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Following their successful start to an extensive rebuilding job, Crystal Palace aren’t expected to spend big money in the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Michel Bridge, who believes the Eagles’ chairman Steve Parish will be satisfied with the work he conducted over the summer.

The likes of Odsonne Edouard, Marc Guehi and Conor Gallagher have made huge impressions at Selhurst Park in the opening weeks of the current campaign, and Bridge is adamant that Patrick Vieira’s winter budget will be restricted as a result.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Knowing Steve Parish like I do, I don’t think he will go all out in January when things have gone well.

“It’s usually when they’re a bit worried and looking behind them that they would spend, but I don’t think they’re looking behind at the moment. They’re looking at what’s in front of them in a positive sense.”

Crystal Palace fans will be gutted

Despite the extremely positive start made by Vieira’s charges, a large section of the capital club’s supporters will be gutted that further acquisitions won’t be made over the coming months.

The south London outfit are currently on a six-game unbeaten run and have masterminded famous victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City to provide a new wave of hope and optimism following four years of pragmatism under Roy Hodgson.

However, with the likes of Joel Ward, James McArthur, Jordan Ayew, Christian Benteke and Cheikhou Kouyate all in their 30s and approaching the twilight zone of their careers, the squad overhaul is far from complete.

Further investment will be needed by Parish in due course, but that appears unlikely to come in the January window, with Palace fans being forced to wait until the summer to see any more fresh faces.

And, in other news…”At the moment..” – Journo delivers big CPFC update that should leave fans worried 

An update has emerged on Newcastle United transfer target Stefan de Vrij, regarding his future at Inter…

What’s the talk?

According to Calcio Mercato, the Italian giants are plotting their future with Alessandro Bastoni and Milan Skriniar, with no final decision made on extending the Dutchman’s contract.

The report claims that he could be sold to make way for younger players to come in, allowing Inter to build for the years to come.

Major issue

Magpies boss Eddie Howe could solve a major issue at the club by securing a deal to sign de Vrij from the Serie A side in January.

After 12 Premier League games, Newcastle have 0 clean sheets and 27 goals conceded – with zero wins to their name as they sit rooted to the bottom of the table. They have conceded 2.3 goals per game on average, highlighting the defensive problems Howe needs to resolve in order to get the club out of trouble before the end of the season.

De Vrij, who was previously hailed as a “monster” by his former teammate Mauricio, could be a terrific addition to help solve this issue due to his experience at the top level. Last season, Inter kept 11 clean sheets in his 30 starts and he averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.03, which came after he averaged a score of 7.05 and helped to keep nine clean sheets the previous campaign.

He was once compared to Juventus and Italy beast Leonardo Bonucci by ex-Inter, and current Spurs, manager Antonio Conte too, who said:

“The growth of this team comes from assimilating certain concepts. Stefan [de Vrij], like Bonucci, becomes an important player because they must inevitably leave him room. Stefan is doing well. My defenders must be the first to rely on, even Godin had made assists against Udinese. We have to try it.”

These comments from Conte and his statistics in the last two seasons highlight the quality he could bring to St. James’ Park as a defender. The £116k-per-week earner has played well over 200 times for Lazio and Inter combined and has shown that he can perform to a high level on a consistent basis, which is why he could come in and lift Newcastle’s defence in the second half of the season.

His presence could lead to clean sheets and points on the board in the Premier League, as he has proven he can help to keep shutouts in the Serie A, and this could go some way to solving a major issue for Howe. It is now down to the ex-Bournemouth boss and PIF to ensure that they can get a deal over the line for the Netherlands international.

AND in other news, Paid £12m, now worth £4.5m: Newcastle had howler with dud accused of trying to “cheat”…

Flocking to Twitter, some Liverpool fans were left unimpressed with the performance of Takumi Minamino against FC Porto on Wednesday night.

Jurgen Klopp’s side made it five wins out of five in the Champions League as they continued their dominance over Group B, and some rarely-selected Reds were handed a chance to impress.

Liverpool’s teenage midfielder Tyler Morton, making his European debut against the Portuguese giants, was one of a few players to be gifted a rare nod by Klopp.

Despite their rotated team in parts, the Merseysiders ran out out 2-0 winners on the night courtesy of second half goals from Thiago Alcantara and Mohamed Salah.

One man who also got a chance was Minamino, who has started just three games in all competitions since coming back from a loan spell at Southampton last season.

Liverpool fans unimpressed…

Upon the Japan forward’s return to the starting XI, it’s safe to say that many Liverpool fans don’t think he grasped his opportunity, criticising his performance on social media.

According to SofaScore, the largely anonymous 26-year-old took just 33 touches all game, considerably fewer than goalkeeper Alisson managed (51) over the 90 minutes. Also, out of every Liverpool starter on the night, Minamino ranked as SofaScore’s lowest-rated Red with a 6.7/10 score, highlighting his relatively ineffective display.

