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Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to react after they found out that Frank de Boer had lost his first game in charge of Atlanta United.

The former Palace boss was appointed as the MLS Cup winners’ manager just before Christmas, but got off to a disappointing start with his new charges as they lost 3-1 to Herediano – in fairness, that’s better than his start with the Eagles, in which he oversaw a 3-0 loss to Huddersfield.

De Boer lasted just 77 days at Selhurst Park during his short tenure in south London, managing just four league games and failing to see his side score a single goal on their way to successive defeats – his only win came in the Carabao Cup against Ipswich.

The main issue with the 48-year-old Dutchman’s time at Palace was his tendency to deploy some players out of position, with Joel Ward stuck out in a right wing-back role whilst Luka Milivojevic was put at centre-back.

By the sounds of things, those issues are still going on at Atlanta, and Palace fans have taken to Twitter to react…

Matt Doherty is looking like a man possessed at Tottenham Hotspur under Antonio Conte.

On Sunday afternoon, the north London outfit moved into the Premier League’s top four with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Newcastle United and the Irishman notched his second goal and fourth assist from his last six outings.

It’s been a complete turnaround for the 30-year-old, who has seemingly been on the chopping block until now. A prolonged run in the side has catapulted his name into the Italian’s starting XI on a regular basis recently – even out of position, as with this weekend, he has delivered.

Signed in a £15m deal from Wolves by Jose Mourinho in the summer of 2020, Doherty had struggled to truly make his mark at the club. By February 2021, his future at the Lilywhites was described as ‘uncertain’ by ESPN, who claim that the Portuguese was unconvinced by his progress.

Mourinho could even be heard berating Doherty throughout one encounter against Liverpool. And then under his former Old Gold boss Nuno Santo at the start of this current campaign, he still couldn’t get into the lineup, which is rather damning.

The Athletic believed he was one player that could’ve been sold by Nuno and sporting director Fabio Paratici.

It’s a very good thing they didn’t because he’s now thriving under Conte and the weekend’s impressive win displayed his true qualities, playing in a system that suits him right to a tee.

As per WhoScored, the £10.8m-rated Doherty has now made 11 tackles, six interceptions and seven key passes across his last six outings, proving to be a major influence at either end of the pitch for Spurs.

He was one of a few players to be graded a standout 9/10 by Evening Standard reporter Dan Kilpatrick in his post-match ratings column.

‘Forced out of position to left wing-back, he finished with a goal and an assist to continue his resurgence. Has shown tremendous character to rebuild his Spurs career,’ he wrote.

Earlier in the year, Doherty was described as “utterly thrilling” by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, whilst analyst Statman Dave lauded him as “revitalised”.

Indeed, the £74k-per-week Mourinho flop is a completely different animal now.

AND in other news, Paratici could repeat Pogba masterclass at Spurs with “unbelievable” £36m-rated wizard…

A major update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Pete Graves has revealed that a bid has been placed by the Magpies, with Eddie Howe looking to improve his defensive options this month.

The journalist tweeted: “On #nufc centre back search… Diego Carlos firmly in clubs sights. Substantial offer made – remains on table – player (very) intrigued. Definitely one to watch.”

Fans will be delighted

Newcastle fans will be delighted with this claim from Graves as it shows that the club are making serious moves for players. They are not going into the market and making offers which aren’t worthwhile for other clubs to even consider purely to make it look like they are trying to do something, instead submitting sizeable bids which will test the resolve of clubs being targeted.

PIF are offering substantial amounts of money for players in order to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad, and the supporters will love that as it could give Newcastle the best possible chance of avoiding relegation to the Championship. The current group of players have proven themselves to not be good enough for where the Magpies want to be.

They are 19th in the Premier League table and have the second-worst defensive record, with bottom club Norwich – who have played a game more – the only team to concede more goals than Howe’s side so far this season. This highlights the huge issues the Magpies have in the defensive third of the pitch and highlights why fans will be particularly delighted with this news, as Carlos could solve some of their problems in that regard.

The Brazilian enforcer has been in fine form for Sevilla in La Liga this season and has been able to perform consistently to a high level, with an average SofaScore rating of 7.14. Although it is impossible to guarantee that he will be able to do the same in the Premier League, it shows that there’s a strong chance of him joining and discernibly improving Howe’s team.

Newcastle fans will also be buzzing to read that the player is keen on the move. It shows that the 28-year-old is willing to come in and help the team scrap for survival, rather than being put off by their precarious position and potentially needing to be convinced to complete the transfer.

AND in other news, “Pushing behind the scenes”: Keith Downie drops on-air NUFC update which will excite fans…

The January transfer window is past the halfway point and Rangers have been active, with a number of deals already being completed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox.

They have signed James Sands on an 18-month loan from New York City FC and pinned John Souttar down to a pre-contract agreement which will see him arrive in the summer.

Nathan Patterson has also been sold for a club-record transfer fee. The right-back has joined Premier League side Everton to continue his fledgling career.

With players coming in at Ibrox, van Bronckhorst may need to make some tough decisions on who stays in Glasgow, and Scott Wright could be axed from the Gers’ squad…

Finally axe Wright

The £5.6k-per-week dud could find himself on the way out if the club lands one of their targets. One player with whom Rangers have been linked is ES Setif midfielder Ahmed Kendouci – Algerian outlet DZ Foot has claimed that he is someone the Gers are monitoring this month.

The 22-year-old is a versatile player who could operate in a multitude of roles for Van Bronckhorst in the second half of the season. He is capable of playing on either wing, in the number 10 position and as a central or defensive midfielder, which means that he is not limited in terms of what he can offer.

