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Now into the final three months of his Crystal Palace contract, the future of Roy Hodgson remains up in the air.

The former England boss has been at the helm at Selhurst Park since he replaced Frank de Boer in September 2017 and has kept the Eagles somewhat comfortably away from the relegation dogfight season upon season.

It has been reported that Sean Dyche has been lined up as a potential successor should he not sign a new contract, with the Burnley boss recently conceding that the rumours indicate “respect” for the job he has done at Turf Moor.

The Clarets tactician could indeed be the perfect successor for Hodgson at Crystal Palace.

Since being installed at Burnley, Dyche has done a wonderful job. He has led the club to two promotions, then establishing the Lancashire outfit in the top-flight of English football and even earning a venture into the Europa League.

In the past four seasons, the club have finished 16th, 7th, 15th and 10th. For comparison, the Eagles have finished 14th, 11th, 12th and 14th – the Clarets coming out on top in two out of those, whilst just four points separate the two sides in the current standings.

Whilst Hodgson currently possesses a better Premier League win rate – 33% to 30% – Dyche has managed to do that with a club earning promotion from the Championship, whilst the former had inherited a squad which had already established itself in the top flight since 2013.

The Burnley boss has certainly earned plaudits for that excellent work, with former Clarets’ striker Peter Crouch even labelling him as a “top” Premier League manager.

Should he arrive at Palace, he would have an instant understanding of the job on his hands, with the club having similar aspirations as well as transfer budgets. Indeed, the two clubs have spent near enough the same amount in the market over the past three seasons.

With Dyche on £50k per week at Turf Moor, whilst Hodgson is currently raking in almost £94k on a weekly basis with Crystal Palace, it seems a no-brainer to bring the Clarets boss in as his replacement at Selhurst Park.

AND in more news, Steve Parish must start making some tough calls on the future of a number of Palace players…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals for Wolves, believes Pedro Neto can push himself to the levels Cristiano Ronaldo has reached during his career.

Neto has been Wolves’ main man since Raul Jimenez fractured his skull, and the Portugal international has registered five goals and five assists in just his second season in the Premier League.

During Ronaldo’s second season with Manchester United, he registered five goals and six assists, meaning Neto requires just one assist this season to equal what began to get Ronaldo the attention he received in England.

Wolves legend Bull believes Neto is already at a big club so doesn’t think he will be leaving any time soon either and can develop into a similarly important player for Wolves, as Ronaldo was for the Red Devils.

Speaking on Neto’s potential and whether he could replicate what Ronaldo has during his career, Bull told FFC exclusively:

“I think he can stretch to those levels, I really do.”

He added: “He’s absolutely class, he just floats across the grass and the way he stretches his legs past players is absolutely unbelievable.

“I know there’s a lot of talk saying he’ll go to a big club, but he is at a big club now with a big manager.

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“I’d say in the next 18 months to two years we will be in the top five or six.”

Neto is currently Wolves’ joint top scorer with five goals alongside Ruben Neves, but the winger is leading the way in assists with Daniel Podence closest in second with two.

The 21-year old signed a new deal in November last year to keep him at Molineux for another five years so if he was to leave like Jamie Carragher believes he will do, Wolves will be able to command a large fee.

Ben Johnson delivered a promising performance on his return to the starting line-up despite West Ham United succumbing to a 3-2 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

David Moyes recalled the 21-year-old to his starting squad for the first time in four Premier League games, after hamstring injuries ruled Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku out of action.

The Irons boss had only fielded Johnson from the bench in two of West Ham’s prior three top-flight fixtures, after a chastening display from the academy graduate in defeat to Manchester United last month.

Johnson was widely criticised for his efforts at Old Trafford, with former Sheffield United midfielder Michael Brown claiming “I think he is frightened” after the youngster struggled to consistently get forward.

A first half red card for Craig Dawson this afternoon ensured that Johnson could not alleviate those concerns at Newcastle, as West Ham were forced to play much of the game with 10 men and needed a stable foundation in the hope of mounting a second half comeback.

However, Johnson still had chances to get forward and help to create openings for a Hammers side missing Michail Antonio due to a hamstring injury, and he ended the day with a team-high three key passes to his name, per WhoScored.

Only Newcastle’s dynamic dribbler Allan Saint-Maximin, who consistently ran at the Irons’ defence, created more goalscoring opportunities (five) than Johnson, while Vladimir Coufal and Mark Noble (two each) represented the visitor’s next-best options , per WhoScored.

