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According to a report by reliable journalist Mike McGrath, writing for the Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur are in ‘pole position to land’ Lyon powerhouse Joachim Andersen.

The Lowdown: Levy’s centre-back hunt continues…

It is no secret that Spurs are looking into signing top class centre-back options for the 2021/2022 season as Daniel Levy looks to shore up a problem position for the Lilywhites ahead of the appointment of a new manager.

Sky Sports have previously touted the likes of Jerome Boateng and Jannik Vestergaard as on the target list, going as far as to say that inquiries have already been made.

Andersen has been mentioned elsewhere, with reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold saying he is indeed on the agenda.

The Latest: Tottenham in ‘pole position’

Now, another reliable source has detailed the situation regarding Andersen, with McGrath now claiming that Levy and Spurs are in ‘pole position’ for the 6 foot 3 powerhouse.

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Having impressed for Fulham on loan this season, he has attracted attention from both Tottenham and north London rivals Arsenal – with Mikel Arteta’s side ready to compete for his signature.

He is apparently expected to move on from Lyon in the summer for around £20 million but Spurs need to trim their squad before making the move.

The Verdict: Exciting update…

Andersen has been one of Scott Parker’s most notable assets in a disappointing season for the Cottagers as the 24-year-old averages the joint-fourth most clearances per 90 in the Premier League over 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

He has also won more aerial duels than any Fulham player this season (WhoScored), earning praise from Craven Cottage legend Tony Gale as a result – who called him ‘absolutely sensational’ earlier in the campaign (fulhamfc.com).

Still at a fairly young age and valued at an arguably affordable price in a market likely to be majorly influenced by coronavirus, he could become a tremendous coup for Tottenham depending on next developments.

In other news: Alasdair Gold drops major Spurs managerial update, find out more here.

Some West Brom fans have been left fuming over some news that has been shared involving Dara O’Shea.

As shared by The Express & Star journalist Joseph Masi, O’Shea has now been banned for three matches and fined £7,500 for an incident that happened during the celebrations at Peterborough United back in August.

The central defender pushed a steward to the ground in wild celebration, which has now gotten him punished.

Perhaps luckily for O’Shea and the Baggies, the ban is immediate, which means that he will be banned for the next three games, despite already being out with a long-term injury.

Nonetheless, some Albion supporters were still fuming that he got a ban despite appearing not to seriously harm the steward, while others were left annoyed at how long the FA took to make their decision.

West Brom fans on O’Shea ban

These members of the Hawthorns faithful fumed as the update was shared on Twitter:

“What a joke this is”

Credit: @Richardthomasd5

“Why has it taken so long come come to this? I suppose we can blame it on Covid. We do everything else.”

Credit: @bricoleshotmai1

“FA are pathetic”

Credit: @kookaburra25

“Nothing for Ferguson’s childish rants then?”

Credit: @Stevotop

“Pathetic”

Credit: @JakeWBA97

“This has to be the most pointless 3 game ban ever”

Credit: @lewis_botfield

In other news, find out what official club post had WBA fans talking here!

Some Everton fans have been left fuming over some transfer news on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

As per The Daily Telegraph, Newcastle United are keen on signing the Goodison Park striker, while Arsenal and an unnamed club from the Bundesliga are also interested in his signature.

Manchester City and Manchester United are also believed to be a long-term admirer of his, as the race hots up to sign the former Sheffield United ace.

Of course, their talisman being linked with a move to a rival in the Premier League has upset a lot of supporters of the Merseyside club, who simply do not want to see him go, unless a monstrous offer came in.

With three goals in three games so far this season before his injury (Transfermarkt), Rafa Benitez would find it so hard to replace him.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin transfer news

These Toffees fans fumed as the transfer news on Calvert-Lewin was shared on Twitter:

“The media literally hate us”

Credit: @KUEFC

“Can all this bad news just like stop?…”

Credit: @shaun00012

“Marcel will let him leave for a season long loan and bring in someone like Joelinton”

Credit: @g4j4s4

“Knew this was coming”

Credit: @ToffeeTosh1878

“And so it begins”

Credit: @robjones673

“Don’t worry we have Rondon”

Credit: @neilh32

In other news, find out whose return from injury has Blues buzzing here!

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” 

David Moyes should be happy to pay the £21.5m fee that West Ham United could have to pay in order to sign VfB Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Kicker, via Sport Witness, Stuttgart are setting the market for Kalajdzic at €20m to €25m (£17-21.5m) as his name starts to hit transfer shortlists all around Europe.

The Bundesliga outfit are open to the fact they will have to sell some of their star players at the end of the season to fund arrivals, as Sporting Director Sven Mislintat strives to take the Mercedes-Benz Arena natives to the next level.

Kalajdzic has been in sensational form under head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo this term, netting 13 goals in 24 Bundesliga games – including eight in his last seven outings – to help fire Stuttgart to eighth in the table during their first year back in Germany’s top-flight.

