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Leicester City have once again been linked with Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan.

According to Turkish outlet Ajansspor, the Foxes are still admirers of the 26-year-old having originally been credited with an interest in the summer of 2020 by Fotospor.

Despite the midfielder having drawn comparisons with former Manchester City dynamo Yaya Toure by former Fenerbahce Head Coach Vitor Fereira, he is simply not the type of player that Brendan Rodgers needs right now.

The Foxes are extremely well stocked in midfield positions at the King Power Stadium, especially in the box-to-box role that Tufan is so used to playing.

Youri Tielemans is currently in the midst of his joint-most productive season in the East-Midlands to date with eight goals and five assists in all competitions so seems undroppable at the current time. According to WhoScored, the former Monaco man is out-performing Tufan with more passes and key passes per game, more tackles and interceptions, whilst being dispossessed on far fewer occasions – and in a far stronger league.

Meanwhile, compatriot Dennis Praet is an extremely capable deputy in the position and Sidnei Tavares also has considerable promise.

Elsewhere, the likes of James Maddison and Ayoze Perez occupy the attacking midfield positions, whilst competition from Wilfred Ndidi, Nampalys Mendy and Hamza Choudhury mean that he is unlikely to find a starting berth in a somewhat more defensive role.

It all means that there is a real lack of space in the squad for Tufan.

Indeed, the 58-cap Turkish international would not want to follow compatriot Cengiz Under’s example of being starved of game time at the King Power Stadium. The on-loan Roma man has made just nine starts for the Foxes in all competitions this season and looks unlikely to stay beyond a solitary campaign.

Rated at just £8.55m and with just two years remaining on his current contract in Istanbul, his arrival would certainly not be the most expensive deal in the world but it is one that is simply not needed for the sake of Leicester’s squad or Tufan’s career.

It would certainly be a huge mistake in bringing him to the East-Midlands despite the club’s apparent long-vested interest.

AND in more news, take a look at which Leicester maestro has handed the Foxes a big injury boost ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Manchester City…

A number of Liverpool supporters have been downplaying Roberto Firmino’s much-lauded piece of skill against Aston Villa.

The Reds secured a third straight Premier League victory on Saturday afternoon, winning 2-1 at home to Dean Smith’s side. The champions left it late to secure the win, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stoppage time strike ending a terrible run of six straight home defeats.

In truth, the performance still wasn’t perfect, but there were some positive signs, with Firmino producing a promising performance leading the line. The Brazilian was more involved than he has been in recent months, with his all-round quality more noticeable.

One touch during the first half drew a gasp from Jamie Carragher on commentary and was also shared on Liverpool’s official Twitter account on Sunday.

Liverpool fans claim Firmino touch has been over-hyped

A number of Reds fans felt it was a routine piece of technical expertise that any professional football should be able to pull off, however, taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the footage.

“Basic ball control I would have thought”

Credit: @comberalchemist

“Admin clutching at straws here”

Credit: @punlingual

“Not exactly Ronaldinho level”

Credit: @huwmenear

“Carra went mad about it, nothing special”

Credit: @dav1djohnson

“Be worried if a footballer in the Prem couldn’t control a ball like that tbh”

Credit: @spam1987

“No doubt a good touch but nothing to gloat about!”

Credit: @RVKPOOL

In other news, Liverpool are set to seal an exciting piece of transfer business this summer – find out who the player in question is here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell believes Liverpool would have been okay if Jurgen Klopp left because of the new proposed European Super League.

In 2019, Klopp made it very clear that he did not and would not support a Super League, however, Liverpool were signed up to join that exact competition by their owner, John W Henry before it collapsed in a matter of days.

Klopp has turned Liverpool’s fortunes around since he joined the club in 2015 and under his watchful eye, they have won their first-ever Premier League title and also their first Champions League since 2005.

Speaking on how Liverpool would have been fine if Klopp did decide to leave and why no one person is bigger than the club, Jewell told FFC:

“No individual, whether it be John Henry, Jurgen Klopp or Steven Gerrard, they are not bigger than the club so it would have survived and moved forward.

“It would have certainly made Liverpool a little bit weaker without him, but I think all the managers were against the idea.”

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the soon-to-be-vacant German national team job as Joachim Low has confirmed he will be leaving after this summer’s European Championships.

Henry put out an apology on Liverpool’s Twitter account as he looked to gain back some people’s trust after his decision to sign up for the Super League.

With all the talk of Gjanni Alioski’s time at Leeds United coming to an end, Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt be searching for ways to replace the 29-year-old at Elland Road.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Alioski has, in fact, agreed to a pre-contract deal with Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray, with the versatile full back set to see his existing contract at Leeds come to an end this summer.

