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Former Newcastle United and England midfielder Rob Lee has told Football FanCast that Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez is a liability in possession.

The £42m Colombia international has struggled at times this season alongside various centre-back partners.

Jose Mourinho has played Sanchez alongside Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, and Joe Rodon throughout the season, and he has looked uncomfortable throughout, particularly on the ball.

Sanchez has been so erratic that Curtis Woodhouse, the former Sheffield United and Birmingham City midfielder, claimed that he has “zero composure in anything he does” on Twitter.

Lee has agreed with him, and he believes that opposition teams will actually let Sanchez have the ball, because they’re so convinced he will give it back to them.

He told FFC: “I know what he means. He’s what I would call an old-fashioned defender. So I know what Curtis is saying.

“If I was playing against him, I’d let him have the ball, that’s what I would say. There’s certain players where you let them have it, because he’ll give it to us. There’s certain players, we had Philippe Albert, don’t let Albert have the ball, the teams playing against us, let Darren Peacock have the ball because he was our defender. I think that’s what people say about Sanchez, ‘let him have it because he’ll panic and give it us’.”

Lee does admit that the expectations for defenders and goalkeepers have changed in recent years, with players now expected to play out from the back.

But he does not think Spurs should have Sanchez in possession too often, as he will make a mistake.

He added: “I think, nowadays, defenders have to be able to play, goalies have to be able to play. It’s lunacy what goalies can do now, how they ping it, so it depends how Spurs play.

“One thing you can’t let him do is have too much of the ball.”

Sanchez has played in all of the club’s last eight Premier League games, with Spurs keeping four clean sheets and conceding eight goals.

With not a lot to play for between now and the end of the season for Wolves, they can begin focusing on how they can improve ahead of the next campaign.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are one of a number of teams in the race to sign Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.

The 25-year-old has only been in the Premier League for the best part of 14 months but plenty of teams clearly like what they’re seeing from him.

Wolves have already made trips to scout Brownhill, but they have been joined by Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Aston Villa, per TEAMtalk.

The Clarets signed him for a price of £9m, so you’d imagine they’d want a similar sort of fee in order to sell. They may also need to improve on his £35k-per-week wages in order to tempt the midfield general elsewhere.

Moutinho heir in waiting

There are very few positives from Wolves’ arduous season. They are in the bottom half of the table and haven’t been able to build upon their accomplishments of being in Europe last term.

With Raul Jimenez missing through long-term injury, they’ve not been their usual selves and that’s all been encompassed in Joao Moutinho. The Portuguese midfielder oozes class but has been one of a number of Old Gold players to suffer. He has only scored once this term and has attracted criticism as such.

Wolves reporter Tim Spiers has even claimed that this could be his final campaign as a regular in the starting XI. At the age of 34, he is no spring chicken and his best days may well be numbered.

With that in mind, the Molineux outfit will need a replacement. Could Brownhill be that man? Quite possibly.

The midfielder played a starring role for Bristol City in the Championship where he was given a more advanced role. In doing so, he contributed to 15 goals and 12 assists during his final two-and-a-half seasons in that part of the world.

Brownhill was capable of cutting through opponents, producing 1.4 key passes per match during his final half-campaign in the second tier. For context, despite Moutinho’s one assist in 2020/21, he has provided 1.2 key passes per game.

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Crucial, however, is the added penetration and zip he could bring to Wolves’ midfield. Brownhill is a player who loves to run himself into the ground, something Sean Dyche was keen to stress last September. He said: “(He’s got) boundless energy, will and desire, and he’s a good footballer. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s come through.”

Since signing for the Clarets, he has added to the defensive side of his game too, playing in a deeper role when Dyche’s men don’t have possession. Indeed, that’s a similar position to the one in which Moutinho plays at Molineux.

He starts attacks from deep by winning the ball back and then laying it forward. That’s an attribute in which Brownhill has thrived since arriving in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has registered 1.4 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per match this term. In comparison to Moutinho, he is streets ahead in terms of his reading of the game. The Portugal international has only made 1.3 interceptions but importantly, wins two tackles per outing.

You can see why Brownhill would be a good replacement, though. He’s got an incisive pass but he’s also adept defensively. It might not be the most eye-catching of signings, but it would be smart business from Jeff Shi to bring in the 25-year-old.

AND in other news, Wolves must swoop for “dangerous” £37k-p/w beast with “really big potential”…

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.

Southampton are looking increasingly likely to sign Theo Walcott from Everton in the summer, and if he were to join the Saints permanently, it could prove to be bad news for rising star Nathan Tella.

Speaking to Hampshire Live recently, Raph Hasenhuttl hinted that the 32-year-old could join from the Toffees permanently this summer, saying: “I am very happy that he is comfortable here now and that he is happy to play for us and there is no reason why we should not think about keeping him longer.”

The Athletic have also suggested that Southampton will look to sign the former Arsenal man on a permanent deal, with his contract at Everton set to expire this summer.

Therefore, given that the £5.4m-rated Englishman has been a regular in Hasenhuttl’s side so far this season, making 16 appearances in the Premier League, it seems fairly likely that he will be with the Saints again next term.

