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Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has been discussing David Coote’s decision to rule out Luke Ayling’s goal in Leeds United’s victory over Fulham.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side picked up a 2-1 win at Craven Cottage last Friday in what represented an impressive result against a team who have improved in recent months.

Patrick Bamford and Raphinha got the goals for Leeds prior to this week’s international break taking place and a number of players being afforded a rest.

As seems to be the case far too often, however, the Whites’ victory couldn’t be completed without controversy, with VAR again taking centre stage at one point.

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Halsey discusses VAR decision

Ayling thought he had given his side the lead in the first half, only for Coote to rule it out on advise from VAR.

Speaking to This Is Futbol, Halsey gave his take on the incident, claiming that the rule needs to be changed outright:

“The one thing is with VAR, it’s back to you’re off, or you’re on. The new handball law has made this offside law; they now measure the line with the armpit and the t-shirt line so that now comes into play because you can score now with that part of the arm.

“So for me, it’s got to be looked at; the whole of the arm has got to be included in handball, not just down to the t-shirt line. That’s why [we see] a lot of these goals ruled out, and we don’t want to be seeing them ruled out because ultimately, fans are important to the game want to be entertained and see goals.

“Now, we put these lines down, and they put them across, and for me, if you cannot tell with a naked eye on the first replay that it’s offside and it takes 2/3/4/5/6 looks, then we’ve got to be [giving the goal].

“Take away the lines, use the naked eye, you can tell straight away whether he’s off or on and obviously, we need to change the handball law to the whole of the arm, and that nullifies the t-shirt line and the armpit for judging offsides.”

Transfer Tavern take

It was the latest in an endless stream of baffling decisions this season, with the offside rule proving to be particularly head-scratching.

The hope is that it is ironed out moving forward in order to stop VAR being discussed negatively on such a regular basis.

In other news, one Premier League manager has paid Leeds a huge compliment – find out who it is and what he said here.

Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to reports that Liverpool are lining up Steven Gerrard to replace Jurgen Klopp as manager.

Gerrard has led the Gers to a fantastic campaign so far. As it stands, the Ibrox outfit are 18 points clear at the top of the Premiership with eight matches left to play (BBC), meaning they are on the verge of winning their first title in 10 years. Also, they are in the Europa League round of 16, where they will face Slavia Prague.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are struggling after winning the league title for the first time in 30 years. They are currently sixth in the Premier League table and have a fight on their hands just to make the Champions League.

As such, The Mirror has suggested Gerrard could be brought in to replace Klopp, who may be interested in taking over from Joachim Low as Germany boss. This has attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters, with many branding the speculation as nonsense.

They took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

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

“There’s no danger Liverpool are sacking Klopp. Last 2 years he’s won C.L. & P.L. Injuries have been a huge factor in their performances this season. Also , they’ve waited decades on a manager that could deliver the title. And anyway ,Gerrard’s OURS”

Credit: @Michael29109661

“Klopp will not be leaving Liverpool this summer and Gerrard ain’t leaving rangers. It’s a non story. Move on”

Credit: @GavinWilson72

“The last and most pathetic attempt to derail our title push. A pure riddy story.”

Credit: @2morewins

“thought the beano was the best comic until you read this”

Credit: @iangers

“”If” ahhh the desperation, Gerrard here for #55.”

Credit: @racingfront

“Fake news…… Low is contracted to the German FA to Nov 22 & to Qatar Why would he be leaving the German national team? Fake news”

Credit: @joe_black1509

In other news, Rangers fans slam this journalist’s tweet.

According to a report by The Mirror, Jose Mourinho is eyeing a move for Southampton colossus Jannik Vestergaard this summer as he makes the signing of a central defender a top priority – and it’s Tottenham’s belief they can land themselves a bargain as the 6 foot 6 powerhouse enters the final year of his contract. 

Jose eyeing Vestergaard

The Denmark international is reportedly a wanted man by Mourinho after a solid season, with Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl arguably missing him when he was reduced to the sidelines through injury.

As per The Mirror, Tottenham have been very impressed with everything Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has brought to the club and could wish to swoop for another bargain addition from the south coast club.

It is reported that Mourinho personally believes Vestergaard could bring the desired surety in defence which Spurs have arguably lacked at times this season, and Tottenham view him as a possible bargain given his contract situation.

