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After saying goodbye to Georginio Wijnaldum at the end of last season, Liverpool didn’t sign a replacement for the Dutchman who joined French club Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after making a total of 237 appearances across all competitions.

One midfield player, however, that has been linked with a move to the Merseyside club that could be a potential heir for Wijnaldum is LOSC Lille star Renato Sanches.

Recently, the Portuguese international has made a claim that could excite a lot of Liverpool fans that may be hoping to see him in a Reds shirt in the near future.

What’s the latest?

In a recent interview with French media outlet L’Equipe (via Liverpool Echo), Sanches revealed that he feels ready to join a big club again after admitting that he was too young to join Bayern Munich when he did back in 2016.

During his time in Germany, Sanches made 53 appearances for Bayern across all competitions in which he also had a loan spell at Swansea City where he made just 15 appearances before eventually arriving at Lille in 2019.

Since joining the French club, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £27m according to Transfermarkt, has managed to score five goal and provide six assists in 67 appearances in all competitions.

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In the recent Euro 2020 tournament over the summer, Sanches’ performance in Portugal’s 2-2 draw against France earned him a lot of praise from pundit Jermaine Jenas who said that the midfielder has got “a lot of character.”

That performance, in particular, highlighted just how impressive Sanches can be on the big stage as an all-round midfielder, a role Wijnladum thrived in at Anfield.

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In the 88 minutes he was on the pitch for, Sanches managed to complete 69 of the 74 passes he attempted, had one shot on target, made one key pass, won nine ground duels, made three tackles and completed all of the three dribbles he attempted, ultimately earning himself a solid overall match rating of 7.1/10 according to SofaScore.

Consequently, this would be an excellent piece of business from the Merseyside club if they can sign him for a relatively low fee considering how his current contract at Lille is set to expire in the summer of 2023. Certainly, it would give them a potential long-term replacement for Wijnaldum given his age and ability in the middle of the pitch.

In other news: FSG may be heading for a big Liverpool disaster in January on “outstanding” 26 y/o ace – opinion

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left excited by an update involving defender Angelo Ogbonna.

The Italian, currently sidelined due to an ACL injury, as confirmed by the club, will be a sore miss for manager David Moyes as he aims to maintain his side’s impressive start to 2021/2022.

Having just beaten Liverpool 3-2 at the London Stadium, West Ham are also top of their Europa League group and into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Losing Ogbonna will come as a bitter blow to their fight on all fronts but some positive news has now emerged on the 33-year-old and his contract situation in east London.

Currently set to expire in 2022, West Ham risk losing Italian on a free deal next summer as things stand, but Calciomercato say this won’t be the case for long.

According to their sources, Ogbonna is in fact ‘close to renewing his contract’ with Moyes potentially set for a major boost in that regard.

Flocking to this claim, it’s little wonder West Ham supporters have become excited on Twitter given how crucial of a first team player he has been for Moyes over the past year.

Only ex-Hammer Fabian Balbuena averaged a higher rate of clearances per 90 in the Premier League last term and Ogbonna is one of just eight West Ham untouchables to start every English top-flight match this season (WhoScored).

Find all of their best verdicts on this new contract development down below.

West Ham fans flock to Ogbonna news…

“We just can’t miss atm”

Credit: @issacwt2004

“OH?!?”

Credit: @JrTheSaviour87

“Inject it”

Credit: @MarshyBoy26

“Siuuuuuu”

Credit: @Tom_coyi

“As if this week could get any better for us hammers”

Credit: @leggy_lp

“Well deserved”

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Credit: @WillRobo1990

“Oh wow great news if it’s true where did you hear that? He is out of contract in the summer 2022 I believe so right? So how long is this new contract for? One year? Or two years? Bearing in mind he is now 32 years old but is so important to us in the system we play under Moyes?”

Credit: @Michael28183223

“Need a keep hold of him..he’s a gem”

Credit: @Martin_COYI

In other news: Journalist hints West Ham move for ‘world class’ 32-goal striker could now be on the cards, find out more here.

The future of Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha is still far from clear despite reports suggesting he’s set to be offered a new contract, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

What’s the story?

Zaha’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2023, leading to speculation that this season will be his last with the south London outfit.

However, The Sun’s Alan Nixon recently revealed that fresh terms were set to be placed on the table by Palace’s hierarchy, sparking hope that the capital club’s talisman will commit his future.

