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Wolverhampton Wanderers have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by BBC Sport, Willy Boly – who is yet to feature under Bruno Lage in the Premier League this season – is once again available for selection for the visit of Everton on Monday evening, as the centre-back has recovered from an illness which ruled him out of the 1-1 draw with Leeds United last weekend.

However, the report also goes on to confirm that Fernando Marcal will miss out once more due to a calf injury, while Everton will conduct late fitness tests on Yerry Mina, Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure are unavailable for the Toffees.

Fans will be buzzing

While Boly has not exactly been an ever-present figure in the Wolves backline this season, the news that the defender looks set to make a return to action against the Toffees on Monday night will nevertheless have the Molineux faithful buzzing.

Indeed, last season, the £9m-rated man highly impressed over his 21 Premier League appearances, helping his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, four clearances and winning 4.8 duels per game.

The Ivory Coast international also chipped in going forwards, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.7 shots per game.

These returns saw the £46k-per-week centre-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Wolves’ seventh-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, it is clear that, when given the opportunity, Boly can be an extremely important part of the Wolves backline, something that means, considering just how short of options Lage currently is in the position, the 30-year-old’s return is a major boost for the club ahead of the Everton clash.

In other news: 1 start all season: Lage must unleash “dangerous” £60k-p/w Wolves ace, he’d terrify Ev

Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Ralf Rangnick is not the favourite to take over at Manchester United, should the Red Devils part ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

As to be expected, a number of United supporters have been giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

Solskjaer’s position as manager appears to be under major threat following a 2-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City prior to the international break. Reports have suggested that United players and staff ‘believe’ the Norwegian will lose his job, with Rangnick – currently working as a director at Lokomotiv Moscow – emerging as the frontrunner to take over.

However, speaking on his YouTube channel, as relayed by The Daily Express, Romano claimed that Rangnick would want full power at Old Trafford. The 63-year-old is appreciated by the United board but is not thought to be a ‘main option’ to possibly take over from Solskjaer.

United fans react

@utdreport shared Romano’s update about Rangnick, which led to these fans giving their thoughts, with one labelling the news as ‘telling’ and another drawing comparisons with how Sir Alex Ferguson exerted total control during his time at Old Trafford.

“Crying myself to sleep, thanks a lot Fab”

Credit: @UtdSk_

“Sir Alex 2.0. The Glazers are scared.”

Credit: @rubenflorentin

“he would be perfect, give him the keys then he becomes a director. Glazers will never allow it though”

Credit: @CharI1e

“He’d fix us. Genuinely would.”

Credit: @findlay86605014

“Telling this. @ManUtd too afraid to put the football side of the club in the hands of someone with some real intelligence. Ignorance loves company I guess. What gets me is the pride, like the current regime has achieved so much over the last decade”

Credit: @TraffordTribune

“He’d be perfect, but we are a banter club now”

Credit: @hoxtalicious0

Tottenham Hotspur could be a potential destination for Dejan Kulusevski this January…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Calciomercato, who claim Spurs could be keen on signing the 18-cap Swedish attacking midfielder in the winter transfer window if chairman Daniel Levy is prepared to pay for him.

The Lilywhites’ new sporting director Fabio Paratici was the man to sign Kulusevksi in Turin back in January 2020, costing the Italian giants around €35m (£30m) plus add-ons rising to €44m (£37.5m).

Spurs may face competition from Serie A rivals Fiorentina and Atalanta, however.

Sign him up

The 21-year-old dynamo, who is valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, has fallen out of favour under Massimiliano Allegri this campaign, having been restricted to just two starts from 15 appearances.

Undoubtedly, it’s been hard for him to get going this term, so a fresh start elsewhere may be beneficial to his career.

Last season, Kulusevski registered 14 direct goal contributions across 47 matches in all competitions and did so playing no fewer than seven different roles, via Transfermarkt.

That versatility in the final third makes him a potentially dream signing for Spurs boss Antonio Conte, who is yet to settle on a system in north London. Whether he needs a man in the middle or wingers out wide, the Juventus star can do both, so that’s an attractive prospect.

According to experienced Italian coach Pierpaolo Bisoli, Kulusevski has shades of Mohamed Salah about him, he once said:

“He has incredible physical strength. He reminds me of a young Salah for the way he shakes off opponents in the first ten metres,” the former Bologna and Cesena boss claimed.

Meanwhile, Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside the Swede last season, believes he’s a “great talent” with “great potential.”

