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Steve Bruce will be desperate for good news as Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson ramps up his return from a hamstring injury.

That’s according to Chronicle Live, who note that the forward has been able to do some light jogging sessions in a bid to get back as soon as possible.

The Magpies are yet to win a Premier League game without Wilson leading the line since his £20m arrival from AFC Bournemouth last summer, and have seen their lead over the clubs in the relegation zone be completely eliminated in recent weeks.

Newcastle held a 10-point advantage over Fulham when Wilson suffered a deep hamstring tear at home to Southampton last month, but now sit just a point above Scott Parker’s 18th-placed Cottagers – albeit with a game in hand over the west London side.

Wilson has been doing triple sessions in a bid to return as soon as possible after vowing to do ‘everything’ in his power to help the Toon avoid the drop, having been ruled out for six to eight weeks in a “devastating” blow for Bruce.

The £46,000-per-week frontman has also been working with Jonny King, a friend and physio from his time at Bournemouth, who helped Wilson during his recovery from minor knee surgery last year and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in 2017.

Newcastle are conscious of not rushing the striker back too quickly and aggravating his issue given the nature of the injury and his explosive pace, but will hope to see Wilson return and add to his goals, with the Magpies having scored just twice in the four matches that the forward has sat out to date.

United were particularly toothless in attack last time out against West Brom, with Bruce’s side unable to beat Sam Johnstone despite five of his side’s nine shots being on target.

Only 37% of Newcastle’s shots found the target at home to Wolves, despite directing six of 10 on target at Manchester United after a sloppy 40% of their attempts required saving at Chelsea.

Bruce will surely be desperate for more good news on Wilson’s road to recovery as Newcastle near Aston Villa’s visit to St. James’ Park. As, while the summer signing will not be expected to feature on Friday, the upcoming international break will certainly prove useful in aiding his return.

United only play Villa and have a trip to fellow strugglers Brighton and Hove Albion before a short break in fixtures, after which Wilson will have reached the eight-week period that he was initially ruled out for.

That mark also comes with a home clash with Tottenham Hotspur in a tough run for the Toon with further games against relegation-rivals Burnley and European hopefuls West Ham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester and title-elect Manchester City.

Newcastle will not be expected to take many points from that run without their 10-goal top-scorer on the pitch, with Wilson’s haul helping to beat the Irons, Burnley and Everton (twice) already this season while helping claim draws with Spurs and Fulham.

Dwight Gayle and Joelinton are each yet to score while carrying the strain in Wilson’s recent absence, too, making a quick but safe return for Wilson increasingly important for Bruce. If he can get his main man back after the international break, that could be huge for the Newcastle boss and his club’s hopes of staying in the top flight.

AND in other news, Newcastle eye summer swoop for £16k-p/w maestro once lauded for being “the most gifted” player…

Liverpool have reportedly been offered West Ham centre-back Winston Reid ahead of transfer deadline day, but signing him would be a big mistake by the Reds.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Star, West Ham have offered the Reds the chance to sign Reid before the transfer window shuts, as an alternative to Issa Diop – who has also been linked with a move to Anfield in recent days.

Liverpool already look set to bring Preston North End’s Ben Davies to Merseyside, but according to the print version of the Monday edition of The Times they could look to bring in another defender too on deadline day.

The 32-year-old would offer Jurgen Klopp some experience in his backline, something which he currently lacks, and is reportedly readily available, having recently featured for the Hammers’ U23 side.

Would he be a good signing?

Reid’s best days are unfortunately behind him. The New Zealand international was regarded one of the best defenders outside the top six a few years ago but now hasn’t appeared in the top-flight since the 2017/18 season.

Injury issues have proved to be a real problem for the 6 ft 3 centre-back, with his most recent knee injury ruling him out for as many as 53 games between 2017 and 2019.

