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[ad_pod ]Sheffield Wednesday are set to secure the first three signings of the Steve Bruce era, but are they panic signings or shrewd additions?

What’s the story?

Well, according to Dom Howson of The Sheffield Star, the Owls are working on a double swoop to sign Newcastle outcasts Achraf Lazaar and Rolando Aarons on loan.

Left-back Lazaar has made no senior appearances on Tyneside this season (per Transfermarkt) while Aarons has played 13 times on loan with Slovan Liberec (per Transfermarkt).

Howson also reports that the Owls will sign Dominic Iorfa on a permanent deal, as the promising 23 year-old has found playing time difficult to come by at Wolves this season.

Two Tyneside flops?

Newcastle fans will be happy to see the back of Lazaar, who if truth be told has been doing nothing more than collecting a wage packet for quite some time now.

The 17-cap Morocco international full back’s last Newcastle outing came in a League Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest back in August 2017, and he has made just ten senior appearances in two-and-a-half years on Tyneside.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Aarons meanwhile has also taken stick from the Toon Army, as the 23 year-old winger is brimming with potential but has never shown the focus or desire needed to reach the next level.

The speedy youngster may well find his home in the Championship, but with just four goals and three assists in 27 Newcastle games he needs to improve his end product.

Versatility is king

In many ways, Iorfa looks to be the most promising capture of the three, as Bruce is certain to begin his Hillsborough revolution with a defensive overhaul.

Iorfa rose through the youth ranks at Wolves and has racked up 93 appearances for his club, per Transfermarkt, as well as a successful loan spell at Ipswich last season.

The 23 year-old is capable of playing any defensive position or even in midfield, but at 6 ft 4 in tall it may surprise fans to learn he is best at right-back, rather than in the centre.

Regardless of where he uses the Wolves ace, signing a versatile, powerful and athletic youngster with his first permanent move is a stroke of genius from Bruce.

So, Sheffield Wednesday fans, would you be happy with this triple move? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Everton have received a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Toffees have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old for several months after their efforts to sign him over the summer ended in disappointment.

But now, according to Spanish outlet Sport (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), Everton’s chances of finally securing Van de Beek’s signature have increased.

Previously reports have suggested that La Liga giants Barcelona were set to compete for the creative talent’s services over the coming months.

However, it’s now believed that new manager Xavi has turned down the chance to sign Van de Beek, providing the Blues with a transfer boost as the winter window fast approaches.

Imagine him and Abdoulaye Doucoure

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recent sacking as United manager may also have some bearing on the Dutch international’s future, but after making just four Premier League starts in 18 months, he’s likely to be desperate for regular game time.

And that’s something that Rafa Benitez could offer Van de Beek at Everton. Ever since James Rodriguez departed back in September, the Blues have lacked the guile and imagination needed to carve top-flight defences apart.

In their last six Premier League fixtures, the Blues have only found the back of the net on four occasions, highlighting the need for someone capable of succeeding Rodriguez’s role in the team.

During his time at boyhood club Ajax, Van de Beek illustrated his ability to do just that, providing a whopping 75 goal contributions in just 175 appearances, securing a domestic double back in 2018/19.

Despite his limited opportunities at Old Trafford, the midfield maestro has showcased his true potential in promising flashes, with Juan Mata even dubbing him “very clever.”

Therefore, a move to Merseyside could be beneficial to all parties, and the prospect of Van de Beek linking up with Abdoulaye Doucoure in Everton’s engine room is a mouth-watering one.

The duo would offer the perfect blend of tactical intelligence, creativity, power and defensive contribution, potentially providing the spark for Benitez’s charges to surge up the table.

And, in other news…Huge boost: Everton receive potential injury lift pre-Brentford, Rafa will be buzzing

Lots of Everton fans have been left fuming over a revelation from Farhad Moshiri on Rafael Benitez.

Speaking to talkSPORT’s Jim White, the Goodison Park club’s majority owner has now insisted that the Spaniard will not be sacked and claims that the 61-year-old needs more time.