But while the Premier League club may look abroad for a potential replacement, Bielsa should perhaps be looking far closer to home: Leif Davis to be specific.

The 21-year-old has started getting a taste of first-team football at Elland Road this season, including a couple of high-profile Premier League outings against the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City.

He has predominantly played for the club’s academy sides, however, and in the U23s’ 5-0 thumping of West Brom earlier this week, Davis produced a superb display at left-back.

Writing in his post-match player ratings, Leeds Live’s Joe Donnohue noted: “Ambitious and athletic down the left flank throughout, alert with his energy and determination to second balls too.”

Davis also appears to be impressing at Thorp Arch, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay revealing just how highly-rated the starlet actually is behind the scenes.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show back in November, he said: “He’s very well thought of, is Davis, and he has been since he came, and of the Under-23s, he’s really been as involved as most under Bielsa and has quite often been the go-to player when Bielsa’s needed a left-back.

“The bottom line is that at Leeds, they think an awful lot of Davis, and they think that he’s a bit of a steal for what they paid to sign him from Morecambe.”

So with Alioski seemingly edging closer to the exit door, the time has now surely come for Bielsa to unleash Davis and unearth an heir to the North Macedonian.

Meanwhile, Leeds must block a move for this “extraordinary” star…

Many Rangers fans have been left to slam the display of Scott Arfield despite their 1-0 win over Livingston in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday evening.

It was certainly a game not short of controversy, as Steven Gerrard found himself sent off at half time for two bookable offences after questioning the referee who decided to give Alfredo Morelos a booking for simulation in the penalty box in the first half.

Nonetheless, the Colombian striker tapped home with just a few minutes left of the match to go to give the Ibrox faithful all three points and thus take a big step toward securing the SPFL title.

However, although there were some very good performances in a Gers shirt, Arfield flattered to deceive and was consequently subbed off with around 20 minutes to go.

The central midfield player lost out on five of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on target, successful dribble or key pass, as he failed to really grab hold of the fixture, registering fewer touches than his own goalkeeper in Allan McGregor (Sofascore).

Rangers fan reaction to Arfield display

These Gers supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one fan even going as far as say that the 32-year-old was ‘woeful’:

“Think it was a mistake to play Arfield from the start. Not sharp enough after injury”

Credit: @BigJamieReid

“About time Arfield done nothing again”

Credit: @RFC1872II

“Arfield been the worst performer on pitch which is some going with Beaton on there as well”

Credit: @KuriousOranjj

“Arfield is having a shocker tonight.”

Credit: @Rt_415

“Arfield off Hagi on he’s been miles off it tonight”

Credit: @glasgowgolfer77

“Kent and Arfield have been absolutely woeful”

Credit: @pies1690

In other news, find out why Rangers fans have slammed one journalist recently here!

Liverpool’s search for a centre-back has seen them turn to some unconventional places.

Going through a defensive injury crisis, they turned to Ozan Kabak, who was brought in on loan from Bundesliga basement club Schalke 04. Meanwhile, Ben Davies was recruited from Championship outfit Preston North End.

Now, the Reds have reportedly turned their attention to a former Premier League flop in the form of FC Porto’s Chancel Mbemba.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Reds are interested in his services, but it has to be suggested that they can do better in their search for defensive recruits.

Of course, the Congolese is a capable defender despite struggling in his time with Newcastle United, where he was frozen out by Rafael Benitez and suffered relegation in 2016.

He has recovered from his poor spell at St James’ Park, where he played just 59 times across three seasons, with current employers Porto, having played 33 times in all competitions during the current campaign.

Also, with the report suggesting that he could be available for as low as €15m (£12.88m) with his contract ticking down, it is difficult to argue that a potential move wouldn’t be shrewd.

However, that price and Mbemba’s statistics suggest that he wouldn’t quite be the centre-back Jurgen Klopp’s men need.

According to WhoScored, the £9.9m-rated 26-year-old is averaging 0.8 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.5 blocks and 3.1 clearances per match for Porto this season in the league.

When compared to January arrival Kabak, the Turk is statistically a lot more convincing on the pitch with 2.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, three clearances and 0.5 blocks.

As a matter of fact, Mbemba is also being outperformed by current Reds Joel Matip and Nathaniel Phillips.

It makes more sense, then, for Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards to stick with the defenders they currently have at their disposal at Anfield, or indeed take the search for a centre-back elsewhere as opposed to Porto’s Mbemba.

