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Aston Villa shared their official team photo for the 2021/22 campaign on social media on Tuesday morning.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been heaping praise on the club update on Twitter.

Dean Smith’s side are set to face Wolves when domestic action returns this weekend, looking to make it three Premier League wins in four after impressive victories over Everton and Manchester United prior to the international break.

Villa currently sit 10th in the table with 10 points from seven games, and all senior players were on show in the squad photo.

A few fans believe that winger Trezeguet, who has been out since April with a knee injury, has been photoshopped into the picture, which is available to view here.

Villa fans react

These Villa supporters were quick to give their thoughts to the official club post on Tuesday, with a selection of responses available to view below – where one labelled it as ‘sensational’.

“Starting to feel like we have a team to be proud of not just 1 player.”

Credit: @CS_UTV

“I think I’m in love with Matthew Cash”

Credit: @JPAvfc_

“Sensational”

Credit: @ChrisEllis250

“the absolute talent in this photo”

Credit: @mxttxavxo

“So rare”

Credit: @ben_wangyan

“So much better taking team photos at VP than at BH”

Credit: @joeohara18

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte.

What’s the talk?

In a recent video posted on YouTube, the football.london journalist revealed that, despite recent reports claiming that Conte would be interested in taking over from Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain this summer, people close to the 52-year-old have claimed that there is nothing to these rumours.

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Regarding the Italian’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Gold said: “We should also talk about Conte and PSG. Reports coming out from one French outlet say that Conte dreams of managing PSG. Look, I’ve spoken to a few people around Conte, and they say it’s not true… his people claim there is nothing to it.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering the extremely impressive job Conte has done since taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo in the Tottenham dugout back in November, the news that the 52-year-old is not currently planning on leaving the club for PSG this summer is sure to have left the Spurs faithful buzzing.

Indeed, while there have been a number of Premier League fixtures against Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February – it is undeniable that Conte has improved Spurs’ performances on the pitch.

Indeed, having won 13, drawn four and lost six of his eighth in the top flight standings to fifth – just two points behind Arsenal, who currently occupy the last Champions League spot in fourth.

And, with Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy having already committed the best part of £60m on the signings of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in the January transfer window – both of whom are very much Conte-type players – it would appear likely that the former Inter Milan boss will receive the backing of the Spurs hierarchy once again this summer.

As such, it is clear to see that Gold’s suggestion the club can plan for 2022/23 with the Italian overseeing operations is undoubtedly fantastic news for all involved with Tottenham, as the prospect of Conte having a summer transfer window and a full pre-season to work with his Spurs side would appear to bode extremely well for the club’s chances of success next time out.

AND in other news: Paratici can seal Conte’s dream signing as Spurs plot bid for “stunning” £60m “baller”

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a shock move for their former player Gini Wijnaldum.

The Lowdown: Developing story…

TEAMtalk reported last month that the St James’ Park oufit are eyeing a shock return for the Dutchman and are ‘keeping tabs’ on his situation at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Magpies have ‘made it clear’ that they would be interested in signing him, should he be made available in the January transfer window.

It would be a sensational swoop for a player who had a remarkable sole season on Tyneside, with 11 goals and a further five assists from midfield as he played in every single match of their 2015/16 Premier League campaign (Transfermarkt).

Unfortunately, the Netherlands international could not do enough to help his team avoid relegation to the Championship, which is ultimately a big reason why he left to join Liverpool after just one year in the northeast.

The Latest: Contact made

As per AS, Newcastle are the first club to have shown interest in signing Wijnaldum, who wants to leave Paris already, and he has made known his desire to return to the Premier League.

According to sources close to the 31-year-old, there has already been contact made with the Magpies over a potential move, meaning that the ball could already be rolling come January.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Wijnaldum has already shown what he can do in front of the Toon Army, so a deal to bring him back is surely a no-brainer.

Since moving on from Newcastle, he became a won both the Premier League and Champions League, showing that he can perform on the big stage. Indeed, Geordie legend Alan Shearer dubbed him an ‘absolutely sensational’ player back in 2018.