Unfortunately, this could prove to be bad news for 21-year-old Tella, who enjoyed a run in the Southampton side earlier in the season when Walcott was injured.

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He particularly impressed in the 2-0 win against Sheffield United in March, when his pace caused the Blades defence all sorts of problems and led to him winning a penalty in the first half, which James Ward-Prowse duly tucked away.

Tella has shown this season that he is too good to be playing in Premier League 2, as he memorably scored four goals as a striker against Leicester City under-21s earlier in the season, so he needs to be playing regular senior football for his development next season.

However, with the likes of Nathan Redmond, Moussa Djenepo and Stuart Armstrong already at the club, you worry that the permanent signing of Walcott is going to mean the 21-year-old is afforded very little playing time by Hasenhuttl.

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Therefore, perhaps we will see Tella leave Southampton on loan next season, for if Walcott does join on a permanent deal, it is difficult to see where the youngster fits in.

In other news… Southampton could find their ideal JWP replacement in 23 y/o beast who is a “joy to watch”

Sam Allardyce’s chances of keeping West Brom in the Premier League took a turn for the worst earlier this week after the Baggies were beaten by rock-bottom Sheffield United.

It leaves them ten points adrift of safety with crucial games against Spurs, Manchester United, Burnley and Brighton on the horizon.

Albion have brought in five new names this transfer window, though their two deadline day additions – Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Okay Yokuslu – are yet to feature.

“When you have decided to attack the situation by bringing new players in – if I didn’t think there was a chance (of survival) I wouldn’t have pushed as hard as I did to get those players in,” revealed Big Sam in the wake of Tuesday’s defeat.

So how will the pair of them fit in? They’re both in line to make an instant impact against Spurs…

On the Chalkboard

Both arrivals hit towards Allardyce sticking with a three-at-the-back formation as it would allow Yokuslu to be deployed in a defensive midfield role at the base of the engine room, whilst the versatile Arsenal star can act as the right wing-back.

It does, however, mean there are some big calls to make over the like of Jake Livermore, Romaine Sawyers and Grady Diangana.

The Baggies have a plethora of central defensive options, so it makes sense for Allardyce to want to utilse such a formation, and he has done before when saving Sunderland from the brink of relegation.

It means we could see Dara O’Shea, Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi in front of Sam Johnstone with Conor Townsend and Maitland-Niles on the two flanks.

As already mentioned, we’re likely to see Yokuslu come straight in as a defensive midfielder as that’s a position Big Sam was desperate to secure in the window.

It does, however, likely mean that two of Slaven Bilic’s long-serving favourites are axed in Romaine Sawyers and Jake Livermore. Both started at least 42 league games last season and have continued to be a presence this term.

The pair rank as the two worst West Brom regulars as per WhoScored ratings, and with a better defensive anchor in place, it could allow Robert Snodgrass and Matheus Pereira some extra freedom further up the pitch.

There’s also a major decision to be had on Grady Diangana because when he’s fit, he’s a shoo-in to start (started all four games under Allardyce prior to injury).

But given the formation tweak, there’s just no place for him in the lineup, meaning he’s likely to have to settle for a role off the bench.

Whilst upfront, we could see a ‘David and Goliath’ partnership of Mbaye Diagne and Karlan Grant.

The likes of Callum Robinson, Matty Phillips and Kieran Gibbs would all also be substitute options.

AND in other news, Missed bargain: Dowling’s WBA call over “fearless” £2m beast looking worse by the week…

Leeds United have been linked to several new defensive options this month. However, an update from Phil Hay clarified that they are not expecting any new signings before the window shuts.

According to French outlet Le10Sport, the Whites were named alongside Southampton in the battle for Romain Perraud’s signature. The report claims that despite the Frenchman still having four years on his current deal, interest is mounting for his services.

Should Leeds have signed Perraud?

Marcelo Bielsa has been faced with several injury concerns this season, with summer signings Robin Koch and Diego Llorente both out of action. Not only has the Argentinian been plagued with fitness issues, but the idea of Ezgjan Alioski leaving the club is looking more and more likely.

Fotomac reports that the left-back has been linked to a move to Galatasaray, with the Turkish outfit are looking to replace Marcelo Saracchi and eyeing Alioski with his contract being up at the end of the season.

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If the North Macedonian leaves Elland Road, Bielsa will be left with only youngster Leif Davis as his option on the left flank. Whilst he can rely on Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas and their versatility, it’s simply not a feasible option to deploy his players out of position for the foreseeable future.

Leeds should have moved for Perraud, as they would have been signing a ready-made replacement for Alioski. According to WhoScored, the Brest defender already has more goalscoring contributions than the Leeds ace, as well as a higher average of interceptions and clearances per match.

Perraud also has similar stats to Alioski when it comes to passing accuracy and aerial duels won as well as tackles. With the former also being younger than the Leeds left-back, he has a lot more in his tank to give to the cause and would have been a very smart option to bring in, in case Alioski’s future lies beyond Elland Road.

