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Former Newcastle and England midfielder Rob Lee has told Football FanCast that Everton’s signing of Josh King has served to bring the best out of Richarlison.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been in excellent form this season and are currently eighth in the Premier League table.

They are just five points off fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand, meaning there is some genuine excitement on the blue half of Merseyside as they consider the possibility of qualifying for Europe.

King arrived at the club in January and has played eight times in the league, with all of his appearances coming as a substitute.

Since the Norway international’s debut against Leeds United, Richarlison has scored four goals in nine games, nailing down his starting spot in Ancelotti’s XI.

And Lee thinks the arrival of King may well have inspired that form.

He told FFC: “I think he’s started well. I think they’ve got a good team, if you look around at their team and their squad, they’ve got some good people that don’t get in the team as well. He’s [Ancelotti] got them playing. They’ve been really, really good.

“King’s a good signing, it seems to have spurred Richarlison on.

“Sometimes Richarlison can seem not interested, but he seems to be thinking ‘someone might take my place here’ and it’s spurred him on. I think you need them extra players.”

Lee also thinks that King will help ease the burden on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been enjoying one of the best seasons of his career.

The England international has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season but he has scored just once in his last five games and Lee thinks King’s presence will prove beneficial for Calvert-Lewin.

He added: “Calvert-Lewin has been brilliant all season but he’s in a bit of a lull at the minute.

“It’s his first proper season where people will expect things from him now, at the start of the season they probably didn’t, but now they expect him to score every game.

“He’s only young, he’s going through a bit of a lull so it’s nice to have other players who can take the pressure off you and score goals. I think they’re a good team.”

Many Southampton fans applauded the performance of defender Jan Bednarek after his side’s 2-0 victory against Sheffield United on Saturday.

The 24-year-old centre-back started for the 27th time during the 2020/21 Premier League as the Saints came out on top at Bramall Lane against the struggling Blades.

A first half penalty from James Ward-Prowse and a rocket from Che Adams sealed the deal for the visitors, which eased the woes of Danny Ings leaving the field injured before the 20-minute mark.

Bednarek, who has deputised at right-back on three occasions recently, was back in his natural position and shone for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side from a defensive point of view.

Per Sofascore, the Polish defender made seven clearances, four interceptions and three tackles as Southampton successfully kept a clean sheet in south Yorkshire.

Unsurprisingly, many supporters were pleased with Bednarek’s “immense” performance and were reassured to see him excel when back in his natural position. One fan said the 27-year-old was “solid as usual”, a fair comment as the Pole has made more interceptions per game and won the second-most aerial duels of any Saints player this season, per WhoScored:

Bednarek earns St Mary’s plaudits

“Bednarek was very good today. Salisu looks a Ferrari, but Bednarek is a Honda.”

Credit: @EFranzo17

“Huge shoutout for Bednarek today… been getting a little flack after “doing a job” for the team…. back in his “natural” position today and was absolutely brilliant next to big Jan…”

Credit: @JusticeCraig

“So happy for Bednarek after what he’s been through the last few weeks at RB! Could have completely destroyed his confidence but today looked solid again back in his proper position”

Credit: @fishysaints

“Bednarek immense- he *loves* defending. KWP is so good technically and makes such a difference. Absolute rocket from Che. Don’t save those.”

Credit: @shirleymush

“The difference in Bednarek’s composure from RB to CB is insane”

Credit: @SaintsBlueropa

“Needed those points… Tella played really well and Bednarek solid as usual”

Credit: @philipg1965

In other news, Southampton make an enquiry about £120k-per-week Premier League hitman.

Manchester City’s hopes of completing a historic quadruple are still alive as they prepare to face Everton in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Goodison Park hoping to secure a place at Wembley for the semi-finals with a win against Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees.

The Merseyside outfit have suffered back-to-back losses against Chelsea and Burnley recently, whilst the Citizens are on an unbelievable run which has seen them win 24 of their last 25 games in all competitions, which included a 3-1 triumph at Goodison Park in February.

With all of his players back fit, Guardiola is likely to rotate from the side which beat Borussia Monchengladbach in midweek, although he will still obviously want a strong side out to continue City’s impressive form in the FA Cup in recent years.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the manager to line his side up on Saturday, with five changes from the side which started in Hungary…

Although Zack Steffen featured in earlier rounds, it seems likely that Ederson will keep his place in goal ahead of the American for a game of this importance for City.

