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West Bromwich Albion legend Ally Robertson has called for the club to prioritise attacking reinforcements during the summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: Blunt Baggies

Under the stewardship of Valerien Ismael and more recently Steve Bruce, the Baggies have struggled to score freely throughout the course of the 2021/22 campaign.

Currently sat in 12th in the Championship standings, eight points adrift of the play-off places, West Brom have scored 45 goals in 41 matches so far – less than every club above them in the table aside from Milwall.

Robertson believes that the departure of creative midfielder Matheus Pereira to Al Hilal has been the biggest factor in the decline of attacking flair at the Hawthorns…

The latest: Pereira 2.0 needed

Writing his column for the Express & Star, the 69-year-old suggested that the disastrous defeat to Stoke City revealed where Bruce must strengthen at the end of the season.

“They were compact and organised and difficult to break down. But we didn’t have anyone who could make something happen. We didn’t have anyone who could change the game.

“And the truth is we haven’t had that player ever since Matheus Pereira left. Adding more flair to the squad is absolutely imperative this summer. I think we need more creativity in central midfield and also in the forward positions. We need players who are better on the ball and who make better runs.”The verdict: Spot onThere is a genuine dearth of creativity in the West Brom ranks at present, with the likes of Grady Diangana, Adam Reach and Matt Phillips all struggling to fill the void left behind by Pereira.The Brazilian creator finished the 2020/21 Premier League season with 17 direct goal contributions from 33 outings, whilst summer signing Diangana currently has just two goals and one assist from 37 second-tier appearances.

With striking firepower such as Andy Carroll, Daryl Dike, Karlan Grant and Callum Robinson all in situ in the Midlands, getting the right players in behind could see the Baggies become a much improved attacking force next term.

In other news, pundit discusses future of West Brom star. Read more here

Football Insider and talkSPORT pundit, Gabby Agbonlahor, has been reacting to news on Celtic midfielder James McCarthy.

The Lowdown: Devlin’s claim

Devlin, Celtic’s correspondent for The Athletic, shared news from a dressing room source regarding summer signing Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Prior to the Hoops’ 1-0 defeat to Livingston, Devlin claimed that Giakoumakis is ‘quite far off it in training’.

Devlin then shared another dressing room source claim less than 24 hours later, revealing McCarthy has struggled in training with the pace and intensity of Ange Postecoglou’s sessions.

The Celtic boss nor the club’s scouts had meaningful input into signing McCarthy, who failed to shine on his first start in green and white.

The Latest: Agbonlahor reacts

Agbonlahor was talking to Football Insider regarding Devlin’s claim on McCarthy.

He didn’t hold back on the midfielder, labelling the 30-year-old as ‘average’.

“He’s an average player, to be honest. I played against him a few times while he was at Wigan and he’s an average player. He does some things well but Celtic for me have got better midfielders.

“Maybe he’s one that comes out the team and is then in and out of the side.

“It’s worrying times for Celtic.”

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The Verdict: Next few months crucial

There has been speculation that the Irishman has suffered from Covid, so that could explain his struggles at Lennoxtown, particularly in terms of cardiovascular fitness.

Hopefully, we will see the midfielder improving prior to the New Year as he gets back to full health and match sharpness.

However, with Postecoglou not contributing to McCarthy’s transfer, if he continues to struggle, it might mean he falls down the Parkhead pecking order relatively quickly if things don’t improve.

In other news: Celtic now working on ‘top’ transfer without McKay; 48 y/o says he ‘would shine’ in Glasgow. 

A number of Liverpool supporters have been mocking Pep Guardiola following his response to Jurgen Klopp’s comments about Manchester City’s spending.

The Reds picked up an excellent 3-0 win away to Norwich City on Saturday evening, ensuring that their Premier League season got off to the perfect start. Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah got the goals for Liverpool as they cruised through proceedings and looked every bit title challengers.

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It has been a low-key summer at Anfield and some supporters have been left frustrated at the club’s lack of spending, with Ibrahima Konate the Reds’ only signing to date. By contrast, City recently broke the British transfer record to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for £100m.

Klopp has suggested that Liverpool don’t have the luxury of endlessly spending huge sums of money on players like their rivals do, however, which seems to have irked Guardiola.

The City manager has bitten back at Klopp’s comments [via Anfield Watch on Twitter] by defending the spending of his club’s owners and seemingly having a dig at his rival, retorting: “Some owners want to benefit, our owners don’t want any benefits. So they don’t invest in the team, while we invest what we can.