Having zero shots on goal and winning none of his aerial duels, it’s understandable why numerous Liverpool supporters believe he didn’t have the best of nights, with one Kopite describing him as “average”.

Check out some of their Twitter verdicts below:

“Chamberlain, Origi, Minamino add nothing to that Liverpool team, need to sell quick, Thiago goal something else though”

Credit: @barry_mckeever

“Tsimikas should be the starting LB, Matip is comfortably our 2nd best CB, Morton held his own in a big game, Salah can still score even whilst playing bad, Thiago is world class, Minamino is average”

Credit: @lfcd25

“The last 10 mins with Minamino and Origi is telling me that January is going to be very long without Salah and Mane”

Credit: @adzz_s

“Disasterclass”

Credit: @LFCDan92

“Only real negative was Minamino, thought the lad was horrific and we are in trouble if we have to rely on him when Salah and Mane are away at AFCON”

Credit: @Corballyred

“Minamino needs to be given away on a free, not half the player that made VVD sit”

Credit: @Ernray

In other news: ‘If he leaves, I riot’ – Fabrizio Romano’s tweet about one ‘magnificent’ LFC star gets a lot of fans talking

Leeds United grabbed a vital three points in their aim to steer clear of the relegation zone with an injury-time penalty from Raphinha to beat Crystal Palace.

Marcelo Bielsa’s team had to be patient in the end as they dominated possession and shots at Elland Road, as Raphinha eventually got them out of jail to secure a 1-0 win. While the three points are what matters most, some players may not have been too pleased with their own individual performances, as The Transfer Tavern use statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the home side:

Raphinha

It certainly seems strange that the match-winner was ranked as the third-worst player for the Whites, and Raphinha’s 6.5 rating from SofaScore is actually the same rating as second place, but has been put in third for his goal contribution.

Aside from the late penalty, it was a frustrating night at times for the Brazilian, who lost out on 10 of his duels, the most out of his teammates, while he also ranked the highest in terms of unsuccessful dribble attempts (five).

Raphinha was also inaccurate with seven of his crosses, and lost the ball on no fewer than on 31 separate occasions in the game, by far the most out of any player on the pitch.

Mateusz Klich

Klich only played the first half, but ranks in second with a 6.5 overall rating given by SofaScore.

The central midfield player lost two duels, and failed to record a single shot on goal, blocked shot, tackle, key pass, cross or accurate long ball.

His mere 16 touches was the lowest recorded out of a starting player, while he was guilty of losing possession six times.

Rodrigo

Again, considering he only played in one half, Rodrigo’s 6.3 rating from SofaScore may be deemed a little harsh, but he was the lowest rated out of his teammates.

The Spaniard also lost two of his duels, while failing to hit a shot on target or make a successful dribble, and losing the ball on seven occasions in total.

In other news, find out what position Phil Hay wants LUFC to sign here!

Aston Villa could be about to sign their own version of Gonzalo Higuain after they were linked with a move for River Plate striker Julian Alvarez.

The 21-year-old Argentine striker has been on fire this season, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in 20 appearances in the Argentine top flight to push them to the top of the table after 24 games.

His fine form has seen him likened to Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo in the past, but it’s his former teammate Higuain who has been singing the praises of the young striker.

Both Alvarez and Higuain came through the famed River Plate academy and the former Chelsea loanee has revealed that he sees a lot of himself in the striker who has so far earned five caps for the Argentina national team.

Speaking to ESPN Higuain declared: “He is the best striker that River Plate has. He has scored 20 goals and half of Europe wants him.

“I saw how he moves, how he uses both feet. I see him similar to me in terms of his hunger, the desire to make it, the desire to learn.

“I love him in every way, how he plays, his humility… it makes me very happy that he is doing well.”

Combine that with his goal record and it’s there is every reason to believe that he could become as devastating as Higuain was in his career. After all, he’s also been compared to some other great South American strikers. River manager Marcelo Gallardo once said: “He is constantly hungry and I see that in players like Suarez, Cavani and Julián Alvarez.”

The forward has a €2om (£17m) release clause in his contract with the Argentine giants but they are hopeful of tying him down to a long-term contract.

Aston Villa currently have both Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins as central striker options, but with Ings turning 30 later this season there is no harm in looking ahead to the future. Watkins has been fielded on the wing at times this season and like Alvarez, became a striker after initially breaking through on the flanks.

It would also take the pressure off those two in front of goal and would allow Gerrard to be more flexible tactically, possibly playing two up front on occasion and still having a spare forward for the bench. The options in the squad will allow Alvarez plenty of time to adapt and bed in without too much pressure, while also bolstering the squad and adding firepower to a team that has only managed 21 goals in 15 games so far this season.

