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Tottenham Hotspur legend and BBC pundit Garth Crooks has praised Chelsea star Willian for his performance in the Blues’ 4-2 FA Cup semi-final win against Spurs at Wembley on Saturday, naming him in his team of the week.

The Brazilian was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up in place of one of the players of the season – Eden Hazard, who was rested – in a move that may have worried supporters of the west London outfit, but he repaid the faith that was shown in him by manager Antonio Conte.

Opening the scoring with brilliant free-kick in the fifth minute, the attacker then gave his side the lead again after showing great composure with a 43rd minute penalty to put his team back in control of the game.

The 28-year-old has found a spot in the starting XI hard to come by since Conte reverted to a 3-4-3 formation in October, but Crooks was certainly impressed with his showing at the weekend.

The 59-year-old told BBC Football: “The Brazilian is a wonderful player and produced one of the performances of the season. His free-kick was absolutely superb and unlike my Match of the Day colleagues, I didn’t think that Hugo Lloris was at fault for the goal.

“This was a wonderful performance by a wonderful player and we were wrong to doubt him. Conte didn’t.”

Chelsea and Willian will be looking to bounce back from the defeat to Manchester United last weekend and increase their four-point advantage over second-placed Tottenham in the Premier League when they host Southampton on Tuesday night.

Former Everton full-back Michael Ball has heavily criticised goalkeeper Joel Robles following his performance against Burnley.

The Spaniard was on the winning side of a 3-1 triumph at Goodison Park, but Ball was less than impressed with the shot-stopper.

Sam Vokes cancelled out Phil Jagielka’s opener with a 52nd-minute penalty, but an own goal from Ben Mee and a strike from Romelu Lukaku ensured that Everton went home with all three points.

In his column for the Daily Post, Ball questioned Robles’ ability and believes that manager Ronald Koeman needs to in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer.

“It’s as if Joel Robles is not learning. Ever since the Spaniard came back into the Everton side on a regular basis around the turn of the year, he’s made some crucial saves at important times.

“For the most part, Robles has been quite steady. But what you cannot deny is that he continues to make silly mistakes, and none sillier than against Burnley on Saturday when he conceded a penalty.

“Signing a new goalkeeper in the summer is a priority and knowing the Dutch football mentality as I do, I know Koeman and his staff will be making blunt assessments on the current squad. They will be asking, ‘How many of this squad would get into any of the sides currently in the top four?’ Robles wouldn’t.”

Joe Hart and Jordan Pickford have been among the names touted as potential targets for the Everton boss.

Maarten Stekelenburg arrived at the club last summer, but an injury halted his progress, paving the way for Robles to be first choice.

The 26-year-old, who joined the club from Atletico Madrid in 2013, has started 17 Premier League games this season.

Blackburn Rovers suffered relegation to League One on Sunday despite beating Brentford 3-1 at Griffin Park, but they got little sympathy from fans of local rivals Bolton Wanderers.

After starting the day in the bottom three, the Lancashire outfit knew they had to win in the capital to have any chance of surviving – which they did comfortably – but wins for relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City meant they went down on goal difference.

The result means they will swap places with the Trotters, who made an immediate return to the Championship by finishing second in League One having been relegated this time last year.

Phil Parkinson’s men will be looking forward to another campaign in England’s second tier, but they won’t have a derby against Rovers to look forward to.

Bolton supporters were quick to have their say on Blackburn’s fate via social media, and they wasted little time in taunting their local neighbours.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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According to reports from The Independent, Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is open to completing a transfer to Manchester United this summer.

What’s the word?

Seemingly no longer admired by all sections of the Bernabeu hierarchy, The Independent claim the Welsh wizard would be open to signing for Manchester United this summer if the Champions League finalists decide to sell. The idea of Bale returning to the Premier League has been discussed practically ever since he left Tottenham four years ago, but sources now describe it as ‘much likelier’ than at any other point throughout his Los Blancos career – with Zinedine Zidane’s side enjoying greater fluidity and balance since Bale was forced off through injury during the El Clasico.

Jose Mourinho, however, is still undecided on the potential deal, because his preferred target is Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann – the 25-goal Frenchman United have been linked with for much of the campaign and have been tipped to bid £85millon for this summer, activating his release clause. United probably won’t be able to sign both in the same transfer window, but Bale nonetheless represents an exciting alternative.

