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Leeds United have made a late approach for Nantes forward Moses Simon, GFFN report.

The Lowdown: Simon profiled

Simon is 26 years of age and has been with the French side for 18 months since arriving in a £4.5m move from Spanish outfit Levante after a successful loan spell.

Primarily a left-winger who can also play as a centre-forward and on the right, Simon has scored 61 goals for club and country during his career.

The Nigerian appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation of £8.1m and seems to be attracting interest from Leeds.

The Latest: Approach made

According to journalist Ignazio Genuardi, via Get French Football News, the Whites are among the clubs to have made an approach for Simon.

There have been no major developments since this was reported on Saturday, so it seems as if Leeds could be biding their time before a possible deadline day move for the versatile forward.

The Verdict: Unlikely

The report claims that it could take an offer in the region of €20m (£16.6m) for Nantes to part ways with Simon this month, a fee which would be double his Transfermarkt valuation and be a costly one for Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises.

Should Crysencio Summerville leave for Hamburg following recent rumours, then it looks as if Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino could be a serious target to replace the youngster.

Who knows, Simon could also be on the list, but Victor Orta and co may simply run out of time to push a deadline day move through, with Minamino a closer option geographically at Anfield. A deal for the Japan star will potentially have less complications in the negotiating room too if Liverpool opt to loan him out after the capture of Luis Diaz.

In other news, Leeds have been boosted in their quest to sign a Premier League player. Find out who it is here.

It appears increasingly likely that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be relieved of his duties as Manchester United manager, with Brendan Rodgers reportedly the frontrunner to replace him.

According to Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst, “key figures at United have privately accepted a change of manager is required” following their dismal start to the campaign.

Crushing defeats to local rivals Manchester City and Liverpool are believed to have played a key role in the Red Devils’ hierarchy’s thinking, although Solskjaer could see out the season while they line up a replacement.

Luckhurst claims that Rodgers is at the top of the Old Trafford outfit’s wishlist, while Ajax boss Erik ten Hag and Spain’s Luis Enrique are also greatly admired.

However, it’s hard to imagine Rodgers turning down the opportunity to take control one of British football’s biggest clubs once again.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects the Northern Irishman to lineup should he take charge of the Red Devils in the coming months…

In goal, David de Gea’s recent return to form should be enough to maintain his place between the sticks ahead of Dean Henderson, although the Englishman certainly has the potential to reclaim the No.1 spot.

Ahead of the 31-year-old would likely be a familiar back four, but with one major addition at right-back in the shape of Max Aarons.

The highly-rated youngster has been linked with a £35m move to United and would offer a far more attacking alternative to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane would complete the defensive unit.

But it’s in midfield where Rodgers would likely wring the changes. Paul Pogba’s future is far from certain, and the opportunity to sign Franck Kessie on a free transfer could be too good to turn down.

West Ham United’s Declan Rice is believed to be a top target for the Red Devils despite his £100m price tag, and the defensive-minded duo could switch between the No.6 and No.8 roles, providing a solid foundation for Bruno Fernandes.

And the forward line may also encounter some surprising decisions. Rodgers’ preference for a pressing style means Cristiano Ronaldo could find his game time limited, allowing a mobile trio of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho to thrive.

And, in other news…Journo shares what MUFC “figures” have “privately accepted” on OGS, fans surely elated 

Everton are set for a battle to keep hold of star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin over the coming months after Real Madrid reportedly entered the race for his signature.

What’s the story?

The highly-rated 24-year-old has been linked with a move to fellow Premier League outfit Arsenal in recent weeks as they search for Alexandre Lacazette’s successor.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Los Blancos are also now reportedly eager to secure Calvert-Lewin’s services as former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti plots a reunion with the forward.

The report stated: “Arsenal is not alone in the footsteps of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The 24-year-old Everton striker is also liked by Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.”

It will take a substantial fee to prise the England international away from Goodison Park, though, after he signed a contract extension until 2025 just last year, so a substantial payday could be on the horizon for the Blues.

Hammer blow inbound?

Calvert-Lewin enjoyed the most productive season of his career under Ancelotti last term, finishing as Everton’s top scorer in the Premier League with 16 goals, so reports of a potential exit will surely have the club’s supporters feeling incredibly worried.

His impressive performances for the Merseyside club drew eye-catching praise from his former manager, who even compared him to former AC Milan legend Filippo Inzaghi.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s show ‘Between the Lines’, which airs on BT Sport’s YouTube channel, Ancelotti said: “Calvert-Lewin is improving a lot. I don’t want to say ‘has improved’, he is improving because I think he didn’t reach his best level in my opinion.