His efforts are said to have put West Ham’s scouts on alert whilst Moyes strives to discover the eventual heir to Sebastien Haller, having opted against replacing the Ivory Coast forward during the winter market following his £20m move to AFC Ajax.

Other unnamed Premier League clubs are also keen on Kalajdzic, who has admirers at RB Leipzig and Serie A outfit AS Roma, but the 23-year-old is refusing to be drawn on speculation on his future.

“I am not concerned with this. I can well imagine an extension of the contract,” he told Kicker.

Kalajdzic is currently not scheduled to become a free agent until the summer of 2023, with his £7,500-per-week terms still having two more years to run.

Should West Ham sign Kalajdzic?

West Ham certainly appear to be emerging as a potential landing spot for Kalajdzic should the striker prove to be one option Stuttgart cash in on this summer, after recent reports claimed he was viewed as a cheaper alternative to Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham and Slavia Prague’s Abdallah Sima.

A potential £21.5m asking price would not be overtly cheap, given the Irons passed up on paying Stade de Reims €15m (£13m) for Boulaye Dia in January, yet Kalajdzic should not be scrubbed from thinking at the London Stadium.

The Stuttgart star has been setting Germany’s top-flight alight during his first year in the Bundesliga and struck two of his recent goals against Bayer Leverkusen despite losing 5-2 away to the Champions League qualifying hopefuls.

He also netted against Eintracht Frankfurt to put a dent in the Deutsche Bank Park natives’ top-four hopes and struck the equalising effort in a 1-1 draw with Leverkusen in October, as he lives up to the billing of being “important offensively” in the eyes of Mislintat.

Dia was rightfully overlooked in the winter market despite having 12 goals in 17 Ligue 1 games to his name by January 9th, as the 24-year-old has since failed to find the back of the net in any of his subsequent 10 French top-flight outings.

After scoring on the first day of the campaign away to title-hopefuls Monaco, Dia has also failed to fire home against a top side, instead, he’s been bullying the middle of the table and bottom-half clubs.

Kalajdzic may be just as unproven in England as Dia, but he is proving in Germany that he is worth taking a punt on once the transfer market re-opens for business this summer.

AND in other news, West Ham in four-way Premier League battle for 13-goal striker who is “annoying to the defender”…

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting negatively to rumours linking the Reds with a move for Ezequiel Garay.

The Premier League champions have suffered rotten luck in the centre-back department this season, with injuries depleting Jurgen Klopp’s men in that department. Liverpool currently have Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all out until the end of the campaign, with the first two not playing since the autumn.

It has meant that Klopp has had to use Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in defence, while youngster Nat Phillips has also been drafted in alongside winter signing Ozan Kabak.

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The Reds could eye up a new centre-back signing this summer, but one slightly surprising rumour has appeared, with Garay linked with a move to Anfield and El Gol Digital going as far as to say that a deal is close to happening.

The 34-year-old has won 32 caps for Argentina, playing against Germany in the 2014 World Cup final and impressing in the tournament. Standing at 1.88m in height, the defensive powerhouse frequently averaged two to three successful aerial duels per game, an indicator of his prowess in that department.

Considering Garay’s age and his own injury-plagued past, however, it is a transfer story which doesn’t seem to make a huge amount of sense, with some Liverpool supporters certainly of that opinion.

Liverpool fans react to Garay rumours

Here are a selection of the best reactions on Twitter.

“Nope, 34 y/o and suffered an ACL injury, hopefully it’s just his agent trying to attract interest because this move makes no sense”

Credit: @pod_kev

“No….full stop”

Credit: @kclee_19

“We’re just doing this to make Nat Phillips look faster”

Credit: @CM_LFC

“No point signing him, better off with who we’ve got now”

Credit: @Smedders1995

“Would rather pay 18 million for Kabak”

Credit: @DishuMaan

“No”

Credit: @lfcnahal

In other news, Liverpool have been dealt a big blow ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Read about it here.

Everton boss Frank Lampard has been dealt a fresh injury setback ahead of an all-important Sunday trip to Liverpool. 

The lowdown

Everton travel to Anfield for the 16.30 kick-off looking to cause an upset against the title-chasing Reds.

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Any points could be crucial in their battle for survival, with the Blues just a point ahead of 18th-place Burnley at the start of the day (albeit with a game in hand).

Donny van de Beek, who’s on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season, had started five Premier League matches in a row before hitting injury trouble.

He missed four straight games with a thigh problem but was on the back bench against Leicester City in midweek.

That should have put him in starting contention against the Reds, but it appears he’s suffered a fresh setback in a blow for Lampard.

The latest

Ben Dinnery, an injury analyst and a contributor for Sky Sports, tweeted that ‘the Toffees’ injury problems continue’.

He reported that, according to Everton boss Lampard, both Van de Beek and fellow midfielder Andre Gomes would miss the game with groin injuries.

The verdict

Everton have been hit particularly hit by injuries this season.

As of 5 April, Everton led the way in the Premier League for most absences and for injuries suffered per 1,000 minutes played.

It’s been a significant factor in their struggles this season. With better luck, they might not have been in such deep trouble.

