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When Slavisa Jokanovic took over the reins at Sheffield United earlier this summer, it was clear that the Blades board had appointed the 53-year-old with the sole aim of securing an immediate return to the Premier League.

However, after three games in charge of the club, the Serbian manager finds his United side in the Championship relegation zone, with the club’s most recent defeat, a 4-0 hammering by Valerien Ismael’s West Bromwich Albion side, being an extremely worrying result for everyone involved with the club.

Indeed, over the course of the 90 minutes, it never truly looked as if the Blades were going to get something out of the game, with Jack Robinson’s 26th-minute own goal giving the hosts the lead, which Albion stretched further with three quickfire second-half strikes from Dara O’Shea, Alex Mowatt and former Sheffield United forward Callum Robinson.

In terms of individual performances, perhaps unsurprisingly, none of the Blades players had what could be deemed as a good game, with only Chris Basham and Ben Osborn receiving a SofaScore match rating of 7.00.

On the other hand, there were a number of disastrous displays, with stand-in goalkeeper Michael Verrips earning a 5.1 SofaScore rating and Jack Robinson receiving a 5.8, however, it was arguably David McGoldrick’s performance that was the most disappointing of the evening.

Indeed, over the 33-year-old’s 57 minutes on the pitch, the £1.35m-rated centre-forward missed both of United’s two big chances, mustered no shots on target, completed a grand total of five passes and touched the ball just 19 times.

The £27k-per-week man also won just two of his 12 duels – a win rate of 16% – lost possession of the ball eight times and conceded one foul – for which he received a yellow card.

These returns saw McGoldrick earn an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 5.5, which, if it were not for Verrips shipping four goals, would have seen the striker rank as Jokanovic’s worst player in the fixture.

As such, it would be a difficult argument to make that the veteran forward did not let his manager and teammates down on Wednesday evening, with the 33-year-old certainly having to up his level of performance going forwards if he and his side are to have any hope of securing promotion this season.

In other news: Bye Ramsdale: Jokanovic must sanction Sheff Utd swoop for “incredible” £14k-p/w beast

Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes West Brom fans might see a loan move for Alex Palmer this summer.

The 25-year-old featured in West Brom’s recent Carabao Cup match against Arsenal and has also played for the Baggies in Premier League 2 against Fulham.

There has been plenty of speculation this summer about West Brom number one Sam Johnstone, with BBC Sport reporting that West Brom turned down a £10m bid from West Ham United for the shot-stopper.

Baggies manager Valerien Ismael spoke to the Express and Star about a new contract for Johnstone and said: “We have a good feeling, but we need to be patient on that.”

Apart from the opening day of the season against AFC Bournemouth, Johnstone has started in goal for West Brom in the Championship, which has seen Palmer’s game time limited and Hatfield believes because of that, it’s possible he might head out on loan.

“You might see a loan move for someone like Alex Palmer who is not going to see many minutes as third-choice goalkeeper this season,” Hatfield told Football FanCast.

Palmer has had a couple of fantastic loan spells in the previous couple of years. He was with Plymouth Argyle in 2019/2020 when they were promoted from League Two, playing 41 games for the Pilgrims in all competitions and keeping 15 clean sheets.

Palmer then spent last season with Lincoln City in League One and featured 57 times for them, keeping 21 clean sheets and helping them to reach the play-off final at Wembley.

If Palmer isn’t going to get game time this season in the first team, then a temporary move away from the Hawthorns may be beneficial for him.

Newcastle United are now reportedly eyeing a move for Valencia centre-back Mouctar Diakhaby before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Centre-back wanted

The St. James’ Park faithful are after a new central defender, with the likes of Ozan Kabak and Phil Jones recently being linked.

However, with the deadline just a few days away, they need to act fast if they are going to bring one in, and Steve Bruce has admitted funds are running thin.

The Latest: Diakhaby eyed

As per AS, the North East club have not ruled out the possibility of signing Diakhaby, who sees Tyneside as a ‘good destination’ for him.

