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Rangers could consider loaning out Stephen Kelly in January ‘if he doesn’t get any game time before then’, according to The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell. 

The lowdown

The 21-year-old has logged just 13 minutes of senior action so far this term, making brief appearances in the first leg of the Europa League qualifier against Alashkert and the League Cup win over Dunfermline Athletic.

The midfielder spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Ross County, playing 29 games across all competitions, and former County boss John Hughes hailed Kelly as a ‘magnificent’ player and an ‘absolute winner’.

The latest

A supporter asked Campbell on The Athletic’s matchday forum what was ‘going on’ with Kelly, who ‘seems to be nowhere’.

The journalist replied that the 21-year-old ‘just has to stick around and hope an opportunity arises’, but his prospects of game-time at Ibrox have taken another hit with Ryan Jack close to a comeback.

Campbell ‘imagines’ that ‘the question of a loan will be reviewed in January’ if indeed Kelly remains outside of Gerrard’s thoughts.

The verdict

It seems as if the plan was to fully integrate Kelly into the first team setup off the back of a loan spell which delighted Ross County, but it hasn’t really panned out that way.

Worryingly, he is yet to even make Steven Gerrard’s matchday squad for a Premiership game. Ultimately, the competition is just too great at this point, and so another loan move would probably be sensible for the 21-year-old if this season isn’t to just go to waste.

In other news, some Gers fans slammed this man’s performance against St Mirren. 

Leeds United, Everton and Newcastle could all sign Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley this summer, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Barkley’s struggles

Barkley has struggled for game time under Thomas Tuchel, starting just one Premier League fixture all season.

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Labelled as a ‘liability’ during his Aston Villa loan spell last year, the 28-year-old’s Transfermarkt valuation has dropped from £27m to £11.7m in the space of two-and-a-half years.

He’ll be entering the final 12 months of his Stamford Bridge contract in the summer, and it looks as if a permanent cut-price exit could be on the cards.

The Latest: Leeds links

90min shared a story on Monday, looking at possible midfield incomings and outgoings for Chelsea this summer.

Barkley was included in the report, with Leeds, Everton and Newcastle named as possible destinations for the 28-year-old in a cut-price deal.

The Verdict: A shock

Leeds and Barkley have previous after a failed loan move back in 2012/13 where he made just four appearances, so the news of a potential summer return does come as a surprise.

The attacking midfielder, on £100,000-a-week (no Leeds player makes more), has plenty of Premier League experience, however, you have to go back to 2016/17 for the last time he contributed to ten goals in a league season.

It would be a big risk signing Barkley following his lack of playing time this season and previous injury history, but it looks as if it could be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: ‘Set to leave…’ – Journalist says Leeds midfielder will now quit Elland Road this summer. 

Newcastle United are facing a hugely important and busy January transfer window as the club’s new owners get to grips with improving their team.

Eddie Howe is in charge and together with Nick Hammond, will need to put together a set of players capable of rescuing themselves from the jaws of relegation.

What’s the word?

The Magpies have been linked with a number of defensive players over the last few weeks from Sven Botman to James Tarkowski.

However, their number one target, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, is Kieran Trippier.

The journalist was speaking to GIVEMESPORT before Christmas and shared the following update:

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sign. I think he is a top target for them.

“But I must admit, from the information I’ve got, I still think there’s a bit of work to do on this one.”

Fans buzzing

The news that the Atletico Madrid full-back is a top target for the Toon heading into the winter window is something that is bound to leave their fans buzzing with excitement.

He might not be a hugely decorated player or a marquee signing for masses of money, but what Howe and co need more than ever right now is experience, consistency and reliability.

Fortunately, Trippier has all of that in abundance. The former Spurs defender is now 31 years of age, has 35 England caps under his belt and possesses Premier League experience.

He is a La Liga winner, a European Championship finalist and a World Cup semi-finalist, demonstrating what an exceptional signing the Atletico star would be, particularly in the dressing room.

Right-back is an area of the pitch that has been an inconsistent area for Newcastle in years gone by with the likes of Daryl Janmaat, DeAndre Yedlin and Javi Manquillo failing to really establish themselves as genuinely consistent figures.

