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Flocking to Twitter, a number of Manchester City fans have reacted to a squad update arising from this week’s training footage, which suggests some of Pep Guardiola’s stars will not be available for Wednesday night’s game against Brentford.

Man City will head into their next game on a high following their chaotic Boxing day clash against Leicester City, which saw Guardiola’s men emerge victorious with a 6-3 score-line at the Etihad.

The Cityzens sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League table. However, second-place Liverpool have the potential to halve the points gap with a win in their upcoming fixture against the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.

Man City fans react to squad update

City Xtra recently took to Twitter to share the names of those who were not pictured in City’s training footage this week, with many noticeable omissions coming in the form of defenders.

Kyle Walker, John Stones, Rodri, Joao Cancelo, and Oleksandr Zinchenko were all seemingly missing, and while the latter duo are reportedly fit to play, the other absences could still leave the manager a little light of depth at the back.

Here’s what the fans had to say about the news:

“We don’t even have first team fullback anymore”

Credit: @CityJoul

“Brentford and arsenal winning if we have none of these players”

Credit: @TheFloatBros

“well that’s not very fun is it”

Credit: @SxrgioSZN

“no fullbacks??? what’s happening”

Credit: @mxnciteh

“Not funny”

Credit: @Keane4K

“WHOOOOO”

Credit: @trevsenpai

West Ham United have made an approach in a bid to bring Leandro Trossard to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Pete O’Rourke, with the journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that West Ham have made an enquiry with Brighton & Hove Albion regarding a deal to sign the 27-year-old forward, with David Moyes desperate to bring in attacking reinforcements prior to Monday’s transfer deadline.

In his tweet, O’Rourke said: “Understand West Ham have made a shock enquiry for Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard.”

Fans will finally be pleased

While it is true that Trossard is naturally a winger, the Belgium international’s impressive positional versatility – being able to operate on either flank, in attacking midfield or at centre-forward – is undoubtedly a major reason for West Ham’s interest in the attacker.

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Furthermore, the £15.3m-rated forward is also proven in the Premier League, something that the 58-year-old Hammers manager typically prefers his signings to be – in order to reduce the amount of time it takes for a player to settle into the club.

However, not only does Trossard possess top-flight experience, the winger demonstrated over his 35 league outings last season that he has the ability to thrive in the division, scoring five goals, registering five assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.7 shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £35k-per-week Belgian earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Graham Potter’s fifth-best performer in the Premier League last time out.

As such, while the 27-year-old is not an out and out centre-forward, considering his impressive returns in the final third, his versatility in attacking roles and his experience in the division, the Brighton star would very much appear to make an excellent addition to Moyes’ attacking arsenal at the London Stadium – with fans undoubtedly being delighted to hear that the 58-year-old is finally addressing a problem position in his squad.

In other news: Deal off: WHU insider reveals fresh transfer setback, Moyes can kiss top four goodbye

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte could make Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni his top defensive target ahead of the summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Bastoni linked with Spurs

Despite his desire to bring one in during January, Tottenham failed to sign a central defender for Conte. As a result, the Italian has ended up employing left-back Ben Davies as a makeshift left-sided centre-back.

However, according to Spanish sources, Spurs are already in the process of bolstering their defensive options and have submitted a £42m bid for Bastoni.

Inter remain reluctant to sanction a sale, so the 23-year-old remains on a list with the likes of Sven Botman, Josko Gvardiol and Nico Schlotterbeck as potential additions (via The Athletic).

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The Latest: Jones’ claim on Bastoni

Jones believes that Conte will make a big push to sign Bastoni from his former club.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the reporter claimed: “I think there’s a good chance that Bastoni will emerge as the guy.

“At this stage, I keep being told there is no order at the moment, that they’ll see at the end of the season where they’re at and they’ll go from there.

“They have a shortlist, but it’s not in any sort of ranking, as it stands.”

The Verdict: Great signing if it comes off

Described by journalist Mario Sconcerti as a “young Bonucci”, Bastoni is clearly valued quite highly in Italy. This praise is warranted by his underlying statistics – the 23-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes received, the 94th percentile for shot-creating actions and the 91th percentile for progressive carries (via FBRef) among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

With Conte’s preferred back-three formation, Bastoni would suit playing on the left-hand side of the defence, with his ability on the ball complimenting this style of play.

Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see Conte make a big push for the Inter centre-back, who certainly seems like he would be an ideal signing in terms of what the Lilywhites boss is seeking in a defender.

In other news: One Tottenham man could lead a potential N17 mass exodus

Former Leeds United hero Paul Robinson is desperate for the Whites to complete the permanent signing of Jack Harrison this summer.

The 24-year-old in now in his third season on loan at Elland Road, having initially joined from Manchester City back in the summer of 2018.

The winger has been an undoubted success story for Leeds, scoring 16 goals in 120 appearances, as well as registering 17 assists.