“Before there were only one or two clubs. Now there is Chelsea with [Roman] Abramovich and our club with Sheikh Mansour. They want to be buying into football. What is the problem? We have limits for Financial Fair Play and if they don’t agree [with City’s spending] they can go to court and make a statement.”

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Liverpool fans react to Guardiola comments

These Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to mock Guardiola over his “defensive” stance on Klopp’s words.

“Baldy weirdo rattled already. This league is ours”

Credit: @sheepdogx3

“FRAUD”

Credit: @MrFahrenheitAtC

“It’s so funny when Pep gets super defensive about this. My dude, your owners bought everyone you want any time you want them, you win with mega stars and it’s fine so there’s no need to get defensive when someone says it”

Credit: @mockingbird2424

“Give him FSG and see if he makes the same claims”

Credit: @Etrur25

“Sounds as though the old chequebook champion is getting rattled already”

Credit: @Shaunyboy75

“It’s a real shame how obsessed with Klopp he is, it’s ruined his mind”

Credit: @tartanmarvel89

In other news, some Liverpool fans are ecstatic after an update regarding one Reds player. Find out who it is here.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered a Leeds United update on Rodrigo, who was the subject of late transfer interest from La Liga giants Barcelona.

What’s the story?

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show, he said: “My understanding is that Barcelona were keen on him and did have a look at him, but Barcelona have been such a mess through this window that it didn’t feel like it ever got to a point where they were serious about it.

“I mean, Leeds in no way would have let him go on loan, it would have had to have been a permanent (deal). I don’t think they want Rodrigo to go and I don’t think Rodrigo wants to go. Bielsa’s spoken a few times about trying to keep him in the building, keep him in the mix, get him into form.

“So it didn’t seem to me like that was ever going to happen. I mean, from the PR point of view, I really don’t know how that would have looked, you know, right at the end to have been doing a deal for him. But there was Spanish interest in him, without a doubt, because he is a very good player.”

Bielsa could revive Rodrigo

Even here on FFC, Rodrigo’s disappointing career thus far at Elland Road has been criticised, but Hay’s reveal that Bielsa is keen on getting him back to his best is certainly exciting news for fans.

The Spaniard has a proven pedigree at European level with the likes of Valencia and Benfica, and has competed on the biggest stage and in the biggest competitions.

Last season may just have been a period of adaptation, and while his opening day performance against United led to some Leeds fans slamming him, this campaign could well be the making of him.

He showed flashes of his quality towards the back end of last season, not least in Leeds’ 4-0 drubbing of Burnley at Turf Moor where he bagged a late, quick-fire brace after coming on as a substitute.

Whether it’s continuing to give him that role just behind Patrick Bamford, or maybe even a stint up front or out wide like he has played in previous years, Bielsa’s faith in Rodrigo is admirable, and it’s one that may excite fans who are surely keen to see him finally light up Elland Road more than 12 months after first joining them.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United transfer target is now set for contract talks…

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over some news from the club’s youth ranks.

As shared by the official Twitter page of Rangers B & Academy, the B team defeated Berwick Rangers 6-1 away from home with six different scorers in what was described as a ‘great performance’ with ‘brilliant team play’.

Robbie Fraser, Leon King, Alex Lowry, Ross McCausland, Kyle McClelland and Tony Weston all managed to get themselves on the scoresheet as Rangers B followed up their 3-0 win at home to Hammarby on Tuesday night.

The young Bears are in a very good place at this moment in time, and some of their performances should certainly catch the eye of Steven Gerrard, who may now think about giving one or two of them a chance in the first team.

Rangers fans on B-team’s result

These Ibrox supporters were delighted as the result was shared on Twitter, with one Gers fan saying that it was ‘excellent’ from the youngsters:

“Brilliant result”

Credit: @Tracey49876558

“FT: Berwick Rangers – 1 Rangers B – 6. Great win lads”

Credit: @BobSteele55

“Fantastic result”

Credit: @Papa_291

“What a future for a club if handled correctly”

Credit: @RFCGW

“Excellent again by the youngsters”

Credit: @4ladshadadream

“Nice one young Gers”

Credit: @Rabg1872

In other news, some fans criticised this first-teamer’s performance against Hibernian

Liverpool are reportedly rivalling Barcelona for a deal to sign Lille midfielder Renato Sanches, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown

Liverpool have reportedly held an interest in signing Lille midfielder Sanches this summer, and the midfielder could be available if the French club’s valuation of the 23-year-old are met.

