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A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted negatively to a journalist’s claim that the Reds could re-sign Phillippe Coutinho this summer.

The Brazilian was a hero at Anfield between 2013 and 2018, producing moments of magic and scoring 54 goals in 201 appearances.

Coutinho opted to trade Liverpool for Barcelona in January 2018, however, in a move which angered many Kopites after he pushed for the transfer to happen.

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Since then, the Reds have enjoyed great success, winning the Champions League and Premier League, while the 29-year-old’s career has gone rapidly downhill. Coutinho has been limited to just 90 games for Barca, even being shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich at one point.

According to journalist Francesc Aguilar on Twitter [via LFC Transfer Room], Liverpool are still keen on re-signing the Brazil international, with Wolves and Everton also mentioned.

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Liverpool fans don’t want Coutinho back

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react negatively to the update, with many still scorned by the manner of his exit from Anfield.

“Klopp will not have him back”

Credit: @tsrbys

“Rubbish “

Credit: @SoLockedIn

“No way he is signing. Especially not under Klopp. We have to remember that Barca still owe us money for the Coutinho deal. Why would we go after him then? Another fake news just to get some clicks”

Credit: @wearewinnin

“No room back for Phil. We loved him but the story is ended”

Credit: @olokohoney

“We don’t need him anymore”

Credit: @MathewAboh

“Please no, he’s washed plus disrespected the club”

Credit: @lfcjason1

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy with how one Reds player could be used next season. Read more here.

The January transfer window is well underway and Newcastle United are being linked with players left, right and centre at the moment.

Eddie Howe’s squad is in desperate need of strengthening, and deals done this month could go a long way to helping them to remain in the Premier League for at least another season.

They are currently 19th in the table and have only won one league game with half of the campaign gone, highlighting the need for reinforcements.

Time to brutally axe Gayle

CBS Sports recently reported that Leicester, Newcastle and Everton are all interested in signing Morelos from Rangers this month.

By bringing the Colombian to St James’ Park, Howe could brutally axe Dwight Gayle from the club and sell him in the coming weeks. The former Crystal Palace man is reportedly one of the players the Magpies are willing to offload, and the prospective arrival of Morelos could allow them to cash in.

He is under contract until 2024 but has only played 27 minutes of Premier League football this season. This suggests that the £40k-per-week dud is not in Howe’s plans, so signing a replacement in the form of Morelos would mean that they can sell him without worrying about their attacking squad depth.

The Rangers marksman could come in and add plenty of goals to the Magpies. He has proven his quality for the Scottish champions over the years, with 107 goals in 211 games north of the border.

Speaking anonymously to The Athletic previously, an ex-Scottish Premiership defender lauded the striker’s strength, saying: “When he goes to shield the ball it’s so difficult. His body strength and ball control are very good, so he makes it very difficult for you. He is deceptive with his physical attributes, but what I’d say he’s best at is when the ball is played up to him. He lets you think that you can nip in front of him and then his timing to put his body in and spin you is excellent.”

Another player added: “He’s kind of dropping deep now and going out wide. That’s a nightmare for defenders because he’s your player that you’re meant to be man-marking but then you’re dragged out of position and you’ve got midfield runners taking his space.”

These testimonies highlight what Morelos could bring to Newcastle aside from his goalscoring. He has the physical strength and positional intelligence to cause constant problems for opposition defenders, which means that he could open up space for his teammates even when he is not scoring himself. Coupled with his scoring record, that is why he could be an excellent signing.

The Colombian could therefore be the perfect replacement for Gayle and improve the Magpies’ options at the top end of the pitch. It would then be down to the club to find a new employer for the 32-year-old, whether that comes this month or in the summer.

AND in other news, Craig Hope issues 10-word NUFC transfer update which will leave fans buzzing…

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst was officially unveiled at Ibrox earlier this week and will now be getting stuck into the job instantly.

Whilst the upcoming fixtures will be an immediate focus for the Dutchman, he may also start to think about his plans for the January and summer transfer windows to shape the squad to his will.

The Athletic have reported that replacing soon-to-be 37-year-old Steven Davis will be high on the manager’s priority list in the coming weeks and months, with the veteran midfielder out of contract at the end of the season.

Solution

Van Bronckhorst could find a solution to this Davis problem by landing Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell in January or next summer. It was reported last month that Rangers are closing in on a pre-contract deal for the English Championship player and he could be exactly what the ex-Feyenoord boss is looking for.