AND in more news, take a look at why a current Premier League star could become Liverpool’s perfect Mo Salah replacement…

Mike Ashley should dig a little deeper into his pockets to fund a successful move for Newcastle United to sign Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Toon are readying an £8m offer for Ajer as they look to play on Celtic’s weakened bargaining position.

Ajer will enter the final 12 months of his £14,000-a-week contract this summer and will be able to begin negotiating free transfers with foreign and cross-border clubs from January.

Ajer, who Noel Whelan describes as a “big personality”, has set his sights on a move to the Premier League if he is to leave Parkhead, but also has interest from clubs in Serie A, per Daily Mail.

AC Milan were heavily linked with the Norway international last summer after technical director Paolo Maldini confirmed the San Siro natives’ interest, but Ajer was denied a move as Celtic considered him to be a key player.

The Hoops value Ajer highly yet are aware that his current deal leaves the Scottish giants at risk of losing the 22-year-old for a fraction of their asking price, which is thought to be close to £35m.

Newcastle have held a long-standing interest in the 6 ft 6 enforcer, although the St James’ Park natives are aware of the need to secure their Premier League status in order to present an attractive destination in the off-season.

Steve Bruce’s position at the helm is not thought to affect United’s interest in Ajer, who the Toon believe will have a wealth of suitors in the next transfer window.

Should Newcastle sign Celtic’s Ajer?

This summer looks set to be the end of Ajer’s time at Celtic as the defender has relentlessly been urged to quit Parkhead and join a more competitive division by the Norway setup.

Head coach Stale Solbakken told Norwegian newspaper VG earlier this month: “He has to change league now. He does not have enough challenges in everyday life there.

“Therefore, I think he has got some habits, which you do not notice until he meets better opposition in international matches or Europe. So, I think that is a smart move by him.”

Former Fulham defender Brede Hangeland, now an assist coach for the Norwegian national side, has allegedly told Ajer several times that he needs to change clubs to find a bigger challenge, too.

However, it would be expected that Celtic would reject Newcastle’s approach for Ajer if the Toon only present an £8m bid to offer the defender a taste of Premier League football this summer, should they stay up.

Celtic held firm against interest from AC Milan last year when they were only said to value Ajer at £25m, while rumours also surfaced of interest from Arsenal and Leicester City – who would be expected to present the promise of another year of European football.

Newcastle will not have the allure of Champions League or Europa League action to impress the centre-back, so Ashley may have to dig a little deeper into his pockets and present not only the funds Celtic are demanding but also a contract which carries a significant pay rise.

Doing so would see the United owner, who is not thought to be planning on bankrolling deals, land the Magpies a promising young centre-back who already has an amazing skill set, as noted by interim Celtic boss John Kennedy, who said last month [via quotes shared by The Scotsman]:

“I’ve no doubt that there will be interest in him. He’s still very young and he’s an international player. With his profile of speed, size, technique and ability – there’s going to be interest in him.

“He’s a great character and a leader, in terms of how he works and conducts himself. We know he’s a good footballer, but we’ve always tried to work on his aggression the box. That didn’t come naturally to him as a kid, but he’s got it in his game now.”

AND in other news, Newcastle are closely monitoring a £13.5k-p/w dud who’s “been caught out” this season…

Many Crystal Palace fans are reacting to a tweet from Matt Woosnam after he spoke to manager Roy Hodgson about his future at the South London side.

Hodgson’s contract was due to run out at the end of last season, but the club extended it by a further year. Now, with only a few months left until that deal expires, his future has been getting discussed a lot in the media.

Woosnam, reporting for The Athletic, tweeted: “Roy Hodgson says he has no desire to provoke the conversation over his contract with the club. He says he is happy to wait until the summer and to wait and see what the future brings.”

The 73 year-old has been at the club since September 2017 and has taken charge of 145 matches (Transfermarkt). In these games, he has managed 1.24 points per game and has kept the South London side comfortably in the division. Clearly many have respected his time at the club, with one calling him a ‘class act’.

However, the Eagles’ form recently has been far from impressive. A Hodgson side is typically known for its stern defence, but this campaign they have only managed four clean sheets. They have also only won three games in the last twelve and this emphasises that the manager has struggled this season.

Here is how Palace fans reacted to the news:

“Very short sighted. If we are getting a new manager in, which I believe we should, the work starts now planning for season 21/22 in terms of identifying players available on free transfers. Also, who is making the decisions on what players who are out of contract soon? Bizarre.”

