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Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will be without one of his standout performers since the 41-year-old’s arrival last month on Sunday as they host Midlands rivals Leicester City.

What’s the latest? 

Speaking in his press conference, Gerrard confirmed that left-back Matt Targett will face a late fitness test before the Villa boss makes a decision on whether or not to include the 26-year-old against Leicester.

The 41-year-old said: “Matty Targett will probably struggle for this game, but we’ll make a late decision on him.”

The defender was taken off in the 67th minute during the Midlanders’ clash with Manchester City on Wednesday night due to a head injury and therefore faces a race against time to be available to face the Foxes.

Leon Bailey is a confirmed absentee for the game, with Gerrard also sweating on the fitness of Danny Ings (Birmingham Live) as Villa face the prospect of being without several valuable players this weekend.

Gerrard will be gutted

Villa have been excellent during Gerrard’s short time at the helm, winning twice and losing narrowly to Manchester City. One of the key factors to the former Liverpool captain’s instant success has been the performances of Targett at left-back, who has been a standout performer in the last couple of games.

The 26-year-old was rated 8.1 by SofaScore in Gerrard’s first game, a 2-0 win over Brighton, and then scored the opener in their 2-1 triumph at Crystal Palace last week.

This is a stark contrast to his start to the campaign under former manager Dean Smith, where the defender’s performances were under par, particularly against Watford on the opening day as he was withdrawn at half-time after a tricky test against Ismalia Sarr.

Villa do have a natural replacement in Ashley Young, but the 36-year-old has started just one Premier League game at left-back this term, also being deployed as a winger and central midfielder on occasion.

However, the £900k-rated veteran has also vastly improved under Gerrard, recording his two assists to date this season against Brighton and Crystal Palace.

It appears that Targett won’t beat the race against time to be fit for the Leicester clash, which is a significant blow to Gerrard, who will be gutted if he has to do without the 26-year-old. Villa fans shouldn’t panic though, as in Young they have a vastly experienced replacement to fill in at left-back.

In other news – Forget McGinn: Gerrard must stick with £52k-p/w Villa beast dubbed “better than Pogba”

A number of West Ham supporters are ecstatic after centre-back Kurt Zouma was pictured training outside on Friday.

The Hammers have enjoyed another excellent season to date, proving that last term was no fluke as they look to finish in the top four in the Premier League.

David Moyes has been tested in the injury department of late, however, with Zouma and Angelo Obgonna both out injured, having been the go-to centre-back pairing.

While Obgonna is expected to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee problem, Zouma’s situation looks far more positive, acting as a big boost for West Ham.

On Friday, the club’s official Twitter account shared images of the Frenchman back on the training pitches, suggesting his return to the fold is not too far away.

West Ham fans love Zouma latest

These Hammers fans reacted in delighted fashion to the news on Twitter.

“ZOUUUUUUUUUUUMA”

Credit: @connorahumpage

“Things you love to see big Zouuuuuu is back let’s go lad”

Credit: @DannyMeates8

“TITLE CHARGE IS BACK ON!”

Credit: @billy_grimmel

“What a sight”

Credit: @samthomas97_

“Never needed a player as much as we need Big Zou rn”

Credit: @yshealthyv2

“Zouuuuu I’m so happy we got our main man back”

Credit: @JackSeaward69

In other news, some West Ham fans are excited over a transfer claim that has emerged. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur legend Gary Mabbutt has hailed Japhet Tanganga after his recent performances, telling Football FanCast that he deserves a run at right-back.

The youngster came into the side against Aston Villa after a dismal week for Jose Mourinho’s side.

They lost to Arsenal in the north London derby and were then beaten by Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League, as they inexplicably crashed out of the competition.

It was only Tanganga’s third appearance of the Premier League season, with his other two appearances coming in defeats to Manchester City and West Ham United – just last season Mourinho described the youngster’s performance against Liverpool as “fantastic”.

The senior right-backs in the squad, Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty, have struggled at times this season and Mabbutt was impressed with the youngster’s performance.

He went on to start against Newcastle, before being an unused substitute for the visit of Manchester United at the weekend.

Asked by FFC if the defender deserved a run at right-back, he replied: “Yes, he had a fantastic game against Villa.

“It was a defence which had been chopped and changed around quite a bit and to be able to put in such a good performance given the circumstances, I thought was a high commendation of him.

“He is an excellent player.”

Mabbutt also thinks that Tanganga’s lack of minutes thus far this season points to the fact that Spurs have a remarkably deep squad, and can essentially pick two first-teams.

And he believes that has had a positive effect on the development of players within the squad.