The Valencia ace wants to play in the Premier League, and would cost Bruce’s team a fee in the region of between €8-10m (£6.9-8.6m) in order to secure his signature.

The Verdict: Sign

At 24 years of age, Diakhaby has not reached his peak yet, and so potentially paying a mere £6.9m for him would represent good business by the Magpies.

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With a six-foot-three frame, he would offer them a threat in both boxes and should have few problems in coping with the physical demands of the top flight.

Nonetheless, having played in the UEFA Champions League with two different sides (Transfermarkt), Diakhaby has experience of playing at the highest level, and so should raise the games of those around him.

In other news, find out who NUFC have been urged not to let go after transfer talk here!

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes the Magpies need to steer well clear of Salomon Rondon this summer.

The Dalian Professional striker, who spent a season on loan at Newcastle back in 2018-19, has been linked with a return to England.

According to The Sun, Rondon is attracting a lot of Premier League interest, including from ex-manager Rafael Benitez and Everton.

Howey, however, has warned his old side not to get involved, suggesting that Rondon has probably regressed after spending time playing outside one of the big leagues.

“I would steer clear of him if I’m being honest,” the ex-Newcastle centre-half told TT. “I mean, I thought he did really well at Newcastle. But without being disrespectful, the Chinese league is not the best standard in the world.

“It’s certainly not the Premier League. Players don’t go there to better themselves; the only thing they better is their bank balance.”

One injury to Callum Wilson, who managed to score 12 goals in the Premier League last season, and Newcastle suddenly do look very weak up front.

They certainly could do with another striker when you look at the goal records of Joelinton and Dwight Gayle in English football’s top flight. From Howey’s point of view, though, Rondon is probably not the answer.

Leeds United could sign an ideal Kalvin Phillips alternative in Spurs’ Harry Winks amid David Norris’ recent transfer claim.

What’s the story?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay had recently revealed that Marcelo Bielsa’s side rejected the opportunity to bring the England international to Elland Road on loan this season, but Norris believes that the midfielder would have been a success with the Whites.

The former Leeds midfield exclusively told Football FanCast: “I think so yeah, he’s a quality player and we’ve said before that Leeds need a little bit more back-up in that area and with what he’s done at Spurs I would have thought that would have been a good fit, a good move.”

Kalvin Phillips alternative

The £18m-rated ace has previously drawn rave reviews from his former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino about his style of play, with the Argentine even comparing him to a couple of Spanish icons.

The current Paris Saint-Germain coach said: “Harry has the profile of the perfect midfield player. His characteristics are perfect. When we talk about midfielders like Xavi and (Andres) Iniesta, he’s like this type of player. He has this capacity but he needs to take my words in a very positive way — he needs a lot of work.”

While that Xavi comparison certainly seems far-fetched given how the Spurs midfielder’s career has stalled, Winks still hasn’t lost his calmness in possession and has averaged a superb career passing accuracy of 89.4% – better than any Leeds player who featured for more than 90 minutes last season aside from the rarely-used Jamie Shackleton.

Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson has previously suggested that Winks could be a superb alternative to Phillips.

He said: “One player I would love to see at Leeds in the Kalvin Phillips role is Harry Winks. He’s not been given his opportunity at Spurs, I think he is a fantastic player. Not only can he do the Phillips role, he can play in midfield as well,

“Someone with Winks’ quality would really add something to that Leeds side. He is able to play more advanced but can do the Phillips role when he’s not available. I would love to see Winks at Elland Road next season.”

Dean Windass has also previously thrown his weight behind a potential Leeds move for Winks, saying that Bielsa’s coaching ability could be exactly what Winks needs.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I think if Bielsa does stay and brings in his own players, they will be a top four or top six side, and Harry Winks could get into any of them teams. He’s Bielsa’s sort of player.”

If there’s an opportunity for the Whites go back in for him in January, then they should certainly do so.