Signing him would be one way for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium to get the fans on their side straight away, as he would certainly be a popular addition among many at St James’ Park, and he would give Eddie Howe that extra bit of experience and quality to give his Newcastle side the best possible chance of avoiding relegation.

In other news, Howe is also lining up this ‘brilliant’ EFL maestro for Newcastle

Speaking live on talkSPORT radio (January 6), via Read West Ham, reporter Alex Crook shared what he knows on the Jesse Lingard transfer saga.

The Lowdown: West Ham chasing Lingard…

As well known, West Ham and manager David Moyes are eager to reunite with Lingard on a permanent deal this month with the irons earmarking him as a top transfer target.

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Club insider ExWHUemployee believes the club are certain to move for Manchester United’s forward whilst reliable journalist Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard backs their interest.

Talks over a new deal for Lingard at Old Trafford recently broke down, with his current deal set to expire at the end of this season, prompting club to take note of his situation – with West Ham among the suitors for his signatures (ESPN).

Sharing what he knows, Crook has now made a live radio claim on talkSPORT.

The Latest: Crook makes Lingard to West Ham claim…

Speaking to the broadcaster (via Read West Ham), the journalist believes a West Ham bid for England’s attacker is ‘inevitable’ as the club believe they can secure him for a ‘fraction’ of what he would have cost in the summer window.

“West Ham United are looking for reinforcements,” he explained.

“One name mentioned to me that won’t come as a big surprise to fans is Jesse Lingard.

“Clearly not happy at Manchester United, out of contract in the summer. West Ham believe they could sign him for a fraction of the fee quoted in the summer.

“I think it’s inevitable that West Ham will try again. He really needs to leave Old Trafford – that would seem a no-brainer to me.”

The Verdict: A must move?

Homegrown and a proven player under Moyes, having bagged a brilliant nine goals and four assists over 16 top flight outings on loan at West Ham last season (WhoScored), signing Lingard would come as a major boost for West Ham mid-season.

Reports have suggested that the Three Lions ace could be available for as little as £10 million this month given his precarious contract situation (The Sun) – a fee certainly affordable and representing good value for money.

Former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson recently claimed he would be a ‘massive signing’ who could gift the Hammers ‘another dimension’ amid their chase for a top four Premier League finish (Football Insider).

Given his numbers over the second half of 2020/2021, with talkSPORT pundit Adrian Durham also calling him the best player in terms of league form at one point last year, we strongly advise West Ham to push the boat out for his capture.

In other news: ‘Tears in my eyes’, ‘Finally’…Many West Ham fans flock to ‘very exciting’ transfer development, find out more here.

With just one win in their past 13 Premier League games and a dismal 2-1 defeat against relegation strugglers Norwich City at the weekend, Rafa Benitez’s time in charge of Everton was brought to an end, leaving the Toffees in 16th place in the league table and on the hunt for a new manager.

In terms of who could come in as the next figure to try and steady the ship, it seems as though Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has one name in mind to come in and replace Benitez and try and get the Toffees’ season back on the rails.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Athletic by Everton journalist Patrick Boyland and Greg O’Keeffe, the Merseyside club have identified former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre as a potential candidate to take the reins at Goodison Park.

During his stint in charge of Dortmund between July 2018 and December 2020, Favre took charge of 110 matches across all competitions, winning 68, drawing 17 and losing 25, which is an impressive record to have.

The 64-year-old has had spells at other German clubs such as Hertha BSC and Borussia Monchengladbach as well as having a period in charge of French club OGC Nice and FC Zurich in his native country of Switzerland, highlighting the experience he has in management.

Even though he hasn’t had a job since leaving Dortmund, this would give Everton the opportunity to get him to Goodison quicker than potentially any other manager they see as a possible candidate for the job that is currently working at another club.

In his own words, Favre has said in the past that his players “have to be ready to suffer in training,” suggesting just how much he expects from them. That could be just what Everton need to get the right attitude and work ethic in the squad that can deliver strong performances and positive results on the pitch.