But there is no guarantee that Zaha will stay put, and Barclay claimed ‘it’s not clear’ what is going to happen next regarding the Ivory Coast international’s future.

Speaking about the 29-year-old’s contract situation to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “From what I’m told, at the moment, it’s not clear where we’re going to go with this. But what is clear is that his contract is winding down, so a decision is going to have to be made.”

Crystal Palace fans should be worried

The £13m-rated gem has established himself as Palace’s star performer since re-joining the club in 2014, scoring 51 goals and providing 42 assists in 253 Premier League appearances for his boyhood side.

And he’s thriving under Vieira’s tutelage in the opening weeks of 2021/22. Zaha has bagged four top-flight four goals already this season after benefitting from the arrival of several exciting acquisitions, but the feel-good factor surrounding Palace could soon end.

Zaha’s standout displays have seen him continually linked with a Selhurst Park exit amid interest from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, and just last summer, he openly expressed his desire to have another chance at playing for a top team in order to compete for silverware.

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Only time will tell whether the creative talent chooses to seek pastures new over the coming months, but Palace’s fanbase will be hoping he puts pen to paper on a new deal soon. At the moment, however, they will be deeply concerned about their star man’s future.

And, in other news…40 duels won, 37 clearances: £18m-rated “absolute tank” has been pivotal for Palace

A notable development has emerged on Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic regarding his situation heading into the international break.

What’s the latest?

The midfielder has been left out of Australia’s squad for their upcoming matches. Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold explained the 28-year-old’s absence, putting it down to injury after he sustained a knock in the win over Hibernian last month.

He said: “Tom Rogic, Aaron Mooy and Adam Taggart were unavailable for selection this window due to injury or quarantine, however we have developed good depth in the Socceroos over the past few years and the squad that has been selected is one that we have full belief in to perform strongly for the Australian public.”

Ange will be buzzing

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will surely be buzzing with this news, as it appears to align with his plan to get Rogic back fit. Whilst a player being left out of their national team due to injury may be a blow in other situations, this time it could be a huge boost for the Hoops.

Last month, the Celtic manager revealed that the midfielder will be out for two to three weeks and outlined his scheduled return. He told the Daily Record: “He had a scan on his hamstring. It’s going to put him out for at least two to three weeks. It’s not a major one but he definitely won’t be involved in these games.

“Then obviously we have the international window, and if everything goes to plan he should be available once we get back from that.”

Rogic going halfway across the globe to play for Australia during the break could have ruined Postecoglou’s plan for multiple reasons. For starters, he would be flying around the world and returning late ahead of Celtic’s return to action, which could set him back in is recovery, while he could also aggravate his injury by playing for his country.

The £16k-per-week gem could have caused further issues by trying to play through the knock for Australia, which could then have forced him to miss more competitive matches for the Hoops. That is why the Celtic boss will be delighted that Rogic has been left out of the squad, as it gives the 28-year-old the time he needs to recover.

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In the Premiership this season, the midfielder has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 6.97 across 11 appearances despite only starting seven of those matches. He has chipped in with one goal and two assists and his statistics show that he is capable of performing consistently to a high level, which is why his lack of involvement for Australia and the reduced chance of him aggravating his injury is a huge boost for Celtic.

AND in other news, Forget Jota & Kyogo: “Quality” Celtic gem who made 5 key passes ran the show for Ange…

After enjoying a superb debut campaign in the Premier League last year, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins would have fancied his chances of kicking on again for the new season.

Instead, the man who was dubbed a “machine” by The Athletic’s Gregg Evans simply hasn’t been at the races this term, and it’s quite incredible to think that after seven appearances in the top flight in 2021/22, he has managed just the one goal and hasn’t provided a single assist either.

A number of Villa fans were critical of Watkins’ ineffective performance against Arsenal last time out in the Premier League when Dean Smith’s men fell to a dismal 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

During a discussion for the Birmingham Mail before that game against the Gunners, Ashley Preece delivered his verdict on why the striker appears to be struggling this season, saying: “The injury he picked up in pre-season hasn’t helped, nor has Dean Smith’s decision to flip the script and play him with Danny Ings in a two-man attack. The pair appear to be on different wavelengths at the minute.

“Watkins, for me, is still adjusting to Smith’s new system. I think his confidence has taken a hit while it can’t be too nice seeing new signing Ings banging them in already, as opposed to Watkins, last season’s main man. You would have hoped his strike at Spurs would have given Watkins a new lease of life but, against Wolves, he struggled once again.”