Credit: @Gordon_Reid1982

“If he’s waiting till the summer i think that’s him gone”

Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_

“I think he will go in the summer by mutual consent”

Credit: @lorrain6781447

“He needs to retire and rest I don’t know he does it too stressful for a guy his age”

Credit: @2010MOE_18

“Roy is a total Gent and a class act. I may not agree with his all of his decisions, tactics and subs etc but his manner is an example to other managers.”

Credit: @PeterHoward01

“I think the writing is on the wall, and Parish better be doing his work on a new manager search. Time to be thorough and get the right guy that can bring this club to the next level.”

Credit: @UbikWintermute

In other news, CPFC fans were fuming at one-star during a recent loss. Have a read who it was here!

Sunderland’s transfer window could make or break their promotion bid.

Down the years we’ve seen their business in this part of the season hinder more than help their chances. Thus, it’s crucial that Kristjaan Speakman gets things spot on.

What’s the word?

Just who Sunderland decide to target in January will be interesting. After all, in 2019 they signed Will Grigg for £4m, someone who has become one of their biggest flops in recent times – scoring just eight goals in nearly two years.

Furthermore, their additions in January this year were hardly very helpful. The likes of Antoine Semenyo and Kyle Lafferty barely played for instance.

This time, though, it looks as though they’ll favour the loan market in order to get around the EFL’s salary cap. Providing he completes a takeover, prospective buyer William Storey has insisted that Sunderland’s plan will be to exploit Premier League U23 sides.

As such, The Sunderland Echo have speculated that prolific Everton youngster Ellis Simms could be on the Mackems’ radar.

They explained that a loan move would be the next logical step in his progression and considering Sunderland need a player of his type, he could be someone they target.

The next Abraham

When we reflect upon Johnson’s time at Bristol City, there is one very specific player that comes to mind – Tammy Abraham.

Now a Chelsea regular and England international, it was under Johnson at the Robins that he first flourished, scoring 26 goals in only 48 games under the current Sunderland boss.

He was a loan signing for Bristol City and in Simms, Johnson could discover someone capable of making a similar impact at the Stadium of Light.

But why is that? Well, for starters, the 19-year-old is tall and furthermore, he’s a powerful striker with pace to burn.

Johnson has already admitted that he wants someone capable of stretching the play and consequently, Simms would be their perfect man.

He is natural goal scorer who according to Everton U23 assistant John Ebbrell is outstanding in one-on-one situations: “From experience, I know if you have time to think for that finish it can be difficult but Ellis is really calm and composed in those situations. He very rarely misses,” he said.

To provide further evidence of Simms’ qualities, he has scored eight goals in just 11 Premier League 2 outings this season. That follows a record of 41 strikes in 44 games for the U18s throughout his career.

Although he’s rarely had a taste of senior action, he knows where the net is and would add a great deal to Johnson’s side.

AND in other news, Sunderland can fix Johnson’s big issue with swoop for “really lively” beast compared to Andy Cole…

Liverpool look to have been handed a potentially huge injury boost, as Joel Matip has returned to training this week ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Manchester United.

The Athletic journalist James Pearce confirmed earlier this week that the Cameroonian defender will take part in two training sessions ahead of the game against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, leaving Jurgen Klopp a ‘big decision’ to make.

The former Schalke man has been sidelined since picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw with West Brom recently and the Reds have failed to win a game in the Premier League without him since then, drawing 0-0 with Newcastle before losing 1-0 to Southampton, which has led to Klopp’s side dropping off the top of the Premier League table.

Considering the gravity of the game against United, the German manager may well be tempted to throw Matip straight back in at Anfield on Sunday but doing so could risk a further injury to the centre-back, which is the last thing Liverpool need at the moment.

Solskjaer suggested earlier this week that this could be the best time to play Liverpool, due to their injury concerns and the lack of a crowd at Anfield but he will surely be much less confident if Matip is fit enough to play against the Red Devils, as when the Cameroonian has played in the Premier League this season, the Reds have not lost.

Klopp’s side also boast an unbelievable record at Anfield, with their last league loss there coming in April 2017, so there’s no doubt that, despite the Reds injury problems and recent form, it won’t be an easy game for United on Sunday.

Solskjaer will perhaps have planned for his attackers to test themselves against the inexperienced Rhys Williams or Nathaniel Phillips, so if Matip does end up starting, he will perhaps worry that the Liverpool defence will be a lot harder to break down, as the Reds have managed four clean sheets in the nine games that the 29-year-old has started this season.

It will be interesting to see if Klopp risks Matip for what is undoubtedly going to be one of the biggest games of the season for both sides.

And, in other news… Klopp must axe £70k-p/w “monster” vs MUFC; Rashford’s pace could ruin him