After all, Benitez clearly didn’t get the most from his players but a stern coach such as Favre appears to fit the bill.

Moving forward, Everton should definitely make an approach to the Swiss boss in the coming days and weeks if they haven’t already to see if he would be willing to test his managerial abilities in the Premier League with a side that need a big change in fortunes before the end of the current campaign.

In other news: “As things stand”: Fabrizio Romano drops fresh EFC manager claim, fans surely relieved – opinion

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Celtic have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Colin Dagba as they step up their search for a right-back, according to reports from French website RMC.

What’s the story?

The 20-year-old has made three Ligue 1 appearances this season for Paris Saint Germain but appears to have a real fan in manager Thomas Tuchel, who doesn’t want the promising defender to leave.

It’s claimed Celtic would have liked to sign Dagba, although no time-frame is given for the Scottish champions expressing their interest, however Tuchel isn’t interested in parting with a youngster who recently signed a contract until 2023.

Search continues

France has proved to be a great recruiting ground for Brendan Rodgers. Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard and Olivier Ntcham have all advanced their careers as Celtic swooped to a double treble.

That track record no doubt helped Celtic to take Timo Weah on loan earlier this month, so it’s natural the Hoops took a look at what PSG have in reserve for the problem position of right-back.

On this occasion the door seems closed but a lot can happen before midnight on Thursday as Celtic step up their search to bring in a right-back to compete with Mikael Lustig.

Pundit and former Aston Villa man Alan Hutton has been having his say on Dean Smith and his future at Villa Park, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Source reveal

A report from Football Insider last Friday, who were informed by a Villa source, suggested that Smith would be under ‘huge’ pressure if they lost to Arsenal.

As we know, Villa left the Emirates with nothing following a 3-1 defeat, with the report claiming Smith will be fighting for his job if they don’t climb the table.

Former right-back Hutton has now been having his say on Smith’s back three system and why it has deteriorated in recent weeks.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Hutton, who regularly features for the BBC, was talking to Football Insider about Smith:

“He obviously changed the shape. They went to three at the back and it did work, it looked good.

“All the players were getting on the front foot. They were intense in everything they were doing, they were closing down, doing the hard yards making it difficult for teams.

“They have fallen away from that a little bit. Against Arsenal, they were far too easy to play against. They were open, they weren’t closing down as a team, they weren’t harrying people.

“That’s maybe where they’re at the moment. The expectations have been that high that they’ve gone backwards from what made them a good team. It was the industry, the working hard, getting about people.

“That’s what the foundation was built off of. They need to get back to basics, for me. I know Dean Smith changed the formation at halftime and it was better but they were way off it at the Emirates.”

The Verdict: Positive results needed

This isn’t the first time Football Insider have claimed Smith is fighting for his job.

A report back in September said the same thing and Villa then went on to beat Everton and Manchester United without conceding a goal.

Villa take on West Ham and Southampton prior to the next international break, and positive results would more than likely put those rumours to bed for the time being once again.

In other news: ‘2-0 West Ham’ – Lots of AVFC fans unleash at ‘unbelievable’ report on Villa striker. 

Alex Neil’s Sunderland side host Shrewsbury at the Stadium of Light on Friday evening, with a win against the Shrews being imperative if the Black Cats wish to keep their League One play-off dreams alive over the remaining games of the season.

The table is incredibly tight around the play-off places, with Sunderland, Wycombe Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday all currently on 73 points. And, with only seven games left to seal their spot in the top six, the Mackems know they cannot afford any slips ups in the run-in.

Shrewsbury have lost and drawn their last two games, whilst Alex Neil’s side remain unbeaten in their last eight league fixtures, and with their opponents safe from relegation in 16th, Sunderland must capitalise on the fact that Steve Cotterill’s outfit have nothing left to play for this season.

With that being said, selecting a team that will prove most effective in their final push for promotion must be a priority for Neil, with one player who has undoubtedly proven he can deliver when needed being Elliot Embleton.