In addition to Van de Beek and Gomes, Lampard will be without Nathan Patterson (ankle), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (quad), Tom Davies (thigh) and Andros Townsend (knee).

That makes a daunting task at Anfield all the more difficult.

In other news, Everton risk losing one of their biggest stars.

Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, Dean Windass has touted Brentford striker Ivan Toney as someone Aston Villa should look to be signing.

The 24-year-old has proven to be a striking revelation over the past couple of seasons, bagging an incredible 24 times in just 32 matches for Peterborough.

And, after making the move to Brentford in the summer, Toney has just hit the ground running at his new club, and he’s already fired in an impressive 16 goals in just 23 games for the Championship side.

Now, speaking to FFC, Windass has suggested that Dean Smith’s Villa could be a perfect destination for the centre-forward.

He said: “He’s a prolific goal-scorer. He’d fit Villa. He’s got the other boy from Brentford obviously (Ollie Watkins) who’s done well. It’ll be interesting to see the transfer window this year, in the sense of how many teams are going to pay big money. But yeah, he would be good for Villa.”

Given how well he has already made one big step up from League One to the Championship, the £9m-rated Toney himself would surely be confident of taking that final leap to Premier League level.

And judging by how Villa’s own former Brentford striker Watkins has done in his short time at Villa Park thus far, there’s no reason why Toney wouldn’t be able to follow suit.

The 24-year-old is supremely confident in his own abilities, even going so far as to saying that he’s got similarities with former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He said: “I’ve always liked Zlatan. I just love his confidence.  Some people see it as arrogance but you must be like that to succeed. I’m similar to Zlatan in both my confidence and the way I play. When he wants to do something, he just does it. I have some of that in my game and personality. And I believe I’ll be a Premier League striker.”

If Toney develops into half as good of a centre-forward as the mercurial Swede, then Villa absolutely would do well to heed Windass’ suggestion and make a move for the Brentford man.

Meanwhile, Villa are making a major transfer mistake…

Lawrie Sanchez has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes Mikel Arteta will be given time to turn things around at Arsenal.

The Spaniard has bagged the FA Cup since replacing Unai Emery last Christmas, but Arsenal’s Premier League form has been underwhelming during his 18 months at the club.

The north London outfit had the perfect opportunity to put their shocking league results behind them by winning the Europa League.

However, the Gunners were unable to overturn a 2-1 deficit in their semi-final against Villarreal last Thursday – with the ultimate humiliation being that it was at the expense of their former manager Emery, who was the man sacked and replaced by Arteta.

Arsenal have responded to their European exit with victories over West Brom and Chelsea, and despite the prospect of their lowest Premier League finish since the 1995-1996 campaign, Sanchez believes the former Gunners midfielder will be given at least the summer window to prove himself.

He told Football FanCast:

“It was embarrassing to be knocked out of the Europe League by Emery, but, the one thing he has got on his CV is winning the FA Cup.

“I think they will bear with him – fans not being in the stadium has probably benefited managers that have struggled, like him. Once you started getting booed off pitches, owners start to take notice.

“I think they will give him another year, give him another transfer window, and give him the benefit of the doubt.”

In some Leeds United news which was perhaps to be expected, it has been confirmed that both Pablo Hernandez and Gaetano Berardi will leave the Premier League club this summer.

Hernandez in particular has played such a huge role in the Whites’ ascent to the top flight from their days in the Championship, amassing an impressive 174 games for the club, scoring 36 goals and providing 41 assists, and his last-gasp winner against Swansea in last year’s promotion run-in has gone down in legend.

With the Premier League season coming to an end after Leeds’ clash against West Brom on Sunday afternoon, Marcelo Bielsa must surely grasp the opportunity to give Hernandez a well-deserved send-off in front of the returning Elland Road fans.

The Spaniard turned 36 last month and it has been incredibly telling that the highest number of minutes he has played in one top-flight game this season is the 67 that he completed against Leicester way back in early November.

Dubbed as an “inspiration”, the £21,000-a-week earner has previously stated that he wouldn’t want to overstay his welcome at Leeds if he felt like the time had passed him by. He said: “If you talk about football tactically or technically, this is probably the best time of my career. Physically I feel good but obviously 10 years ago, I felt better. I can’t change this.”

Now that the time has come for him to leave, the Spaniard should be given the chance to say his goodbyes on the pitch when Leeds welcome the Baggies to Elland Road.

It’s a sentiment which has been echoed by former Leeds ace Andy Couzens, who suggested that Hernandez and Berardi should both feature this afternoon.

The 45-year-old said: “All good things have to come to an end!! Two players that have given everything to this great club and will be forever in the club’s hearts. Let’s see them both play for the last time on Sunday and with only 8.5 thousand fans in the stadium they will still get the best send-off.”

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Hernandez deserves the opportunity to play one last time in a Leeds shirt, and Bielsa should be all for it. The Elland Road faithful would surely be absolutely buzzing to see it.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing a move for this South American starlet…