There are two changes in defence, as Oleksandr Zinchenko comes in for Kyle Walker, with Joao Cancelo moving to right-back after featuring on the left in midweek. John Stones is handed a rest with Aymeric Laporte replacing him at centre-back alongside Ruben Dias.

Fernandinho has shown his qualities in recent months and deserves a start ahead of Rodri in midfield, where he is partnered by Ilkay Gundogan.

Riyad Mahrez starred on City’s last trip to Goodison Park so he keeps his place on the right-hand side, with Bernardo Silva, who reportedly earns £150,000 per week at City, dropping out to welcome Raheem Sterling back in on the left.

Finally, Gabriel Jesus replaces Phil Foden and offers City a more natural centre-forward option up front, although the Brazilian has the added pressure of a fit Sergio Aguero waiting in the wings to replace him, so hopefully he can start scoring goals on a more regular basis.

In other news… Forget Haaland: Txiki should swoop for “outstanding” £100m-rated maestro

Despite Steven Gerrard’s initial protestations, Glasgow Rangers have been by no means quiet in the January transfer window, signing Aberdeen’s Scott Wright and Bournemouth’s Jack Simpson, with Nnamdi Ofoborh expected to follow suit.

Rangers seem hellbent on stopping Celtic from an unprecedented ten in a row, having won almost all of their 26 games in the Scottish Premiership this season thus far, barring three draws.

However, they have missed out on the chance to sign a player who could have provided a real cutting edge – Jesse Lingard.

Rangers were linked with signing the Manchester United midfielder last month by TEAMTalk, but a move failed to materialise and he ultimately joined West Ham on loan instead.

Lingard, who earns around £75,000-per-week at Old Trafford, may have endured quite a dramatic fall from grace since the 2018 World Cup but there’s no doubting the fact that he would have been guaranteed a starting berth under Gerrard.

Last season, the former England international bagged two goals and an assist in the Europa League, including a goal in a 2-1 defeat against Astana in 2019, whilst he averaged more shots (1.8) per match than James Tavernier (1.2) and Cedric Itten (1.5) have managed this season so far, as per WhoScored.

For context, that would put him joint-fourth in the Rangers squad alongside Scott Arfield, just below Ianis Hagi (2), but above Ryan Kent (1.2), per WhoScored.

It led to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dubbing him “top class” whilst he’s even received praise from Paul Pogba and was once tipped for greatness by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson himself.

You can’t help but feel like sporting director Ross Wilson missed a real opportunity here as he could’ve landed a player who has proven that he is able to score goals at a high level of the game, and that could have lit up Ibrox across the remainder of the campaign.

Rangers could live to regret the day they decided against making a move for Lingard.

AND in other news, Rangers can sign their Steven Davis successor in Bournemouth’s Nnamdi Ofoborh…

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has been under a lot of scrutiny lately due to some of the recent performances of the south London side. Pundit Jamie O’Hara has mentioned a surprising name that he thinks could take over at the club.

What O’Hara had to say about Palace

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has been linked to the vacant role at Championship side AFC Bournemouth. However, speaking on talkSPORT, the former Tottenham footballer said: “It might sound a bit silly but Henry is probably better suited to taking the Crystal Palace job, because he knows the Premier League.”

Would Henry suit Palace?

There is no doubting the quality that the Frenchman had as a player and he will go down as one of the best footballers to grace the Premier League. However, managing a side in the division is much different and his managerial career so far has not been the best.

This claim by O’Hara is a huge one to make as Palace currently have the experienced Roy Hodgson in charge, whilst Henry has barely started his managerial career. He had a short period as assistant manager of Belgium but since then, he has only been manager of Monaco, where he managed 0.95 points per game, and his current job at Montreal Impact (Transfermarkt). At the MLS side, Henry has taken charge of 29 games. His record is not great. He has only won nine matches,  whilst drawing four and losing 16.

Therefore to suggest he can take over a struggling Palace side who have an ageing squad and other problems like being too reliant on Wilfried Zaha would be a huge risk and at this current time the Frenchman would not be a good fit for the Palace role.

In other news, Palace fans fumed over Hodgson’s latest injury update!

According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde and he could be the perfect replacement for Victor Lindelof.

What’s the word?

Kounde finds himself on the Red Devils’ radar after previously being linked with a move to their arch-rivals Manchester City.

The Spanish outlet revealed that Sevilla rejected a €55m bid from Pep Guardiola’s side in the summer.

