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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 157 appearances for Newcastle United, has urged the Magpies to appoint an English manager if Steve Bruce leaves this summer.

Bruce was on talkSPORT earlier this week and he claimed that his future is for other people to decide and not himself, as speculation grows whether or not he will remain in the dugout at St James’ Park next season.

This comes after reports earlier in the year that Mike Ashley would be offering Bruce a new contract at the end of the season if he managed to keep Newcastle in the Premier League, which he has managed to do.

Speaking on why he would like Newcastle to appoint another English manager after Bruce and how there are a lot of good managers in this country, Howey exclusively told FFC:

“I think we’ve got some very good managers in this country but for some reason we always want to go foreign, and there are some very good foreign managers don’t get me wrong, but it puzzles me.

“For some reason clubs always want to go foreign first, and that’s their prerogative, but I would always look at home first.”

Bruce appeared to be in danger of losing his job after Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat away to Brighton earlier this season with even some players thinking he was about to be sacked, but he stayed in the hot-seat and has turned the club away from relegation.

A name that has been linked with taking over from Bruce if he was to depart this summer is Gennaro Gattuso, who has recently managed AC Milan and is currently in charge at Napoli.

Tottenham Hotspur may swoop for AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo in next summer’s transfer window, according to Calciomercato. 

The lowdown

The attacking midfielder was heavily involved for Roma at the start of the season but has not started either of their last two matches (via Transfermarkt), while there was apparently some light ‘bickering’ with his manager, former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, in training last week.

Zaniolo is yet to register a goal or an assist this season but he is certainly a highly-rated talent. Roma legend Daniele de Rossi marvelled at the 22-year-old’s ‘incredible natural physique’ and backed him to become ‘a great player’.

According to FBRef, he boasts a similar statistical profile to Wolves’ Adama Traore, Brighton’s Leandro Trossard and in particular Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha.

The latest

With Zaniolo an unused substitute for Roma’s 2-0 victory over Genoa on Sunday, alarm bells are ringing and his future is in doubt.

As per Calciomercato, there have apparently been ‘several’ approaches already, ‘especially’ from Juventus.

The report noted that Zaniolo’s contract runs until 2024 and revealed that he’s currently valued at around €40m, equating to £33.5m. That’s a sum which could well ‘intrigue’ Tottenham.

The verdict

What made Mourinho’s snub all the more significant was that he turned to 18-year-old Felix Afena Gyan rather than Zaniolo when assessing his options. In fairness, the teenager did go on to score two goals, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a damning decision without the benefit of hindsight.

He continues to pose a threat in the final third, averaging 2.2 shots and 2.2 successful dribbles per game in Serie A. Those returns would put him third and second in Tottenham’s squad respectively, highlighting how transformative he could be to their attack.

Indeed, now might actually be a good time to invest in Serie A’s one-time Young Player of the Year. He might not be on top form, but he has just returned from a serious injury and he may soon remind the footballing world of his abilities, considerably increasing his price tag in the process.

In other news, read Fabrizio Romano’s claim regarding Antonio Conte

With Valerien Ismael’s West Bromwich Albion side heading into Friday night’s Championship fixture off the back of their first league defeat of the season, the Frenchman will undoubtedly be hoping for a much better result at The Hawthorns in order to get the Baggies’ automatic promotion push back on track.

On paper, Albion appear to have a good chance of doing so, as tonight’s visitors Birmingham City have been out of sorts in recent weeks, with Lee Bowyer’s side picking up just one point from their last five Championship fixtures.

Furthermore, Ismael could also be set to welcome back Matt Clarke to his matchday squad on Friday, with the Brighton loanee having not featured in any of West Brom’s last seven league games due to a hamstring injury.

What West Brom have been missing

While West Brom have not exactly been haemorrhaging goals in the absence of the centre-back, conceding just four times in the seven fixtures in which Clarke has not featured, the Baggies only managed to pick up three wins in this period – the same number they managed in the three games in which the 25-year-old has featured this season.

Indeed, the £2.7m-rated man has turned in consistently solid displays in a West Brom shirt, averaging 2.3 interceptions, one tackle, 2.7 clearances and 0.7 key passes and winning a whopping 7.3 duels per game.

These returns have seen the defender who Graham Potter dubbed a “quality” player average a SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Ismael’s joint eighth-best performer in the second tier.

Furthermore, Clarke’s return to the starting XI would also facilitate Conor Towsend’s move to his more natural position at left wing-back, with the 28-year-old having filled in as part of Albion’s back three in the absence of the Brighton man.