Davis, who is on £13k-per-week, cannot be expected to play forever and there must come a time when he is naturally moved on, which could come next summer, according to The Athletic. He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.79 and 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premiership this season, whilst also making 1.1 key passes per match.

Rothwell has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.92 and 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game in the Championship for Blackburn, whilst also making 1.2 key passes per match. These statistics suggest that they are similar in play styles, although the 26-year-old has been able to perform consistently to a higher level, albeit in a different league.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray once heaped praise on the midfielder’s speed as he urged him to get closer to goal, saying: “He’s an exciting talent, he’s exceedingly fast, he keeps the ball really tight. We want him running towards the opposition goal rather than across the pitch.”

This suggests that he has the potential to make an impact in the final third, along with his similar defensive statistics to Davis. Rothwell has one goal and four assists in the second tier of English football this season, whilst the 36-year-old has zero goals and one assist in Scotland.

Therefore, the Rovers beast, who is 10 years younger than the Northern Ireland international, could be a long-term successor to Davis. Van Bronckhorst must ensure that a deal gets over the line for him in January to bolster his squad and replace the veteran midfielder, who is out of contract next summer.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst can find his next Van Persie at Rangers in £33k-p/w gem who’s “like a jungle cat”…

Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Brighton as they take on Brentford today.

Spurs take on the Bees in the evening kick-off in the Premier League as they continue their march towards sealing a top-four finish in the division.

They are currently above their rivals Arsenal on goal difference and three points clear of sixth-placed Manchester United, as Conte has his team sitting in fourth in the table as it stands.

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The Italian head coach may look to freshen his side up after their loss to Graham Potter’s men and one player he must finally unleash from the start is Ryan Sessegnon at wing-back.

Sergio Reguilon endured a rough afternoon against Brighton and could do with a match on the sidelines. As per SofaScore, he only completed 63% of his attempted passes, failed with 100% of his dribbles and only made one tackle throughout the match – failing to make a single interception or clearance.

This suggests that it could be time for Conte to switch it up at the back and unleash Sessegnon after over a month out through injury.

Prior to his setback against Everton, the 21-year-old was starting to shine on the left. Against Burnley, he recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.9 as he completed 100% of his dribbles, 91% of his passes and created one chance. He also made two tackles, two clearances and one interception as he showed that he can impress at both ends of the pitch.

Sessegnon carried that form over into his next game as he started against Leeds. As per SofaScore, he completed 81% of his passes and created two chances, with one resulting in him recording an assist, whilst he also made two interceptions and one tackle.

The dynamo was once dubbed a “big talent” by former Fulham teammate Stefan Johansen and Jose Mourinho previously called him “absolutely fantastic” as he compared him with Ashley Cole. This shows how highly he has been rated in the past and that is why Spurs must throw him another bone in the Premier League this week.

Therefore, he must be unleashed from the start at wing-back in order to give him the chance to show that he can be an important player for the team, as he did against Burnley and Leeds. It will allow Conte to rest Reguilon and avoid overplaying the Spaniard, whilst also keeping Sessegnon fresh and match fit.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Spurs handed “fresh” injury lift ahead of Bees, supporters will be buzzing

Former England international Carlton Palmer believes that West Brom striker Andy Carroll could have a future at The Hawthorns beyond the end of the season. 

The lowdown: Short-term solution

Signed during the January transfer window on a deal until the end of the current campaign, then-Albion manager Valerien Ismael was hoping to soften the blow of losing fellow mid-season arrival Daryl Dike to a hamstring injury.

Since then, Ismael has been replaced by Steve Bruce and powerful frontman Dike is still yet to return to fitness, leaving a 33-year-old Carroll leading the line for the most part.

As the end of the season comes into view, Palmer has suggested that there is room for both strikers to remain part of the Baggies’ squad…

The latest: Money the only issue

Speaking to Football League World, the 56-year-old suggested that the major stumbling block for Carroll’s future is likely to be financial.

The ex-England defender stated: “Well, it depends how much he’s costing you.

“You know, at the end of the day he’s 33 now, he’s played 20 games in total this season, 12 games for West Brom and he’s played eight games for Reading previously. So he’s played 20 games in total, and the goal tally of four.

“Now, he does present a different option for you, in terms of, you know, he is superb in the air, and his hold up and link up play is very, very good when he is fit and whatever.

“So, in answer to the question, it just depends on how much he’s costing you to stay in the building.”

