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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to The Daily Mail, Aston Villa are one of several Premier League clubs linked with a move to sign Omar Elabdellaoui on a free transfer next summer.

What’s the word?

The reports suggest that the west Midlands club are keeping tabs on the 27-year-old with his contract set to expire at the end of the current season.

As he currently plies his trade abroad for Greek outfit Olympiacos, Elabdellaoui would be available to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club from the 1st of January onwards, meaning Villa could make their move in just a few months.

Watch Aston Villa Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The right-back has previous experience in England in the past after he endured a futile spell at Manchester City, the club he joined aged 16, as well as Hull City, who he joined on loan in 2017.

On Friday evening, the Norway international impressed in their 1-1 draw over Spain with him being the man to win their injury-time penalty.

Having spent five years on the books at the Premier League champions, the defender would be able to fulfil a homegrown spot for any Premier League club.

Gliding Guilbert

It remains to be seen how accurate these reports are, but they do seem a little unlikely considering they only signed a new right-back in January.

Frederic Guilbert was one of Dean Smith’s first signings as he joined from then-Ligue 1 side Caen.

Aston Villa’s summer signings’ performances so far this season are rated in the video below…

Villa had to wait to see him in action as he was loaned back to his former club with him making his debut against Everton, their first win of this campaign. Ever since then, he has kept hold of his spot ahead of Ahmed Elmohamady.

The 24-year-old has been one of their consistent performers, averaging two tackles and three interceptions per game, via WhoScored, as he has now played in six of a possible eight league games.

Meanwhile Elmohamady, despite not featuring, has been thrown on three times as a winger and even signed a contract extension back in August, making a move for another right-back seem all the more unlikely.

Chuks Aneke is still settling into life in the Championship and so far Charlton fans are split on their views of him.The former Arsenal player isÂyet to make his first start for the Addicks but he has seen his minutes on the pitch increase following an injury to Lyle Taylor.He grabbed a debut goal for Lee Bowyer’s side but other than one assist since, he hasn’t been able to contribute directly to more goals, leading one fan to describe him as “frustrating”.Watch Charlton Athletic Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

It is an understandable viewpoint considering he tallied 17 League Two goals for MK Dons, but he has nonetheless done enough this season to persuade some that he deserves more of an opportunity.

Bowyer was dealt a significant blow with the injury to Taylor and so far has chosen Macauley Bonne as the man to lead the line, with his goal against Leeds sealing a win.

And while some Charlton fans are still yet to be convinced by Aneke, others seem to believe he deserves the chance Bonne has received in recent matches, as shown in the following reactions….

In today’s Manchester City roundup, we take a look at what news has been making the headlines for Pep Guardiola’s side. David Silva could be set to join David Beckham in the MLS for his new club Inter Miami, City legend Shaun Goater backs Gabriel Jesus to rival Sergio Aguero, and John Stones could be set to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Silva to join Inter Miami

Report: In a report from the Independent, City legend Silva could be set to become the face of new MLS franchise Inter Miami next season, with the report saying he is ‘likely’ to join the club.

Verdict: It has been known for some time now that Silva will be leaving the Etihad at the end of the season after he announced he will leave back in June, shortly after claiming his fourth Premier League title with the club.

Of course, this has attracted much attention, with Manchester United legend David Beckham now reportedly seeking his signature for his new MLS club, which will play it’s inaugural campaign next year. This season, Silva is still continuing to represent himself as one of Europe’s best right now, providing four assists in five league games so far.

Furthermore, he remains a regular for City and having won 12 trophies at the club, Beckham will not just get one of English football’s greats, but also a man who could bring a new level to the MLS.

Goater backs Jesus

Report: Citizens legend Shaun Goater, when speaking to City officials, heaped the praise on Gabriel Jesus and backs the Brazilian to rival the league’s current top scorer, Sergio Aguero. Goater said: “I think that Gabriel will have a huge part to play this season.

“I really think we could see him playing a huge part and I think he will really be pushing Sergio this season when it comes to goals.

“Gab handled all that pressure in Brazil. If we put a neutral hat on, what’s more pressure than playing for England? You’d probably say Brazil. So, his confidence is right up there. He has started great and I think he’ll just carry on from there.”

Verdict: Jesus has entered his second full season at the Etihad, having signed from Palmeiras with massive expectation back in 2016. Jesus has had a tough time with injuries and played just 87 times, however the former Palmeiras man has registered an impressive turnover of 37 goals over that period.