Meanwhile, this Leeds ace has seen his market value decrease dramatically…

Taking to Twitter, reliable reporter Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard has shared yet more injury news involving Tottenham Hotspur superstar Son Heung-min.

The Lowdown: Spurs sweating over Son…

Lilywhites boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been cryptic to say the very least in regards to Son’s fitness whilst stating that he is yet to receive an official diagnosis by the club.

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The 29-year-old injured himself in training when on international duty with South Korea during the last break, causing him to miss Tottenham’s return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday as Nuno’s side crashed to a 3-0 defeat.

Sharing the latest on Son, Kilpatrick has now dropped an update – and it doesn’t look good for Spurs, who must also cope with injuries to Steven Bergwijn and Eric Dier.

The Latest: Kilpatrick shares Son update…

Taking to Twitter, the reporter has shared some news on the superstar forward in what could be a major blow for manager Nuno prior to next Sunday’s showdown with Champions League holders Chelsea.

Kilpatrick claimed that, after missing the Palace game on Saturday, Son isn’t expected to be fit for Spurs’ clash against their west London rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next weekend either.

“Hear Son not fit today and not expected to be for Chelsea”, the journalist explained on social media prior to the Selhurst Park defeat.

The Verdict: Major blow…

If the winger isn’t fit for next week’s all-London clash, it’s safe to say this comes as a major blow for Nuno and Spurs supporters.

Bar Harry Kane, the South Korea ace marked himself out as a real key player for Tottenham last season – finishing second in the squad when it comes to goals and assists combined (WhoScored). He also has two goals already this term and has been the club’s best performer in the early weeks of the campaign according to WhoScored metrics.

Furthermore, he was named in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year alongside Kane for 2020/21, leaving Nuno with a gaping hole going forward as he aims to get one over on the European champions next weekend.

In other news: ‘Sell’, ‘Useless’, ‘Giving me a migraine’ – Many Tottenham fans blast ‘awful, awful’ ace vs Palace, it’s not Davies or Tanganga…find out more here.

Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern it is unfair to criticise Axel Tuanzebe too much for his display in Aston Villa’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea.

The 23-year-old struggled to cope with Romelu Lukaku, who left him for dead before grabbing the first of his two goals that day.

It was a performance that drew criticism from multiple Villa supporters, with some taking to social media to make their feelings clear.

However, Palmer has called for some perspective, claiming that the young defender was up against one of the best No.9s in world football right now.

“You’re talking about one of the in-form strikers in the world and probably one of the top five strikers in the world, maybe in the top two or three,” the ex-Leeds United player said.

“To play against Romelu Lukaku now, you’ve got to be top drawer to deal with him. He can roll you, he’s got the pace, he’s got the strength and he can bully you. It’s unfair to label too much heavy criticism on the kid.”

Lukaku already has four goals in all competitions for Chelsea since returning to the club. Tuanzebe will not be the only Premier League defender this season who struggles to deal with him, so the Manchester United loanee probably should be given some slack after that tough day out at Stamford Bridge.

Armstrong Oko-Flex continued his fine form for West Ham’s youth team this week.

The 19-year-old winger bagged the winner for the U21s against Ipswich Town in their Papa John’s Southern Group A opener on Tuesday night, which added to his three goals in four games in the Premier League 2 this campaign.

Oko-Flex was one of many signings this summer as David Moyes managed to secure him on a free transfer after his contract expired at Scottish giants Celtic.

Born in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland youth international is said to be ‘skilful, quick and sharp in front of goal’ and he cites players like Ronaldinho, the Brazilian Ronaldo and Jay-Jay Okocha as key influences growing up, so the Hammers could well have a very exciting starlet on their hands.

The teenager looked cool and collected as he stepped up to convert the winner from the spot in the final minute of regulation at Portman Road, and his impressive performance caught the eye of many supporters.

“Generational” and “star boy” were just two phrases used to describe him, whilst much of the Irons faithful were eager to see him promoted to the first-team, as relayed by Hammers.News.

And that’s exactly what Moyes should do.