Spurs’ biggest issues lie in the final third, where they have not registered a shot on target in nearly four hours of football, whilst no other team is averaging fewer shots (10.1) per game in the Premier League, not even those in the relegation zone.

Also lauded as “explosive” by former Aston Villa striker Marcus Allback, an average of 1.8 shots and 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes throughout his career makes him a very firm candidate to help solve Conte’s immediate woes.

Paratici must look to re-sign his former Juventus man this January.

AND in other news, Forget Emerson: Conte may already have his next Moses in £18m-rated Spurs “nightmare”…

Spending significant sums of money is not something Crystal Palace have been able to do very often throughout their history, and when they have, it’s often gone wrong.

The likes of Mamadou Sakho and Christian Benteke were purchased for astronomical fees by the club’s standards, with little to show for the extensive outlay.

Things have changed somewhat since Patrick Vieira’s arrival over the summer, with a host of new and relatively expensive acquisitions already making huge impacts at Selhurst Park.

However, Palace’s history is littered with dozens of bargain buys who have helped them punch above their weight rather than record-breaking signings, and Jordan Ayew could be the best of them all.

Although the Ghana international might not be universally popular among some of the Eagles’ fanbase due to his lack of end product – he hasn’t scored a goal in any competition since 7 November 2020 – he has undoubtedly been outstanding value for money.

After enjoying a successful loan spell in south London throughout the 2018/19 campaign, Palace forked out a mere £2.5m to secure his services on a permanent basis from Swansea City.

“I am very happy to have returned. I really enjoyed myself last season,” he revealed upon his unveiling.

Previously, former Palace boss Roy Hodgson had said that Ayew had “played his part in the club securing its highest Premier League points tally in the last campaign”.

The following season, Ayew had arguably already paid back his lowly transfer fee, bagging nine goals and laying on a further two assists in 37 top-flight appearances, forming a promising partnership with Eagles talisman Wilfried Zaha.

Despite the goal contributions drying up since then, the £32,500-per-week wizard has seen his market value rise to £7.2m, meaning that Palace chairman Steve Parish could secure a healthy profit if he decides to part ways with Ayew next summer.

His intelligent pressing, incredible work rate and defensive contribution have made the Ghanaian a valuable asset to both Hodgson and Patrick Vieira, showing that Parish struck gold by picking him up for such a minimal fee.

In other news… 98% pass success: Palace beast shines on international duty, he’s now a “transformative force” 

Lautaro Martinez would be ‘really interested’ in a move to Tottenham Hotspur, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT. 

The lowdown

The 24-year-old Inter marksman has scored six goals in 10 Serie A starts this season. Overall, he has bagged 55 goals and provided 21 assists in 148 appearances for the Nerazzurri (via Transfermarkt).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-developments-2/” title=”Spurs developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Sky Sports reported during the summer that Spurs were willing to shell out £60m to secure Martinez’s signature, but his value may now have risen further after he penned a new £5m-per-year contract last month. Nevertheless, Jones has said that the Argentine is ‘someone they’re going to look back towards in January’.

According to FBRef, Martinez’s profile is similar to that of Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino, Chelsea’s Timo Werner and Juventus’ Alvaro Morata.

The latest

Jones told GIVEMESPORT that Martinez intends to test himself in England and reckons that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be an appealing destination.

The journalist said: “He’s got eyes on getting to the Premier League and I think that he would be really interested to join Spurs.”

The verdict

It looks as if Spurs may still be drawing up a succession plan for Harry Kane, who was of course the subject of serious interest from Manchester City in the summer.

Martinez isn’t the only Serie A striker with whom Spurs have been closely linked in recent days, as Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic has also been named as a target.

At 24 and 21 respectively, and with both boasting rich scoring records in the Italian top flight, they both seen to have the credentials to lead the line for Spurs in the long-term.

Indeed, Martinez features on the list of nominees for this year’s Ballon D’Or after helping Inter to the Serie A title, so imagine what a coup it would be for Conte to bring him to north London.

In other news, Fabio Paratici has made this exciting plea.

Steven Gerrard is reportedly keen on bringing Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres to Aston Villa.

That’s according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, and the links have naturally had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

According to Fichajes earlier this week, Torres is a player who Gerrard admires, with the new Villa boss keen on upgrading his centre-back options. It will cost around €50m (£42m) for Villarreal to part ways with the 24-year-old, who has also been attracting interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Torres appears to be at the top of his game, with a career-high £45m Transfermarkt valuation, and he reached 100 appearances for his current club earlier this month. Notably, his 89.1% passing accuracy rate in La Liga is better than anyone to have started a league match for Villa this term.