Currently, it is hard for him to get into the side, with Aguero in astonishing form and topping the charts for most goals this campaign. However, Jesus is still only 22 and with Aguero now 31, soon the Brazilian will take the spot as City’s main man. So, this is the season where the Brazilian must really kick on and stamp his authority on the team sheet before Guardiola considers other options.

Stones set for contract talks

Report: According to La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira, centre-back John Stones is set for contract talks with Manchester City, in a deal which could see the Englishman earn €7M a year and sign until 2024.

Verdict: It is no surprise to see Guardiola want to sign Stones on a long term deal, with club legend Vincent Kompany now gone and the club seeking a man to fill his shoes. Indeed, Stones has been important for City winning back-to-back Premier League titles, averaging a performance rating of 6.87 for the Citizens last campaign.

Guardiola adores defenders who can play out from the back, and Stones has been a favourite in doing that throughout his career. Last season, the 25-year-old made on average 73 passes at a 94.2% success rate , proving to be a very worthy addition to the Guardiola style.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Crystal Palace legend Mile Jedinak has given an interesting interview to The Athletic about his time at Selhurst Park, with some intriguing snippets to say the least.

The former Australia international – who made 179 appearances for the Eagles across a five-year stay – captained the Eagles to a first FA Cup final in 26 years, and also led them to the unlikeliest of promotions back in 2013.

Jedinak, a dominant midfield presence, departed SE25 after being stripped of the captaincy by Alan Pardew and sold to Aston Villa, but he is still fondly remembered as a club icon – the club’s Twitter account even called him a ‘legend’ themselves.

While speaking to The Athletic, Jedinak named his worst Palace moment, and it is one that is hard to argue with.

What did he say?

The 35-year-old said: “You knew Crystal Palace don’t often make FA Cup finals. Why not be the first ones to lift an FA Cup? It almost was us. That’s the hardest thing to take from it all.”

Club correspondent Matt Woosnam also wrote about how Jedinak described the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United as his ‘worst’ moment at the club and the ‘only regret’ from his stay in SE25.

Hard to disagree 

The south Londoners have never won a significant trophy, and were just over ten minutes from doing so after Jason Puncheon’s 78th-minute strike at Wembley back in 2016.

In truth, Pardew’s side should have seen the game out from then on and become history makers, winning the first trophy in the club’s history and becoming legends in doing so.

A win also would have seen Palace compete in Europe with a passage into the Europa League, which would have enabled Jedinak to write another beautiful chapter in his story with the Eagles.

Given how close the Aussie and his teammates were to winning the FA Cup, and the manner in which they threw it away – the Eagles conceded almost immediately after scoring the opener – it is especially hard to disagree with what Jedinak describes as his ‘worst’ moment at the club.

And considering Pardew was involved in both the final and the club’s dismissal of their ‘legend’, we don’t think the former Newcastle boss will be on Jedinak’s Christmas card list.

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It seems mightily incongruous to suggest that Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino was somewhat out of sorts last season. The Brazilian scored 12 times in the league and made 7 assists which is a healthy return for any forward and all the while he was part of a formidable front three that collectively terrorised the great and the good. What’s more his endless endeavour played a crucial role in his side losing only one league game all season while accruing 97 points, then topping off a memorable year by lifting the Champions League.

If that is ‘out of sorts’ pretty much every team in the world would happily accommodate it.

Even so, an initial struggle in adapting to playing deeper – with Klopp positioning him as a number 10 on 12 occasions, usually in a 4-2-3-1 formation – not only attributed to a lower strike-rate than in previous campaigns (in 2017/18 Firmino scored 27 across all competitions) but a drop-off too in his effectiveness. He was routinely out-shone by his attacking compatriots Mo Salah and a player in Sadio Mane who was enjoying a career zenith. Whisper it quietly but he was sometimes even nigh-on anonymous, as the two players around him went on to produce Golden Boot tallies.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Last December Jurgen Klopp insisted there was nothing to worry about concerning his star’s dip into mediocrity but by virtue of it being a conversation that surely meant the concern had merit. The German ended his defence of his attacker by saying: “That’s just how it is with a player’s career, you have these moments where you fly and you cannot really explain it, and other moments where you have to work a bit harder.”

Whether those words were spoken in prescience or hope it can absolutely be stated that Firmino is flying again now. He is once again pivotal. He is once again everywhere seemingly at once.