In fact, he appears to be even more injury-prone than Liverpool’s Joel Matip, who has spent a significant amount of time on the sidelines in recent seasons, but his longest lay-off was for 20 games in the 2019/20 season.

The experienced defender spent last season on loan with Sporting Kansas City in the MLS, where he would make 12 appearances in all competitions, which will have helped to build his fitness back up, but it is hardly of the same standard of the Premier League.

Therefore, it would be a baffling decision to bring in Reid, who has managed just one appearance in the Premier League 2 this season, as the last thing Klopp needs in his squad is a defender who is likely to spend more time on the sidelines than he will on the pitch – so sporting director Michael Edwards must steer well clear of him in the next couple of days, no matter how desperate Liverpool get.

And, in other news… LFC handed big transfer blow as reported bid for “natural leader” CB rejected

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has told GSB to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney as competition for Michail Antonio – coming after a recent ExWHUemployee claim that he is on the Hammers’ agenda. 

Toney, who is the current Championship top scorer with an impressive 24 goals this season and has also managed to assist his teammates nine times (Football Insider), has West Ham interested according to numerous reliable claims.

Indeed, transfer insider Dean Jones also revealed last week that the Irons hold an interest in signing him, with ExWHUemployee explaining two days later on his podcast that Toney is indeed on the Hammers agenda.

Agbonlahor tells GSB to sign Toney for West Ham

In response to these recent reports, Agbonlahor has claimed he would be a ‘great signing’ for West Ham and has told GSB to do a deal.

“He’d be a great signing 100%,” he explained to Football Insider.

“West Ham have got to start looking at younger players. They’ve got to start looking at players that they could get a good six or seven years out of, rather than older players.

“We’ve seen what Watkins has done in the Premier League after coming from the Championship and there’s no reason that Toney can’t do the same.

“I think he’d be a great signing and he can give Antonio competition next season and push him for a starting place, maybe even take his place off him.

“It will add to Antonio’s game knowing that he’s not guaranteed to start every week.”

Transfer Tavern take

Whether or not West Ham do sign Toney in the summer remains to be seen, but it could be an astute bit of business by GSB given his impressive goal record this season.

Reliable external sources indicate the interest is there, and after the club’s failure to sign a striker last month, supporters could be hoping something is done to replicate that next window.

In other news: West Ham could sell this ace as Irons react, find out more here.

This season has been a brutal affair for Celtic. They are currently 13 points off the pace in the SPFL and were knocked out of both the Champions League and Europa League in the same season.

If that wasn’t enough, they were also knocked out of the Scottish League Cup too.

Fortunately, their campaign could embark on a period of rejuvenation very soon.

On the chalkboard

This Sunday Celtic have an ideal opportunity to wipe away the negativity that has intoxicated their term so far.

2020/21 was supposed to be all about their quest for ten league crowns in a row. However, while that now looks unlikely, silverware is within their sight.

This weekend they take on Hearts in the Scottish Cup final and fortunately, they have found form at just the right time.

They beat Lille in the Europa League and then Neil Lennon laid down another marker when the Hoops defeated Kilmarnock last weekend.

The Bhoys might be some way behind in the league but this offers a timely distraction, one that if they win, may spark a revival in the league.

So, how can Celtic improve their chances of winning the final?

The solution

Celtic’s defence has been absolutely horrific this season and that’s putting it kinder than we could have.

They conceded eight in two matches against Sparta Prague and have shipped ten more goals than rivals Rangers in the league.

Clearly, Lennon’s backline needs to improve but it’s no coincidence that since Ismaila Soro’s energetic legs were brought into the side for the first time, Celtic have enhanced their play.

They conceded twice against a fierce Lille team but kept a clean sheet against Killie. Soro has been a huge part of their recent solidity and he simply has to start against Hearts in a few days time.

This is someone who brings boundless vigour to the midfield and can dominate the play, taking the ball from defence to attack in the blink of an eye.