AND in other news, Aston Villa not regretting decision to reject £110k p/w “liability” last summer.

Wolves enjoyed a 1-0 away at Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Wednesday night thanks to a goal from Romain Saiss.

It was a lovely curling ball by Ruben Neves to put him through, and a delicate touch from the Morocco international to give the Midlands club all three points against the Seagulls.

However, Neves was one of a few WWFC players who may not have been best pleased with their overall individual performance, as The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst players (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for Bruno Lage’s team on the night.

With the transfer window coming up and injured players like Pedro Neto not far off a return, underperforming players may well be looking over their shoulder as the competition for places heats up…

Ruben Neves

The 6.9 rating given by SofaScore given to Neves seems very harsh considering his immaculate assist, but other aspects of his game means he ranks third here.

The central midfielder lost out on all six of his duels – hardly ideal for a combative midfielder – while he also failed to record a dribble, clearance, interception or tackle in the middle of the park.

He also lost possession of the ball on 15 separate occasions, the fourth-most out of any of his teammates.

Nelson Semedo

Despite being given the same rating (6.9) by SofaScore, Semedo ranks in second because of Neves’ assist.

The Portuguese international lost six duels, the same as Neves, and also made no interceptions, key passes, accurate crosses or long balls from the right wing-back position.

Semedo gave the ball away 17 times in total, the most out of any Wanderers player, and his lack of good deliveries into the box was extremely disappointing.

Francisco Trincao

Trincao was rated as the worst player for the Molineux faithful by SofaScore (6.4), and even the fans were particularly critical of his performance.

The winger lost four of his duels, while he was also unsuccessful with three of his dribble attempts, and never produced a key pass, accurate cross or long ball.

Trincao lost the ball 16 times, the joint-second most out of his teammates, which pretty much summed up his night.

In other news, find out what injury news has been bemoaned by Wanderers here!

A major update has emerged on Rangers defender Calvin Bassey’s availability for the Ibrox giants over the next two months…

What’s the latest?

The Gers beast could have missed a number of games after the winter break due to the African Cup of Nations, but the Glasgow Times reports that he has been left out of the Nigeria squad for the competition.

Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun are both set to jet off to play for their country and will miss, among other games, an Old Firm clash with Celtic at the start of February. Bassey, meanwhile, will now be able to feature in that derby matchup.

Fans will love it

Fans will surely love this news as it could be a major boost to the Gers heading into the Premiership schedule after the break ends. Depending on how far Nigeria go in the competition, Aribo and Balogun look set to miss a few games, but Bassey will now be available for selection barring suspension or injury.

This will delight the supporters as he has been in fine form in recent weeks since moving to centre-back from his more natural left-back role. He has played nine games times Gio van Bronckhorst took over at the club and the Gers have kept seven clean sheets in those matches.

Bassey has recorded one SofaScore rating lower than 6.9 in the last nine outings, which came against Lyon in a 1-1 draw in the Europa League. This shows that he has been consistently delivering excellent performances, as eight of his nine appearances have ended with him putting in an impressive showing.

The Dutch head coach praised the defender towards the start of his reign, saying:

“I’ve been really impressed. Calvin’s a really talented defender. Normally he plays in the left-back position but doesn’t have much experience in the centre back area. So I’m really happy with his performances so far. I think he has the physical ability to play there.

“We will help him a lot in that position, when he has to pass, when he has to dribble, the positioning he has to take when the other defender has got the ball.

“He’s a player who is very open to learning, and he gives a lot of energy to the team.”

These quotes from the retired left-back and Bassey’s statistics in recent weeks show why his availability will be a big boost for the club.

Fans will love to see him in action again after the break as he has been showing that he can be a top player for the side at centre-back and, hopefully, he can continue his form throughout the rest of the season and in the future.

AND in other news, “I’m sure”: Reporter drops exciting Rangers transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

West Ham United have initiated talks regarding a deal to bring Nathaniel Phillips to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh, who revealed that David Moyes and his transfer team are in discussions with the Liverpool centre-back ahead of a potential move in the winter market.

However, the insiders go on to suggest that the 58-year-old manager will first have to hold a meeting with the club’s new board in order to discuss his plans for the January transfer window, as well as the funds he will have at his disposal this winter.

Forget Ogbonna

With centre-back pair Angelo Ogbonna – anterior cruciate ligament injury – and Kurt Zouma – hamstring tendon injury – both facing lengthy spells on the sidelines, the heart of the West Ham defence is undoubtedly an area of the pitch in which Moyes simply must strengthen next month.

And, while it is undeniable that he is a player of extreme importance to the Hammers, should the club manage to get a deal over the line for Phillips this January, he could well be a signing who ultimately goes on to take Ogbonna’s place alongside Zouma in Moyes’ backline.