This comes after the Toffees lost 4-1 at home to bitter rivals Liverpool, which now makes it eight matches in the Premier League without a win to their name.

Goodison Park is at real risk of becoming toxic if Everton lose at home to Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday night, and some Blues supporters have been left angry over Moshiri’s decision not to sack Benitez due to their poor form.

Others are annoyed that he did not give a statement to the fans first before going on talkSPORT, symbolising a lack of communication and understanding between each party.

Everton fans on Moshiri revelation

These Everton supporters fumed as the revelation from Moshiri was shared on Twitter:

“Absolute disgrace if he’s texting the media and not giving a statement to the most important people first, the fans.”

Credit: @ladbehindthebar

“Joke”

Credit: @concho1878

“Sack the board”

Credit: @aGloversStory

“Sorry but we haven’t won a game for two months. TWO MONTHS!”

Credit: @callumruddy

“Shambles this football club”

Credit: @j10efc

“Gonna be a miserable Christmas”

Credit: @ReeceDoran

In other news, find out what behind-the-scenes Benitez claim has been made

Crystal Palace are having a great start to their season, picking up points from 13 of their 20 Premier League games so far,

There is no doubt that they will be hoping to continue to climb the table for a top-half finish in Patrick Vieira’s first season in charge, and now they are rumoured to make a new addition in the transfer window that could help them achieve it.

What’s the word?

The Daily Mail are reporting, that Crystal Palace are interested in signing Arsenal star, Eddie Nketiah, battling with Premier League rivals, Brighton and Bundesliga side, Bayern Leverkusen for his signature.

However, in the report, SportMail understands that Bayern Leverkusen are out ahead preparing a pre-contract agreement for the 22-year-old, so if Vieira is interested in swooping for the striker, he should do so as soon as he can.

The £9m-rated forward labelled “extraordinary” by current manager, Mikel Arteta, has refused several contract offers from Arsenal, which suggests that the young attacker is interested in making a move from the north London club, especially now that his contract his ending in the summer of this year.

Imagine him & Edouard

Crystal Palace have turned the tide from having the oldest squad in the Premier League to appointing Vieira last summer and adding several new young players to the side, who have all made an impact, especially Odsonne Edouard.

The French striker joined the Eagles in the summer and has definitely made his presence known since arriving just over four months ago, scoring five goals and bagging three assists in just 17 appearances so far.

The Palace manager has claimed that the 23-year-old is “getting to his best”, and with that being said, giving him a strike partner like Nketiah could unlock a deadly attacking partnership, with star loanee, Conor Gallagher, just behind them in midfield.

Nketiah has been compared to Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, according to Tony Cascerino who told The Times:

“He is agile with quick feet, much like his hero Ian Wright, which denies defenders the time to settle.”

The Gunners forward is yet to start a Premier League game this season, however, he has been given the opportunity to showcase his prolific goal-scoring talents in the Carabao Cup, where he has netted five goals in three games already, securing a semi-final challenge in the league cup against Liverpool.

Vieira’s clear vision is to build a side for the future with young players, meaning 22-year-old Nketiah fits the bill perfectly for the Frenchman’s future plans for the club.

Palace should be looking for ways to kill off games after picking up eight draws so far this season. As a result, securing a player who can add more goals in games can elevate the side’s chances to take three points and climb comfortably into the top half for a high finish this season.

In other news: Vieira must keep hold of Gallagher for the rest of the season

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Ben Brereton Diaz to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed on a recent episode of The West Ham Way Podcast that David Moyes is interested in a deal to bring the Blackburn Rovers centre-forward in during the current transfer market.

However, the Hammers insider then went on to state that the Championship side are unlikely to want to part with the Chile international this month due to their lofty position in the second-tier standings – as selling the 22-year-old for a figure of around £20m would not be worth missing out on a shot at the Premier League.

On West Ham’s interest in Brereton Diaz, Ex said: “We like Diaz at Blackburn. I broke that [story] a month or so ago. [The fact that no move has materialised yet] doesn’t mean it wasn’t true, it just means that Blackburn – because they are right at the top of the Championship, having not been in the Premier League for years – why would they want to sell him at this point? You’ve got to factor that in.