With a Transfermarkt value of £7.2million, Perraud likely wouldn’t break the bank if Andrea Radrizzani decided to loosen the purse strings. He could’ve be the ideal addition to the squad ahead of tonight’s deadline.

In other news, Leeds must revisit transfer swoop for Divock Origi…

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.

Many Liverpool fans reacted with worry after reports emerged that midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri turned down a loan move to Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.

According to Sky Germany (via Fussball Transfers), the 29-year-old had no interest in throwing himself into a relegation fight in Germany.

This is not the first time he has been linked with loan moves away. Last year, the Reds turned down approaches from Roma and Sevilla so he could stay for the title charge (via BBC Sport).

Despite this, Shaqiri remains a bit-part figure in Jurgen Klopp’s side, starting just two Premier League games and featuring four times as a substitute.

Having won just one game in their last six, supporters couldn’t understand why their club was trying to offload creative players in the squad, to which they made their feelings clear to @LFCTransferRoom on Twitter.

Fans not impressed

“Continue to shoot ourselves in the foot, why’d we even half consider letting him go.”

Credit: @StuJChapman

“Concerning that we were willing to sell”

Credit: @1mran0402

“He loves the club and wants to fight for it so don’t let him go anywhere!”

Credit: @AdamBen58971146

“Why are we trying to get him out instead of Origi?”

Credit: @lfcsed_

“Surely we wouldn’t be selling Shaqiri. We need him for a bit of depth”

Credit: @LFC_Koptalker

“Yup get rid of the direct creativity because we have lots of it already. The fact we are willing to sell and not buy is just laughable.”

Credit: @LFCKey_

In other news, Pundit backs under-fire £180k-per-week Liverpool star who Jamie Carragher slated.

According to Corriere Adriatico, via Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are one of several sides interested in signing former Brighton & Hove Albion right-back Ezequiel Schelotto in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

It is believed that Schelotto, who has been without a club since being released by Brighton in the summer, is wanted by Serie C side US Sambenedettese, but ‘there might be some obstacle’ in the form of the Eagles.

The 31-year-old free agent fell out of favour at the AMEX Stadium but has also attracted interest from the likes of Championship club Watford and Italian side SPAL

However, Sambenedettese president Domenico Serafino has been in constant communication with his agent to try and engineer a move for Schelotto, which has given Steve Parish the golden opportunity to pull the plug on any potential transfer.

Must avoid Edgar Davids 2.0

Not that he’d like to admit it, but Roy Hodgson has a bit of a problem at right-back. Nathaniel Clyne hasn’t quite cut the mustard, which has led Football FanCast to call for the club to cut ties with Clyne, and new summer recruit Nathan Ferguson is sidelined due to injury, whilst Joel Ward isn’t getting any younger. Yet it’s fair to say that Schelotto isn’t the answer to all their problems – we can’t understand their reported interest at all.

Back in the summer of 2010, former Netherlands international midfielder Edgar Davids arrived at Selhurst Park on a pay-as-you-play deal, despite the fact the 37-year-old had been without a club for almost two years. What could possibly go wrong? Well, as it turns out, just about everything, as he struggled to get to grips with Championship football and made just seven appearances in all competitions before leaving the club by mutual consent.

While Schelotto may be a good fit for Watford – he has a decent amount of experience in the European leagues – it’s fair to say that he simply wouldn’t be the right man for Palace.

Would the one-time Italy international be any better than Clyne? Not at all if you take a closer look at the statistics.

Clyne 29, is two years his junior, and the differences don’t stop there, either. Last season, the Italian produced low numbers for tackles (0.4) and interceptions (0.8) per game, of which Clyne tops with 1.3 and 1.7 respectively, and he failed to offer much in the final third, attempting just 0.6 dribbles per game in the Premier League, via WhoScored.

With that in mind, coupled with the fact he earned around £32,000-per-week in wages at the AMEX Stadium, Parish must simply avoid signing Schelotto at all costs, as he could turn out to be yet another expensive mistake.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke was Roy Hodgson’s unsung hero against Arsenal…

Lee Ryder has claimed that Newcastle United are not seeing the best of Ryan Fraser after they drew 0-0 away at West Brom in the Premier League.

Writing in his latest player ratings piece for The Chronicle, the journalist was particularly critical of the former Bournemouth man’s delivery from crosses and gave him a mere 5/10 overall rating, the joint-lowest out of any Magpies player to have set foot on the pitch.

Fraser must do more for Newcastle

With the injuries to Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron, Fraser really needs to step up for the St James’ Park faithful from now until the end of the 2020/21 term.

However, the Scotland international was far from impressive against Sam Allardyce’s men at The Hawthorns. He failed to record a single shot on goal or successful dribble, and lost possession of the ball no fewer than 20 times, the third most out of any of his teammates (Sofascore).

Fraser was largely ineffective throughout the match, registering ten fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (Sofascore), and he really needs to have more of an influence in attacking areas if Steve Bruce’s team are to score the goals that they need to stay up in the top flight. Ryder’s constructive criticism is very much on point here.

In other news, find out why some Toon players are angry at Bruce!