This was best illustrated recently at Anfield where the 27-year-old was initially rested with one eye on a forthcoming Champions League tie. For much of the first half his team huffed and puffed against a stubborn and surprisingly sprightly Newcastle, but an injury to Divock Origi saw him introduced and the transformation to the game’s narrative was immediately apparent. Firmino was sensational that afternoon; a worthy man of the match despite only being involved for two-thirds of it.

“He’s the glue that holds everything together,” was how Trent Alexander-Arnold fittingly described his impact later. “Infectious,” was the word Michael Brown went for on 5Live, denoting how he lifts all around him via his ferocious work-rate and clever touches.

Find out a how a world-record-holding freestyler got on with the worst football in the world in the video below…

As impressive as Firmino’s performance was it was hardly as one-off either. Rather it was a continuation of a stunning start to the campaign. Away to Southampton it was Firmino’s strike that settled matters. In the testing environs of Turf Moor it was Firmino who got his side through by finding space between defence and midfield.

Last year Liverpool scaled heady heights and all the while with one third of their attacking unit wrestling to reach above the ordinary. This time out all three are firing with every cylinder – each has individually been involved in at least five Premier League goals already this season.

Will it be enough to see the Reds take that additional step and secure their first ever league crown? That remains to be seen. But any worries about Firmino now reside firmly with Liverpool’s title rivals.

January has been a worrying month for Leeds United supporters mostly for reasons off the pitch.

The whole spygate saga has had some feeling uneasy as they wait to see if the club are punished in any way, while Jack Clarke has constantly been linked with a move away from Elland Road this month.

According to Sky Sports, Southampton, among other teams in the Premier League, are keen on signing the 18-year-old winger in this transfer window. However, with deadline day fast approaching and a big player having seemingly cooled their interest, things are now looking good for Leeds.

The Breakdown

The Evening Standard reports Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is not fully convinced with Clarke, which will come as a huge relief to Leeds.

The Yorkshire club will undoubtedly fancy their chances of fighting off a side like Southampton but, with Tottenham, it becomes a different ball game.

Given how well the developments of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Harry Winks among others have gone, joining the north London club, who now find themselves among the Premier League elite, will sound like an attractive proposition to another young, talented English footballer such as Clarke.

With a transfer to Tottenham now seemingly unlikely, though, Leeds supporters should be able to rest easy, or at least until the summer.

Whatever the case, Clarke looks set to remain at Elland Road for the time being and, at 18, there is no need for him to rush and force a move, especially when you are already getting a good football education from an astute coach like Marcelo Bielsa.

Many Wolves fans have been left slamming the display of Francisco Trincao in their game at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The Portugal international missed a big chance to score in the first half that would have put the Midlands club 2-0 up after Hwang Hee-chan had given them the lead, but they ended up conceding an equaliser to Jeff Hendrick moments later to make the score 1-1 at half-time.

Other than that opportunity, he struggled to really get into the game, and seemed to be bullied off of the ball a little bit too easily at times, with some members of the Molineux faithful noting his physicality.

Before the match this afternoon, Trincao had only managed one goal and no assists all season (Transfermarkt), and it seems as if he is struggling to adapt to English football.

Wolves fans on Trincao display

These WWFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is ‘awful’:

“Trincao way off the pace Adama on at half-time surely”

Credit: @CaritaMejor

“Trincao horror show”

Credit: @lewis_sharp17

“Trincao is awful.”

Credit: @JBabbacombe

“Trincao just isn’t very good”

Credit: @FourFourTwoPls

“Trincao might not be tough enough for the Premier League.”

Credit: @Ashley19345299

“Get Trincao off the pitch”

Credit: @MichaelKlump44

In other news, find out what Pedro Neto footage has Wanderers buzzing here!

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans are raving over ‘more good news’ in what has been a fairly optimistic week for the club off-field.

Indeed, starting with the official appointment of new transfer chief and head of recruitment Rob Newman, news then emerged of Vladimir Coufal signing a new three-year deal (Roshane Thomas).

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The latter man also elected to stay back from international duty and recover as quickly as possible from a niggling groin problem, a decision which prompted applause from many Hammers supporters.

Now, in what is ‘more good news’ according to one fan, another international update has dropped – this time concerning star striker Michail Antonio.

The Jamaica international, releasing a statement (via football.london), confirmed he will not be travelling with the Reggae Boyz for their three World Cup qualifiers against the USA, Canada and Honduras.