“I don’t see Inzaghi in him because he has a different structure and different characteristics. Calvert-Lewin is faster. Calvert-Lewin is better with the head. Calvert-Lewin is stronger than him. If Inzaghi listens to this he will kill me!

“But I have to say, Inzaghi in the box was the best striker that I ever had. I think this is natural instinct. He can be dangerous like Inzaghi in the box, for sure. He is faster than any defender, he jumps higher than any defender.

“It is a question of movement and details. He has to be focused, and he is. He is focused in the box,” Ancelotti concluded.

Under new boss Rafa Benitez, Calvert-Lewin began the current campaign in a similarly emphatic fashion, scoring in each of his opening three top-flight encounters in 2021/22. However, a fractured toe has sidelined the forward ever since.

His departure would be a hammer blow and an almighty setback in Benitez’s future plans for the Toffees, and the Spaniard will be hoping that the 6 foot 2 gem stays put for the foreseeable future. His goals are simply too important to lose.

In other news… Brands must sanction Everton swoop for “incredible” £19.8m-rated gem, Benitez needs him 

Craig Hope has dropped some injury news for Newcastle United ahead of their game away at Liverpool in the Premier League tonight.

The Lowdown: Defensive crisis

After the four goals that were shipped away at Leicester City last weekend, it is fair to say that the St. James’ Park faithful have a bit of a defensive crisis on their hands.

They have conceded no fewer than 34 goals in the Premier League so far this season, the joint-most in the division along with bottom-placed Norwich City, which is simply too much if they want to avoid relegation down to the Championship.

The January transfer window may help solve that, given recent links to the likes of defenders Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier, but ultimately Eddie Howe needs to try and get the best out of the squad that he has now.

The Latest: Fernandez injury

As per The Daily Mail journalist Hope, Federico Fernandez is now ‘set to miss’ the match at Liverpool as well as the ‘majority’ of other festive fixtures with a ‘thigh strain’, in what is a ‘blow’ for the North East club.

Hope claims that he is the one player that fans and observers believe could come in to aid the defensive issues that they have, but they are now set to be without him for the next few games at least.

The Verdict: Blow

It certainly is a blow to lose Fernandez, especially with the busy Christmas period coming up.

The Argentine has averaged the most blocks (1.4) out of his teammates in the top flight this term, and also ranks highly in terms of average clearances (3.9) and pass success (87.4%) (WhoScored).

The Tyneside outfit have conceded 22 goals in the nine Premier League games that he has not played in, while they have only let in 12 in the seven that he has featured (Transfermarkt), suggesting that they are a better defensive unit with him in the team.

Nonetheless, the Magpies will now have to find a way to pick up points without the 32-year-old, as they look to climb out of the relegation zone.

In other news, find out which ‘sensational’ signing NUFC are now ‘closing in’ on here!

Celtic may be without a manager but transfer preparations at Parkhead are well and truly underway.

What’s the word?

The Hoops have already wrapped up a deal to bring Liam Shaw to Glasgow but two other players who could join are more youngsters from the EFL; Kyle Joseph and Kwadwo Baah.

However, they’re now looking to sign an explosive winger in the shape of Aaron-Salem Boupendza.

That’s according to 90min, who suggest that Celtic are one of a number of teams vying for the winger’s signature.

Boupendza currently plays in Turkey for Hatayspor where he’s been seriously impressive. Arsenal are one of the sides chasing his signature with the Bhoys facing plenty of competition from south of the border.

Southampton, Tottenham, Leicester, West Ham, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Wolves are all monitoring his development while Rangers are also an interested party.

Christie upgrade

This will be music to the ears of Hoops supporters; Boupendza should be an upgrade on the much-maligned Ryan Christie.

The Scot has been in shocking form lately, scoring just twice in his last 25 outings for Celtic. For someone who found the net on 20 occasions last term, he has been abject at best.

Christie’s end product has often been left wanting and that has never been more evident than in the 1-0 defeat to Ross County.

He played as a striker next to Odsonne Edouard but spurned four chances, including an opportunity from just a matter of yards out that not only cleared the crossbar, but also the stand behind the goal.

With that in mind, signing someone like Boupendza would undoubtedly help Celtic. He is capable of playing on either flank, as well as through the middle as a central striker.

He has been electrifying for Hatayspor this season, scoring 18 times in just 28 outings. He’s failed to register an assist but with players like David Turnbull and James Forrest in the side, that should be of no concern.