Trippier, however, could fix that issue and help bring a degree of reliability to a backline who have conceded the most goals in the top-flight this season.

A canny operator, England boss Gareth Southgate highlighted his consistency with the following words: “People are still seeing the lad that was at Spurs a couple of years ago and not the defensive animal that has grown at Atlético Madrid, trusted by one of the best and most successful coaches in the world.”

Those quotes are hugely exciting and proves why the fans will be incredibly pleased if he walks through the doors of St James’ Park next month.

AND in other news, ASM stays, Howe signs Nunez and £43m “leader”: Predicted Newcastle XI after Jan spree…

Manchester United are keen on signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn in the summer.

That’s according to The Telegraph, with a number of Red Devils fans giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

United aren’t expected to be busy during the January transfer window, with the club turning their attentions towards a busy summer.

Midfield is thought to be an area where United want to strengthen, with McGinn featuring against Ralf Rangnick’s side in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat last week.

The Telegraph’s James Ducker revealed on Monday that the 27-year-old is admired by Old Trafford technical director Darren Fletcher and could be valued at around £40m. Should his contract situation remain the same in the Midlands, the Scot would have two years left on his deal in the summer, although he is expected to be offered new terms.

United fans react

@utdreport shared the links regarding McGinn on social media. Here is what these United fans had to say in reply, with a mixture of responses available to view below, where one supporter labelled it as ‘ridiculous’.

“Wow”

Credit: @3112Christian

“This is fantastic”

Credit: @Bosun_Betiku

“This is ridiculous when he costs as much. He does why not get someone more suited to the manager like Zakaria whilst saving a lot of your money for a better player and get them now, I don’t really just see the point, just trying to throw us off surely!”

Credit: @detectivechimpR

“These are the types of players we need ‘work horse’ ”

Credit: @Jornwathe4

“Shame on Man United.”

Credit: @manutdtimes

“If we’re even looking at this it’s absolutely ridiculous”

Credit: @henryja04492394

In other news: ‘Conte at it again’ – Lots of Man Utd fans react as Spurs now eye move for £120k-p/w ace

Having scored 40 league goals fewer than Championship table-toppers Fulham, West Brom made their move in the early stages of the January transfer window to add some more firepower to their squad with the signing of Daryl Dike.

Unfortunately, the former Orlando City forward was recently and cruelly struck with a muscle injury which will now keep him out of action for a considerable amount of time.

Before the transfer window closed, the Baggies managed to bring in another striker – presumably as a result of Dike’s injury – in the shape of former Reading and Newcastle United marksman Andy Carroll on a free transfer until the end of the season.

The striker joined Reading in November after he left the Magpies, where he was picking up £23k-per-week according to Salary Sport last year, as a free agent in the summer.

During his brief stint with Veljko Paunovic’s side, the striker scored two goals and provide one assist in eight league appearances prior to finding himself out of the squad shortly before joining the Baggies.

Now that the 33-year-old has made his way to The Hawthorns, this will be a great chance for him to not only put his underwhelming time at Reading behind him, but also to potentially achieve something great by getting the Baggies back into the Premier League again.

While his first performance in a West Brom shirt in their recent 2-0 defeat against Millwall may not have been memorable, there is an argument to be made that Carroll didn’t arrive in ideal circumstances, given the Baggies’ dreadful run of form which got former manager Valerien Ismael the sack.

Now that his former Newcastle boss Steve Bruce, under whom the striker played 43 times at St. James’ Park, has entered the frame at West Brom, they will need to work together again to the best of their abilities if Albion are to have any hope of securing promotion by the end of the season.

If Bruce can get a positive tune out of the striker in the coming weeks and months in terms of goals and strong performances, this should give the Baggies a great chance of being in with a shout of promotion, especially since goals are what the team badly needs.

In other news: Bruce can become an instant fan favourite by unleashing WBA’s rarely-seen “star”

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According to Record via Sports Witness, Everton are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon captain Bruno Fernandes in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word, then?

Fernandes has been in quite outstanding form for Sporting this season, scoring 22 times and registering 11 assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.