His former coach, Ori Guttman said in January: “When I saw Soro I was immediately excited. From the first second I noticed his explosive power. His tackling and dribbling skills were incredible. He looked like he had good potential.”

And indeed, we’re now seeing that potential emerge at Celtic. It’s remarkable to think he’s started just twice in 2020 for the Hoops given his impressive displays.

In the Europa League this term, he’s made a phenomenal amount of tackles – 3.7 per game – while he’s also completed over 90% of his passes.

This is someone who keeps things calm and composed in the middle of the park, being described as a “wonderful player” by Frankie McAvennie.

Considering how non-existent Celtic’s midfield has been for the best part of this season, Soro has been a game-changer.

He could well determine whether the Scottish Cup goes back to Glasgow or Edinburgh.

In other news, Lawwell must sign ex-PL gem who once performed “a miracle”…

Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho will have some interesting decisions to make over his current squad in the next month, and certainly heading into the summer.

Bye-bye Winks?

A lot has been made about the future of academy graduate and first-team midfielder Harry Winks in north London in recent weeks.

Eurosport’s Dean Jones believes Spurs will listen to suitable offers for him if any were to come in during the January transfer window, whilst he has also claimed that a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain is possible.

Back in November, the 24-year-old described his situation as “difficult” ahead of the European Championships at the end of the season, a competition in which the eight-time England international will want to be featuring in.

La Liga outfit Valencia and Premier League rivals Everton are another two teams that have been linked with moves for Winks.

And here’s why Mourinho can afford to let the £36m-rated (€40m) maestro go…

Skipp successor?

Oliver Skipp.

Those two words are exactly why Spurs can say goodbye to Winks anytime in the near future.

The fellow homegrown midfielder has come on leaps and bounds during his first loan spell away from N17 this season, so surely it is only a matter of time before he breaks into the senior set-up under Mourinho.

At Championship outfit Norwich City, Skipp has recorded a total of 47 tackles at an average of two per game, whilst also managing to hit an 88.5% passing success rate from an average of 57 passes per outing, via WhoScored.

The 20-year-old is simply dominating matches at that level, as seen in his average of 69 touches per match, having helped the Canaries to top spot in the division.

His impact has been so good that his loan boss Daniel Farke has been left blown away, he said to reporters:

“To prove this for such a young lad in really his first full season, where he plays every three days, in the toughest league in the world is outstanding,” before adding: “With his character and how he behaves within the group it underlines why Jose said he could be a future Tottenham captain. He has this pedigree.”

Indeed, the ‘Special One’ has stumbled across his next gem, dubbing him a “future captain” – something first noted by Pochettino, who claimed Skipp was a “top player” all the way back in 2018.

Winks’ exit could fund other areas in the squad all whilst knowing that Mourinho has his perfect successor ready in waiting right under his nose.

AND in other news, Levy can secure Spurs their next Ricky Villa in “rare” £36m speed demon…

Crystal Palace Chairman Steve Parish has provided an update on the ongoing improvements at the academy, and many fans are buzzing following his comments.

Parish was providing a November update for all associated with the South London side. He said: “I don’t think there’ll be a better academy, facilities-wise, anywhere in the country.”

With the club recently being given the green light to upgrade their facilities, they will hopefully be able to bring more youth players into the senior side in the future, which would help save money, and attract more potential stars to the club, viaÂCrystal Palace.

Therefore hearing the owner speak so highly of the progress is great news, and it’s understandable to see why many fans are excited. One supporter said: “Brilliant work by Palace.”

Palace do have a strong history when it comes to developing young players, with the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Moses and Nathaniel Clyne all previously coming through their academy.

Hopefully the building work can be completed soon and the club can start to develop the next batch of stars in world-class facilities.

Here is what Palace fans said following the comments:

In other Palace news, many fans are not happy with this Premier League star being linked. Have a read who it isÂhere!

When it comes to the Wolves academy, it has been all about two men in the last few years – Morgan Gibbs-White and Max Kilman.