Harrison was a key part of Marcelo Bielsa’s team that made it back into the Premier League and only Patrick Bamford (14) has more than his tally of six goals in the division in 2020/21.

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Robinson urges Leeds to sign Harrison

Leeds have the option to sign Harrison permanently with Phil Hay reporting earlier this month an £11m deal is “as good as done”, something Robinson thinks is a no brainer.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, the ex-Whites goalkeeper hailed the Englishman’s quality and said it makes perfect sense to retain his services:

“I think he’s a top player and he’s an absolute bargain at the price Leeds are going to pay for him. It’s been clever business by Leeds, kicking his option down the road for a year and keeping him on loan.

“They’re now in a position where they’ve got more Premier League money and more money from investors.

“It meant they could spend the money they spent last summer and sign Harrison this summer, and at £10m you’d be hard-pressed to find a better player than him.

“I think it’s a great signing, a really great buy for Leeds. He’s had ups and downs this season but he’s a top-quality winger who would cost a lot more on the open market.”

Transfer Tavern take

Harrison has shown over an extended period that he is more than suited to shine in this Leeds side, so they should seal a permanent move for him in the summer.

He clearly has no future at City, and at 24, he is at an age where he needs to settle at a club for a long period.

In other news, Noel Whelan believes one Leeds target could have to tweak his game if he moves to Elland Road this summer. Find out who it is here.

According to reports from Turkey, West Bromwich Albion are tracking Fenerbahce midfielder, Ozan Tufan, ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report by Sabah (via Sport Witness) claims that a number of Premier League clubs, including West Brom, Everton and Crystal Palace, are keen on a move for Tufan this summer, with Sam Allardyce’s side specifically mentioned as being “closely interested” in the 26-year-old central midfielder.

However, Sabah go on to claim that West Brom’s likely relegation from the top flight could result in Tufan being put off of a potential switch to The Hawthorns, with the player already reported to not “look very warmly” on a move to the club.

Furthermore, with Fenerbahce said to be expecting any potential buyer to pay the Turkey international’s €20 million (£17 million) release clause if they are to part with the midfielder, should West Brom indeed drop down to the Championship come the end of the season, it is questionable whether the Baggies would be able to afford such a deal.

Transfer Tavern Take

Putting aside the potential complications of a West Brom move for Tufan, after looking at the 26-year-old’s statistics, it would certainly appear as if the midfielder would make a fine addition to Allardyce’s options in the middle of the park.

So far this season, the £8.55 million-rated Fenerbahce star has scored five goals and registered six assists over his 26 Super Lig appearances, while the player’s previous manager at the Turkish side, Vitor Pereira, drew comparisons between Tufan and Yaya Toure.

However, with the sizeable transfer fee, in addition to the player’s apparent lack of interest, it would very much seem as if West Brom have will face a real struggle to get a deal for Tufan over the line this summer.

In other news: loads of West Brom fans ripped into ‘yesterday’s man’ as this report emerged – find out more here!

Last summer, Wolves signed four first-team players with Marcal being the oldest one at 32-years-old, but others such as Fabio Silva and Ki-Jana Hoever are just 18 and 19-years old respectively, so Steve Bull would like to see more experienced players signed this summer.

Some of Wolves’ most important players over the last few seasons have been Raul Jimenez (30), Rui Patricio (33) and Conor Coady (28), proving that experience can be very handy when the right players have it.

Wolves may be looking for more experience this summer with both Joao Moutinho and Patricio linked with moves away and to lose their mentality and ability to help teach and guide younger players will be a huge blow.

Since winning promotion back into the Premier League, Wolves have brought in a whole host of young foreign players with a lot of them turning out to be good bits of business, however Bull would like to see more experience added to the club’s ranks, something he spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about:

“I don’t care where they come from, but I’m seeing too many youngsters coming in and I just need to see some experienced players come in who’ve done it and have got a track record in the Premier League.”

Bruno Lage will be able to get his feet firmly under the table at Molineux now and begin planning for pre-season and the transfer window but judging by his first signing which he was very much involved in, Yerson Mosquera, he may be looking to add more youth and energy to the side.

Plenty of Arsenal fans have been going wild on social media after hearing the latest update on Daniel Ek’s plans to take over at the Emirates Stadium.

According to a report from Sky Sports, the Swedish billionaire is set to launch a takeover bid with the help of Gunners legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.

Ek, co-founder and chief executive of music streaming service Spotify, first expressed an interest in buying Arsenal last week following protests from fans, and it seems as if he’s serious on his proposal alongside three of the club’s ‘Invincibles’ to buy out current owner Stan Kroenke.

Ek is thought to be worth £3.38bn but it is not known how much the 38-year-old is willing to bid to take control at Arsenal.

Arsenal fans react

@AFTVMedia shared the news on Twitter on Monday morning which, as to be expected, received plenty of interaction.

