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Marcus Bent expects Patrick Vieira’s aggressive playing style to rub off on his Crystal Palace players.

Vieira has taken over as the Eagles’ new manager, succeeding former England boss Roy Hodgson on a three-year deal.

The Frenchman made his mark in the Premier League during a trophy-laden spell with London rivals Arsenal, with his tough-tackling and leadership qualities being a key reason for the Gunners’ success under then-chief Arsene Wenger.

Vieira, who captained Arsenal during their Invincibles campaign in 2003/04, has inherited a threadbare Palace squad after a large number of last season’s squad saw their contracts expire.

As a result, Vieira will have the chance to develop a new-look outfit and instil his philosophy at Selhurst Park.

Vieira’s appointment comes after being sacked as Nice’s boss last December, following a five-match losing streak.

But Bent, who featured for Palace during the early days of his playing career, feels Vieira will make Palace a tough team to beat if he can keep Wilfried Zaha on board and make some key signings.

The former striker exclusively told Football FanCast: “I think the players Palace have got are aggressive. They have always been a tackling side that likes to put their foot in. It’s been cultured into them since when I was there. It’s a club where you wear your heart on your sleeve and make sure you make a tackle.

“That was Roy Hodgson’s style of play in a sense. Now I think it’s a style of play where Vieira can implement his traits. Wilfried Zaha, going forward, is skilful and a little bit like Thierry Henry, who Vieira played with for Arsenal and France. Maybe Vieira can bring Zaha into a different world of his own if he doesn’t move.

“Vieira needs those sorts of players to stay and bring players in to help him. The back four are solid to a certain extent but it depends on whether they can tweak it a little bit to have a good squad and season.”

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.

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

Many West Brom fans have been left buzzing as some early team news has emerged ahead of their game away at Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

As per the official website of the Hawthorns faithful, Valerien Ismael has now confirmed that four first-team players are available for selection after recovering from injuries.

Jake Livermore, Alex Mowatt, Jayson Molumby and Matt Clarke have all returned to training in what is a big boost for Albion ahead of their match against the Terriers.

Several Baggies supporters were especially pleased to hear of Mowatt’s return, who has not played for them since mid-October, but managed to score three goals and make one assist in his previous 12 appearances for them in the Championship (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, to have four first-team players returning at the same time is always a welcome boost.

West Brom fans on team news

These WBA fans were left buzzing as the early team news was shared on Twitter, with one claiming that it is a big ‘positive’:

“Wowzers, Mowatt my boy!!”

Credit: @Nichola60335296

“Good news. Especially Clarke. Hopefully Molumby and Kipre stay in.”

Credit: @jharman292

“Suuii”

Credit: @Adam_WBAFC

“Is Mozza fit? Get him in!”

Credit: @RalphyRamone

“Positive news”

Credit: @bagster1971

“YOOOOOOO”

Credit: @PhaseDZN

In other news, find out what FA update has Baggies fuming here!

As per Torino Granata, a possible boost for West Ham United has come to light amid their links to Torino striker and soon-to-be free agent Andrea Belotti.

The Lowdown: Pellegrini fails in 2019 bid…

Multiple reports from 2019 have backed that the Hammers and former boss Manuel Pellegrini lodged a bid to sign the Italy international, but to no avail.

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Football Insider, Calciomercato and TUTTOmercatoWEB all claimed that West Ham made an offer for Belotti nearly three years ago with the striker coming as a name who will be familiar to supporters.

Out of contract this summer, it appears the 28-year-old will finally be on the way out of Turin and for free, gifting David Moyes and co a chance to solve their striker shortage with a long-term target.

The Latest: Belotti open to joining…

Torino Granata, sharing the latest on his future post-Torino, now claim that Belotti is open to joining West Ham this summer.

Indeed, according to their sources, a Premier League move for the forward cannot be ruled out.

It is believed that a move to the Irons or fellow interested side Newcastle ‘could be more attractive’ to Belotti.

The Verdict: Make the move…

An proven threat at both international and club level, bypassing Belotti’s estimated £25.2 million Transfermarkt valuation and snapping him up for nothing would be a very shrewd move.

Torino’s captain and figurehead is one of the Serie A big names set to make a headline-grabbing move this summer and we believe a transfer to West Ham may well be on the cards.

However, with Newcastle, Roma, Atalanta, Inter Milan and Toronto also on his trail, Moyes and co should waste no time making the striker an offer.

In other news: Blow for Moyes: Journalist says ‘underrated’ West Ham ace is now ‘ready to leave’! Find out more here.

A journalist at Sky Sports has revealed that Luis Campos is ‘interested’ in a role at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: ‘The Wizard’

Campos has been nicknamed ‘The Wizard of Capital Gains’ as he has made a habit of lifting trophies while making hundreds of millions of profit on selling players (Sky Sports).

Among those names are the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Fabinho, Thomas Lemar, Bernardo Silva and Anthony Martial, all of whom he discovered while at Monaco, while Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel have both been sold to Arsenal when he was at Lille for a large profit.

The Latest: Campos interest

Sky Sports journalist Gary Cotterill has revealed (via Pete Graves) that Campos would be ‘interested’ in a role at St. James’ Park following the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

The renowned Sporting Director ‘expects’ to be considered by the new owners, following Ligue 1 title triumphs at both Monaco and Lille.

The Verdict: Get him in

Whether it is a Sporting Director role or any other on the board, the North East club must look to get Campos in as soon as possible.

