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Some Liverpool supporters have been left fuming that Curtis Jones is out of the Premier League clash with Watford after worsening an existing injury on international duty.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the season for the Reds, helping fill the void left by Gini Wijnaldum.

Jones scored in the 3-3 draw away to Brentford last month and has also registered three assists, including two in the Champions League victory over Porto.

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With Fabinho, Thiago and Harvey Elliott all unavailable for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Watford, yet another injury blow in midfield could be catastrophic.

Unfortunately, that is the case, with Jurgen Klopp confirming in his Friday press conference [via Paul Joyce on Twitter] that Jones returned from England Under-21 duty with a groin issue and is also out.

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Liverpool fans furious at Jones news

Needless to say, the news has been met with huge negativity by these Liverpool fans on Twitter.

“Oh God”

Credit: @Kopite_JC17

“They knew he had a knock and still played him”

Credit: @Luke_Vials

“End my suffering”

Credit: @obwild480

“This is an absolute disgrace. It was clear before the Andorra game he had an injury and they didn’t even do a scan and just played him? Gross negligence from an organisation full of absolute idiots. That’s all it’s ever been.”

Credit: @SportsEnthusi17

“So the midfield tomorrow is likely going be Hendo, Milner and Keita? We are in trouble tomorrow”

Credit: @shahabLFC

“When will it end?”

Credit: @JxcobLFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans have erupted at some ‘massive news’. Read more here.

West Ham will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the 2021/22 season when they make their Europa League group stage debut later today.

David Moyes’ side head to Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb and they are not a side to take lightly, having knocked the Irons’ rivals Tottenham Hotspur out of this very competition in stunning fashion last season.

And the Scotsman has plenty of crucial decisions to make, especially with the small matter of facing league leaders Manchester United on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League in his thoughts.

None of his summer additions have made their full debuts, so this encounter could represent an opportunity for a shuffle to the starting XI, affording some key names a bit of rest as the games start to come thick and fast.

One player who underwhelmed during the Hammers’ draw with Southampton at the weekend was Said Benrahma. The winger started the season on fire, providing two goals and two assists across their opening two games but is yet to record any more since.

At St Mary’s, he struggled to have much of an influence on the game and lost the ball more than any other West Ham player (16 times), so perhaps he could do with a little refresh before the weekend.

In his place, Moyes should unleash his new playmaker, Nikola Vlasic, who made a cameo from the bench at the weekend.

He could prove to be a game-changing influence, in more ways than one.

The Croatia international will be heading back to his home country, where he once played for Zagreb’s top-flight rivals Hajduk Split. He has come up against the league giants on 14 occasions, so that experience could be crucial in what could be a hostile atmosphere.

Furthermore, the £27m-rated maestro will offer the Hammers some much-needed creativity, perhaps something they lacked in abundance during the Saints stalemate.

Last season at CSKA Moscow, Vlasic delivered 11 goals and five assists, adding to his 17 direct contributions in 2019/20, whilst the 23-year-old averaged a whopping four shots and 2.8 key passes per league outing, via WhoScored.

By comparison, his predecessor, Man Utd loanee Jesse Lingard, averaged just 2.6 shots and 1.1 key passes per game, also per WhoScored.

Moyes has already talked up Vlasic’s presence on the training pitch, so it’s surely time to see what he can do from the off.

“We’ve been really impressed by Niko. His attitude as a professional is first-class,” the Irons boss told the club’s official website before later adding:

“He can play 7, 10 or 11, so can play several roles for us which is important, and will be important through the season, but we also want to give him the chance to adapt and adjust. He’s only been really impressive since he’s been at the Club and we’re really hopeful that he’ll turn into a really good player for us.”

It’s time to see what Vlasic can offer West Ham and there won’t be a better environment to do it than in his home country. Moyes must turn to the Croatian playmaker over Benrahma.

AND in other news, Signed for £15m, now worth 140% more: Moyes struck gold over “unplayable” West Ham gem…

Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha has long been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, but pundit Carlton Palmer has tipped the forward to sign a new contract at the club.

What’s the story?

During an interview with Football FanCast, Palmer was asked if a lack of concrete interest could result in the 28-year-old ending his attempts to seal a move to a more successful side, resulting in him putting pen to paper on fresh terms on a transfer at his current club.

“I could see that happening,” the ex-Leeds United player said. “Yes, I could see that happening. If you’re not going to go to a top club, then where are you going to end up?

“So, therefore, you might as well stay at a club where you’re adored, where you’re playing good football.”