“Getting up to the Premier League is worth more than £20m. If you get back into the Premier League the finances are huge. So these clubs will wait until the summer to see where they are before they make a decision on these players.”

Fans will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Brereton Diaz has been for Blackburn this season, in addition to the fact that West Ham are currently extremely short in depth at centre-forward, the news that the Hammers may not be able to get a deal over the line for the 22-year-old this month is sure to have left the London Stadium faithful gutted.

Indeed, over his 26 Championship appearances in the current campaign, the £9m-rated striker has been in remarkable form for Rovers, having already scored an astonishing 20 goals, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots and making 0.7 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £6.5k-per-week player who Tony Mowbray dubbed an “extraordinary” talent average a SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as Blackburn’s eighth-best performer in the second tier.

As such, with Moyes in desperate need of backup and competition for Michail Antonio in East London – with the injury-prone striker currently being the 58-year-old’s only option as an out and out centre-forward – a player who possesses the clear ability to find the back of the net such as Brereton Diaz would appear to be the perfect signing for the Scottish manager this month.

However, following Ex’s latest update, it would appear that, should Moyes indeed wish to pursue a deal for the 22-year-old, he will have to wait until the summer – something that will undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to the manager and his side.

In other news: Moyes can repeat Lingard trick with swoop for £6m “fighter”, he’d be “perfect” for WHU

Many Everton fans have questioned Rafael Benitez’s comments regarding an injury suffered by Richarlison following the Toffees’ recent defeat to Crystal Palace.

The Merseysiders suffered an emphatic 3-1 defeat on Sunday following a poor performance at Selhurst Park. Captain Séamus Coleman was criticised by BBC pundit Garth Crooks over an error which ultimately led to a stunning last-minute goal from Conor Gallagher.

At the other end of the field, Everton failed to create many chances in the final third, as lone striker Richarlison did not register a single shot whilst he was on the pitch. The Brazilian was subsequently subbed off in the 58th minute and did not withhold his displeasure over the decision.

However, Benitez’s post-match comments regarding the substitution have caused some controversy amongst Toffees fans.

Fans question Benitez’s comments

Everton’s official Twitter channel shared a quote from Benitez’s post-match comments, where he said: “Allan has a little problem with his adductor. It is the same case for Richarlison, who had a calf problem.”

However, lots of Toffees fans have flocked to the replies to question the truth behind the manager’s statement, which many believed to be a lie.

Here’s a selection of responses from disgruntled supporters to the under-fire Spaniard:

“Richarlison clearly questioned why he was brought off, what player does that if they know they’re injured? Allan and Digne have stood up to Rafa and he doesn’t like it. Why the players don’t ignore his instructions and play the way they need to is beyond me.”

Credit: @howiseeit4

“Liiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeessssssssss”

Credit: @SanFran_Bielski

“Why did Richy shake his head then when his number went up on the board”

Credit: @Kellyclay13

“Don’t lie to us, have the conviction to stand by your decision. Maybe even give the fans some credit and explain why you thought that was the best thing to do.”

Credit: @Nicko1878

“Ok, saying that was the problem. Which it isn’t. Don’t they normally start treating an injury immediately, to ensure it doesn’t get any worse rather than let him just sit on the bench? Now, I’m neither a medic or a detective but even I’m smelling…”

Credit: @Dayvid72

“Judging by Richarlison’s reaction on the pitch with the whole world watching I’m going to hazard a guess and say that Benitez is telling lies. AGAIN”

Credit: @FCBanter2

In other news: Everton gifted chance to sign ‘world class’ star likened to Lampard; but there’s one big problem

It is no secret that Adama Traore is a valuable asset to Wolves, and it seems that many other clubs all over Europe are keeping a close eye on the ongoing contract deadlock between the club and their star player.