Vital to the 24-year-old’s style of play is his dribbling. When one-on-one with the defender, Boupendza often gets the better of them. He has attempted 109 dribbles this season, completing 69 at a rate of 2.7 per match.

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For context, no player at Celtic has recorded more than the 1.6 dribbles amassed by Tom Rogic and Edouard.

Clearly, he could offer something different to the new manager at Paradise. On top of that, he could even be a more potent goal threat than someone like Christie.

As Celtic try to reclaim their dominance of the SPFL, finding more goals will be of utmost importance. Boupendza would offer than in abundance.

AND in other news, Forget Christie: Celtic must unleash rarely-seen 23 y/o next term, he’s “outstanding”…

Former Manchester United winger Keith Gillespie has backed Red Devils legend Roy Keane to take over at Celtic and begin a rivalry with Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

The Scottish giants are on the lookout for a new manager after the resignation of Neil Lennon in the wake of a disappointing season.

Celtic are currently 20 points behind ex-Liverpool icon Gerrard’s men, who have already been crowned champions. They have yet to lose a game.

And a report from Football Insider has suggested that Celtic could turn to their former midfielder, Keane, as they bid to close the gap over the coming seasons.

The two parties are said to be locked in talks and it would mark Keane’s return to management, as he has not been in sole charge of a team since his stint with Ipswich Town between 2009 and 2011.

Since then, he has been an assistant at the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest but Gillespie, who shared a dressing room with Keane when he was a Manchester United player, thinks he could have a real impact at Parkhead.

He told FFC: “They need somebody who is a name and I think it would be very interesting, the fact that if he does, you’ve got that rivalry of Gerrard and Keane, which adds a little bit more spice to it. But they’re so far behind Rangers this season that they need something to change.”

Keane has spent the majority of his time away from the game in the Sky Sports studio, passing sardonic judgement on current Premier League teams.

And Gillespie thinks that the players will know what to expect from him, having seen him be so vicious in the studio, while bringing the experience of working under top managers earlier in his career.

He added: “I think players will obviously respect him, they’ll listen to him as a pundit. And so they’ll know that he doesn’t pull any punches.

“You’d like to think that the players would react and he’s worked under Brian Clough, he’s worked under Alex Ferguson. Two great managers.

“So you’d like to think that some of what he’s learned off them will rub off.”

Roberto Firmino is likely to be offered a new deal at Liverpool according to Liverpool Echo correspondent Theo Squires. 

The lowdown: Declining influence

For so long the man signed from Hoffenheim in 2015 has been the lynchpin of Jurgen Klopp’s side and an integral element of the famous front three that has fired the Reds to UEFA Champions League and Premier League glory.

However, the recent acquisitions and subsequent impacts of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have meant that the Brazilian forward has fallen down the pecking order somewhat.

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Out of contract in the summer of 2023 (Transfermarkt), a decision needs to be made on the future of the 30-year-old.

The latest: Squires delivers update

Taking part in a Q&A session for the Liverpool Echo, journalist Squires was asked whether Firmino is likely to be offered a contract extension alongside both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

“It’s an interesting one with Firmino. For so long he was Liverpool’s go-to man and rarely injured but they have evolved beyond him this season. I agree, I struggle to see Liverpool keeping all three forwards beyond next summer but never say never. Mane has obviously done his own hopes of a new deal no harm, with his agent recently saying talks were on hold until the summer. Plenty has been written about Salah with no breakthrough yet.

“I’d imagine the club will see what happens with Salah and Mane and then decide what to do with Firmino. They’ll make an offer they consider fair at some point and will just expect him to want to stay. Then it’s up to the Brazilian if it’s right for him or time to move on.”

The verdict: Deal earned

Despite a drop off in appearances this term and perhaps, more importantly, persistent injury issues, Firmino’s trophy-laden time at Anfield warrants a new deal for the 55-cap Brazilian.

The man once described as ‘unbelievably valuable’ to the team by Klopp amidst a two-month Premier League goal drought has already lifted five major honours on Merseyside and could be set for more before the end of the ongoing campaign.

Very few players in world football can offer what the Samba star can offer and when using Fbref to find comparable operators, only RB Leipzig ace Christopher Nkunku tops Liverpool’s own Jota when it comes to sharing traits with the expert false nine.

Whether or not Firmino, who has ten goals and four assists this season, is willing to accept a bit-part role moving forwards remains to be seen, but either way, this upcoming summer has all the hallmarks of a busy one for the Reds.

In other news, one Liverpool player has been backed to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.

Ross Wilson must answer Steven Gerrard’s call to action and secure Steven Davis’ future at Ibrox with a new contract for the Glasgow Rangers midfielder.