Zaha has been heavily linked with the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur in the past and has openly admitted he’d like to play at a higher level, but no transfer has matialised, meaning his long-term future could lie with the south London outfit.

Fans will be buzzing

The Ivory Coast international has spent 11 seasons at Palace split over two spells, scoring 69 goals and providing a further 73 assists in 399 appearances and also inspired the capital club back into the Premier League in 2013.

Last season, Zaha was Palace’s top scorer with 11 strikes, his best-ever top-flight goal return, highlighting his importance to the side as they secured their Premier League status for a ninth consecutive campaign.

However, he then revealed to The Face over the summer that he wants to “win things” before he retires, throwing his future at Selhurst Park into doubt once more.

“I feel like I can have another shot at the top teams because my dream is to win things. I’m good enough to go out there and compete with the best,” Zaha claimed during the interview.

“If the opportunity came, I wouldn’t turn it down, because I feel like I deserve it. It’s so I can show my kids: ‘this is what daddy won’.”

Nevertheless, despite his comments and apparent desire to seek pastures new, no bid arrived during the recent transfer window, and he’s remained a key figure for the Eagles, playing every minute of their season so far.

Zaha has two years remaining on his contract with Palace, but the club’s supporters will surely be buzzing to learn of Palmer’s confidence that their star man may be prepared to extend his time at the club.

And, in other news…Parish must sanction Palace swoop for “powerful” £18m beast, Vieira would love him 

Former Manchester City star Michael Ball insists the club’s fans will have no complaints over their huge spending this summer, as a deal for Harry Kane continues to be mooted.

Pep Guardiola’s side have broken the British transfer record to secure Jack Grealish’s signature for a fee of £100m, triggering the release clause that was present in his contract.

City are also reported to be huge admirers of Kane at Tottenham Hotspur, and were reported to be preparing a bid worth in excess of £120m.

The Athletic, though, has reported that there is no direct dialogue between the two clubs over a deal, and there is now a suggestion that Kane could well stay at the club for another season.

He was absent from the squad entirely as Spurs played City on Sunday, winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Son Heung-Min.

Ball insists that the club are trying to refresh their squad ahead of an assault on the Champions League, with City losing to Chelsea in last season’s final.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I don’t think City fans will complain. Yes they’ve always had the comments of ‘well, we haven’t broken the British record’ and we’re still doing what we’re doing but unfortunately, they haven’t done what they want to do, which is to win that Champions League.

“If you give any football club, them type of players, none of the fans will complain whatsoever. As long as the season ticket prices don’t double or triple, the fans will be happy to see players like that come to your football club.”

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to have submitted an improved offer for Granada CF centre-back Domingos Duarte, as they eye further defensive reinforcements [Fichajes via Sport Witness].

The Lowdown: Defensive solidity becomes a focus for Spurs in 2021/22

Starting off 2021/22 with consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League, Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to continue this defensive consistency, whilst using it as a platform to mount a challenge for Champions League qualification this season.

Identifying the need for fresh blood at the back, the Portuguese coach has recently brought in Argentina international Cristian Romero [Guardian]. It seems he’s not done yet, as the Lilywhites may be set to move closer to signing another defender owing to claims in the Spanish media.

The Latest: Tottenham submit improved offer for Duarte

Tottenham are said to have put forward a second bid for 6 foot 4 Duarte, after their first proposal of around €8 million (£6.8m) was turned down by the La Liga outfit [Fichajes via Sport Witness].

There is no mention of the fee or structure in the second bid or whether it will be accepted by Granada CF.

The 26-year-old is rumoured to have a release clause of €30 million in his contract, but his club are seeking to sell him for €18 million (£15.4m) according to Tribal Football.

The Verdict: Spurs should look to sign dominant Duarte

Needing to conclude business swiftly with the window nearing an end, Duarte would be an encouraging signing that would add some leadership and a dominant presence to the Spurs backline, even if not a guaranteed starter.

In 2020/21 he was ever present, registering a solitary goal in 42 appearances for his current employers in all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, the Portugal international showed his ability to attack the ball effectively, winning an average of 1.7 aerial duels per fixture across this timeframe [WhoScored].

Once described as someone who “oozes calm and confidence” by La Liga Lowdown pundit Heath Chesters, Spurs could secure an effective back-up for whoever earns the first XI spot alongside big money signing Romero.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for a La Liga ace. Find out who here.

Leeds United are indeed keen on signing Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to reliable reporter Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: O’Brien links

Alan Nixon of The Sun stated on Sunday that talks regarding a move for the 22-year-old intensified over the weekend, with Leeds needing to pay £10m for the central midfielder.