It’s also claimed Sevilla will not be easily persuaded to sell one of their prized assets as erstwhile Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui is loath to part with the centre-half. However, the Andalusian club are apparently willing to listen to offers in the region of €80m for Kounde.

Despite his age, the 22-year-old has been colossal at the back for Lopetegui’s side, as well as providing two goals in 18 appearances across all competitions, via WhoScored.

Bye-bye Victor Lindelof

The Red Devils find themselves among a number of contenders jostling for position in the Premier League title race and it seems like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to strengthen his squad before the transfer window shuts in January.

United’s defensive struggles this season thus far have been well-documented, dating back to the defensive meltdown they endured during the humiliating 6-1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the season.

Ed Woodward splashed the cash to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City and, after a tricky start to his time at Old Trafford, the England international has been a total revelation.

However, Solskjaer has struggled to find a defensive partner for the club captain, with Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and, to some extent, Axel Tuanzebe struggling for consistency alongside Maguire.

Out of the three, it’s probably fair to say that Lindelof is the weakest of those players and since his arrival from Benfica in 2017, he has often divided the fan base.

Whilst the La Liga giants are under no pressure to sell Kounde, whose contract will run out in 2024, he could be the long-term solution to United’s lingering problems at the back. Solskjaer’s side have conceded three goals in their past three games.

In 12 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season, the Frenchman, who reportedly earns around £16,000-per-week, is averaging 1.2 interceptions and 3.4 clearances per game, via WhoScored.

His manager Lopetegui told Marca amid rampant transfer speculation in the latter half of last year: “Jules is our player, he is an important part of the team.”

It’s clear as day that Kounde could be one for the future and he could be United’s starting centre-back for years to come if Woodward brings him to Old Trafford and he is able to hit the ground running.

He may not be the flashiest target, but he is certainly capable of being a very good player at the back. Add in his eye for a goal, coupled with the fact he has Champions League experience, and the youngster is already a well-rounded prospect.

AND in other news, Ed Woodward must secure Man Utd transfer swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho…

Alfredo Morelos’ future at Glasgow Rangers remains in doubt.

Having made no attempts to disguise his desire to leave Ibrox at the end of last season, the Colombian centre-forward will be well aware of what comes next in the January transfer window.

Not a week goes by without Morelos facing the same old questions about his commitment to the club he first joined at the age of 20 and where he has established himself as an integral part of Steven Gerrard’s side.

However, he may not have to wait too long before he catches his next big break.

Reports emerged earlier this week that Bayern Munich are interested in the 24-year-old as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

After a sluggish start to the season, the £33,000-a-week Colombia international has been in prolific form over the past few weeks, having fired in three goals in his last four games in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Naturally, other sides have been keeping a watchful eye on his situation, including French Ligue 1 outfit Lille, but Rangers are under no pressure to sell and should be reluctant to do so given the fact that they are currently in hot pursuit of their first piece of silverware since the 2010-11 season.

As we mentioned earlier today, while Ryan Kent has been linked to Leeds United once more – with former Rangers player Derek Ferguson casting doubts about his future – the potential loss of Morelos would arguably be an even greater blow for Gerrard.

With Rangers well in the race for the Scottish league, it would be a catastrophic error from Ross Wilson to let him leave at such a crucial stage in the campaign.

Morelos has been at the club for the best part of four years now and he perhaps represents their best chance to deny Celtic their bid for ‘ten in a row’ – last season, he smashed home 12 goals in 26 games in the Scottish Premiership and is the club’s third-highest scorer this season despite his initial struggles.

In his first season alone, he scored 14 goals in 31 top-flight appearances, and now, he continues to be one of Gerrard’s best players. He isn’t just a second-stringer. He’s become a part of the fabric of the club, especially when you consider the fact that he quite literally wrote his name into the history books after breaking Ally McCoist’s European goal-scoring record.

It will be interested to see if Bayern launch a bid for Morelos, that’s for sure, but Rangers shouldn’t even begin to entertain an offer. There’s simply too much at stake.

AND in other news, Rangers should secure Gustavo Hamer as a Steven Davis alternative…

Leeds may finally be seeing the fruits of their labor following the arrival of Raphinha this summer, but there is one player who they will rue not signing…

What was the word?

One of the sagas of the last winter transfer window for the Whites was surrounding former Hull City talisman Jarrod Bowen, who according to The Sun was of interest to Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta.

They claimed that the Yorkshire giants were only willing to pay £3m loan upfront and then a remaining £15m upon promotion.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay also suggested that the 23-year-old was a player they “looked at” but ultimately, they were “never going to pay what Hull wanted.”