Although Traore has been unable to provide any goals or assists this season so far, the impact and influence he has had on the Wolves team over the last few seasons, in becoming a key player in their comfortable Premier League campaigns has not gone unnoticed by some of the biggest clubs in the world.

According to reports from FourFourTwo, the Wolves winger is on the radar of three of the biggest clubs in football – Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester City.

With pressure mounting on a signature from the 25-year-old, Lage has made it clear that it is not affecting him or the team as they look forward to the rest of their Premier League campaign.

The Wolves manager made the decision to bench Traore against Crystal Palace, and was confronted by the media as a result of his choice and whether it was influenced by ongoing contract deadlock.

Lage defended his decision and silenced rumours of a conflict over contracts: “The personality I have, I don’t accept these kinds of things in my role. One thing is the contract and the other thing is my ideas. If I need him to play and to win games, I will put him in again.”

The Spanish international has grabbed the attention of many top-flight clubs thanks to his impressive performances over the last few seasons, with Jurgen Klopp branding the forward ‘unplayable’.

The Liverpool boss said; “He is unplayable in moments, it’s unbelievable. What a player – it’s not only him but he’s so good.”

Understandably, Wolves are keen to keep contract talks open with Traore, but there could also be an opportunity to make a good amount of money on him, if the player’s heart is set on moving on, with the money being reinvested in other areas of the side that currently need work.

He is currently valued at €20m (£18m) by CIES Football Observatory.

However, the longer this situation drags on, the more uncertainty will linger around Molineux and that will leave the Old Gold fanbase rather worried if they aren’t already frustrated by the interest from some of Europe’s elite.

AND in other news, Lage could secure Wolves’ dream Moutinho successor in “complete” £27m-rated machine…

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing up their first January signing, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

90min claim that the north London outfit are among the teams interested in a move for Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi this month.

The club are said to be working hard on bolstering Antonio Conte’s playing squad and the 26-year-old has emerged as a viable candidate for a loan move before the January 31st deadline.

Sensi’s stint at the San Siro has been blighted by injury but he’s a player that the Italian head coach knows well from his time there and it is thought that Conte is a big admirer of his, too.

The eight-cap Italy international is currently valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt.

Conte’s new Pirlo?

Despite standing at a diminutive 5 foot 6 inches, Sensi has earned huge comparisons to that of Juventus legend Andrea Pirlo, due to him being deployed in a similar deep-lying playmaker role.

Meanwhile, the Italian himself claims that Xavi has been a major source of influence on his career. “I have always loved him. If I ever met him, I would tell him that he has always been my idol and that his plays have enlightened me. I have watched all of his games,” he revealed in a matchday programme against Fiorentina (via Sempre Inter).

“He is good, technical, fast and also has personality,” once claimed Gil Azzurri head coach Roberto Mancini to La Gazetta dello Sport.

WhoScored lists Sensi’s key abilities as being his chance creation through key passes, his passing ability overall – particularly with slotting in through balls – and his defensive capability to win the ball back through interceptions.

Indeed, throughout his time in Italy, having also played for Sassuolo, the 26-year-old dynamo has averaged 1.9 key passes and 1.5 interceptions, as well as an 87.1% passing accuracy per 90 minutes.

Conte utilised Pirlo to great effect during his time in Turin, particularly the 2013/14 title-winning season, when the veteran featured regularly from a deep-midfield position as he dictated many a game.

Sensi can fit this mould over in north London.

Former Sassuolo head coach Roberto De Zerbi claimed that the 26-year-old “could control a game like Xavi, but instead he reminds me of Andres Iniesta”, whilst Spanish journalist David de la Pena described his technique as “crazy” as he “knows how to dribble and how to shoot”.

On the above evidence, Sensi would surely be a welcome addition at Spurs, so sporting director Fabio Paratici would be wise to push ahead with plans to sign him this month. He could well hand Conte another Pirlo-like beast in midfield.

AND in other news, Sky Sports reporter drops huge Spurs transfer claim live on air, fans will be buzzing…

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is set to be without another player alongside Ruben Dias as they gear up for today’s blockbuster Eastlands clash with arch title rivals Liverpool.