O’Brien is thought to be keen to make the move across Yorkshire if a fee can be agreed, with a central midfielder a ‘priority’ for the Whites this summer.

The Latest: Hay confirms

Hay shared a transfer mailbag on The Athletic on Wednesday morning.

Within his report, he spoke out on the failed move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who opted to join Crystal Palace before revealing that ‘the links to Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien are true’ – a significant nine-word admission.

Hay added that Marcelo Bielsa was at Huddersfield’s Carabao Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, where O’Brien scored the winning penalty for the Terriers past former Whites goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

The reliable reporter admitted that a possible move is one to keep a close eye on, although a transfer hasn’t progressed towards completion so far.

The Verdict: Bielsa knows best

If Bielsa liked what he saw in O’Brien over the weekend and wants the club to secure his services, then Leeds should do everything they can to grant the manager’s wish, even if it means forking out £10m.

That figure for a player who has never turned out in the Premier League and has 12, possibly 24, months remaining on his Huddersfield deal seems extreme, but the Whites are running out of time to bring in midfield reinforcements with the transfer window closing at the end of this month.

We’ve seen what Bielsa can do with players who are not exactly household names, such as last season’s Player of the Year Stuart Dallas, so bringing in O’Brien – who can play as a central or attacking midfielder – could prove a smart piece of business in the long run.

In other news: Source close to Matheus Pereira shares chances of Leeds United move

Sunderland fans were livid with the performance of Aiden McGeady during their 1-0 defeat to Burton Albion on Tuesday evening.

The Black Cats started the season very promisingly, winning each of their first three games 2-1 in all competitions (Sky Sports).

They will have been confident of continuing that winning streak against Burton Albion this midweek, but they were defeated by a Jonny Smith goal. Lee Johnson’s side are still in a respectable eighth in the League One table, but this is no doubt a setback after such a strong start to the campaign.

McGeady was in fantastic form for Sunderland last term, managing six goals and 17 assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt). But so far this time around, he has been unable to find that same level of play. Against Burton, he once again failed to reach the standards that are expected of him given his undoubted ability.

The Sunderland fans were far from happy with what they saw from the £653,000-valued 35-year-old (Transfermarkt), and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on his showing.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about McGeady below

“Absolute travesty of a result – we were infinitely the better team and the disallowed goal at the end summed it all up! That said though McGeady wants flogging for that miss in the first half – try that when you’re 3-0 up not at 0-0”

Credit: @Scookie555

“Promising performance, those two missed opportunities from Ross and McGeady cost us. It hurts more when you know you deserved to win. That linesman is my new nemesis.”

Credit: @fiona2608

“Maybe yeh mcgeady was off his game again, any news on Evans injury I’d bring him In for onien but got a feeling Johnson will bench Neil”

Credit: @chopper_safc

“I agree with that he’s looking a little unfit to me diamonds pace may be a better option or even hawkes”

Credit: @1charlie29

“Agree. Think he’s starting to fade unfortunately.”

Credit: @LdoubleE_87

“No, he was horrendous today but is levels above everyone else we’ve got on his day”

Credit: @safc28

In other news, Sunderland fans rage at these club struggles.

Reliable Tottenham reporter Alasdair Gold believes Joe Hart’s move to Celtic will go through, The Daily Record report.

The Lowdown: Hart not on Postecoglou’s list

Links to Hart emerged on Wednesday via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

He claimed that Celtic and Spurs opened talks for a move for the 6 foot 4 goalkeeper, stating the next day that an agreement was close.

However, despite a deal seemingly progressing, reports have claimed that Hart is not a signing that Ange Postecoglou has personally requested.

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The Latest: Gold’s claim

The Daily Record shared a story on Friday evening looking at the state of play on numerous Hoops targets.

One of which was Hart, where they shared Gold’s comments on the £1.8m-rated shot-stopper.

Here’s what Gold, who has over 124,000 followers on Twitter, had to say, suggesting Celtic Park is likely to be Hart’s next destination.

“Looks like that’s going to happen now, looks like Celtic is going to be where he’s heading off to. He was told, I think it was just before the Colchester game, that he wasn’t in Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans for the coming season. That’s that, really.

“The difficulty, I think, for Celtic initially was certainly trying to cover his contract. I think there was a little bit of reluctance maybe, having just moved down south, to then suddenly uproot the family again and go back up. But it sounds like those bridges look to have been covered. It looks like Celtic’s going to be his destination.”