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Jesse Lingard endured a very quiet first half and saw plenty of the ball after the break, but struggled to show his creativity before lashing home a thunderous penalty to restore parity with 10 minutes to play.

He would later limp off the pitch after appearing to develop cramp in his hamstring, having failed to offer a single key pass for the second game running and the fourth since joining the Irons on loan from Manchester United in February.

Johnson – who Franck McAvennie previously claimed is “a joy to watch” – also stood strong defensively to produce a vital goal-line clearance to deny Jacob Murphy in the closing stages, and further offered a joint team-high three successful tackles with Tomas Soucek.

Unlike Soucek, who was dribbled past twice, Johnson was only beaten on the ground once, with the £19k-per-week talent enjoy a vastly more productive afternoon than his Premier League match average of 0.8 tackles this season.

Johnson also won five of his seven ground duels and delivered seven crosses into the Newcastle box, with five finding an Irons teammate, per SofaScore.

Only Vladimir Coufal (seven) won more ground duels for West Ham than the left-back, while Lingard attempted the next-most crosses but failed to find a claret and blue shirt with any of his six deliveries, per SofaScore.

Lingard may have continued his run of either scoring or assisting in Premier League games for West Ham to seven in a row with his penalty, but Johnson was Moyes’ real positive from a disappointing defeat to Steve Bruce’s relegation-threatened Magpies.

AND in other news, a £4.5m-rated West Ham enforcer is being lined up for a summer move out of east London…

Erik ten Hag's assistant Eric Ramsay has become the youngest-ever MLS head coach after leaving Manchester United to join Minnesota United.

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• Ramsay leaves Man Utd to join Minnesota United
• Youngest-ever MLS coach
• Excited by 'culture' at new club

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 31-year-old, who initially joined Manchester United's coaching staff in 2021, has officially made a move to Major League Soccer as he was appointed as the head coach of Minnesota United on Monday. Upon joining the club, he wholeheartedly praised his new club's football culture – in what could be construed as a veiled parting shot at United – as he expressed his excitement after taking up the first senior coaching job of his career.

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• WHAT ERIC RAMSAY SAID

  After signing for the American club, Ramsay told their official website: "I’m incredibly excited to be joining a club with such a strong football culture, a fanatic fan base and a brilliant infrastructure. I’ve spoken to a lot of the club’s staff throughout the process and you can’t help but feel everyone’s passion for moving the club forward. There is a really exciting pathway for the future of the club and I’m looking forward to playing my role in realising that vision. I thank the club for putting its faith in me and I hope it’s the start of another successful period for everyone connected with Minnesota United."

  On the English manager's appointment, The Loons' chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad said: "After an extensive search that included dozens of impressive domestic and international candidates, we are confident that Eric Ramsay is the best choice to lead our club. His experience working with top-level players, coaches, and sporting staff at both the club and international level – as well as his alignment in playing style and development philosophy – all fit with the vision we have for the future of MNUFC.

  "Beyond his soccer pedigree, he is a genuine person who is aligned with the values and culture at the club. He speaks several languages, has experience in managing a multicultural locker room at the highest level, and understands the importance of community engagement and the value of a passionate fanbase. He fits everything that MNUFC is about, and we are looking forward to welcoming Eric to Minnesota United FC."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  had earlier reported that Ramsay had offers from Blackpool and Swansea City in the past few months but he refused their proposals to make a move to the United States. Since Minnesota United were awarded an expansion franchise slot in 2017, Ramsay is only the second head coach in the club's history after Everton legend Adrian Heath, with whom they parted ways last year.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MINNESOTA UNITED?

  The Loons began the new MLS season on a winning note as they defeated Austin FC 2-1. They will next seen be in action on Saturday against the Columbus Crew.

Celtic are in a run of fine form as they prepare to take on St Johnstone in Perth this lunchtime. The Hoops will be hoping for nothing less than three points on the road today, to bank their fourth consecutive win.

Their last performance was an emphatic 4-0 win over St Mirren, with goals coming from Tom Rogic, Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie and David Turnbull. Their blistering display marked their 13th goal scored in their last five matches.

After sustaining an injury last time out, Celtic will likely be without rising star Stephen Welsh, who has been filling in for Shane Duffy recently. He was stretchered off the pitch against St Mirren, but fortunately the injury is not expected to be anything long-term.