As such, so long as the £21k-per-week centre-back is indeed fit enough for the game against Birmingham, it would seem advisable for Ismael to reinstall Clarke to his starting XI tonight, as the defender very much looks to be exactly what Albion have been missing in recent weeks.

In other news: Ismael masterclass: West Brom struck dream deal over “massive” £6.3m-rated gem

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has dropped an injury update concerning Pascal Struijk.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Whites’ trip to Manchester City on Tuesday evening, the 66-year-old Leeds manager revealed that, despite recovering from a hip injury, the 22-year-old missed the 3-2 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday with a fresh injury to his knee – something that will keep the former Netherlands youth international sidelined this evening.

On the current condition of Struijk, Bielsa said: “He’s not going to be available. Pascal’s injury is not very frequent. An explosive movement made two bones in his feet collide together.

“That does not generate an injury, nor an articulation or muscular. It has the effect of a knock on his bone. That generates pain. Until that pain disappears it’s going to prevent him from playing. Sincerely, in my whole career, I have never seen an injury like that.”

Fans will be terrified

Considering that Struijk is becoming an increasingly important player within Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team squad at Elland Road, coupled with the fact that the Whites are currently in the midst of a rather severe injury crisis, the news that the defender will once again be out of action against the reigning Premier League champions on Tuesday night will undoubtedly terrify fans of the club.

Indeed, over his 12 league appearances so far this season, the £8.1m-rated man has made an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 1.4 clearances and has won 3.8 duels per game.

These returns have seen the centre-back average a SofaScore match rating of 6.79, ranking him as Bielsa’s 14th-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, with fellow centre-backs Robin Koch and Liam Cooper also currently out of action due to injury, as well as defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips, Bielsa has once again been left with very limited options in the heart of his defence for the trip to the Eithad, something that does not bode well whatsoever for Leeds’ chances of getting anything out of the game.

In other news: Bielsa must now unleash “predatorial” £16.5k-p/w LUFC dynamo, he’d give Pep nightmares

Leeds United will aim to replace Ezgjan Alioski with a ‘specialist’ signing this summer, according to former Whites defender Danny Mills.

Alioski looks increasingly likely to move on from Elland Road at the end of the season, with his contract expiring once the 2020/21 campaign reaches its conclusion.

The 29-year-old has been a Leeds player since 2017 after joining from Lugano, making 161 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and registering 16 assists along the way.

Alioski tipped to be replace by Bielsa

With Alioski seemingly in his final few months as a Leeds player, however, Bielsa will need to look at potential additions to come in and strengthen his squad, as the Whites look to build on an impressive first season back in the Premier League.

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills claimed that the left-back’s likely exit means the Leeds manager will probably already have someone in mind to replace him – somebody who is a natural in the role:

“I’m pretty sure if Bielsa’s going to let Alioski go, he’s got somebody in mind already. It doesn’t matter who that’s going to be. At the moment, is Alioski better than Leif Davis? Yes, he is. You still want to play your strongest team until the end of the season.

“If Leif Davis was going to be the next player coming through, he’d be there or thereabouts already. Maybe he’s not quite ready yet for first-team football.

“Alioski is a fantastic utility player but maybe they are looking to bring in more of a specialist and Leeds have got a few utility players.

“If Alioski doesn’t play left-back, where else is he going to play? Leeds are covered.

“It’s balancing the books, it’s getting somebody out so you can bring in somebody of better quality.

“He’ll be missed as a character, I’m sure. Which is a shame for the fans, players. Sadly, that’s football and if you want to improve you’ve got to bring in better quality.”

Transfer Tavern take

It is vital that Bielsa doesn’t allow Leeds’ squad to become weaker next season, and while Alioski may no longer be an indispensable player for the Whites, he still possesses enough quality to start regularly and will need replacing.

Stuart Dallas and youngster Leif Davis can continue to be good options at left-back, but signing an experience natural fit for the role makes perfect sense.

In other news, Noel Whelan has made a huge claim after Leeds’ 0-0 draw with Chelsea. Read his comments here.

Numerous fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter in which Declan Rice looked back on the Hammers’ weekend draw with Arsenal.

Despite having raced into a 3-0 first half lead against Mikel Arteta’s side on Sunday, own goals from both Tomas Soucek and Craig Dawson, as well as an 82nd-minute Alexandre Lacazette strike, saw West Ham take just one point from the fixture, with the match ending 3-3.

Following the result, Rice took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the stalemate, claiming that it was a “disappointing end to such a bright performance”, before turning his attention to the remainder of West Ham’s Premier League campaign, calling for fans to “stay positive” and reassuring them that he and his team will “keep giving our all for the end goal”.