His record speaks for itself, unearthing hidden talents and helping to beat heavy favourites PSG to the domestic title with two different clubs.

Nonetheless, his background matches perfectly with the direction that the Tyneside outfit want to head in, and getting him on board would be a big coup.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ Premier League ace could now join NUFC here!

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

Fulham are interested in a deal to bring Michael Obafemi to Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Alex Crook, with the talkSPORT journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that both Fulham and Bournemouth are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Southampton centre-forward – who is currently in talks with Blackburn Rovers – ahead of a potential swoop over what remains of the summer transfer window.

In his tweet, Crook said: “No agreement between Michael Obafemi and Rovers at this stage despite a willingness from Saints to get the deal done. Lots of other Championship interest including AFCB and Fulham.”

Fans will be buzzing

With chairman Tony Khan having already secured the additions of Harry Wilson and Paulo Gazzaniga this summer, as well as appearing close to signing the Flamengo centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz, should the Cottagers director of football go on to also get a deal over the line for Obafemi in what remains of the transfer window, Fulham fans will undoubtedly be buzzing.

While the £12k-per-week 21-year-old has found it difficult to stake a regular place in the Southampton first team, he is nevertheless a player who appears to boast a significant amount of potential.

Indeed, despite averaging just 32 minutes on the pitch over his 21 Premier League appearances back in 2019/20 – only eight of which came as starts – the £2.7m-rated man still managed to score three goals, register two assists and create two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.6 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

As such, when taking into account his tender age, as well as the fact that he would undoubtedly find the Championship to be an easier league to develop both his goalscoring and creative talents than the top flight, should Fulham go on to secure the signing of Obafemi this summer, the man Ralph Hasenhuttl dubbed a “quality” player very much appears to have the potential to flourish into a fantastic player in west London.

In other news: Silva must axe Fulham’s £3.6m-rated flop with “Barca DNA”, he’s stealing a living

West Ham United have taken several academy youngsters to Austria for their Europa League clash with Rapid Wien this evening…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london’s reliable Irons reporter Tom Clark, the likes of central defensive duo Jamal Baptiste and Aji Alese, recent debutant Dan Chesters and young goal machine Sonny Perkins have all travelled with the first-team squad for tonight’s match.

“West Ham have brought a number of youngsters with them to Vienna – Jamal Baptiste, Aji Alese, Dan Chesters as expected and Sonny Perkins who has been in fine form for the U23’s of late,” he revealed on Twitter.

Academy boost

Hammers boss David Moyes is no stranger to handing opportunities to those up-and-coming prospects in the club’s youth set-up, having given out an array of debuts since his return to the London Stadium.

And there will not be a better chance to see what West Ham’s biggest young talents can do in the men’s game than in situations like this as the east Londoners have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

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Of course, the top spot in Group H is still up for grabs, so we may not see some of these names start the encounter but if Moyes’ men can mount an early lead, then there will be no harm in changing things up after the break.

It’s got to be exciting news for much of the Irons faithful, who cannot travel to watch this game live due to UEFA’s sanctions, so many can look on from home with a sense of pride that several more youngsters are being handed a chance to shine at such a level.

Perkins has been in electric form for both club and country this campaign, so he’ll be one to watch, having scored nine goals in 14 appearances across the Premier League 2 and U18s, via Transfermarkt.

Whilst Baptiste and Alese could prove their worth to Moyes, particularly after the recent injury blow suffered to Angelo Ogbonna. There’s a place up for grabs for the remainder of the season in the first-team, so hopefully they can take the opportunity, should they be given it.

All in all, this early news should leave many supporters thrilled heading into kick-off tonight.

AND in other news, West Ham could end striker hunt with 6 ft 1 “monster” who “the chairman really likes”…

Leeds United can finally land Manchester United’s Dan James amid a recent transfer twist in their pursuit of the winger.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Scottish Mail on Sunday (p129: 11/07), as transcribed by TBR Football, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are continuing to track the Wales international as they look to bolster their wide options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

It was then suggested that Manchester United actually had no plans of letting James go this summer, despite the recent arrival of Borussia Dortmund flier Jadon Sancho.

However, ESPN now claim that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have had a change of heart, with the Welshman among a group of players who are now available for the right offer.

Bielsa really wants him

Speaking on his eponymous The Phil Hay Show, the journalist said: “That’s a question for Bielsa because Bielsa’s forever interested in Dan James, and you probably remember last summer that before they did the deal for Raphinha, they were looking into the possibility of bringing Dan James in on loan from Manchester United.

“I don’t think it was ever really a possibility because it didn’t seem as though Solskjaer wanted him to go. I get the feeling that Bielsa will consistently be interested in Dan James, because he was very big on him when Leeds nearly got him from Swansea.”

The £60m-rated winger is clearly someone for whom Bielsa has longed for a considerable time, especially given that the Whites were close to signing him when he was still at Swansea.

That extra pace and ability to be a real threat in the opposition box – he has managed six goals and seven assists in 48 Premier League games – could add another dimension to Leeds’ attack, particularly off the bench if Raphinha and Jack Harrison continue as the two starting wingers.

His Old Trafford teammate Andreas Pereira lauded the 23-year-old as being “explosive and so fast” in an interview with the club’s official website last season.

With Bielsa clearly desperate for him, this latest twist over James’ future should see Leeds finally pounce for the Welshman this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have had a bid accepted for this player…