies, somebody he could replace in the squad after the academy graduate was linked with the exit door.

In 2020/21, Davies managed 1.2 tackles and just 1.4 interceptions per match. His pass success rate was only 81.2% as well.

Kamara’s former manager at Dundee United, Neil McCann, stated: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect. He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

Judging by that, Kamara would add a great deal to the middle of Benitez’s side. He’d be foolish to ignore his qualities this summer, especially if Davies does head for the departure lounge.

AND in other news, Benitez can make an instant impact at Everton by signing “exceptional” 33-goal monster…

Lots of Everton fans have been left slamming some quotes which have emerged from Bill Kenwright.

As per The Athletic, the chairman at Goodison Park was particularly vocal during the Premier League meeting about the proposed European Super League (ESL), in which all clubs from the top flight apart from the six involved (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur) attended.

Kenwright allegedly quoted William Shakespeare at one point and claimed later in the meeting that ‘we’re all in the Twilight Zone now’.

The quotes have left several supporters of the Merseyside club embarrassed, and it is not the first time that he has come under fire from sections of the Toffees support.

After the disappointing 1-0 loss at home to West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, these were comments that Blues probably did not want to read from their chairman.

Everton fans on Kenwright quotes

These EFC fans slammed the quotes as they were shared on Twitter, with one Evertonian even going as far as to claim that this is ’embarrassing’:

“He’s fully lost the plot”

Credit: @bobmarl03974950

“He has lost the plot he has”

Credit: @VSFDaniel123

“Embarrassing”

Credit: @arrow9116

“Call it a day Bill man”

Credit: @JamesQualtrough

“Of course he did. Clown.”

Credit: @glioriginali_

“This man is an utter embarrassment get out of the club”

Credit: @richythepigeon

In other news, find out what contract news has Toffees talking here!

Leicester City are set to step up their efforts to tie star midfielder Youri Tielemans down to a new contract over the coming days.

What’s the story?

The 24-year-old is expected to return from his holiday later this month, and convincing him to put pen to paper on fresh terms is a top priority for the Foxes’ hierarchy, according to Daily Mail journalist Tom Collomosse.

Tielemans’ current £33k-per-week contract expires in the summer of 2023, and a new deal would see him join Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel as the club’s top earners.

Rodgers will be delighted

Since arriving on English shores back in January 2019, Tielemans has established himself as one of Leicester’s key players, bagging 17 goals and providing a further 19 assists in 108 appearances for the Midlands outfit.

His best moment in a Leicester shirt – and arguably his career – came at the end of last season when struck a thunderbolt into the top corner of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s net at Wembley Stadium, securing the club’s maiden FA Cup crown.

After a string of impressive performances in recent years, Tielemans is believed to have caught the eye of some of the continent’s biggest clubs, with Liverpool heavily linked a move for the midfield maestro in recent weeks.

Several reports suggested he was set to seek pastures new this summer in order to play Champions League football, but Leicester are under no pressure to sell, and with no club’s making a formal offer, he could commit his future to Brendan Rodgers’ charges.

News that the club’s hierarchy are set to offer Tielemans a new contract imminently will leave Brendan Rodgers feeling delighted.

The Northern Irish tactician has guided the Foxes to consecutive fifth-place finishes in the Premier League standings during his two full seasons in charge, and he’ll be determined to go one better next term.

Securing the services of new signings Patson Daka, Boubakary Soumare and Ryan Bertrand represent some fantastic transfers business by Leicester, but their most important deal could be convincing Tielemans to commit his future to the club.

Breaking into the top four will be Rodgers’ aim for 2020/21, and doing so would be almost impossible if the former Monaco midfielder departs the King Power Stadium this summer.

And, in other news…Journalist delivers exciting transfer update that’ll leave Leicester fans buzzing 

According to a report by West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh, defender Vladimir Coufal is ‘set to receive a major wage hike’ with talks continuing over a new deal.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye new Coufal contract…

Sky Sports back West Ham’s desire to tie down the Czech Republic star with new and improved terms in east London, but they also claim there has been frustration in the process.

This comes after his phenomenal debut season at the London Stadium, where he shined alongside compatriot Tomas Soucek – with both men quickly becoming Hammers fan favourites.

Indeed, they even made the joint-most tackles for West Ham per game in the Premier League last season (2.1, WhoScored).

The Latest: Coufal set for bumper wage increase…

As per C&H, receiving information from their inside sources, negotiations are ongoing over a new deal for Coufal and it is believed that the player is set for a major salary boost.

Indeed, Coufal is apparently in line for a bumper new contract despite some fears within the club that Kurt Zouma’s wages could cause a degree of unrest.

This apparently couldn’t be further from the truth and the Czech international is set for a big salary offer.

The Verdict: Get it done…

We believe tying down Coufal should certainly be at the forefront of West Ham’s agenda considering his brilliant performances last season and praise from club legends.

Mark Noble is one Hammers icon who certainly rates the international, explaining how he has been ‘unbelievable’ since arriving at the club (That Peter Crouch Podcast via football.london).

Noble branded Coufal a ‘machine’ in particular (That Peter Crouch Podcast via football.london).

It is arguably imperative that West Ham keep him at the club for as long as possible based on his performances.

In other news: ‘Yayyyy’, ‘Ooooo’, ‘Actually mental’…West Ham fans erupt over this ‘fantastic news’, find out more here.