Transfer Tavern take

It’s hard not to see why the Lilywhites boss is a fan judging by recent plaudits, with Martin Keown likening Vestergaard to Virgil van Dijk in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT.

As well as this, former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood hailed the 28-year-old as ‘outstanding’ for his Southampton contribution this season when speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday at the end of January (via HITC).

The giant Dane has won 3.6 headers per game this season, the most of any Saints player and more than anyone in Spurs’ squad.

Time will tell whether Mourinho manages to land Vestergaard in the summer, but he certainly seems interested and could be a decent addition

In other news: Tottenham have been sent a Harry Kane warning, find out more here.

Many Everton fans have been left lauding a transfer update involving their former player Morgan Feeney.

As per the official website of Carlisle United, the 21-year-old has joined the EFL League Two team on a short-term deal which keeps him there until the end of the 2020/21 term.

Feeney left the Goodison Park faithful on a free transfer to sign for Sunderland back in August of last year, and now he has left the Black Cats to join Carlisle.

The central defender won the U21 Premier League twice with the Merseyside club, and made two appearances in the first team in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League in the 2017/18 season.

It never really quite worked out at the Toffees, but that did not stop the Goodison faithful from showing their support for the move.

Everton fan reaction to Feeney transfer

These Blues lauded the transfer on Twitter, with one EFC supporter branding it as ‘wonderful’ while another even went as far as to claim that he is an ‘outstanding’ young player:

“He is a really good player and a leader too. Pathway blocked at Everton but an outstanding young player.”

Credit: @DavidHoward5

“You’ve got yourselves a good potentially great player there…Best of luck Morgan…”

Credit: @vaughanieno10

“Congratulations Morgan. Win them that league!”

Credit: @DaveMbootlebuck

“Good luck Morgan cracking player”

Credit: @Sungy_1878

“Best of luck to Morgan in his new adventure. He’s a top Toffee too.”

Credit: @CheersColin

“That is wonderful”

Credit: @toffeemanUSA

In other news, find out what transfer update has been lauded by Everton fans here!

Crystal Palace could be in danger of losing Wilfried Zaha in the near future.

What’s the word?

The Ivory Coast international is enjoying a prolific campaign at Selhurst Park this season, having made 19 Premier League appearances with nine goals and two assists to show for his 19 starts.

The 28-year-old has been linked with moves in the past but as things stand, he has not bee able to secure a move away.

However, Roy Hodgson believes he still harbours ambitions of playing in the Champions League and that he will face a fight to keep the club’s top goalscorer in the summer.

When asked whether he believes Zaha will stay at Palace for the rest of his career, Hodgson said: “No, I would think he still has a lot of ambitions. I think this was a very unusual transfer window, there wasn’t much going on if we’re to be honest, and there certainly weren’t many big money moves. A lot of the transfers involved loans or loans with a view to buy.

“I think when the market opens up again, Wilf Zaha will once again be a name on many managers’ and sporting directors’ lips.

“I think Wilf will retain his ambition to play Champions League football and do things that we’ve not been able to give him while he’s been playing here. But I’m hoping and believing also that the club will still be trying to persuade him that what you need to get out of football you can get here. How that will pan out, I really couldn’t say, it’s pure speculation.”

Hold firm

Whilst Christian Benteke has been linked with a move away from the Eagles in recent months – reports had even suggested West Brom tried to prise him away from Selhurst Park in the January transfer window – the potential loss of Zaha, who earns wages worth £130,000-per-week, would be more significant.

He has for so often been instrumental for The Eagles. Hodgson’s side, in fact, have yet to win a game without him this season.

Since re-joining the club after an ill-fated stint at Old Trafford, their talismanic attacker has come on leaps and bounds under Hodgson, having scored 32 goals in 132 appearances across all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

For context, Benteke has only managed to score 26 times in 131 games since arriving at Selhurst Park from Liverpool for £27m in 2016.

It’s no surprise then that Zaha has won the Crystal Palace Player of the Year award three times, with his current teammate James McArthur once branding him “unplayable.”

This is precisely why Palace chairman Steve Parish simply can’t afford to lose the £45m-rated hitman. He just means too much to the club and the fanbase both on and off the pitch.

AND in other news, Sean Dyche could be an ideal heir to Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace…

As the January transfer window draws near, Leeds United could be forced to scour the market for even more new signings. Despite their fruitful summer haul, Marcelo Bielsa currently finds himself with just one fit senior centre-back ahead of their clash with Burnley at the weekend.