When considering that he is not even a striker, those numbers are quite something.

Fernandes has a contract with his Portuguese club until the summer of 2023, but according to Record via Sports Witness, he might have a decision to make at the end of the season.

The report has claimed that Everton have joined Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in pursuit of the 24-year-old, who is an 11-time Portugal international.

The price tag could be substantial, but the Toffees must do all that they can to bring the attacker to Goodison Park in this summer’s transfer window.

Why should Everton sign him?

Simply put, Fernandes would be a huge upgrade on Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Sigurdsson has scored nine Premier League goals this season, but is quite unpopular with the Everton fans due to his inconsistency.

Indeed, there are many of the club’s supporters who feel that the Iceland international does not turn up when his team really needs him.

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

Sigurdsson is five years older than Fernandes, meanwhile, and Everton should look to upgrade in this summer’s transfer window.

Beating the likes of Liverpool and Atletico to the Portuguese would certainly send out a huge message to the rest of the Premier League.

And it is absolutely vital that the Merseyside giants have a strong summer transfer window as they look to progress next season.

Manchester United have now learned the price of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, with the January transfer window fast approaching.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport (as relayed by the Daily Mirror), United will need to splash out between €45m and €50m (£38.5m and £42.5m) if they are to land highly-rated 21-year-old.

However, the Red Devils are set to face a battle to secure Tchouameni’s services over the coming months, with Serie A giants Juventus and European champions Chelsea also credited with an interest in his services.

Murtough could end Utd’s midfielder hunt

By sanctioning a move for Tchouameni over the coming months, football director John Murtough could solve United’s defensive midfield woes that have plagued the club over the last few years.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has often opted for a double pivot of Fred and Scott McTominay throughout his two-and-a-half-year reign, but the duo both prefer more advanced roles have been exposed in their makeshift positions on numerous occasions.

As a result, several potential targets have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but with the likes of Declan Rice and Wilfried Ndidi set to command astronomical fees, Tchouameni has emerged as a viable alternative.

His domineering displays in the centre of the pitch have caught the eye of several impressed onlookers over the last 18 months, with current Monaco teammate Cesc Fabregas amongst his admirers.

“He has the potential to be a complete midfield player,” the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea maestro wrote on Twitter. And now his compatriot and United star Paul Pogba has also lauded his talents.

“He’s not a boy; he’s a man. It’s a pleasure to play next to him; he provides a lot, plenty of energy, technical quality and extraordinary physicality. I hope to play plenty of games together and always be on his side,” the World Cup winner said.

Tchouameni got the ideal opportunity to show just how effective his partnership with Pogba could be in Manchester after lining up alongside him during France’s National League final victory over Spain back in October.

The duo worked perfectly in tandem with one another throughout the 90 minutes, with the United star enjoying the attacking freedom that his more disciplined and defensive-minded colleague allowed him.

Whether Pogba will be at United next season remains to be seen, but Tchouameni’s mature display was evidence that he has the potential to become the holding midfielder that Solskjaer so desperately craves.

And, in other news…Forget Fred: Man Utd’s “perfect” £22.5m-rated maestro can fill Ole’s huge Pogba void

Crystal Palace are reportedly keen to sign Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen this summer, as the Eagles look to push on after a successful first season under Patrick Vieira.

What’s the talk?

According to TEAMtalk, the south London side are interested in luring the Dane away from west London this summer, after the attacking midfielder joined the Bees in January on a six-month contract.

There was a risk in signing the 30-year-old who hadn’t played since suffering a cardiac arrest last June whilst in action for Denmark at the EURO 2020.

However, the former Tottenham Hotspur star has settled back into the Premier League excellently and is a target for an array of clubs, including Palace.

Palace must sign Eriksen

Crystal Palace will be hopeful that their midfield will once again include Conor Gallagher next season, with the Englishman highly impressing at Selhurst Park on loan from Chelsea this term, however, the Eagles are yet to make any sort of breakthrough in extending the 22-year-old’s stay in SE25.

Therefore, if Gallagher isn’t to stay with the Eagles, signing Eriksen would ensure Vieira’s midfield doesn’t suffer. Having said that, the attacking threat of both Eriksen and Gallagher in the same midfield would be a mouthwatering concept for Palace supporters.