Villa fans react

Total Villa relayed Fichajes’ claim regarding Gerrard’s interest in Torres via Twitter early on Thursday morning.

Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply to the rumours, with one labelling a possible transfer as ‘immense’.

“Dream waiting to be shattered, Gerrard pull is going to be massive for us and it’s good to we’re looking at players like this not every Rangers player like other papers. Won’t happen but I can see Gerrard pulling in massive players like this for us.”

Credit: @Jamie_UTV

“Exactly what we need imo. A left footed fast, pacy, 6’3, ballplaying central defender. 42M?? Just get it done! Easy peasy!!”

Credit: @espenstrand

“If we could pull this off it would be immense for our team, looks like it would be the replacement for Mings as he’s a left CB but will depend on Mings’ form up until Jan”

Credit: @JMavfc82

“Would be a massive upgrade on Mings if we can pull this off”

Credit: @UTVlLLA

“Absolutely no chance”

Credit: @matty__jeff

“Surely he wouldn’t come to us”

Credit: @BenSpittle

In other news: ‘No way’ – Lots of Villa fans erupt as exit rumour emerges

Following on from their disappointing 3-0 defeat against Hartlepool United in the Papa John’s Trophy last week, Sheffield Wednesday are back in League One action tonight with an away clash against Portsmouth, who are currently just one place and one point behind the Owls.

With Wednesday still having the likes of Sam Hutchinson, Lewis Gibson and Dominic Iorfa ruled out injured but possibly having Dennis Adeniran, Liam Palmer and Marvin Johnson fit again, here’s how we feel Darren Moore could set his team up for tonight’s clash at Fratton Park, with six changes from the side which was downed by the Pools.

In goal, we think Moore will restore Bailey Peacock-Farrell to the team after giving Joe Wildsmith a runout against Hartlepool. 

In a back three, we can see the Owls boss bringing Chey Dunkley back into the side alongside Ciaran Brennan and Callum Paterson, replacing Jaden Brown after his unfortunate own goal in their 3-0 defeat against Hartlepool.

In the wing-back positions, with Theo Corbeanu being one of Wednesday’s shining lights in last week’s defeat in regards to his overall individual performance, we think Moore will reward him with another start here However, it could be on the left-hand side this time, replacing the underperforming Olamide Shodipo and with Jack Hunt starting on the right. 

In the three central midfield positions, we can see Lewis Wing being the only one to keep his place in the team from the Hartlepool game. Barry Bannan and Josh Windass, who is currently earning £12k-per-week according to Salary Sport, come in for George Byers and Oluwafisayo Dele-Bashiru. 

Up top, we think Moore will drop Sylla Sow after he failed to register even one shot at goal against the Pools, with Lee Gregory coming back in to play alongside Saido Berahino to see if they can secure a win for the Owls and push further up the table. 

Whatever team the manager picks, this will be a big match for his side tonight and one from which will be hoping to take all three points, with both teams seeking to push themselves closer to a promotion place.

In other news: Moore must unleash SWFC’s “outstanding” 19 y/o who’s “got a bit of everything” tonight

Some Everton fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news involving Max Aarons.

As per a report from earlier in the week by Calciomercato, which has since been shared by EFC DAILY on their Twitter page, the Goodison Park faithful are one of a number of clubs who are ‘very interested’ in signing the Norwich City ace, along with Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund and AS Roma.

The Merseyside club are in desperate need of some cover at right-back, with Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny their only senior options.

Coleman is now 33 years of age, while Kenny has only played in a mere three games in total over all competitions so far this season.

Aarons would provide a significant upgrade to Coleman offensively, as he has averaged more shots, key passes and dribbles per match in the Premier League this term, and at just 21, is a player very much for the future, and so can be a mainstay in the Toffees team for years to come.

Everton fans on Aarons transfer news

These Blues supporters buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“For the love of Coleman, please”

Credit: @edward_a_james

“For the sake of Coleman get it done”

Credit: @Jay____177

“Get him in.”

Credit: @just_doodlin86

“Yes yes yes”

Credit: @EFCMichael7

“Please”

Credit: @stilllsound

“Get him in”

Credit: @Michael59567315

In other news, find out what transfer news has Evertonians fuming here!