However, in reaction to Rice’s post on Twitter, plenty of West Ham fans flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing to ignore the England international’s advice on staying positive as they lambasted West Ham’s capitulation against the Gunners.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to Declan Rice’s post on Twitter?

“Playing well Dec but have a word with Moyes and get him to actually analyse a game before it happens. All this sitting in just invites pressure and hasn’t worked for quite a few games now. Need results against Chelsea and Leicester now.”

@westhamhour

“Embarrassing but 3 points against Wolves.”

@willearle_

“You need to get into the game more and settle it down somehow when we can’t get the ball, like the last 60 minutes. Not sure what the answer is just yet but it needs a discussion with David Moyes. We need you on the ball, not being bypassed. Games can’t keep going like this.”

@wasntme23

“Not good enough.”

@con_whu

“Need to keep more offence and stop trying to protect a slim lead – never works for us.”

@ClaretnBlueLife

“Very. Let’s hope we can step up in the remaining games.”

@Deal770M

“I’m gutted Dec.”

@WHUFC_Dan78

“Don’t let us bottle this I beg man.”

@finley_mclellan

“Rubbish.”

@Drj751

In other news: these West Ham fans flocked to a claim from ExWHUEmployee – find out more here!

Ashley Preece has corroborated reports of Aston Villa being interested in Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. 

The lowdown

Jonathan Northcroft of The Times claimed in March that Villa were ‘leading the race’ to sign Phillips.

And transfer insider Dean Jones has since described him as Steven Gerrard’s ‘number one target in that area of the field’.

Phillips is approaching the final two years of his contract with The Whites, the only senior side he’s played for.

Manchester United could compete with Villa with his signature, with the MEN reporting that they’ve already begun working on a move.

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The latest

A supporter asked Preece in a Birmingham Live Q & A whether there is ‘any truth’ in the links.

The journalist replied that ‘Villa’s interest in real’ and that ‘they have been quoted £60million’ by Leeds.

His personal prediction is that Phillips will remain at Elland Road ‘for at least another season’, but it remains to be seen as and when The Villans test the waters with a bid.

The verdict

To emphasise just how a big signing this could be, let’s look at Villa’s existing transfer record.

The most they’ve ever paid to sign a player is £34.6million. That’s what it took to sign Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City last summer.

If Villa cave to Leeds’ demands here, and they might have to given the competition, they could nearly double that benchmark.

It’s clear that Gerrard wants to sign a midfielder this summer, with Preece noting that the likes of Ibrahim Sangare, Boubacar Kamara and Geoffrey Kondogbia have all been considered too. But Phillips, an ‘extraordinary’ talent in the eyes of former England boss Fabio Capello, has the advantage of Premier League experience.

In other news, read this journalist’s reaction to a big Villa transfer update.

Everton’s Premier League match with Aston Villa being postponed will come as an unlucky break for Abdoulaye Doucoure.

According to The Guardian, the Birmingham-based outfit were hopeful of seeing the game, originally scheduled for Sunday, delayed as Dean Smith’s entire squad is currently in self-isolation after nine players and backroom staff tested positive for Covid-19.

The outbreak forced Villa to name a team consisting of Under 23 and Under 18 players for their FA Cup clash with Liverpool at the weekend, and are not due to have their senior figures available again until Sunday at the earliest.

Villa were said to be concerned about the prospect of heading straight into a top-flight clash with Everton having not trained for almost two weeks, though delaying the match will mean the claret and blue side will have played three fewer fixtures than some clubs.

The Premier League opting to delay Everton’s trip to Villa Park will be a frustrating late decision for Carlo Ancelotti and his side, who were looking to move back inside the top-four places with a win after Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday night demoted them to fifth.

Everton are also enjoying a strong run of form in the top-flight, with the Blues’ 1-0 defeat at home to West Ham United on New Year’s Day their sole loss in seven league fixtures.

Doucoure, who earns £75,000-a-week according to Spotrac, will be dealt a personal blow by the postponement, too, having been set to miss the West Midlands affair through suspension after being shown a fifth yellow card of the campaign during his side’s 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month.

Being given an additional week’s rest would have come as a lucky break for Doucoure had he not been suspended, as Ancelotti has begun to worry that the 28-year-old is being overused having playing the full 90 minutes in 10 of the Toffees’ last 11 Premier League fixtures.

“He is a key player, it was a fantastic signing in the summer,” said Ancelotti. “He is a fantastic guy and fantastic professional. I think he deserves to rest.”