Football FanCast has predicted how the Hoops will lineup to take on the Saints in today’s lunchtime kickoff…

Although Welsh is said to just have some bruising, Neil Lennon won’t want to rush him back to action. Duffy may be given the nod to return to the lineup alongside Kristoffer Ajer, despite being usurped due to his disappointing form recently.

The boss may also shake up his engine room and opt to start Ryan Christie, who has been demoted to the bench as of late. Since Lennon and 14 players returned from self-isolation in January, the Scotland international has started just two matches. His recent performances have divided many Celtic fans on social media, with many targeting him as a weak link in the squad.

However, after replacing Albian Ajeti in the 68th minute against St Mirren, Christie popped up with a goal to extend his side’s lead before Turnbull put it to bed a minute later.

On the topic of Ajeti, he was extremely quiet in attack during the midweek game. According to Sofascore, he failed to register a single shot towards goal and he had less touches and accurate passes than goalkeeper Scott Bain. Celtic can’t afford to get complacent in their attack and Edouard needs a solid partner to accompany him up front.

Mohamed Elyounoussi may return to the team, having already played up top with the Frenchman and scoring against Livingston in a 2-2 draw last month.

With the end of his contract looming, the Southampton loanee will want to make a good impression. A solid performance against St Johnstone this afternoon will certainly do the trick.

In other news, Ryan Christie silenced doubters with performance vs St Mirren…

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has opened up on the frantic atmosphere of his Camp Nou debut in April 2023

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• Admitted that he "couldn't hear anything"
• Played seven minutes against Real Betis
• Has scored three, assisted two in La Liga this year

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Yamal made an immediate impression at Camp Nou for Xavi, entrusted with a lively cameo as a 15-year-old towards the end of Barcelona's league-winning campaign. He has since become a regular for the Blaugrana, making 24 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season.

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• WHAT LAMINE YAMAL SAID ABOUT HIS DEBUT

  In an interview carried by the club's media, Yamal revealed that his Barca debut was a nerve-wracking experience: "I went out to warm up when I entered the field my ears popped, I couldn't hear anything, it was like a minute, but in my legs it seemed like an hour."

• WHAT LAMINE YAMAL SAID ABOUT XAVI

  The 16-year-old also heaped praise on Xavi: "I will always thank him because not just anyone makes your debut at 15 years old and this season he has given me minutes in all the games I have been able to play."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yamal has starred for Barca over the last month, most recently scoring twice against Granada to salvage a point following a forgettable Blaugrana performance. With Raphinha recovering from injury and Joao Felix out, he seems to have made the right-wing spot his own.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaped praise on his players after the club's thumping 4-1 win over Newcastle United.

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• Arteta in awe of Arsenal players
• Arsenal thrashed Newcastle 4-1
• Praised the team's off-the-ball movements

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners' convincing performance against the Magpies left Arteta in awe of his players as he wholeheartedly praised the team for their dominance against a formidable opponent. The manager also claimed that he was left impressed by his team's off-the-ball movements which were lacking in their defeat against FC Porto in the Champions League earlier in the week.

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• WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

  Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game, Arteta said, "I'm really happy with the performance against a Newcastle team who are really really good. The boys were really good, really aggressive and we deserved to win the game. They [Newcastle] have a lot of resources to create issues but we continued in the same way, we maintained our rhythm and it was a joy to watch the team play.

  "We are really happy, we have to continue to do the things that we are doing well. There are still things that we can do better and we are bringing big players back from injury so that is a big boost. Against Porto, we were ourselves with the ball but not without the ball. It was a big lesson and you learn a lot from those moments."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sven Botman's own goal handed the north London club the lead in the 18th minute before Kai Havertz doubled his team's lead in the first half. Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior then scored a goal each in the 65th and 69th minute to seal the crucial three points. Joe Willock then netted a consolation goal for Eddie Howe's side in the 84th minute.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  The Gunners are set to face Sheffield United and Brentford in their next two Premier League matches before they take on FC Porto in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 fixture on March 12.

After brushing aside Southampton last time out in the Premier League, Leeds delivered a disappointing display on Saturday as they fell to a 1-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side just looked completely flat at Elland Road, managing just three shots on target in the entire 90 minutes. The Leeds boss did make a couple of changes to his starting line-up, with Tyler Roberts one of those players coming in after some encouraging cameos in recent weeks.