His defence is undoubtedly where the Argentinian must focus his attention, but his attacking options could also do with some love. At the moment, Leeds’ only major source of goals is Patrick Bamford, which isn’t good enough for a side looking to survive in the Premier League.

Despite all their options out wide, the Whites are struggling to leave their mark when it comes to getting forward. However, there is a man that Leeds have been linked with who could help solve these worries.

Leeds interested in Ryan Christie

According to 90min, Ryan Christie has attracted a lot of attention from the Premier League. Both Leeds and Leicester are reported to be considering tabling an offer for the Scot’s services. Should the right one come Celtic’s way, Peter Lawwell might be forced into selling up, especially following the Glasgow outfit’s inconsistent form this season and the financial impact of their European exit.

Christie has contributed four goals and ten assists to his side’s campaign so far, along with his iconic performance for Scotland in their Euro qualifying win over Serbia last month. His influence on his country, along with his versatility to play in both midfield and on the wing, have seemingly made him a very hot target ahead of the January window.

Indeed, he recently received top praise from Chris Sutton, who lauded the £8,000 per week gem as a “manager’s dream”.

Christie would be a great addition to this Leeds side if Celtic are willing to let him go and Victor Orta must make him a priority for the club’s winter shopping. The 25-year-old’s attacking influence would be ideal in support of Bamford, who is extremely overworked in Bielsa’s front-line.

In other news, Orta must move for “real talent” Michael Olise to replace Forshaw…

Celtic will soon be shifting their attention to who they can entice to Parkhead to bolster their chances of snatching their crown back from Rangers next season. The runaway Premiership leaders have a whopping 20-point advantage at the moment and look all but nailed on to break Celtic’s nine year successive run.

If the Bhoys are to bounce back, they’ll need to add new personnel to their struggling squad. The likes of Diego Laxalt, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Shane Duffy are all set to return to their parent clubs this summer, unless Celtic make their moves permanent.

The latter has been less than impressive since his loan transfer from Brighton and there have been talks of the club terminating the relationship early.

With links between the Glaswegians and Preston North End’s Ben Davies, the centre-back looks to be in trouble. If this move goes through, Neil Lennon will have no need for Duffy moving forwards.

Celtic must move for Ben Davies

According to The Star, the Hoops are keen admirers of the centre-back, who would reportedly command a £10million transfer fee. Whilst this may be viewed as a steep price for Celtic, their defence is an area that is in serious need of some attention.

Kristoffer Ajer continues to be linked with a move away from Glasgow and Duffy’s eventual departure will leave Lennon with just Christopher Jullien and Hatem Abd Elhamed as their natural centre-halves.

Signing Davies would be an immediate upgrade on Duffy, who has put in some calamitous performances this season – again last night, he was rated as the second-worst player on the pitch for the Bhoys by SofaScore in the 2-2 draw with Livingston. According to WhoScored, the Preston ace’s defensive stats have already been stronger than the Irishman’s this season.

Davies currently averages more clearances, interceptions and tackles per match and commits less fouls than Duffy. Although the latter has more defensive contributions, Celtic need their central defenders to be exactly that. They have shipped 18 league goals so far this season, just one fewer than the previous campaign with 11 games still to play.

The Hoops also conceded a whopping 19 goals in their short Europa League run, the joint-most in the group stages alongside Ludogorets and Dundalk.

Nick Hammond must prioritise a new defensive signing and Davies could be a fine fit for the struggling Scottish giants.

In other news, Signing Benjamin Siegrist would be the end of Scott Bain…

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish has told Ibrox News that Steven Gerrard will regret not signing Lyndon Dykes.

Dykes the one that got away

The Gers were heavily linked with Dykes over the summer before he eventually moved to QPR for a fee believed to be in the region of £2m.

Discussing the 54-time Scottish champions’ interest in the 25-year-old, McLeish appears to believe that the Gers should have done more to secure his services. He said:

“I don’t really want to criticise Rangers because they’ve done so well in strengthening their squad over the summer.

“And you can’t argue with signing Kemar Roofe.

“I’ve got to say, though, that I felt that Dykes was someone they would go for, in terms of the squad.

“Back in the day when I was at Rangers and we had a successful period, I brought it Kris Boyd and Steven Thompson, and they were both confident and knew their way around the Scottish game.