Sanches has been with Lille since 2019, and has made 60 appearances in total for them. The Portugal international played his part in the club’s title-winning campaign last term, and it appears as though his showings haven’t gone unnoticed.

Liverpool will be looking to add depth to their midfield options in the near future, with the Reds struggling with injuries last season and having lost Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.

The latest

Speaking on the ‘Here we go podcast’, Romano has confirmed that Liverpool and Spanish giants Barcelona are interested in a deal to sign Sanches this summer.

Romano has also claimed that the price tag that Lille are looking for is in the region of €40million, with Liverpool having to sell players to fund new signings ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

“It’s Barcelona and Liverpool that are interested in Renato Sanches – but the price tag is around 40 million euros so we will see what happens in the coming days. For Liverpool, it’s important to sell players to sign new players.”

The verdict

Sanches could be the ideal replacement for Wijnaldum, who departed Anfield in favour of a move to French giants PSG.

Additional strength in depth is certainly needed within the Liverpool squad this term, as injuries were a major reason as to why they failed to retain their Premier League title from the 2019/20 campaign.

Sanches had an average Whoscored rating of 6.41 from the 2020/21 season, and at the age of 23, he could turn out to be a shrewd signing for the Reds in the long-term.

Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique labelled Sanches as a ‘great player’, before predicting that Jurgen Klopp could help him become a ‘world class’ player in the future.

“He always been a great player. If I’m not wrong he was named best player of the Under-21 tournament that he was involved.

“The problem he had is like many young players he had everything too quick and until he settled it took him few years, but it looks like the type of player that I believe Klopp can help him become a world class player.”

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s transfer plans, regarding Vitoria centre-back Abdul Mumin…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are keeping tabs on the central defender ahead of a potential swoop for him this month.

The report claims that Lyon and Leicester are also interested in signing him, with Vitoria said to want £12m for his services.

Biggest issue

Nick Hammond could help Howe solve Newcastle’s biggest issue and seal a masterclass by bringing Mumin to the club this month as the side’s defensive frailties have been there for all to see this season.

The Magpies, quite simply, have not been anywhere near good enough at defending their own goal in the Premier League and it is costing them. They are currently 19th in the table and only Norwich have conceded as many goals as Newcastle (42) this term.

Eddie Howe’s side have only kept one clean sheet and averaged 2.2 goals conceded per game, with Steve Bruce and Graeme Jones in charge of matches earlier this season.

By signing Mumin, the ex-Bournemouth man could improve his defence and increase their chances of keeping clean sheets and, therefore, pick up more points. The defender has helped Vitoria keep 11 shut outs since the start of last season, showing that he can be part of a stable backline at the top level.

Mohammed Kudus, a former teammate of Mumin’s, previously lauded the defender, saying:

“He’s the best central defender I’ve ever played with. Moving to Portugal is a big challenge, he is committed to surpassing himself, determined to reach a competitive level and he is very keen on fulfilling all his dreams.

“I do not see why he (Mumin) will not be a hit in Portugal, he is mentally strong and has everything to be in the best leagues.”

The 23-year-old defensive monster has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.79 for Vitoria, whilst making 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game for the Portuguese outfit.

His age suggests that he has time to improve and develop as a player, which could make him an asset in the short and long term for the Magpies, whereas three of Newcastle’s four first-team centre-backs are in their 30’s and the other – Jamaal Lascelles – is 28.

So, Hammond could solve a key issue at St. James’ Park by signing Mumin to improve the club’s defensive record and sign a player with resale value and the potential to improve, which is why this could be a masterclass from the short-term recruitment specialist.

Of course, there is no guarantee that he will be a success, but he has proven his quality in Liga Bwin with his clean sheet record for Vitoria and it could be worth a gamble at £12m.

AND in other news, Howe must seal NUFC swoop for “incredible” 105-goal ‘terminator’, he’s Demba Ba 2.0…

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over some transfer news that has emerged on Lucas Digne.

As per Goal, the Goodison Park faithful are now offering the France international to various teams ahead of the January transfer window, with Chelsea thought to be one of those clubs interested in his signature.

They are trying to convince the Merseyside club to loan Digne to them until the end of the season, following the news of Ben Chilwell’s ACL injury.

After a reported row with Rafa Benitez, Digne has now missed the Toffees’ last three matches in the Premier League, and so speculation over his future remains, while Chilwell will be out for the remainder of the season due to surgery required on his knee.

However, given that Digne still remains the Toffees’ only senior left-back in the squad, it would seem silly to loan him out next month, especially without at least a couple of replacements lined up.