Bernard Higgins’ rumoured appointment to a senior security position at Celtic may be off.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Q&A on The Athletic, Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin revealed that he has heard rumours suggesting that the club’s potential appointment of the assistant chief constable could now be in doubt.

Many Celtic fans have voices strong opposition to the club bringing Higgins into a role at Parkhead – addressing letters to Michael Nicholson concerning the appointment, as well as protesting against the move during Thursday’s 3-2 win over Real Betis – as the police officer played a major role in the implementation of the highly unpopular Offensive Behaviour at Football Act.

In response to a fan asking whether the rumours that the club’s move for Higgins had been called off were true, Devlin said: “Have heard similar rumours but don’t have any concrete info on it I’m afraid.”

Fans will love Devlin’s claim

While Devlin himself said that he has no concrete information as to whether or not Higgins’ potential appointment at Parkhead has indeed been called off, the news that the journalist has heard rumours around the club suggesting that this could be the case will undoubtedly be music to the ears of many Celtic fans.

Indeed, in a recent statement, the Celtic Ultras fan group said: “Over recent weeks, the Celtic support has united to send a clear message to the Celtic board that Bernard Higgins is not welcome at the club.

“Since the appointment was first discussed in October, continual requests have been made to the club to discuss this issue further. The club has not responded.

“It is within this context, and with regret, that we announce a return to the silent protest which began the campaign. On Thursday against Real Betis, and if necessary, on Sunday against Motherwell, we will remain silent for 90 minutes and ask those who support the campaign to join us.

“We will gladly call off Sunday’s silent protest should Michael Nicholson agree to meet with the supporter organisations to discuss the issue. We hope that he will finally take us up on this request and the protest can be avoided.

“At a time where there is a growing bond between the team, the manager and the supporters, we are frustrated that the board continue to sow division. We desperately want to provide the vocal and visual backing that Celtic Park is famous for but feel unable to do so while the Higgins saga continues.”

As such, it is clear for all to see that, should the rumours of Higgins’ potential appointment at Celtic being called off prove to be true, it is undoubtedly something which would delight the vast majority of fans, as the above statement makes it abundantly clear that they want no association with the assistant chief constable whatsoever.

In other news: Ange Postecoglou drops 4-word injury update which will devastate Celtic fans

West Ham United are currently sitting pretty in fifth position in the Premier League table as David Moyes’ charges aim to upset the odds once again this season by finishing in a European qualification spot.

A strong start to the campaign saw the Hammers lose just one of their opening nine fixtures in all competitions, but their recent form has been in sharp contrast.

Following the latest international break back in November, West Ham have won just one top-flight game – albeit a thrilling 3-2 victory over Champions League holders Chelsea – seeing them drop out of the top four.

Injuries to first-choice centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma have significantly undermined the capital club’s efforts, yet it’s their issues at the other end of the pitch that will be giving Moyes the most cause for concern.

Star striker Michail Antonio started 2021/22 in remarkable form, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in his opening 11 games of the season in all competitions.

However, since then, the Jamaica international has looked a shadow of his former self. In his subsequent eight outings, the 31-year-old has failed to find the back of the net, adding just one assist to his tally.

Antonio’s woes have heavily contributed to the east London outfit’s current goal drought, spanning over 270 minutes of football, meaning Moyes must add further reinforcements up front over the January transfer window.

Since Sebastien Haller departed the London Stadium last winter, the former Nottingham Forest ace has been the only recognised striker in West Ham’s first-team squad.

As a result, an over-reliance on Antonio as a source of goals has developed and Moyes currently has no alternative options to call upon in order to rest his star man as his nightmare in front of goal continues.

But the solution to their attacking woes could be an obvious one after the capital club were linked with a move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

According to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Irons are keen on launching a bid for the 22-year-old talisman in January, although they are set to face extensive competition for his signature.

The 6 foot 1 beast has been sensational for the Primeira Liga table-toppers this term, bagging a sensational 14 goals in 19 appearances, taking his tally up to 28 for the Eagles.

Darwin’s eye-catching performances saw talent scout Jacek Kulig laud his “world-class potential” last year, and now he’s beginning to fulfil it.

Therefore, Moyes must move for the Uruguay international in order to get West Ham’s season back on track, providing some much-needed cover and competition for Antonio along the way.

This is well and truly a signing that could end the Jamaica international’s misery in offensive areas. They have to sign him.

And, in other news…Moyes can seal West Ham masterclass with move for “unbelievable” £7.2m-rated “monster”