What’s the word?

As it stands, Rangers are heading for a king-sized change of the guard in the summer, with seven players set to be out of contract, including Leon Balogun, Jermain Defoe and Davis.

Davis is in the final year of his contract at Ibrox and they reportedly have yet to offer him a contract extension.

But Gerrard has urged the board to tie the 36-year-old down to a new deal.

Speaking before the Premiership clash with Motherwell at Fir Park, Gerrard told Sky Sports: “He’s extremely important both on and off the pitch. He sets standards that we try and match on a daily basis.

“The level he’s playing at, his consistency, his hunger for the game is still there.

“He’s a top professional so a lot of people look up to him and follow what he does.

“For me, it’s an absolute must that he’s here beyond this season.

“But now is not the time to talk about that.

“We’ve got three points to win and we’ll come to that at a later date.”

Keep Steven Davis at all costs

Gerrard’s latest comments should be words of encouragement for Rangers fans at a time when they risk losing the Northern Irishman for free.

Despite his age, Davis has been a vital cog in Gerrard’s side since regaining his place in the starting line-up last season, having made 21 top-flight appearances this term, the same amount as the ever-reliable left-back Borna Barisic.

Just like Barisic, Davis – who earns around £18,000-per-week at Ibrox – has become one of the club’s most consistent performers, as his performance levels have barely dropped below a 7.0 rating this season so far.

Only Barisic (8.0), Glen Kamara (7.6) and James Tavernier (7.5) scored a higher SofaScore rating for Rangers during the 1-1 draw with Motherwell last Sunday, as Davis was a holding presence in the midfield, winning five out of his seven duels overall (71%) with two tackles and two clearances as well.

His performances this season have overshadowed many of his teammates, too, as he ranks the ninth-highest among all of the Rangers players, averaging the third-highest amount of tackles and interceptions per game, as per WhoScored.

If you take a closer look at the numbers, Davis overshadows both his rivals in Ryan Jack and Bongani Zungu in almost every area, whilst he is often tasked with dropping deep to pick up the ball and bring others into play.

It would be a big blow for Gerrard, and for Rangers in general, should he depart Ibrox in the summer as a free agent, which is precisely why Wilson shouldn’t think twice about offering him a contract extension to fend off any potential suitors.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must swoop for Siriki Dembele after his latest masterclass…

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to the club’s reported interest in Stade de Reims left-back Ghislain Konan.

According to the Daily Mail, Villa are monitoring the 25-year-old, who is thought to be open to a Premier League switch this summer.

Southampton are also thought to be keen on Konan, who would cost around £5.1m.

The Ivory Coast international has been a regular for Reims this season, making 32 appearances in all competitions. He’s scored twice and provided one assist this season, and should he move to the Midlands, he could provide competition to Matt Targett.

Targett has starred under Dean Smith during the current campaign, starting every league fixture in the 2020/21 season, and was rewarded with a contract extension through to 2025 last month.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the links to Konan on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon. These fans all seemed to be happy at the update, with one describing the full-back as ‘unreal’.

“Good, exactly what we need. Cheap decent LB”

Credit: @avfc4_alex

“Back up left backkkkk finally”

Credit: @compsavfc_

“love him wow what a player”

Credit: @EliAVFC

“unreal left back him”

Credit: @tom_avfc1

“If it’s for the 5.5m touted as a back up I’m all for it”

Credit: @VillaVisionBen

“This would be a good signing!!!”

Credit: @Boycey1259

In other news: Alan Hutton thinks Villa can pull off ‘absolute steal’ with reported move, find out more here. 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael is the kind of manager who would bring aggressiveness and energy to Crystal Palace.

Ismael is currently being linked with the Palace job, with Football Insider claiming that the south London club’s director of football Dougie Freedman is pushing to bring him in ahead of Frank Lampard – Steve Parish’s preferred choice.

This, of course, comes after Palace confirmed that Roy Hodgson would be stepping down as manager after four years at Selhurst Park.

And for Hendrie, Ismael could be a good candidate to replace the Englishman. The Sky Sports pundit told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“He wants that aggressive style. He’s got a very good, young squad at Barnsley and done absolutely brilliant this season with what he’s had at Barnsley. I’ve got to say that, for sure.

“I say he likes that aggressive style, but he likes that energy and he plays football in the right way.”

Certainly, Ismael has done a fantastic job in the Oakwell dugout this term, taking Barnsley to the Championship play-offs.

The Tykes also enjoyed a good FA Cup run under the former Palace player, giving finalists Chelsea a real game in their 1-0 defeat in the fifth round of the competition.