The Villa fixture being postponed will instead see Doucoure sit out Everton’s home game with Leicester City on January 27, in a crunch fixture for the Toffees as they are currently competing with the Foxes for a Champions League spot.

Brendan Rodgers’ King Power Stadium natives currently sit above Ancelotti’s side on goal difference alone, having scored just three times more than Everton after the opening 17 games.

Ancelotti will likely have preferred to see Doucoure miss the Villa game with Smith’s men not match sharp and being without a league win since Boxing Day, while Leicester are unbeaten in four games and have lost just once on the road all season.

Doucoure has also been an instrumental figure on the pitch for Ancelotti, with the midfielder offering the third-most passes (862) by any Everton player in Premier League fixtures – only defenders Michael Keane (1064) and Yerry Mina (960) see more of the ball, per WhoScored.

The former Watford ace has also offered the fourth-most key passes (12) and fifth-most shots (13), showing the offensive threat Ancelotti will now lack against a Leicester side who give up the fourth-least efforts on goal when away from home with 10.4 allowed a game.

AND in other news, Everton must refrain from making a knee-jerk decision to sign a £9m-rated target…

Ever since that 3-0 defeat to Brighton, something appears to have just clicked with Newcastle United in the Premier League, with the Magpies picking up another win against Sheffield United on Wednesday night.

Steve Bruce’s side have now lost just twice since the 20th March, and have picked up 14 points in that process, including some really notable results against the likes of Liverpool, Leicester and West Ham.

Against the Blades yesterday, it was Joe Willock once again who proved to be the match-winner, meaning that the Arsenal loanee has now bagged in the last six Premier League games where he has been on the pitch.

And while his signing will no doubt be a priority this summer – Bruce himself has said as much in recent weeks – it was Allan Saint-Maximin’s display that showed why the Frenchman has got to be the man the Magpies continue to build around.

The mercurial winger was almost back to his bamboozling best against Sheffield United, twisting this way and that, and always looking like he could cut open the Blades defence like a knife through butter.

As per Sofascore, his 8.1 match rating was the highest of any player on the pitch, and when you look at some of the underlying numbers it’s easy to see why.

He completed a whopping 15 of his 16 dribbles on the night – yes, you read that correctly – and also won a monstrous 19 of his 24 duels – again, your eyes do not deceive you.

To put that into context about just how ridiculous that is, Adama Traore who leads the way this season in the Premier League in terms of average dribbles per game, is at 4.2 per game.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for The Chronicle, Lee Ryder gave him an eight, saying: “The crowd pleaser looked capable of slicing the Blades open time after time. Always creative before knock forced him off. Had 63 touches in total and big hand in opener.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/newcastle-steve-bruce-premier-league-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-st-james-park-joelinton-shelvey-max-aarons” title=”Read the latest Newcastle transfer rumours and news!”]

Those sentiments were echoed by The Shields Gazette’s Liam Kennedy, who also gave him an eight, adding: “What a player. He’s turned up with the want to entertain. Some unbelievable runs from all over the park. Quiet in the last two games – not this time around. Shame he picked up an injury to end his night.”

The £75k-a-week earning Saint-Maximin was outstanding, and he no doubt had the St James’ Park faithful off their seat time and time again.

Leeds United have confirmed that fan favourite, Gaetano Berardi, will be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer and according to former Leeds midfielder David Norris, it is because he does not have the required quality to perform in the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa paid both Berardi and Pablo Hernandez a tribute as the two players have amassed a total of 330 appearances for the club between them but Sunday will be their last opportunity to pull on the Leeds shirt.

Berardi has been unfortunate as he suffered a cruciate ligament injury at the end of the club’s Championship-winning season which has seen him miss almost the entirety of their Premier League campaign.

The defender was a great servant for the club in the Championship but he just lacks that little bit of extra quality that Bielsa desires, according to Norris, who spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“Bielsa has those expectations of what he wants from each player in their respective position and he knows exactly what he wants from every player and I can imagine they will be quite high standards but Berardi is still a very good player. 

“Berardi has done it in the Championship for Leeds so he’s obviously got some quality, but it might just be that he doesn’t have that little bit of extra quality Bielsa wants in the Premier League.”

The 32-year old fortunately did get a chance to play for Leeds in the Premier League against Southampton when he was brought on to replace Diego Llorente in the second half.

Before making his Premier League debut, Berardi had been named on the bench by Bielsa for 10 of the club’s last 11 league games and many fans would like to see him and Hernandez play one last time at Elland Road on Sunday.