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers was at Celtic Park when Oko-Flex arrived at the club and he lauded the youngster as “very talented” to the Celtic View (via The Scottish Sun).

We’ve seen in recent times that the former Chelsea coach knows a player when he sees one – you only have to look at the Foxes’ rise under his tenure to see that.

Oko-Flex caught the eye during pre-season and U23s head coach Dmitri Halajko waxed lyrical after his display against non-league Aldershot Town.

“His finishing is fantastic,” he said. “When he came on trial from Celtic, that was the first thing that really caught our eye in training, which was his finishing.

“He’s very clinical with really good technique and he’s shown that again tonight. He only had a couple of really clear-cut chances and he certainly made them count.”

A clinical player in front of goal, in a time that Moyes needs someone to provide the perfect foil upfront? It surely makes perfect sense to integrate the teenager into the first-team setup.

Having looked unfazed during pre-season with the senior squad, Oko-Flex must be promoted sooner rather than later. He could be a big help to the Hammers as the fixture congestion kicks in.

AND in other news, Moyes could save West Ham millions for years with 21 y/o who’s “one hell of a player”…

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will be without Callum McGregor against Raith Rovers, while Giorgos Giakoumakis is also unlikely to start, Alison Conroy reports.

The Lowdown: Poor run of form

The Hoops go into Thursday’s League Cup quarter-final off the back of four defeats in five games in all competitions.

Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Livingston now means it’s seven months without a domestic away win, with the Hoops making their worst league start in 23 years.

Captain McGregor and Giakoumakis both missed the loss to Livingston, and it seems as if the pair will both be missing from the starting lineup against Raith Rovers.

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The Latest: Conroy’s post

Reliable reporter Conroy took to Twitter on Wednesday, just over 24 hours before the meeting to share updates on the pair.

Postecoglou admitted that McGregor will miss the meeting at Parkhead, while Giakoumakis is unlikely to start.

“Ange Postecoglou says Callum McGregor won’t be back for Celtic’s League Cup tie v Raith Rovers. Giorgos Giakoumakis is in the squad for tomorrow night’s game but unlikely to start.”

The Verdict: Not ideal

A cup quarter-final won’t be straightforward, regardless of the opposition, so having the pair missing from the starting lineup could be a big blow.

Giakoumakis is still yet to feature for Celtic after his summer move, so the clash against Raith Rovers could have been the perfect opportunity to announce himself to the Parkhead crowd from the off.

He may still get the chance to feature, potentially from the bench, should he make it, unlike McGregor, but it appears as if Albian Ajeti could be the man to lead the line once again for Celtic.

In other news: Celtic icon smiles and reveals whether he would replace McKay at Parkhead.

A number of Wolves supporters are excited after they were linked with an audacious move for Napoli and Italy winger Lorenzo Insigne.

Bruno Lage’s side picked up a vital three points on Sunday afternoon, winning 1-0 away to Southampton to move up to 14th in the Premier League.

Raul Jimenez’s second-half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides, on what was a much-needed positive day at the office.

The hope is of course that Wolves are eyeing up potential new signings to take them up another level in the future though, and according to journalist Ekrem Konur [via Talking Wolves on Twitter], they are keen on the idea of bringing Insigne to Molineux.

The £43.2million-rated Italy Euro 2020 winner’s contract at Napoli expires at the end of the season, at which point he will be able to leave on a free transfer.

Wolves fans excited by Insigne rumour

These Wolves fans took to Twitter to show their excitement at the news.

“Imagine Insigne, Sanches and Botman in January”

Credit: @Ethanwwfc_

“I’m sorry, what now!? This would be insane. FORZA INSIGNE”

Credit: @LStradomsky

“Would be unreal but not happening”

Credit: @WolvesNumber37

“Wait there’s no way, if this happens then that’s mad”

Credit: @TheWaddd

“Yes please”

Credit: @Wolvoryan04

“Unreal player”

Credit: @mattywolves21

In other news, some Wolves fans have criticised one player’s performance against Southampton. Read more here.