Indeed, over his 17 Premier League appearances for Liverpool last season, the £7.2m-rated man was in excellent form, helping his side keep seven clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 4.8 clearances and winning a whopping 7.5 duels per game.

The player who Jurgen Klopp dubbed a “monster” who is “absolutely insane” 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 0.9 shots and making 0.4 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £65k-per-week centre-back earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as the Reds’ fourth-best performer in the league last time out.

As such, should Phillips be able to refind this form after a potential switch to East London, it would not be surprising to see him take the place of Ogbonna in Moyes’ starting XI going forwards – leading us to believe that the West Ham board must do all they can do land the Liverpool defender in the January window.

In other news: West Ham can repeat Lingard masterclass with “unique” £21m beast who’s “irreplaceable”

Newcastle United are interested in a deal to bring Aguibou Camara to St. James’ Park in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Foot Mercato, who claim that both Newcastle and Liverpool are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Olympiacos midfielder ahead of a potential move for the 20-year-old in the winter market.

The report goes on to state that there are as many as 10 clubs interested in the Guinea international, although it is also suggested that the Greek side are unlikely to want to part with the youngster this January – with a further report claiming that the Super League side have slapped a £20m asking price on the midfielder’s head.

Camara can save Newcastle’s season

Considering just how impressive Camara has been in Greece so far this season, it would indeed appear highly advisable for Eddie Howe to do all he can to land the midfielder this winter, as, if the 20-year-old continues his development at the current rate, he will undoubtedly be worth a great deal more than £20m come the summer.

Indeed, over his 14 Super League appearances this term, the £2.7m-rated man has already scored four goals and registered four assists from the middle of the park, returns which make it easy to see why Christophe Galtier appeared to be such a fan of the youngster.

Speaking about Camara during his time at LOSC Lille, the 55-year-old manager said: “I found him very solid in his game, disciplined tactically. He scored a decisive goal, it’s good for him, it’s an extra step for a young boy who often works with us and hasn’t played since March.

“He arrived last season, I saw him play in the reserve team. I find him, at 19, having a certain personality in the game he doesn’t lose a lot of balls, he’s solid on his supports, and also versatile because he can play right or left. He is someone who quickly prints what is asked of him and corrects his mistakes so quickly. And, importantly, he enjoys a very special affection on the part of the group.”

From the Frenchman’s comments, it is not difficult to understand why Camara has been likened to Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, nor it is confusing as to why so many clubs are believed interested in the 20-year-old’s services this winter.

Indeed, should Newcastle go on to seal a deal for the Olympiacos star next month, it could well prove to be something of a season-defining transfer for Howe, as the midfielder undoubtedly has the potential to help save the Magpies from relegation come next May.

In other news: Bye-bye Lewis: PIF can seal dream NUFC signing with £25m “monster” who can “win games”

An exciting update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Burnley striker Chris Wood…

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has dropped an intriguing claim on the forward’s availability for a transfer this month, whilst confirming that the Magpies are pursuing the Clarets centre-forward.

He tweeted: “Oooooohhh hearing Chris Wood might have a release clause in his contract. Haven’t had it confirmed yet but that would explain why #nufc have pursued it when it didn’t immediately make much sense given Burnley would be selling to a relegation rival. More to follow? Perhaps.”

Fans will be delighted

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this news, as it seemingly puts the power in the club’s hands to complete a deal for Wood.

Burnley are one place above them in the Premier League table and could be reluctant to sell to Eddie Howe’s side, as it would weaken them and strengthen a direct rival. This means that a transfer on their terms would be extremely unlikely, and one not worth pursuing for the Magpies.

However, this claim from Edwards suggests that Burnley might have no say on the matter. If Newcastle trigger his release clause, they would simply need to convince Wood to make the switch, rather than needing to negotiate a fee with their rivals for his services.

This is why fans will be delighted with the update, and they will also be buzzing as the striker could be an excellent addition to their squad. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer, netting 50 times at that level, and Newcastle are desperately lacking players who can find the net regularly.

Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are the only Magpies players who have scored more than once in the league this season, whilst Wood has scored 10 or more goals in four separate seasons for Burnley. He has also won 5.5 aerial battles per game this term, which shows that he could offer Howe a physical presence at the top end of the pitch from which team-mates could benefit.

Therefore, he could be a great signing, as he could come in and provide an additional goal threat in the second half of the campaign. If he can come in and reproduce the level of goalscoring he has shown at this level for Burnley, he could win some valuable points for the Magpies and be adored by the Toon Army if he is able to help keep the team in the Premier League.

AND in other news, “We understand”: Keith Downie drops big NUFC transfer claim that’ll leave fans gutted…