If Smith opts to revert back to a four-man defence with two wingers, then Watkins dropping out would allow Danny Ings to operate as the lone striker and the likes of Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia to be utilised in their more natural positions.

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The £34m-rated Watkins could even do with being dropped just to light a fire under him, too.

Meanwhile, Villa must give this academy starlet a chance in the Premier League…

Paulo Fonseca would reportedly like to sign three players if he is to be named as the new manager at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Talks

As per Craig Hope, talks are ‘ongoing’ between Fonseca and the St. James’ Park faithful over the vacant manager role in the North East, following the departure of Steve Bruce.

Sources have said that he is ‘interested’ in taking over, but The Daily Mail journalist has stressed that it is ‘not a done deal’ as of yet.

The Latest: Fonseca signings

Perhaps jumping the gun, but Forzaroma.info have now claimed that Fonscea would like to sign Amadou Diawara, Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, all from AS Roma, should he become the next Magpies coach.

It is suggested that Jose Mourinho may be willing to sell both Diawara and Smalling, although Mkhitaryan has found some form at the Serie A club.

The Verdict: Aim higher

With the abundance of riches that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium have, they should be aiming higher than the three players mentioned above.

Although Fonseca would likely be able to get the best out of them having worked with them before at Roma, with Smalling himself claiming that Fonseca is a ‘very intelligent’ manager, all three come with their own individual problems.

The Englishman is very injury prone, while Mkhitaryan is 32 years of age now, and largely struggled in the Premier League while at both Manchester United and Arsenal.

Diawara meanwhile has barely played any football so far this season, and so may take some time to adapt to the fast pace of the top flight, by which point the Toon Army could be locked deep in relegation trouble.

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Nonetheless, while Fonseca may be an inspired appointment in himself, the board should be aiming for better targets.

In other news, find out which ‘exceptional’ manager NUFC are ‘ready to go crazy’ for here!

Frank McAvennie believes that Tottenham could be in trouble if Callum Wilson is available for Newcastle ahead of the meeting between the two sides next weekend.

The Lowdown: Wilson could be fit

The 29-year-old started the season in top form for the Magpies, scoring twice in the first three Premier League games (Transfermarkt).

However, since the 2-2 draw at Southampton in late August, he has not played a minute in any competition due to a hamstring injury, but it is being reported that the striker could be available to face Spurs once domestic football returns following the end of the current international break.

The Latest: McAvennie fires Spurs warning

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League striker McAvennie has urged Spurs to be vigilant if Wilson is available for Newcastle. He said:

“If he’s back, that’s massive, that’s the game Wilson wants to play in.

“He is going to be up against a pretty poor Tottenham defence and he is a striker who will punish you if you slip up.

“Me, as a striker, I would play against that defence all day long and twice on Sunday.

“It doesn’t matter, if you come up against a striker who knows how to pull you about and create space, you’re in trouble.

“If Newcastle are on it, which they should be, any ball over the top will have Eric Dier scrambling.

“Wilson will fancy that I’m sure. He loves scoring and he has a great chance to get a couple in my opinion.”

The Verdict: Difficult task

Spurs have not been in the best form this season, losing three of their first seven Premier League matches (Sky Sports). However, they are doing considerably better than the Magpies, who are without a win in any competition this term. The Tynesiders may have been taken over by a Saudi Arabian consortium in recent days, but they will not be able to spend any of the money now at their disposal until January (BBC).

Newcastle’s leading scorer last season with 12 goals, £19.8m-valued Wilson (Transfermarkt) is the best striker at Steve Bruce’s disposal right now, and having the England international available would provide his team with a massive boost. Spurs have conceded 10 goals in the Premier League already, so Nuno Espirito Santo and his team could indeed be in for a challenging Sunday afternoon if the 29-year-old is fit to feature for the visit of the north Londoners to St James’ Park.

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In other news, Jose Mourinho’s stance on this Tottenham midfielder has been praised.

Kevin Campbell believes Luke Ayling’s lengthy injury absence is a huge blow for Leeds United, after news emerged that the defender required surgery.

The Lowdown: Ayling missing for Leeds

The 30-year-old hasn’t featured for the Whites since the 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United last month, having picked a knee issue.

Ayling is to be missing for a considerable period after the news broke last week that he needed surgery, with an absence of around six weeks expected, meaning it will be well into the hectic winter fixture schedule before he returns.