The hero United need?

With Pogba struggling to justify his world-record price-tag and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future uncertain, Manchester United need to sign a superstar this summer, an attack that has scored the fewest goals of any side in the Premier League’s top seven being the most obvious department to slot one in. Like Griezmann, Bale certainly falls into that category; he was the world-record signing before Pogba and although his Real Madrid tenure hasn’t been a resounding success from start to finish, he’s scored important goals in Copa del Rey and Champions League finals, whilst notching up 54 goals in 100 La Liga outings.

Furthermore, unlike Griezmann, Bale has already proved himself in the Premier League. He’s the perfect counter-attacking player through his power, speed and netting prowess and would certainly fit into the way Jose Mourinho wants his side to play.

What’s the catch?

First and foremost, we’re not talking about the same Gareth Bale who left White Hart Lane four years ago. The 66-cap international will turn 28 years of age this summer and that does raise questions over his longevity.

Tied in with that is Bale’s recent injury problems, which have seen him manage just 42 La Liga appearances since the start of last season, not all being starts. In that time, he’s been absent for 192 days according to Transfermarkt – nearly seven months.

In comparison, Griezmann is a year younger, has made 50 appearances or more in each of the last three seasons and doesn’t rely on athletic ability in the same way, which arguably makes him the safer long-term investment.

Snapping up Bale would still be a real statement on United’s part, however, so which superstar would you sign this summer?

Olivier Giroud had a pretty good Friday night, with the centre-forward registering his first hat-trick for France as the Euro 2016 hosts beat Paraguay 5-0 in a friendly match.

The treble continued Giroud’s fine form in a France shirt, but it would be fair to say that the 30-year-old is yet to fully win over the Arsenal supporters.

Giroud’s record of 98 goals in 226 Arsenal appearances is actually quite impressive all things considered, although there is a general feeling that the striker cannot produce on the biggest of stages.

On Friday night, Arsenal’s Twitter account decided to post a tribute to Giroud following his treble for France, and some of the responses from the Arsenal supporters were not too kind.

Giroud actually managed 12 Premier League goals from just 11 starts during the 2016-17 campaign, whilst he struck twice in six Champions League appearances.

It is generally accepted that the powerful striker is just a cut below the very best, however, and it appears that Arsenal fans want Giroud to be sold when this summer’s window officially opens.

According to The Sun, Newcastle are looking to bid for ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who is currently with Napoli in Serie A.

What’s the Word?

Rafael Benitez is keen to reunite with former Liverpool man Pepe Reina and make him a Newcastle player.

Following a bizarre falling out with club president at Napoli’s end of season dinner, Reina is reportedlyÂeager to workÂwith his former bossÂonce again.

Italian sports correspondent Tancredi Palmeri tweeted about the spat which could see Reina leave the Italian club…

How good has Reina been this season?

Many fans of the Premier League will know just how good Pepe Reina can be when on-form, and for most of this season with Napoli, the 34-year-old has been just that.

However, Reina – who was part of Spain’s 2010 World Cup winning squad – is prone to sloppy mistakes that can often cost his team a goal. That hasn’t seemed to have diminished from his game despite the wealth of experience he now has.

Regardless of this, Reina is still a top goalkeeper and has played 49 times in all competitions this season for a Napoli side who battled well domestically and in Europe.

Is Reina a realistic target for Newcastle?

If Reina’s reported falling out with Napoli’s club president is as damaging as it seems, a move back to England would understandably appeal. The Sun even claim he would ‘jump at the move’.

However, in practice, Reina may consider his talents worthy of Champions League football and few would begrudge him a move to a more established European club.

According to reports in ESPN FC, Southampton are close to appointing former Alaves boss Mauricio Pellegrino as Claude Puel’s successor at St Mary’s.

The south coast outfit decided to sack the Frenchman earlier this month despite the fact that he secured an eighth-place finish in the Premier League and reached the final of the League Cup final, with supporters unimpressed by his style of football and 17 goals in 19 home league games.

It means that Saints are looking for their third new manager in three years and they are said to believe that Pellegrino is one of the best options available to them right now as he could stay at the club for a number of years, rather than moving on like Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman have in recent seasons.