He added: “There’s a lot of competition for places and that’s what I always say about Spurs.

“We can put out two first-teams with the squad that we have and it’s all about competition.”

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has now given the green-light for yet another player to leave north London this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites exodus?

Spurs, as they aim for a major summer rebuild to appease Conte, could be set to orchestrate just as many outgoings as incomings in the next transfer window.

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Lyon loanee and club record-signing Tanguy Ndombele is likely to be offloaded with Conte not seeing a future for the 25-year-old, as backed by The Evening Standard.

Meanwhile, due to issues with their homegrown quota, transfer chief Fabio Paratici may be forced to sell one of Lucas Moura or Steven Bergwijn if he wishes to sign an overseas forward (The Telegraph).

Villarreal are also allegedly eyeing a permanent deal for Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso who is currently enjoying a fine temporary stint at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

The Latest: Conte green-lights Rodon exit…

Now, according to another report by and Football Insider and a ‘Tottenham source’, the Premier League top-four chasers have also give the green-light for defender Joe Rodon to leave Spurs this summer.

The club, and by extension manager Antonio Conte, are now ‘ready to sell’ the defender and have instructed him to find a new club.

FI, relaying their previous report, add that Rodon himself ‘100%’ wants to quit Tottenham amid his lack of opportunities.

The Verdict: Time to part ways…

It is a real mystery how the 24-year-old hasn’t been utilised more since Conte’s reign going by his real promise last season.

The Wales international, called ‘special’ and ‘flawless’ by members of their national media (Ian Mitchelmore), didn’t even feature more regularly when Eric Dier was sidelined through injury – despite Spurs’ head coach claiming Rodon is his deputy.

He showed real signs of promise against the likes of Chelsea over 2020/2021 and has barely put a foot wrong when given the opportunity, with former boss Jose Mourinho even branding him a ‘perfect’ player.

Over his 12 Premier League appearances for Spurs last season, Rodon even averaged more interceptions per 90 (1.8) than any of his teammates, highlighting his real pedigree as a rising star defender (WhoScored).

It is little wonder the defender wishes to part company with the only mystery being why Conte hasn’t fancied him more.

In other news: ‘Really impressive’ – Journalist excited as Spurs edge closer to signing ‘world class’ player, find out more here.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has given a positive verdict about Carlo Ancelotti’s recent comments regarding his Goodison Park future.

Ancelotti had spoken about his future recently, saying that he wants to stay at Everton for as long as possible, even though his contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Maguire believes Ancelotti and the new stadium could be great

Maguire was talking to Football Insider about Ancelotti’s comments and he reacted positively, saying that if the Toffees get European football at their proposed new stadium when it opens, paying for Ancelotti’s contract extension in the future could be ‘small fry’ for the Toffees.

The finance expert said: “Given the ambition of the owner, it would be a perfect storm for when Bramley Moore Dock opens, and they are hoping that could be 2024.

“That’s the year when the reformed, revamped Champions League takes place, and that’s going to be amazingly lucrative.

“If Everton, with a manager of the calibre of Ancelotti, could get their stars in alignment, new stadium, all of these additional matches taking place, hosting clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich in that season, it would make everything worthwhile. Carlo Ancelotti’s salary will be relatively small-fry compared.”

The Toffees are currently fifth in the Premier League and only eight points behind second-placed Manchester United. Ahead of their game against Chelsea on Monday evening, Ancelotti’s men are only a single point away from the last Champions League spot with a game in hand.

Everton last played European football in 2017, when they were in the Europa League.

Bright future could be waiting for Everton

Everton’s plans for a new stadium have already been given approval and it has been commented that Bramley-Moore Dock will be a ‘world-class addition’ to the city of Liverpool. It is reported to be a £500m scheme and it could also create a lot of jobs (BBC).

If Everton end up playing European football in the new stadium immediately, that might help them earn more finances and revenue, which could be used to bolster the squad and hand Ancelotti a new or improved contract.

The Italian has a lot of European experience and having him manage Everton at that level could be a blessing, should he and the Toffees remain on track for it.

In other news, Everton have been dealt a blow in their chase of a midfielder- read more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been bemoaning Gini Wijnaldum’s Reds exit, following his excellent performance for the Netherlands at Euro 2020.

The Dutchman will depart Anfield for Paris Saint-Germain this summer, bringing an end to a wonderful Liverpool career.

Wijnaldum has spent five seasons on Merseyside, winning both the Champions League and Premier League, as well as being one of the most unsung players at the club.

The 30-year-old’s ability to knit things together in the middle of the park has always been underrated by many, but he has played a major role in the Reds’ success under Jurgen Klopp.