The Verdict: A strange move…

With Hart now looking likely to move to Scotland, it does seem a strange one, especially with the reports of him not being on Postecoglou’s list.

The Hoops boss spoke out on Friday regarding the goalkeeping situation, admitting ‘there are a number of priorities’.

He suggested Celtic would look at potential additions in goal if he thinks they can improve in that area, but it appears as if the club are acting on that already, possibly without his full seal of approval.

In other news: Another Spurs man likely to sign for Celtic, find out more here. 

Slavisa Jokanovic has dropped an update on the future of Sheffield United defensive midfielder Sander Berge.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by The Sheffield Star, the 52-year-old revealed that the reason for the midfielder’s absence from Saturday’s recent friendly with Europa Point was due to a minor injury, rather than the 23-year-old being close to securing a move away from Bramall Lane this summer.

The report went on to mention both Arsenal and Napoli’s interest in a move for the Norway international in the summer transfer window, however, Jokanovic made it clear that his desire is to keep Berge at the club ahead of the Blades’ upcoming Championship campaign.

The Serbian manager said: “I know the situation with Sander. There is a possibility that he will be one guy who leaves, but I hope this doesn’t happen.

“But the club informed me about this for a reason, so that we can be ready if that does happen. If it doesn’t, then of course that will be good for us too.

“Sander has a minor [injury] problem. I stress, a minor one. That is why he wasn’t with us. He is with the medical people but it is nothing serious. That is what he is working on at the moment and he will be okay soon.”

Fans will be buzzing

With the general feeling that Berge’s departure from Sheffield United this summer is practically a forgone conclusion, Jokanovic’s recent show of fight regarding the player’s future, as well as the club reported to be holding firm on their £35m asking price in order to sanction the 23-year-old’s sale, is sure to have left Blades fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 14 Premier League appearances in his first season at Bramall Lane, the £16.2m-rated man highly impressed for United, making an average of 0.7 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and winning 5.5 duels per game.

The £38k-per-week defensive midfielder also chipped in for his side in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.9 key passes per league appearance.

These returns saw the man Chris Wilder dubbed an “outstanding” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.90, ranking him as the club’s seventh-best performer in the top flight of English football that season.

As such, while the Norwegian’s second season at the club was heavily impacted by injury, if the club can indeed keep hold of the midfielder this summer, and he subsequently goes on to refind his form from 2019/20 in the Championship next term, it would undoubtedly provide Jokanovic’s side with a significant boost to their chances of going on and securing an immediate return to the Premier League, an outcome that would delight everyone involved with the club.

Either way, the Blades look like they’ll either have a quality player like Berge next summer or they’ll receive a big fee to use on a replacement. That’s great news for the club’s fans.

In other news: Jokanovic drops update on “talented” £1.8m-rated gem, Sheff Utd fans should be worried

Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin may be tempted by a move to Everton because he could ‘push for Europe’ at Goodison Park.

That’s according to former Sheffield United and Leeds goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

The Mirror reported earlier in July that Everton would swoop for Saint-Maximin as a replacement for Richarlison if the Brazilian was lured to Real Madrid.

They claimed Newcastle would demand £60million to part with a player who scored three goals and provided four assists last season.

That would represent a huge profit on the £16.5million they initially paid to bring him in from OGC Nice in 2019.

Everton, who finished 10th in last season’s Premier League, are now managed by former Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

The latest

Kenny expressed a concern that Newcastle would not be able to match Saint-Maximin’s ambitions.

And he predicted that Benitez’s prior relationship with Newcastle would give Everton an upper hand in any battle for his signature.

“Newcastle are a massive club but for me, they look like they are a team that’s just struggling to stay up every year,” he said.

“I’m sure Saint-Maximin wants to be pushing for Europe with a team like Everton. What a player he is.

“If Everton are interested then, with Benitez’s link with Newcastle, I’m sure it could be an option for him,” he continued.

“I’m sure they’ll be looking to go one step further and challenge again for Europe this season.”

The verdict

Look no further than the game against Burnley, when he came off the bench to engineer a season-defining turnaround by scoring one and making another, for an illustration of Saint-Maximin’s worth to Newcastle.

They must fight off any interest until the fate of their proposed takeover is clear. If it fails, it would probably worth be selling and reinvesting that huge sum of money.

But if it succeeds, Newcastle should be assembling a Europe-chasing squad of their own built around Saint-Maximin, who’s still only 24 years old.

In other news, John Barnes has issued this huge claim on Newcastle’s takeover.