“They may think that that’s one they missed out on with Dykes but Steven Gerrard is the only one who can really answer that.”

Doing well without him

It has been a good few months for Australia-born Dykes. Since his move to London, he has three goals in nine matches for the Rs, and he also has two strikes in six caps for Scotland after making his international debut this season. He has also received plenty of praise, with QPR boss Mark Warburton saying his work-ethic is “outstanding”.

However, it doesn’t seem like the Gers are missing his signature. They are currently top of the Premiership by nine points, whilst they are also joint-top of their Europa League group. In fact, they have not lost a single game in 20 matches in all competitions. Whilst Dykes may be a good player, he does not appear to be someone Gerrard is crying out for.

In other news, Rangers fans react to this big club announcement.

Paulo Dybala to Tottenham Hotspur. It’s that time again, folks…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the £45m-rated Juventus star has been offered to several Premier League teams ahead of the January transfer window, including to Spurs once again.

Dybala came close to joining the north Londoners in 2019 before image rights proved to be the major stumbling block preventing a record-breaking deal.

With the 27-year-old entering the final 18 months of his contract in Turin, his representatives have been in contact with England’s ‘big six,’ though it’s also claimed that the Serie A champions would like to tie him down to an extension.

Resist the urge, Levy…

And perhaps Spurs should let them do it.

Since the summer, Dybala has gone from superstar to a faltering flop – he has bagged just one goal in 569 minutes of action in all competitions, leading to scathing criticism in the Italian press.

Just this weekend, La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed he was “slow and useless” during their win over Torino, in which Dybala started alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in attack, whilst Corriere della Sera compared him to a “vintage player” for being “too slow” (via JuveFC).

It wasn’t too long ago that the Argentinian international was being compared to the late Maradona by Juventus legend Michel Platini. Even Alessandro del Piero dubbed him a player of “extraordinary quality.”

But clearly, things haven’t gone to plan in 2020 for the former Levy target. Indeed, Spurs dodged a massive bullet then, and they should look to snub his advances this time around, no matter how tempting it’ll be.

It is not like Jose Mourinho’s league-leaders even need a player of stature anymore either, he’d merely be another Erik Lamela, especially with his recent injury record (he has missed 57 days of action since last season alone).

The Portuguese boss secured a new back-up to Harry Kane in Carlos Vinicius whilst Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele have finally emerged as potential options in the hole.

Despite his struggles this term, the Italian giants would undoubtedly still want a huge fee for his signature and that is not something worth risking on Levy’s part.

AND in other news, Forget Kane and Son, £85k-p/w titan ran the show vs the Gunners…

Aside from the FA Cup and Community Shield victories since taking over as Arsenal manager, one of the main hallmarks of Mikel Arteta’s almost one-year in charge has been his willingness to play the youngsters.

The likes of Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah have been given a lot of game-time under his stewardship, with the former even being named as part of the 20-man shortlist for the Golden Boy award following his performances for the club.

Naturally, attentions will turn towards who could be the next break-out star to come out from the Hale End academy, and there is one midfield starlet who is already making waves: Ben Cottrell.

Spot the fact from the fib: Are these Premier League records true or false?

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The 18-year-old featured in the Gunners first-team’s pre-season clash against MK Dons earlier in the summer, and has started the new campaign like a house on fire for the U23s side.

Capable of playing in holding midfield and slightly further forward, Cottrell’s technical skills and ability to drive forward is very reminiscent of former Arsenal prospect Jack Wilshere.

In the five games that he has played this season for the U23s, he has also shown a real knack of getting into the box and picking out the right pass too, scoring twice and providing one assist too.

Speaking back in the summer of 2018, Cottrell himself outlined his own playing style, saying: “I enjoy making and scoring goals but midfielders need to make a contribution defending and that comes naturally to me because of my time as a defender. But it’s an area I want to develop further. I like to learn from players like Steven Gerrard who could make and score goals but was phenomenal defensively too.”

Even with Thomas Partey’s deadline day arrival from Atletico Madrid, there isn’t too much competition for places in the Arsenal midfield, with Arteta only having the likes of Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny, Dani Ceballos and Joe Willock at his disposal.

There is a real chance for Cottrell to kick on this season and become the next jewel in Arteta’s crown.

And in other news, this Arsenal ace’s exit was a fantastic Unai Emery decision.