But the Wales international failed to take his opportunity, with the 22-year-old struggling to make the most out of the good positions that he found himself in.

As per Sofascore, he found the target with just one of his attempts on goal, while he attempted no dribbles whatsoever. Roberts lost the ball in good areas so often, with Villa’s defenders outmuscling him far too easily on occasion – he lost eight out of the ten duels that he contested.

He also seemed to lose his head and gave away some cheap free-kicks, with his three fouls committed being the joint-highest of any Leeds player on the pitch.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for Leeds Live, Beren Cross noted: “Not the type of performance which is going to keep him in the main thoughts of Marcelo Bielsa and co when it comes to the summer reshuffle. Had one decent effort sting the goalkeeper’s hand, but not at it at all apart from that. Wasted chances when they came his way. Had little control in the middle and gave away fouls.”

His lacklustre performance even prompted many Leeds fans to take to Twitter to urge the club to sell him when the transfer window opens up again in the summer.

Bielsa placed his trust in the £5k-a-week earning Roberts by promoting him to the starting line-up, and the forward massively let his manager down with his display. With reports even linking him with a move away back in January, perhaps this summer is the perfect time for both parties to go their separate ways.

Southampton are being linked with Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo ahead of the summer transfer window and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side should he make the move to St Mary’s.

What’s the word?

According to ESPN, Southampton have asked about Firpo’s situation at Barcelona as they see him as a potential successor for Ryan Bertrand at St Mary’s, although they will have to see off interest from several Serie A clubs if they are going to sign him this summer.

Barcelona are preparing for a summer rebuild and since the 24-year-old has been unable to oust Jordi Alba at the Nou Camp during his time at the club, he is a likely candidate to be sold.

Would he be a good signing?

Firpo was regarded as one of the best young defenders in La Liga during his time with Real Betis, with his excellent performances in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons convincing Barcelona to pay €18m (£16.3m) to sign him in the summer of 2019.

Unfortunately for the Spanish defender, his time with the Catalan club has not really worked out, as he has made just 41 appearances in the two years since, contributing two goals and three assists.

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This season saw the Dominican Republic born defender make just three starts in La Liga and one in the Champions League, so it is no surprise that Ronald Koeman is keen to cash in on him this summer, and Southampton could be the ones to take advantage.

Barcelona legend Eric Abidal was full of praise for Firpo back in 2020, saying:

“He’s a player with a lot of potential. He could be one of the best left-backs in the world. I always tell him that he must work hard and be aware of the (style of) play. He’s going to get better, for sure.”

This is high praise from one of the best left-backs from the past 20 years, so if Firpo can live up to his potential at St Mary’s, he would surely prove to be a very good signing indeed.

Therefore, Martin Semmens should definitely look to sign him for Southampton this summer, as Hasenhuttl desperately needs a left-back to replace Bertrand this summer, and Firpo could be the ideal man for the job.

And, in other news… Semmens can repeat Armstrong masterclass with bargain swoop for “top player”

Forgotten Leeds United man Rafa Mujica could seal a permanent move to Las Palmas this summer, with the Spanish club keen on completing a deal.

The Lowdown: No Leeds future for Mujica

Mujica has had a nomadic career in recent years, having loan spells at the likes of Extremadura, Oviedo and Las Palmas. It is quite clear that Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t see a long-term future for the 22-year-old at Leeds, with the Argentine surely showing trust in him by now if that wasn’t the case – the Spaniard hasn’t even made a matchday squad for a competitive Whites fixture.

That is despite him impressing some of the Elland Road faithful during a pre-season fixture in 2019, only for it to prove a false dawn.

Mujica is currently at Las Palmas, where he has only managed four Segunda Division appearances this season and not made a single start.

The Latest: Las Palmas keen on permanent signing

Despite that, AS reported [via Sport Witness] that the Spanish club ‘show interest’ in signing the forward on a permanent basis this summer.

Las Palmas have an option to buy and it appears as though they are willing to take Leeds up on the offer.

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The Verdict: Time to move on

In makes perfect sense for Mujica to leave Leeds at the end of the season in order to settle at a club and begin the next chapter of his career. Bouncing from club to club is not benefiting anyone, in truth, and with his Leeds deal expiring in the summer, a new contract is highly unlikely to come his way.

The Whites are now at a point where they should be aiming for the the European places next season, in which case they need a higher calibre of player than Mujica.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly battling some heavyweight clubs for the signing of one player. Find out who it is here.