On Sunday night, Wijnaldum scored and played superbly in the Netherlands’ 3-2 win over Ukraine at the Euros, excelling in a more attack-minded role.

His performance was a further reminder of what a top-quality player Liverpool are letting go, having decided not to give him the type of long-term contract that he wanted.

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Liverpool fans unhappy at Wijnaldum exit

These Reds fans took to Twitter to voice their frustration at Wijnaldum leaving.

“The fact that Liverpool let Gini Wijnaldum go is going to haunt me for the foreseeable future”

Credit: @_lfcleanne

“I reckon I’m sadder about Wijnaldum going than I was with Coutinho, Sterling, Suarez etc which sounds mad I know”

Credit: @C_Hannan7

“Irreplaceable”

Credit: @ZulqeUK

” Ain’t felt like this since Suarez”

Credit: @katendance1

“What will be more haunting is if the clueless FSG don’t replace him and make Klopp depend on injury prone players and a rookie”

Credit: @Goldewale

“I can’t believe Liverpool didn’t try hard enough to keep hold of him, plus to let him go on a free, tut tut tut..”

Credit: @Cwebb_1980

In other news, Man United could scupper Liverpool’s attempts to sign one player – find out who it is here.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has hailed a touching gesture from Luke Ayling towards his Whites teammate Kalvin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Phillips prepares for Euro 2020 duty

Phillips is currently on England duty, hoping to make his mark in a major tournament by taking his club form with him onto the international stage.

Leeds fans will be desperate for the 25-year-old to impress, but his teammates are no different, especially in Ayling’s case.

The right-back has bought an England shirt with Phillips’ name on it, in what is a lovely gesture that outlines how close the pair are.

The Latest: Kenny discusses Ayling gesture

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny spoke glowingly about Ayling, lauding the Leeds hero for his efforts:

“I thought this was great. It shows the togetherness in the dressing room. They are close them two and I’m sure Ayling will be wearing that shirt while the Euros are on.

“It would be funny if you were in a beer garden watching the game and you saw that, wouldn’t it?”

The Verdict: Unrivalled team spirit

This perfectly sums up the team spirit that Marcelo Bielsa has created at Elland Road, with players genuinely desperate for their teammates to do well.

That togetherness has played a huge part in Leeds’ success in recent years, with their willingness to fight for each other and run until the final whistle arguably the best in the Premier League.

The fact that Ayling is clearly so happy for Phillips, despite not getting selceted to play at the Euros himself, speaks volumes about him as a person and about the unity in the Leeds squad.

In other news, one pundit is keen on Leeds signing a British midfielder this summer. Find out who it is here. 

Carlo Ancelotti must work on offloading Jonjoe Kenny in the summer transfer market amid doubt in the Everton defender sealing a permanent move to Celtic.

What’s the word?

While speaking with Football Insider, former Toffees striker Kevin Campbell has raised doubt in Kenny remaining with the Hoops beyond his loan spell.

The right-back move to Parkhead on a half-season deal on Deadline Day of the winter market, having struggled to establish himself under Ancelotti.

Following a year on loan with Bundesliga outfit FC Schalke 04, Kenny returned to Goodison Park but only played eight times in all competitions before heading north of the border, where he has already featured on nine occasions.

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon was a key factor behind the Premiership giants pursuit, but Campbell expects that the Northern Irishman resigning could now impact the 24-year-old’s chances of remaining in Glasgow beyond the season.

“It all depends on who comes in,” Campbell said. “I think he’s a decent player. He’s not looked out of place for Celtic. But whoever comes in might have their own players in mind who they want to recruit. Watch this space.

“I thought he had a decent game against Rangers the other week but the one moment he fell asleep, [Alfredo] Morelos gets the goal [to equalise].

“That’s the defender’s lot. You have to be able to defend these things properly because that’s where the danger is and that’s what he’s paid to do. I’m sure he’d be disappointed, but I think he did have a decent game overall.”

Should Everton sell Kenny?

Ancelotti had proven throughout the season that Kenny was far from his first-choice, with Mason Holgate often selected to deputise for Seamus Coleman, and his position is unlikely to change with Everton being linked with moves for the likes of Diogo Dalot, Max Aarons and Tariq Lamptey.

If the Toffees are moving to sign a new right-back to act as Coleman’s long-term successor, Kenny’s time at Goodison Park will be expected to come to an end this summer as the club’s Director of Football Marcel Brands strives to balance the books.

Everton had been open to selling Kenny in January but priced the former England U21 international out of a move to Burnley by demanding £10m, and may struggle to earn that fee at the end of the season.