The verdict: Worth the risk

Despite his advancing years and previous injury concerns, the towering ex-Liverpool and Newcastle United marksman has enjoyed a new lease of life in the Championship this season.

Carroll – who was once hailed as ‘unplayabale’ by Alan Pardew – has completed 90 minutes on eight occasions for Bruce’s current side.

The nine-cap England international recently won an astonishing 19 aerial duels against Stoke City (Sofascore), evidence of an unrivalled ability as a target man and proof that the experienced striker can provide a worthwhile understudy to a hopefully fit-again Dike next season.

In other news, West Brom set for talks to sign defender. Read more here

Crystal Palace put in a magnificent performance to secure a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday evening.

The Eagles fought back from 1-0 down to take the lead through two thunderous strikes from Christian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard after dispossessing the home side deep in their own half on both occasions.

However, an injury-time effort from substitute Alexandre Lacazette snatch an undeserved point for the Gunners, meaning Palace have now drawn three consecutive games.

It was a frustrating end to an evening full of promise for Patrick Vieira’s charges, and the French tactician will certainly have taken a lot of positives away from his trip to the Emirates Stadium.

One main encouraging aspect was Benteke bagging his first goal of the season, but it was arguably summer signing Edouard who shone the brightest in north London.

As per SofaScore, the 23-year-old was awarded a match rating of 7.1 out of ten for his eye-catching efforts, the joint second-highest total received by any Palace player.

During his 82 minutes on the pitch, Edouard made a whopping three key passes to his teammates as he continued to cause Arsenal’s defence all kinds of problems, won seven duels and achieved a passing accuracy of 88%.

The former Celtic ace was asked to play out of position by Vieira due to Wilfried Zaha’s enforced absence through injury, but that didn’t stop him from having a huge impact upon proceedings.

His powerful strike in the 73rd-minute was his third Premier League goal of the campaign, and it seemed as though it was going to secure a memorable victory for the capital club until the dying embers of the game.

Edouard will be hoping he can put in another eye-catching performance against Newcastle United next time out and help Palace secure just their second win of the season.

And, in other news…100% dribble success: Palace monster who won 80% duels stole the show v Arsenal 

Newcastle United ace Isaac Hayden is now reportedly keen on a move away to a rival in the Premier League before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Hayden out?

There have been a number of reports throughout the window so far linking Hayden with a move away from St. James’ Park.

The North East club have not started the 2021/22 season off well, losing both of their opening games in the top flight and thus leaving themselves in the relegation zone, which may persuade the central midfield player to want to seek a new challenge before the window shuts.

The Latest: Head turned

As per Football Insider, Watford have now ‘set their sights’ on signing Hayden, and it is understood that he is ‘keen’ on a move to Vicarage Road.

A source from the Hornets has told the news outlet that they are interested in signing Hayden before the window closes, and a move to them has reportedly appeared to have turned his head.

The Verdict: Keep

The Tyneside club must avoid selling Hayden in this window, especially to a rival in the Premier League.

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Dubbed ‘outstanding’ by Magpies legend Alan Shearer after a very impressive performance in their 3-2 home win against Southampton in the division back in February, the Englishman was such a key player for them last term, winning no fewer than 5.5 of his duels per game in the top flight, as well as averaging 2.2 tackles, 1.9 clearances and 1.8 interceptions per match (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, with less than a week to go, it would be difficult for Steve Bruce’s team to find a suitable replacement for him.

In other news, find out which ‘amazing talent’ Fabrizio Romano says NUFC are now eyeing here!

The Daily Record’s Mark Pirie believes that Celtic will look to use Reo Hatate in the attacking third, with a January move looking likely.

The Lowdown: Agreement reached

The 24-year-old, who currently plays for Kawasaki Frontale, could well be Celtic’s first signing of 2022, with the Hoops reportedly reaching an agreement with the J1 League outfit for the versatile ace.

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His current contract expires at the end of January, but it seems as if Celtic will fork out a fee in order to bring him to Scotland as soon as possible.

Hatate can play in a number of positions all over the pitch, although Pirie has made a claim on what he thinks Ange Postecoglou may have in store for the 24-year-old.

The Latest: Pirie’s claim

Pirie shared a story on Sunday morning, looking at Celtic’s January state of play. One player of discussion was Hatate, with the reporter believing that it looks ‘increasingly likely’ that he will be deployed in the attacking third of the pitch with left-back Greg Taylor now back from injury.

He added that out of all of Celtic’s targets, a move for Hatate could be the one which is finalised before the Glasgow derby with Rangers on January 2.