Indeed, the 31-year-old, Jamaica and West Ham apparently agreed it is best for Antonio to remain in London due to the ‘logistical and travel difficulties’.

Flocking to this update, given the concerns over his past fitness record, it is easy to see why Irons supporters are overjoyed with this news.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Antonio update…

“More good news”

Credit: @NStampar

“This is fantastic news for West Ham”

Credit: @SamanthaWalsh1

“This is perfect for us”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Excellent news”

Credit: @CharlieLepley_

“He so crucial to us that this is good news. Another busy few weeks after the International break so we will need him fit and firing.”

Credit: @IanDeakin16

“Lovely stuff.”

Credit: @woodstockiron

“Smart move”

Credit: @xHappyHammerx

“Great news , I thought he might do that after the result last time”

Credit: @manilahammer

In other news: Newman gifted big boost in race to sign ‘outstanding’ star who is ‘very keen’ to join West Ham, find out more here.

A number of Rangers supporters are pleased that John Lundstram is starting away to Dundee on Saturday afternoon.

Steven Gerrard’s men returned to Scottish Premiership action, following their midweek League Cup triumph at home to Livingston.

The Gers’ form has been a little up and down so far this season and the hope is that now is the point at which they click into top gear.

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The league leaders took on a Dundee side rooted at the bottom of the table, suggesting it should be a relatively comfortable day at the office for them.

Lundstram is again named in Rangers’ starting lineup, as he looks to kick on further after his move from Sheffield United.

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Rangers fans react to Lundstram start

These Rangers fans took to Twitter to show their happiness at the news.

“Good to see Lundstram keeping his place today. He needs a run of games in his preferred position and he will shine. This is a strong Rangers side and I fully expect us to get all three points today. Mon The Gers!!! “

Credit: @CalRobertsonA4U

“Good to see Hagi starting. Roofe and Buff getting more minutes together  Lundstram playing ahead of Davis is the correct decision. Gives Davis more of a rest, which he needs and gives Lundstram more game time to get up to speed with Scottish football”

Credit: @Eddierfc55

“Davis /Lundstram the obvious dilemma but perhaps a little break with do Davis some good. He’s played a lot of football already this season”

Credit: @AMcKellar89

“Hopefully Lundstram continues to move the ball quickly”

Credit: @Cammy26_2

“Lundstram will have a class game today”

Credit: @neilscoles_

“Lord Lundstram”

Credit: @_72alex

In other news, some Rangers fans have been loving a player’s social media post. Read more here.

An update has emerged on Southampton right-back Tino Livramento, regarding interest in him from Manchester United.

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United have identified Southampton right-back Tino Livramento as a potential target for the next transfer window.

The report claims that Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s poor technique in the attacking third has caused them to be on the lookout for a new right-back, with Livramento now in their sights.

Fans would hate it

Martin Semmens must avoid a Southampton disaster following this update. The 18-year-old beast has burst onto the scene this season after joining from Chelsea in the summer and fans would hate it if the club immediately cashed in on his bright form in January.

The Saints must fight hard to resist the temptation of selling him in the next window if United come in with an offer, as he has the potential to improve further. He has already started all five of the club’s Premier League matches and averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.80, which could be why the likes of Manchester United are now looking at signing him.

However, this seems unlikely to be the peak of his career. Upon Livramento’s arrival at St. Mary’s, Hasenhuttl lauded him as one of the best young right-backs in the country and said that St. Mary’s is the ideal place for his development. He said:

“He is one of the best young players in his position in the country and there were a lot of clubs who were interested in signing him, but finally he chose to join us.

“I think he has made a very good choice, and this will be an excellent place for him to continue his development and hopefully reach his full potential.

“He is very much in line with the profile of player we want and I think he will adapt very well to our system and methods. To be around the first team of Chelsea at his age speaks about his ability.”

These quotes from Hasenhuttl suggest that he believes the defender can achieve big things at Southampton in the long term and develop into a top player. Therefore, Semmens must fight to keep hold of him in the short-term as his value could skyrocket if he is able to fulfill his potential to continue to improve as a right-back.

Fans would be livid if Southampton sold him before they had a chance to see what he could do with more experience under his belt on the south coast.

AND in other news, Semmens must ruthlessly axe £72k-p/w Saints dud to land £12m beast, Ralph needs him…