Indeed, Embleton has been the linchpin in Sunderland’s climb back into the top six, bagging two late goal contributions that have won his team their last two games, providing an assist for Nathan Broadhead’s last-minute winner against Gillingham and bagging an 89th-minute goal against play-off challengers Oxford United last weekend.

The 23-year-old was previously hailed a “nightmare” by former Black Cats midfielder Max Power, who was full of praise for his former teammate an episode of the SAFC Unfiltered podcast:

“He’s someone who sees that pass that other players don’t. He’s a nightmare to play against in training because he can go either way, shoot off both feet.”

The midfielder has contributed six goals and eight assists over his 40 appearances in all competitions this season, while also having been a consistent attacking threat over his 33 League One outings – being successful with 56% of his attempted dribbles, creating four big chances and making an average of 1.2 key passes per game.

Embleton competes for a spot in the team with Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke, however, he has surely proven that he should be one of the first names on the team sheet against Shrewsbury, owing to his contributions of late.

Ultimately, Sunderland must continue their recent run of form and keep the momentum going in order to clear the last hurdle in the push for promotion, and unleashing Embleton in the line-up could reward the Black Cats with a third winning contribution in a row from the 23-year-old sensation.

AND in other news: Neil must avoid disaster on £1.4k-p/w “young Paul Gascoigne”, he’s SAFC’s biggest hope

Tottenham are expected to finalise a new contract for Hugo Lloris very soon, according to reliable reporter Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Two weeks in…

Spurs are yet to make any significant progress during the January transfer window, with no major incomings or departures to report on.

There have been plenty of rumours, though, with the likes of Jordan Pickford, Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson all linked with a move to north London.

That’s because Lloris is currently set to be out of contract at the end of June, however, it seems as if he is about to extend his stay beyond the summer.

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The Latest: Gold’s claim

Gold shared a link to a story on Twitter on Thursday morning, highlighting a ‘positive update’ when it comes to Lloris’ contract.

Within his report, he stated that talks have finally begun between Spurs and the 35-year-old. The Frenchman’s demands are ‘modest’ and new terms are set to be agreed ‘very soon’.

The Verdict: Good news

Antonio Conte reportedly has his reservations when it comes to loanee Pierluigi Gollini, so should they not exercise their option-to-buy clause for the Italian in the summer, then keeping hold of Lloris appears crucial.

Lloris may end up being the club’s only senior shot-stopper ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, so Spurs may need to dip into the goalkeeping market anyway.

However, if Lloris extends his stay, as appears likely according to Gold, at least Fabio Paratici won’t need to sign two over the summer, and any new signing could arrive without the pressure of being immediate number one.

In other news: Tottenham make contact to sign ‘phenomenal’ attacker who could be sold for just £8.4m. 

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football.London, who revealed that, after missing Wolves’ last three league games as a result of a calf injury, Bruno Lage is now expecting to welcome Marcal back to his matchday squad for the visit of West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

Lage will be buzzing

While it is undeniable that Rayan Ait-Nouri has impressed while filling in for Marcal at left-back, with the 20-year-old providing one assist and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.7 over Wolves’ last three fixtures, the return of the 32-year-old defender will nevertheless have left Lage buzzing.

Indeed, the £1.62m-rated man has been the 45-year-old’s first-choice in the position so far this season, and, considering West Ham’s rather remarkable form in the current campaign, Marcal’s availability in what is sure to be a very challenging match will come as a huge boost to the Portuguese boss.

Over his eight top-flight fixtures so far this season, the defender has helped his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 2.9 tackles and 1.9 clearances and winning five duels per game.

These returns have seen the £29k-per-week defender earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.86, ranking him as Wolves’ ninth-best performer in the Premier League.

As such, the return of the Brazilian will undoubtedly increase Lage’s chances of leaving Molineux with all three points on Saturday, something that the Wolves manager will be desperate for after succumbing to a lacklustre 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last time out.

In other news: Lage can save Fosun millions with 21 y/o Wolves prodigy who’s “wise beyond his years”