This is what some had to say in reply, with many delighted at the update.

“The Greatest day in Arsenal’s history if this happens. Make Arsenal great again!”

Credit: @TylerAFC_

“This would be a dream come true”

Credit: @DiplockMutaasa

“OMG PLSSS”

Credit: @TashaTweeets

“3 of the best ever players for arsenal taking ownership, I’m already thinking of the celebrations, please happen”

Credit: @tomstone1998

“Tears in my eyes”

Credit: @manga_n7

“Please”

Credit: @BenWright_AFC

In other news: Many Arsenal fans fume at Vinai Venkatesham as news emerges, find out more here. 

Many Everton fans have been left to plead for the Goodison Park faithful to sign Zeki Celik after a transfer update emerged.

As per L’Equipe (via The Toffee Blues), the Merseyside club as well as Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a move to sign the Lille right-back once the summer transfer window opens, with the player keen himself on a move to the Premier League.

Celik played a key part in his team snatching the 2020/21 Ligue 1 title off of the hands of PSG, scoring three goals and making a further three assists in 29 games in total (Transfermarkt).

At just 24 years of age, the Turkey international would be an ideal replacement in the longer term for 32-year-old Seamus Coleman, and so it is no surprise to see so many Toffees calling for his signature.

Everton fans on Celik transfer update

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

“Yes please. Although not seen him play that much, heard good things about him”

Credit: @cazzawarrington

“This would be an outstanding transfer, likely great value for money and a really top player (at least by the numbers)”

Credit: @AndrewHelberg

“Please”

Credit: @Michael89770191

“Very solid RB who I’ve said previously I would look to get. With Lille’s financial mess I can imagine Celik will be very cheap for an established RB”Credit: @taylor_davies77″God please get this done before the Euros start”Credit: @MadaElyod”Get it DONE, very good player”Credit: @efc_alex18In other news, find out what transfer update has left EFC fans buzzing here!

Many Wolves fans have been left to fume as a manager update emerged on Frank Lampard.

As per talkSPORT (via Talking Wolves), the Midlands club have reportedly made ‘discrete enquiries’ with the former Derby County and Chelsea boss over their managerial vacancy.

The Molineux faithful have still not been able to find a replacement for Nuno Espirito Santo, and a list of potential candidates have already been touted for the job, with Lampard the latest.

The 42-year-old was sacked by Chelsea after guiding the Blues to a very disappointing ninth place in the Premier League table, despite spending more than £200m on new players in the summer transfer window, as he also came off the back of losing the 2020 FA Cup final at the hands of Arsenal.

Nonetheless, his CV in this sense does not make great reading, and so it is understandable that several WWFC supporters do not want the Englishman to be their next coach.

Wolves fans on Lampard manager update

These Wanderers fumed as the manager update was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was a ‘joke’:

“If we give this idiot the job I’m going to support my local Sunday league team.”

Credit: @sjrasmin

“Go for Gerrard instead of that fraud please”

Credit: @F1Jamie_

“Fosun out”

Credit: @fatchav

“I’d like to request one speedy exit from this planet. Earliest slot available, thank you very much.”

Credit: @TonyWilde99

“Please god no”

Credit: @fowls21wwfc

“This joke …ehm..not funny”

Credit: @Dacos23

In other news, find out what transfer update has left Wanderers raving here!

Lots of Manchester City supporters have been buzzing with the latest rumours linking Jude Bellingham with a move to the club.

The 18-year-old has impressed at Borussia Dortmund since moving to Germany in July 2020 and he could eventually follow the path of former City academy star Jadon Sancho and return to England in the future.

Bellingham already has more than 50 appearances for BVB and was part of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad as England reached the final, with the Stourbridge-born midfielder making three substitute appearances at the tournament.

According to the Daily Star [via City Chief on Twitter], Pep Guardiola has identified the teenager as ‘being the best potential candidate around Europe’ to replace Fernandinho, who is now 36.

Bellingham’s performances in the Bundesliga have caught the eye of the City manager, with the teenager featuring in every game so far this season, scoring and assisting in the 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim.

With Jack Grealish being City’s only major signing over the summer, Bellingham – who is valued at £49.5m by Transfermarkt – could be the perfect future transfer for Manchester City.

Man City fans want Bellingham

These City fans have taken to Twitter to react to the rumours of Bellingham’s links with a move to the Etihad Stadium.

“I approve this transfer”

Credit: @jaycity316

“Better than Rice”

Credit: @riszuan17

“God I hope this is true! Gonna be a star”

Credit: @LeoriPetrou

“Excellent talent, hope we can get him”

Credit: @R_Jeeem

“Get Jude and Haaland and we’re sorted”

Credit: @dasilvarito

“make it happen”

Credit: @rkmcr6

In other news, former City defender claims club never attempted to sign world-class star. Find out more here.