Despite fears that the 30-year-old wouldn’t be able to play football again, the Denmark international has returned to action with no signs of wear and tear, having been labelled “unbelievable” by his manager and fellow countryman, Thomas Frank.

The midfielder has scored and assisted once in five league appearances for Brentford, having left Inter Milan in the summer, as well as netting twice last month upon his return to the Denmark national team.

Having earned 111 caps for Denmark as well as making 533 senior appearances at club level, the 30-year-old possesses remarkable experience that the Eagles could certainly do with, despite aiming to lower the average age of their squad.

Moreover, the Dane has scored 148 goals in that period, highlighting the quality he could provide.

It would certainly be a statement signing for Palace who have impressed under Vieira in the Frenchman’s first season as a Premier League manager.

The South London outfit are currently 10th in the Premier League whilst also set to face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Securing a top-half finish and potentially winning the FA Cup would be a marvellous success for the Eagles. Moreover, it would certainly attract higher quality talents in the summer, such as Eriksen.

AND in other news: Vieira must finally unleash £37k-p/w Palace “baller”, his “magic” could stun Chelsea

Lots of Everton fans were critical of the performance of Jonjoe Kenny in their 1-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

With Nathan Patterson unavailable and Seamus Coleman dropped to the bench, Kenny was left to play at right-back, and he seemed to struggle throughout the game up against both Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho.

The 24-year-old lost out on three of his duels and failed to make a single dribble, tackle or cross, while he also lost possession of the ball on 24 different occasions in total, the most out of any of his teammates (SofaScore).

He did not do enough to warrant keeping his starting place ahead of Coleman and Patterson, and Duncan Ferguson now has a selection dilemma to ponder ahead of Everton’s next match.

Everton fans blast Kenny

These Toffees fans on Twitter blasted Kenny’s performance against Aston Villa on Saturday:

“Kenny can’t pass a ball 5 feet”

Credit: @blackhurst92

“Can’t believe Kenny was playing today, offers nothing with the ball. No Gordon as well was baffling. Heading for the Championship after years of squad mismanagement, fully deserved”

Credit: @MarkWood17

“Kenny and Holgate starting. 2 lightweights in midfield. Wingers having to cut back all the time. No cohesion. Absolute shambles of a club.”

Credit: @nsno1878

“Jonjoe Kenny, who’s he conned into making him a pro footballer?”

Credit: @JoelBeckett93

“Jonjoe Kenny is atrocious”

Credit: @paddy55304510

“Jonjoe Kenny is dead set one of the worst players I’ve ever seen.”

Credit: @LDand_13

In other news, find out whose display against Villa was also slammed by many Evertonians

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is ready to let Bertrand Traore leave the club in the January transfer window.

That’s according to Football Insider, and the recent exit rumour has had plenty of Villa fans talking on social media.

Traore is yet to get going during the current campaign due to multiple injury issues. He suffered a hamstring problem back in August in a behind-closed-doors friendly and has played just 53 minutes of Premier League football so far this season.

The Burkina Faso international then picked up a thigh issue in October and hasn’t featured for Villa since then, with Gerrard happy for the club to listen to permanent or loan offers for Traore in the New Year.

The Villa boss reportedly feels that he has a squad with too many wingers in and has given the green light to a possible winter window exit.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared Football Insider’s claim regarding Traore on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many not happy over the rumour, possibly due to the fact that Traore was only brought in last year and had a relatively successful first season at the club, contributing to 14 Premier League goals.

“No way that’s true”

Credit: @chazlittlej

“This can’t be true”

Credit: @_shirleyvillain

“Gerrard out”

Credit: @willjonesavfc1

“Bit harsh if it’s true. He’s only been here a week and not seen a fully fit Bertie”

Credit: @Jelly31807434

“NOOOOOO MY BERTIE COULD BE GOING”

Credit: @HarryBatters

“He’s our best outfielder bar Bailey.”

Credit: @ewan_av

In other news: ‘Amazing’ – Many Villa fans buzzing as NSWE eye up move for ‘superstar’.