And now that’s looking like a rather silly mistake.

One that got away?

This week’s edition of Monday Night Football on Sky Sports served up Bowen’s new club, West Ham United, as they defeated Aston Villa 2-1 and the former Leeds target played an integral role once again.

He scored and assisted both of the Iron’s goals with SofaScore grading him as their best player with an 8.1 rating. He also recorded two key passes and made 83% of his passes.

It means since his £20m switch in January, Bowen has directly contributed to ten goals in just 23 appearances for the east London outfit. That is a phenomenal return thus far.

In the Premier League this season, the winger who was once dubbed “unplayable” by ex-manager Grant McCann has averaged 2.2 shots per game, which is only bettered by Patrick Bamford in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.

You can only imagine how huge of an influence the Whites boss could’ve had on his career, even with the addition of Ralphinha. He’s looking way better than Helder Costa (one shot per game) and perhaps Jack Harrison too as he’s only scored once in the top-flight this term.

United will get a taste of what could’ve been later this month as they soon welcome the Hammers to Elland Road.

Orta best hope his decision to not pay up for the impressive dynamo doesn’t come back to haunt Bielsa and Leeds.

AND in other news, Forget De Paul: Bielsa has saved LUFC millions thanks to “intelligent” £45k-p/w beast…

It was a battle of two teams enduring winless streaks on Tuesday evening in the Championship, and it was indeed Sheffield Wednesday who saw their shocking run of form continue at the hands of relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.

The Owls have now lost four successive matches and are yet to win under Tony Pulis, leading to much of the Hillsborough faithful slamming the 62-year-old in response to the club’s official Twitter account.

Although he can be blamed for starting particular players, he cannot be blamed for their disappointing attitude and lack of fight and desire – and that all starts with the skipper, Barry Bannan.

Yes, he is often the talisman of this side but at the City Ground, he was wasteful, lightweight and far from what you’d expect from your captain.

The 31-year-old enjoyed the most touches of any visiting player (91) but could only make 79% of his 71 passing attempts, delivered one accurate cross from six tries and lost possession 22 times in the heart of midfield, via SofaScore.

Bannan also managed just one dribble, one key pass and failed to register a single shot on target. Clearly, when he’s not on it, neither are the Owls.

As Dom Howson at YorkshireLive put perfectly in his post-match ratings, it was a ‘night to forget for the captain.’

He added: “[Bannan] gave the ball away cheaply and his deliveries from set play were also a big disappointment. Never got going.”

During times like this, you need your main man to dig the others out of the mire – to encourage; to hold account. The Scotsman, who earns around £24k-per-week at the club, failed to do all of that.

Pulis has taken over a sinking ship and will need to be backed substantially in the transfer market in January otherwise the prospect of League One will quickly become a reality.

AND in other news, Exclusive: 30 y/o tipped to join Sheffield Wednesday this January…

Leeds United were brilliant in their win against Aston Villa on Friday, but one thing certainly had to be a point of concern for Marcelo Bielsa in the wake of the Whites’ victory.

Indeed, Pascal Struijk’s 20-minute cameo in defensive midfield was nothing short of a disaster.

The 21-year-old was selected to fill-in for the injured Kalvin Phillips, but after three clumsy challenges in the early stages of the match, Bielsa had seen enough as he chose to sub off the Dutchman before he picked up a second yellow card.

There are certainly lessons to be learned from this, and unfortunately, Bielsa may be back to square one when it comes to looking for a Phillips replacement.

The 24-year-old is out for the next six weeks, and the Argentine thought he could trust Struijk to step into his role, but it took just 20 minutes for him to be proven wrong on that front, and it’s a mistake that he shouldn’t make again.

Now, we’re not trying to disregard the youngster as a player, Bielsa clearly rates him incredibly highly, describing him as a ‘complete player’ and ‘valuable’, but he’s quite clearly not suited to playing in the lynchpin role in Bielsa’s 4-1-4-1 formation.

He is much more accomplished as a centre-back and that’s where he should play going forward, especially when you consider that there is a better defensive midfield option right under Bielsa’s nose.

Indeed, Robin Koch is more experienced than Struijk in that role, playing there 58 times in his career, so it makes a lot of sense to just swap those two around in the starting XI.

Of course, Bielsa may have another solution in his mind and it’ll be interesting to see how Leeds line-up against Leicester next week, but one thing is for sure, Struijk shouldn’t play in defensive midfield again.