If the Argentine does take the reins at St Mary’s, he could look to use his knowledge of La Liga and target players that he feels could make an impact in the Premier League.

Here are five La Liga stars Pellegrino could look to sign this summer if he is appointed as Southampton’s new manager…

Inaki Williams

Able to play on either wing or as a centre-forward, Athletic Bilbao attacker Williams looks to have all of the ingredients to be a success in the Premier League.

The Spain Under-21 international – who is currently away at the European Under-21 Championships with Spain – scored eight goals and provided a further eight assists in 49 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga outfit last season, which was down on the 13 he netted in just 37 outings in the 2015/16 campaign.

The 23-year-old wouldn’t come cheap as he is highly-rated and has four years left on his contract, but if Saints want to be a consistent top six Premier League side then Williams is the calibre of player they must be targeting.

Willian Jose

If Pellegrino is appointed as Saints boss and wants a centre-forward who can hold the ball up and find the net on a regular basis, he may take a closer look at Willian Jose.

The 25-year-old quickly became a key player in the Real Sociedad side that finished sixth in La Liga last season, scoring 14 and providing a further four assists in 34 appearances in all competitions.

With four years left on his contract he again wouldn’t be too cheap, but he looks to have all of the attributes to be a big hit in the Premier League.

Aaron Martin

With Ryan Bertrand being heavily linked with a move to Manchester City this summer, Pellegrino could be looking for a new left-back if he is appointed as the new Southampton boss.

One player he will know well from his year in La Liga is Espanyol defender Aaron Martin, who only signed a new long-term deal in January.

However, the 20-year-old’s consistent performances at left-back will not have gone unnoticed and after making 35 appearances in all competitions last season, the interest in him from a number of Spanish clubs and teams from abroad could ramp up this summer.

Marcos Llorente

Pellegrino signed the Real Madrid defensive midfielder on a season-long loan for Alaves last summer, and he went on to become a key player in the team that finished ninth in La Liga and reached the final of the Copa Del Rey.

The 22-year-old, who is currently playing for the Spain Under-21 side at the European Championships in Poland, only has a year left on his contract at the Bernabeu and could be looking to make a permanent move elsewhere this summer.

If Pellegrino takes the reins at St Mary’s and is looking for a midfielder with a bit of energy and who likes to take people on to partner Oriol Romeu in the middle of the park, he could make another swoop for Llorente.

Jorge Mere

With the future of captain Virgil van Dijk still in doubt and with Saints releasing Martin Caceres this summer following the expiry of his short-term deal, Pellegrino may need to find a new centre-back if he is appointed as the south coast outfit’s new manager.

One player that he may be keen on is 20-year-old Sporting Gijon defender Mere, who is also currently away with his national team at the European Under-21 Championships.

Despite his tenders years, the Spaniard was once again a key player for Sporting last term and he made 32 appearances in all competitions, completing 124 clearances and showing his ability on the ball by being successful with 16 of the 19 take-ons he attempted.

Would you like any of these, Saints fans? Let us know below.

Pedro Caixinha has almost signed a whole team of players already this summer with eight arrivals brightening the mood of Rangers fans who were looking for big changes in the squad after a dismal season finishing third in the Scottish Premiership.

Defenders, midfielders, strikers, wingers; they’ve all arrived at the club and it means that supporters are now looking ahead with optimism at the season ahead rather than dreading it.

That said, that work is far from done and some problem positions still remain at the club.

Rangers’ full-backs drew lots of criticism last season with neither James Tavernier nor club captain Lee Wallace really showing the form required to challenge for trophies in Scotland. Tavernier in particular was singled out for his lack of defensive positional sense, often times leaving the Light Blues defenders exposed at the back. Wallace didn’t look like the top-tier defender of old on a consistent basis and when he got injured, Caixinha had to rely on the untested Myles Beerman.

It’s clear that full-backs on either side need to bolster the ranks at the club and we have three in mind that we reckon could fit in well…

Graeme Shinnie

Rangers have already managed to snag Ryan Jack from Aberdeen and with other top players at Pittodrie like Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn also leaving the club, it’s clear the Dons are in a year of transition. Does that open the door for the Light Blues to poach another player away from Derek McInnes?