The latter has made tremendous strides this season, embarking on his first real run in the Premier League side.

However, Gibbs-White, in rather typical fashion has endured a difficult campaign.

Over the last few seasons, his first-team football has been restricted to just six starts in the top-flight and his chance of rejuvenating his fledgeling career with Swansea during a loan spell this term hasn’t gone according to plan.

After featuring on six occasions for the Swans, the attacking midfielder fractured his foot. When it comes to Gibbs-White, he really doesn’t get much luck.

However, with Wolves switching their formation to now involve a number 10, he may have been handed a lifeline. That being said, he’ll have to keep his place in the pecking order ahead of one of the academy’s brightest talents if he’s to succeed at Molineux.

The player who could rival Gibbs-White for a starting berth in the not too distant future is Taylor Perry.

The 19-year-old has been a phenomenal asset to the U23 side this term and has scored a total of six goals in only eight Premier League 2 outings.

He is a natural goalscorer and loves to get forward, scoring plenty from set-pieces too.

Speaking about the midfielder this season after Wolves’ U23 side lost to Crystal Palace, James Collins said: “TP was unlucky not to start but has come on and scored. He’s probably our best goal threat at the moment.”

It’s clear to see why he stands out from the rest. The youngster is streets ahead of anyone else in the academy in terms of goals and he’s already made his first-team debut.

Perry played twice in the Carabao Cup last term, registering an assist and he was also given the opportunity to play in the Europa League.

Clearly, he has a bright future and considering his position, Gibbs-White has every reason to worry.

After all, Perry is the one still at the club and he’s also fitter. It surely can’t be too long before Nuno Santo unleashes him more regularly at senior level.

Meanwhile, check out how Wolves could find their perfect Raul Jimenez heir…

Liverpool have suffered a major blow to their title-holding season after Virgil van Dijk was confirmed to have suffered an ACL injury against Everton. Jurgen Klopp now has just two fit centre-backs to see him through the rest of the year, which could turn out to be a recipe for disaster.

The Reds signed a back-up for Andy Robertson in Kostas Tsimikas but neglected their already thin central defensive roster. Now, it seems as though the club has been kicked into gear and they’ve realised the errors of their ways.

According to Fabio Santini (as reported by AreaNapoli), the Premier League champions have agreed to pay the asking price of recent transfer target Kalidou Koulibaly.

Liverpool reignite interest in Koulibaly

Liverpool have been heavily linked to the Senegalese defender in the past, but talks died after it was revealed that Napoli wanted a mammoth transfer fee for his services. Santini reports that in “sensational news” regarding Koulibaly’s status, both Manchester City and Manchester United are keen on him, but the Reds are leading the way.

“The club that is more serious for the Senegalese is Liverpool,” he said. “Attention: the Reds offer to the Naples a figure between 70 and 75 million euros, the sum that De Laurentiis asks.”

If this new information is true, it will mean that Liverpool are willing to pay between £62-£67million for Koulibaly in January, or perhaps next summer.

Would Koulibaly make the cut at Liverpool?

With just two fit senior centre-backs, Liverpool are one more injury away from potentially kissing goodbye to a Premier League title run this season. It seems as though makeshift centre-half Fabinho may be the option moving forwards this campaign and could partner van Dijk once he returns.

Fabinho was shifted into the backline for Liverpool’s clash with Ajax in their opening Champions League fixture. The Reds scraped a 1-0 victory thanks to an own goal and some defensive heroics from the Brazilian. The stand-in centre-back made a goal-line clearance to snub Dusan Tadic of finding the back of the net after bamboozling Adrian.

There’s no doubting the 26-year-old’s defensive awareness, but current partner Joe Gomez has recently come under fire. Jamie Carragher has raised questions about his ability to hold the Liverpool fort and Joel Matip has a torrid record with injuries.