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The Latest: Pundit bemoans absence

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell, a regular on Sky Sports, highlighted Ayling’s importance to Leeds, outlining why he will be such a big loss in the coming period:

“He’ll be a big miss if he’s out for that long. Leeds have some crucial fixtures coming up after the internationals.

“Ayling is Mr. Reliable and you will only ever see him out of the side if he’s got a bad injury. He’s been brilliant for them over the past couple of seasons and has been virtually ever-present.

“Injuries happen to everybody though. It is so important to have a player who can plug the gap until he is back.

“Shackleton has been very good but I still think they will really miss Ayling. He is a fantastic player who can chip in with a goal or two as well. He’s so consistent at right-back and consistency is the key. He gives you a seven or eight out of 10 every week.”

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The Verdict: Huge loss for Whites

Ayling has been a fantastic servant for Leeds and there is no denying that they lose a lot when he isn’t in the team.

The 30-year-old possesses a big character and leadership from right-back, but he also brings so much energy and quality, both in an attacking and defensive sense.

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Ayling’s screamer at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season showed what he is capable of ability-wise, but he has averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game in the Premier League this season, too, which is really where he shines.

In other news, a pundit has been critical of one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool are ‘leading the race’ to sign Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham next summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Huge future for Bellingham

England have lots of supreme young talent at the moment, from Trent Alexander-Arnold to Phil Foden, but Bellingham is arguably as exciting as anyone.

The 18-year-old has already made 55 appearances for Dortmund, despite his tender age, and he looks a complete midfielder, scoring in his side’s Champions League win away to Besiktas earlier this month.

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The Latest: Liverpool in pole position

It could be that the Bundesliga outfit cash in on the £49.5million-rated Bellingham before too long, and according to the Daily Star, Liverpool are the frontrunners to sign him.

He has already been hailed as the ‘most serious 18-year-old I’ve ever seen’ and a ‘great footballer’ by Germany legend and Dortmund teammate Mats Hummels, as he develops into quite clearly one of the brightest young talents in the world.

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The Verdict: Potential game-changer

Bellingham looks like a genuinely special footballer who could have an enormous future, so Liverpool’s interest is undoubtedly exciting.

The Reds’ midfield will be in need of fresh blood next summer, with Jordan Henderson and Thiago now in their 30s and the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain unreliable in the injury department.

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Bellingham has the athleticism and technical ability to thrive anywhere in midfield – he has averaged 1.2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the Bundesliga this season – and could perhaps develop into the Steven Gerrard replacement Reds fans have been waiting for.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are worried about a photo that has emerged. Read more here.

Aston Villa are once again interested in signing Reading midfielder John Swift amid suggestions that contract talks have stalled between him and the Royals.

What’s the story?

The former England U21 international was the subject of intense speculation over the course of the summer transfer window back in 2020, with reports even going so far as to claim that Villa were ready to make a bid for him.

While a deal failed to materialise back then, Football League World now claim that Dean Smith’s side are one of a number of teams keeping tabs on Swift’s situation at Reading.

It’s claimed that with the midfielder entering the final year of his contract, the Championship club have yet to agree a new deal with him, and thus opening the door to a potential move away.

Could be another John McGinn

Swift has a track record of being someone who can offer a goal-scoring threat from midfield much like McGinn has proven himself to be over the past few seasons, managing an impressive 58 goal contributions in 171 games for the club – in fact, his start to the current campaign for Reading has actually been quite incredible, netting seven in eight matches in the Championship as well as chipping in with four assists too.

Speaking back in August after a 2-1 win over Preston, Royals manager, Veljko Paunovic, said: “Now he’s back, it is important we keep him healthy and motivated as he is now because that will help us a lot.

“He is super talented and he showed an urgency that he wanted to decide the game. The first couple of passes to Azeez and Joao were fantastic vision and execution of the final pass – something we’ve missed in the past. We missed those slick combinations through the middle when we progress forward so that’s something we have to keep up.”

While McGinn has hardly been a Frank Lampard-esque midfielder in terms of his sheer number of goals – he’s contributed to 33 goals in 115 matches for Villa – he does pop up with some big goals in big games, not least scoring against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City last season.

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The £3.6m-rated Swift could offer Villa another midfielder with some of the same attacking instincts as McGinn in the engine room.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have another exciting academy starlet in this teenager…