The Verdict: Mr Versatile

Hatate can play as a left-back, central midfielder, attacking midfielder or as a winger, so his versatility could prove to be a big hit with both Postecoglou and the Hoops faithful.

At this moment in time, he may well be required in an attacking role, as Pirie mentions, especially with the number of injuries to Celtic’s attacking stars. When they return, he could provide cover for the likes of Callum McGregor, David Turnbull and Tom Rogic in midfield, while also being on standby to replace Taylor at left-back if needed.

Overall, Hatate could turn out to be an extremely shrewd signing by Postecoglou, and he’ll be looking to continue his trophy-winning habit over in Scotland, should the transfer officially go through.

In other news: Nicholson makes Celtic move on the day of Hampden Park final to sign speedster with ‘great feet’

Tottenham Hotspur cannot train ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, putting the game in serious doubt…

What’s the word?

That’s according to ever-reliable football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who revealed late on Wednesday evening that the club had further positive cases at Hotspur Way, resulting in a complete shutdown of the training ground.

It means Antonio Conte’s already-depleted squad cannot face Stade Rennes in their final Europa Conference League group game this evening and now, it appears as if postponing Sunday’s encounter at the Amex Stadium will be a mere formality at this stage.

Big blow

Spurs have been hit by a flurry of positive cases in recent days and the number keeps increasing as each day passes by.

The Italian head coach revealed in his pre-game press conference that eight players and five members of staff were absent and that another player had tested positive by the end of training, as relayed by football.london.

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“I think this is a serious problem, and it’s a pity because during the press conference I’d like to talk about football and the next game and not about Covid,” he told reporters.

“But the situation is serious. Every day we are having positives. Today one player and one member of staff. I think the worst is we don’t know and we continue to have contact with people that the day before weren’t negative. For sure this is not a good situation. We have a training session to prepare for the game against Rennes, but it’s very difficult.”

Not only do the north London outfit have the Burnley postponement to fit in but they will now have to slot a rearranged encounter with Rennes in before December 31st, which may be tricky with the Ligue 1 outfit due on winter break by Christmas day, and then there is likely to be another game to manoeuvre with this weekend’s clash against the Seagulls likely to be called off in due course.

This deals Conte another blow as his tenure in N17 has been ever so stop-start since taking over a month ago, having also had to contend with numerous injuries and the international break, too.

It also means that Spurs will have a substantial backlog of fixtures heading into 2022 and that could harm their chances of breaking into the top six, let alone the top four, and that’s got to be troubling news for the Lilywhites faithful, who will now not get to witness their team in the near future.

AND in other news, Spurs may have just signed their next Danny Rose…

Pundit Jamie O’Hara believes that West Ham United could be dragged into a relegation battle in 2021/22, should they choose not to dive further into the transfer market [METRO].

Enjoying a fantastic campaign last time out, West Ham United managed to finish in sixth place and successfully qualified for the Europa League group stage against all odds.

However, their lack of transfer activity has become a concern for fans and pundits alike.

Barely scratching the surface, the Irons have added Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris St-Germain, alongside completing a permanent deal for previous loanee defender Craig Dawson [Transfermarkt].

Speaking to TalkSPORT, relayed by Metro, O’Hara issued a damning verdict on where he believes their trajectory lies this season, stating:

“If they don’t get some players in quickly and strengthen that squad, West Ham are going to be fighting relegation. They’ve got the Europa League as well, they haven’t got a squad, it’s not big enough.”

In light of these comments, no wonder loads of West Ham United diehards took to social media to vent their disgust at the former Tottenham man’s claims.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to popular West Ham fan outlet Uber West Ham, here is what some fans had to say about O’Hara’s comments:

“Think on this. O’Hara was sacked from Billericay. He thinks the Moon landings didn’t happen. Doesn’t know who Stalin, Chairman Mao or Genghis Khan were. Yet we are supposed to give his views on football credence? PS: He said the same last year.”

Credit: @Hammers54

“The same jamie ohara that said declan was bang average?”

Credit: @AdamEpsly

“He works for talk sport. They just get former professional footballers looking for media careers to say outrageous stuff”

Credit: @benrahmaww”More drivel by football “genius” Jamie O’Hara. Hilarious.”Credit: @DX7Dreams”He predicted West Ham to finish 19th last year. The bloke is a clown”Credit: @CStevens2109″Who cares”Credit: @RichardWatts1In other news, West Ham United plot a move for a Ligue 1 ace.