Everton fans on Digne transfer news

These Blues fumed as the exit claim was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘crazy’:

“If that’s true it’s crazy”

Credit: @RyLondon

“WHY?!?!?!?”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“Jesus Christ. Rafa out”

Credit: @Robbdoogan1

“If Everton are open to loaning Digne, France’s left-back, experienced player and always top statistically in his position, we are being more inept and brainless than first thought.”

Credit: @followeverton

“The stupidest idea I’ve ever heard, sick of Rafa now”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“This really would be such an Everton thing to do.. letting Digne go is ridiculous as it is but to let him go out on loan in January is insanity”

Credit: @DeanOverton

In other news, find out who has now been backed to join Everton here!

An update has emerged on Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Magpies are lining up a January swoop to sign the midfielder as they look to strengthen their options in the middle of the park.

The report claims that he could cost a fee in the region of £15m, with Newcastle believing that he can add energy to their team.

Fans would love him

PIF must ensure that they are able to secure a deal for Nakamba in the January transfer window. They must splash out the £15m required to sign him in order to strengthen the squad, with the defensive midfielder a potentially excellent addition to the side.

Nakamba is a hard-working player who the Newcastle fans would love to watch in action in their midfield. He puts himself about and chips in with important defensive interventions, averaging an impressive 4.5 tackles and interceptions combined per match throughout his career.

Along with his fine defensive statistics, he has also completed 90% of his passes in the Premier League this season after averaging a success rate of 84.2% across his first two campaigns in the division. This shows that he is able to retain the ball after winning it back off the opposition.

Dean Smith’s comments on Nakamba upon his arrival at Villa Park highlight this. The manager hailed him being impressive with the ball at his feet, saying:

“Marvelous fits the criteria of the type of player we were looking for.

“He’s very mobile, he’s very good in possession and he will fit in with our style of play.”

Therefore, supporters would love the £34k-per-week beast as he has shown that he can play to a decent level in the top-flight and be a reliable operator. At £15m, he could be a bargain addition to the team and add some steel to the midfield, improving Newcastle’s defence whilst still having a player in the engine room who is capable of passing the ball efficiently.

This is why PIF must secure a swoop for the midfielder in January. The fans could be buzzing with this shrewd piece of business, with this deal potentially getting the ball rolling as the new owners attempt to bolster the entire squad in the next window.

AND in other news,  PIF must avoid first NUFC blunder over £20m “mentality monster”, fans would be fuming…

Everton have undeniably spent significant amounts of money on bringing new players to the Merseyside club over the past few years.

Despite their hefty spending, the Toffees have had a difficult season in the Premier League this time around.

With 30 games played, Frank Lampard’s side have lost 18 of them, putting them in 17th place and just four points above the relegation zone.

One shining light for the Toffees throughout this campaign has been Anthony Gordon, who the club have undoubtedly hit the jackpot on.

As a product of Everton’s youth academy, the winger made his senior debut back in December 2017 in a Europa League clash against Apollon Limassol under former Toffees manager Sam Allardyce.

With 52 senior appearances to his name, 32 of them have come during this season across all competitions.

In those 32 appearances, the Englishman, who has been labelled as a “fearless” player by Alan Shearer, has found the back of the net four times and provided three assists in the process.

In terms of his overall performances in the Premier League, WhoScored currently list him as Everton’s joint-fourth highest rated outfield player currently in Lampard’s squad with a rating of 6.72.

Back in April 2020, Transfermarkt rated the youngster’s market value at £1.17m, whereas it now stands at £14.4m, highlighting a massive increase based on what he’s delivered on the pitch for his club over the past weeks and months.

Labelled as a player that “has got everything,” by Ben Godfrey, Gordon certainly made a difference for his side last time out by scoring the winning goal in their 1-0 win over Manchester United, which could end up being a crucial result in terms of their chances of avoiding the drop.

To highlight how impressive the 21-year-old has been for Everton in an attacking sense, only Andros Townsend (45%) has a better percentage for shots on target than the Liverpudlian (44.4%) out of players to have more than three attempts at goal.

Also, no other Toffees player has made more dead-ball passes that have led to a shot at goal than Gordon (10), highlighting just how much of an attacking nuisance he can be for the opposition.

Taking all of this into account, the Merseyside club have certainly proved with the emergence of Gordon that they don’t always need to go out into the transfer market and spend significant sums of money on new players.

In other news: “I know for a fact..”: Insider drops big Finch Farm claim, it’s bad news for Everton