Kenny had cost Everton £300,000 per Premier League start this term having only started one of his four appearances before joining Celtic, who took on his wages, and he’d played a mere combined 77 minutes while earning £15,000-per-week on a deal that expires next year.

The full-back, who boasts a TransferMarkt valuation of £6.5m, is hardly playing his way into earning new terms at Celtic, making this summer potentially Everton’s last opportunity to secure a fee and avoid losing their academy product for free in 2022.

Kenny inadvertently set up Morelos for Rangers’ equalising goal in the Old Firm Derby earlier this month by playing a lazy back pass which went out of a corner, and ultimately endured a nightmare as he lacked form at both ends of the pitch.

The 24-year-old left a lot to the imagination in defeat to Ross County last month, as well, when Kenny lost possession more times (22) than all but one of his Hoops teammates and failed to find a green-and-white shirt with any of his six attempted crosses, per SofaScore.

His display returned Kenny’s worst SofaScore match rating in the Premiership to date at 6.5 out of 10, but the full-back’s output was on par with average performances after offering just 0.6 accurate crosses a game with a 16% success rate and losing possession 15.9 times.

Ancelotti will undoubtedly be keen to move Kenny on in the off-season, knowing the Liverpool-born defender is not up to the standard he will require.

AND in other news, Everton land a huge boost but face PL competition for a £26m star who’s “grown so much”…

Norwich City’s Max Aarons is a possible right-back target for Everton in the summer transfer window.

However, according to a transfer update from Fabrizio Romano, he is ‘not close’ to sealing a move to Goodison Park any time soon, with the journalist claiming that ‘other clubs are joining the race’ for the 21-year-old.

The right-back has previously been linked with Barcelona and Manchester United, and according to The Times, it will cost £30m to prise away from Norwich, who have just been promoted as winners of the Championship.

Everton want to dip back into Carrow Road talent pool

It seems as if Everton are in the market for a long-term successor to veteran skipper Seamus Coleman, as the Republic of Ireland international will turn 33 this year.

Aarons has provided two goals and two assists from right-back this season, with match averages of 1.4 successful dribbles and 1.4 key passes per game highlighting his attacking prowess (WhoScored). Coleman has provided three assists in 2020/21 but not found the net himself, while his averages for the other two metrics are 0.8 respectively (WhoScored).

The Blues and the Canaries did mutual business last summer, with Ben Godfrey making a £24.75m switch from East Anglia to Merseyside. Attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell went the other way for a fee of £1.98m.

This year’s transfer window is set to open on June 9.

Everton fans fret over concerning Aarons update

Here’s how Everton fans reacted to Romano’s update on Sunday night, with despair the order of the day from many of the Goodison Park faithful.

“Pain”

Credit: @SP0RTSEDITS

“Please no”

Credit: @TashanCockburn3

“Oh no no no”

Credit: @Efc_sai

“I’m gonna be heartbroken seeing him go to someone else”

Credit: @efccarlo

“Got the budget of a pack of quavers probably if we don’t get Europe, wouldn’t be surprised”

Credit: @ElliotB1878

“Pure pain”

Credit: @iiCeDEFC

“Brands out”

Credit: @gowens1878

In other news, some Everton fans were much more positive about this transfer update.

A number of Rangers supporters have been overjoyed by Leon Balogun’s performance in the 1-0 victory over Celtic.

The first Old Firm derby of the season took place at Ibrox on Sunday lunchtime as the two bitter rivals locked horns and battled for local bragging rights.

Rangers sat sixth in the Scottish Premiership table before the game – one place below Celtic but level on six points from three games – so it was clearly a key early match in the title race.

The opening 45 minutes failed to produce much quality, although Odsonne Edouard missed a sitter for the visitors and Ryan Kent hit the post at the other end.

The match came alive when Filip Helander headed Steven Gerrard’s side in front midway through the second half thanks to a delightful corner from Borna Barisic.

Rangers fans praise Balogun after superb performance

Balogun was exceptional in the absence of James Tavernier at right-back and these Rangers fans took to Twitter to laud his display.

“Kyogo is in Balogun’s pocket”

Credit:@CHLEE_RangersFC

“Balogun been terrific so far”

Credit: @adamski152

“Balogun though. He’s on top form”

Credit: @FionaWilsonx

“Whatever we’ve fed Balogun today, keep doing it”

Credit: @Inheritant

“Balogun Man of the Match. Been solid”

Credit: @ScottForrrester

“Take a bow Balogun. What a performance”

Credit: @stepie1690

In other news, some Rangers have fumed at a Rangers star for one key reason. Find out who it is here.