One of the brightest talents left at Aberdeen is Graeme Shinnie, a full-back and midfielder who could really improve the first team set-up at Ibrox.

While it may be his box-to-box action in the Dons midfield that has caught the attention of admirers over the last 12 months, it’s easily forgotten that he’s often looked most assured on the Don’s left flank with some even reckoning he was the best full-back in the country at one point.

Lee Wallace doesn’t look terrible at left-back but definitely needs a jolt to keep him striving to improve and enhance his game. The Rangers captain is in real danger of falling into his comfort zone.

Shinnie would solve that problem and also provide cover in midfield.

Connor Randall

A Liverpool right-back who plays predominately for their U23s side, he hasn’t yet quite been able to make the breakthrough into Jurgen Klopp’s first team on a consistent basis.

The German manager gave the youngster his debut back in late 2015 when he had just arrived at the club but since then has been limited to a handful of appearances, making just one last season, a start in the FA Cup.

He needs a full season of first-team football to really see where his progress is and he isn’t going to get that at the Reds next term with Klopp under pressure to ensure a top four position and potentially challenge for the English Premier League title.

He would be an excellent option for Rangers to pursue on loan as competition for the sometimes faltering James Tavernier. Known for his strength, passing and ability to burst forward, he would be an exciting addition for supporters on a budget, with Rangers not excellent having grand resources to play with this summer.

Jose Abella

Jose Abella is a right-back who at 23 years old has never played outside of his native Mexico. A one time Mexican youth internationalist, he was a key member of Pedro Caixinha’s trophy winning squad and is clearly a fan of the Ibrox boss’ methods.

Speaking to ESPN last year, he said of Caixinha:

“The fundamental thing was the way he lives games, the passion in each action … it helped me a lot. The training was always based on intensity and exercises with the ball. I learned a lot and will be eternally grateful.”

Bringing in a player who is ready to buy into his mission at Ibrox would certainly fit the profile of players the Portuguese has already brought to the club and having already won trophies together, Caixinha obviously knows how to get the best out of him.

Is he the man to permanently replace James Tavernier?

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has personally spoken to Real Madrid manger Zinedine Zidane to inform him that he intends to stay at Stamford Bridge, according to Diario Gol.

What’s the story?

The Belgian international has been linked with a move to the Spanish giants on-and-off for some time.

Last season, the playmaker rediscovered his scintillating form, scoring 16 goals and producing five assists to help Chelsea lift the Premier League title.

It is believed that his form attracted interest from Madrid, but Diario Gol claims that Hazard has no desire to move to the Bernabeu this summer.

He is understood to have called Zidane to tell him that he will stay with Chelsea for at least another season, but he did not rule out a future move to Madrid.

How loyal is Hazard?

If these reports are to be believed, then it is unlikely that he will force a move to Spain.

He is currently nursing a knee injury, and should be focusing on regaining fitness in time for the new league season, which gets underway on August 11.

If Hazard has left the door open for a possible switch, then he is not 100% committed to Chelsea, but in fairness to the Belgian, he has been a Blue for five years.

If the lure of Madrid becomes too much, then he cannot be blamed for wanting to test himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Right now, Hazard opting to stay at Chelsea is great news for the club given that their transfer activity so far has come under heat from plenty of fans.

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West Ham United fans have enjoyed a decent transfer window so far, but the departures of two players have left some frustrated.

On Tuesday, the East London outfit announced that young duo Reece Burke and Josh Cullen have joined Bolton Wanderers on five-month loans.

The pair flew back from the Hammers’ pre-season training camp in Germany to get the deals done.

Both could make their debuts for the Trotters in the club’s Championship opener against Leeds United at the Macron Stadium on Sunday.

Working under manager Phil Parkinson will not be new for Burke or Cullen as they played under him during loan stints at Bradford City two seasons ago.

Burke, 20, graduated from the Hammers’ academy in 2014 and is now embarking on his third loan spell, while 21-year-old Cullen’s two-season stint at Bradford is the midfielder’s only other previous temporary move away from the club.

Both players are still contracted to West Ham; in fact, Cullen penned a new three-year contract on Monday.

Despite the transfers not being permanent departures, some fans are unhappy that the club are not giving the pair game time.