Should Liverpool give the green light to snap up Koulibaly, the 29-year-old could partner van Dijk, with Fabinho operating just in front in his usual No.6 role. Not only would Liverpool boast a blistering attack, but they’d be rock solid across the backline. It’s certainly a bold move, but one that might be necessary after seeing such a key player lost to long-term injury.

In other news, images of Sadio Mane during Ajax game could be a worry for Liverpool…

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat since the opening game of the season when they host Brighton and Hove Albion at home later this evening.

Jose Mourinho’s men saw their ten-game unbeaten streak end in Belgium at the hands of Royal Antwerp on Thursday night as they lost 1-0 in the Europa League.

The visitors head to N17 looking for their first win in four, so we’re in for an interesting encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What sort of side will the Special One select? Here’s the starting XI we’re predicting tonight…

There could be as many as nine changes as Mourinho looks to tinker across the board.

Only Hugo Lloris and Sergio Reguilon remain from their defeat in midweek.

In defence, there are returns for Eric Dier, Toby Alderwiereld and Matt Doherty. All three started against Burnley and helped contribute to their first clean sheet in the Premier League this season.

It means there are no places for Ben Davies, the £40.5m-rated Davinson Sanchez and Serge Aurier in the starting lineup.

Both Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Moussa Sissoko come back into the fold at the base of the engine room whilst Tanguy Ndombele is preferred to Giovani Lo Celso, who was one of four players hauled off at half-time in Antwerp.

£100k-per-week hero-to-zero Dele Alli could be axed entirely once again. He was not involved against Burnley whatsoever and clearly didn’t impress his boss in a rare start, and the same goes for Steven Bergwijn who was another hooked early.

On the wings, Lucas Moura could be preferred to Gareth Bale, who is still getting up to full match fitness with Heung-min Son a shoo-in to start.

As is Harry Kane, who takes his place up top over Carlos Vinicius.

The likes of Erik Lamela, Joe Rodon and Jack Clarke may settle for places on the bench.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Gary Mabbutt believes Mourinho has uncovered Dembele’s true successor…

Next on the agenda for Tottenham Hotspur appears to be a new striker, but Jose Mourinho has been dealt a bitter blow this week…

What’s the word?

According to Dan Kilpatrick at the Evening Standard, Spurs’ transfer plans are being held up by a struggle to offload unwanted right-back Serge Aurier.

It’s thought that funds made through his sale would allow Mourinho to bolster his attacking department with a new forward but neither AC Milan or Bayer Leverkusen are willing to splash the cash on the Ivorian.

He goes on to claim that their attention has now turned to AFC Bournemouth striker Joshua King after being offered the relegated star.

Manchester United failed with a £20m bid for the 28-year-old during the January transfer window.

Versatile foil

A move for King makes a ton of sense for a multitude of reasons.

The Norway international reached double figures for goal involvements once again, even despite the Cherries being relegated to the Championship and prior to this campaign, he bagged at least eight goals in each of the previous three seasons – a best of 16 in 2016/17.

Having come through the system at United, King qualifies as a homegrown talent, which is another benefit to Mourinho.

It’s also no surprise to see the Portuguese boss being a big fan after the 28-year-old gave his Red Devils the runaround in 2017 – not only did King net from the spot, but he also recorded three dribbles, won nine duels and made 7 clearances all whilst playing as a number ten, via SofaScore.

That versatility could prove crucial throughout the season with Spurs having to qualify for the Europa League early doors. He can play out wide or through the middle, so not only will he be a backup to Harry Kane but also a potential partner and extra cover for the likes of Heung-min Son and Steven Bergwijn.

Eddie Howe believes King is “unique” and has also hailed him as a “complete package” in the past due to him being “outstanding physically, technically and mentally.”

Daniel Levy should do everything in his power to secure Spurs the prolific goalscorer this summer.

AND in other news, Spurs target a must for Mourinho after HUGE transfer update…