The Lowdown: Huge day…

A single point separates the Sky Blues and Jurgen Klopp’s side in the race for Premier League glory with today’s mouth-watering encounter coming as an absolutely pivotal one.

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City boast the best defensive record in England’s top flight, conceding just 18 goals all season, while their competitors today have bagged the division’s most strikes with 77 (Premier League).

Guardiola and Klopp, with barely anything between their sides, are set to go head-to-head again this afternoon in what could be a real 2021/2022 title race six-pointer.

The Sky Blues grabbed a deserved 2-2 draw at Anfield the last time these teams met, but with a win today, City could take one gigantic leap towards retaining their Premier League crown.

Guardiola will be hampered by the absence of star defender Ruben Dias, and as per the latest team news, he’ll be without another player alongside him at the Etihad Stadium.

The Latest: Pep without Palmer…

As confirmed, City’s head coach won’t be able to call upon electric starlet Cole Palmer today.

The homegrown ace has been sidelined for most of the calendar year, coming as a piece of frustration given his head-turning rise to prominence earlier in the campaign.

Palmer has thoroughly impressed at points but hasn’t been able to contribute lately due to ongoing fitness issues, prompting the Citizens to even consider surgery.

The Verdict: Blow for Pep?

The 19-year-old, CFG’s most exciting academy product since a certain Phil Foden, has been an arguable miss off the bench and City supporters will be hoping he can return to full fitness as soon as possible.

Palmer has attracted huge praise for some of his cameos this season with club legends Paul Dickov and Shaun Wright-Phillips raving over the exciting attacker.

Wright-Phillips in particular, speaking after the talent notched a goal and assist in City’s 4-1 FA Cup third round victory away to Swindon Town, labelled Palmer ‘outstanding’ for his form over the campaign (City’s matchday live show via The Manchester Evening News).

Guardiola could’ve done with the teenager’s obvious talent as an option off the bench, but alas, the Spaniard will be without him yet again as he prepares for Liverpool.

In other news: Man City discussions held as ‘unbelievable’ £33m star decides he wants to join Pep! Find out more here.

West Ham United still have a crucial period of their season left to get through in order to finish as high up the Premier League table as they can and potentially winning the Europa League.

However, with the upcoming summer transfer window in mind, it seems as though a clue has been dropped over one potential deal that may or may not take place once the season comes to an end.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones had this to say on the situation regarding West Ham’s interest in signing £20.7m-rated Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic after a report emerged claiming that the club have a gentleman’s agreement with the player’s agent regarding a potential summer transfer move.

He said: “I think he turned them down once before. I don’t know of any agreement like that, that is in place.

“Maybe there is and I haven’t heard of it, but he’s a player they’ve undoubtedly liked in the past.”

The player was supposedly available for just £13m over the winter.

Not good news for the Hammers

As many West Ham fans will remember, the club were linked with a move for the player Sacha Pisani dubbed a “beast” back in the previous summer transfer window before they secured a deal for Kurt Zouma from fellow Premier League side Chelsea.

Having remained in Italy with Fiorentina, the centre-back has shown the Hammers exactly why they should have secured his signature when they had the chance.

With 26 league appearances under his belt, the 24-year-old has racked up a total of 101 combined tackles and interceptions, the highest of any player at the club, as well as 74 clearances, also more than any of his teammates.

This highlights just what a capable defender he is and why the Hammers were after him last summer.

Taking into account what Jones had to say about him having no knowledge of any gentleman’s agreement that would see the defender make the move to the London Stadium, this will surely be a disappointment for the Hammers fans and their hope of seeing the defender join.

With Milenkovic actually turning down a move to the east London club when they were previously after him, this certainly wouldn’t go down well with the West Ham supporters either.

Current Hammers centre-back Issa Diop has recently been linked with a move to Lyon in the summer, the club should try and persuade the Fiorentina defender to once again sign to them and see if he can bring his talent to England.

In other news: Big worry: West Ham dealt fresh injury setback that’ll have many supporters sweating