Last season, Kendouci recorded 10 goals and 10 assists for Setif in 34 league matches, showcasing his ability to score and set up goals regularly. Whilst Wright predominantly plays off the right wing, the Algerian can play in his position whilst also offering the flexibility of being able to fill other roles, and that could make him more valuable than Wright.

Ross Wilson previously hailed the Ibrox youngster as “determined” but his hard work has not paid off yet in a Rangers shirt, as he has been unable to nail down a regular spot. He has only started five games across the Premiership and Europa League this season and has averaged a modest WhoScored rating of 6.59 in Europe, suggesting that Steven Gerrard and now Van Bronckhorst have not deemed him worthy of being a consistent starter for the Light Blues.

This is why Setif’s creative conductor Kendouci could come in and prove to be an upgrade on the 24-year-old. Not only is he more flexible positionally than Wright, his goalscoring and creation statistics last season suggest that he could also offer more quality on the ball in the final third.

AND in other news, Rangers headed for huge January blunder as Wilson lines up decision which would anger the fans…

Paulo Dybala is still being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur, according to recent claims…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed:

“I think Dybala, [a] long-term target under [Mauricio] Pochettino, I’m sure he will definitely be on the list in the summer but I think lots of clubs in Europe will be interested in the playmaker this summer on a free transfer, potentially.”

The 28-year-old came very close to signing for Spurs during the summer of 2019, only for a deal to fall through at the final hurdle over image rights. He has regularly been linked with a switch ever since then.

Conte needs him

This time, however, he’s a player that Antonio Conte could really do with in north London.

The January transfer window saw the Italian let three, potentially four, of his more creative outlets depart the club in record signing Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Dele Alli and Byran Gil.

Not as if any were performing at the level required anyway but there has been a severe lack of imagination in the final third, often leaving the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son to provide for themselves. After all, they led pretty much every attacking department last term.

Again, this season, the South Korean tops the charts for goals scored (eight), assists (three) and key chances created (1.9 per game) in the Premier League, via WhoScored.

Three of the four behind him in the latter regard are defenders, so the likes of Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilon have been more creative than any of the departed quarter, which speaks volumes.

But it does leave Conte without an outlet in the heart of the pitch – something that Dybala could aid and not only that, he’ll provide Kane with some backup, too.

Despite being hampered by injury this campaign, the Juve man has still delivered 11 goals and five assists, averaging a direct contribution once every 101 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

He was once dubbed an “unbelievable player” who does “breathtaking” things by former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey, whilst Serie A expert Conor Clancy believes his presence would aid Kane tenfold.

“I feel like he’d be unstoppable with Kane because he’s not a number nine, so he’s got to be playing alongside a striker like that,” he told Football FanCast back in the summer.

The £45m-rated dynamo also possesses a career average of two dribbles and 1.6 key passes per game (via WhoScored) only bolsters his threat, ball playing and carrying ability in the attacking third.

He’s got to be someone that Conte would surely love to sign this summer. He’d be a steal on a free transfer, too.

AND in other news, Conte could take Spurs to the next level by signing £27m-rated “leader” who he’d love him…

An update has emerged on Norwich right-back Max Aarons, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph, the Magpies have discussed a possible deal to sign the England U21 international this month.

The report claims that the Canaries could be tempted into cashing in on the defender and he is one of a number of players Newcastle are considering at this time. Norwich reportedly wanted a fee of £35m in 2021 for the right-back and it remains to be seen whether or not that valuation has gone down in the subsequent months.

Masterstroke

Nick Hammond could land a masterstroke by bringing Aarons to the club this month for several reasons. Firstly, it would weaken one of their closest rivals in the table, with Norwich one point and one place behind Eddie Howe’s side in the Premier League.

This means that it could improve Newcastle’s chances of finishing above Dean Smith’s side, aiding their chances of avoiding relegation down to the Championship.

Secondly, it could complete the club’s full-back pairing. Kieran Trippier is reportedly closing in on a move to Tyneside from Atletico Madrid and he has played at left-back for England at international level, which means that he could slot in on the left with Aarons at right-back as Howe unearths an attractive full-back pairing.

Additionally, the Norwich man could be seen as a long-term successor to Trippier and compete with him in the short term before taking over from him in the years to come.

The 22-year-old has played 18 games in the Premier League this season and was a standout in the Championship last term. He averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.98 as he produced two goals and two assists from right-back, whilst also helping the side to keep 17 clean sheets.

Former Canaries head coach Daniel Farke previously lauded the dynamo’s potential, saying: 

“In my eyes he is not the young Max Aarons, he is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future. I know he has been labelled as one of the best young players in this league. Well I told him we can reject this label now because he is no longer one of the best young players, he is one of the best players.

“When you are close to 100 appearances you are already an experienced lad. He is so young and he has to improve, and he will, but what he has done in the past two years is amazing. I cannot praise him enough.”

This highlights his room for improvement and shows that Newcastle could be signing a player who will become better and better with time. Therefore, he would be a fantastic signing for this season and future seasons, both in terms of his performances on the pitch and the value he could hold further down the line, which is why this would be a masterstroke from Hammond.

AND in other news, Howe can seal “absolute treat” for NUFC in swoop for monster who’s “Beckenbauer level”…

Despite being in the relegation zone of the Premier League table, Newcastle United have managed to score more goals this season than a number of teams above them.

However, it seems as though the Tyneside club have their eye on adding a new attacking figure to their squad to help the team escape the relegation zone and push further up the table.

What’s the news?

It has recently been claimed by journalist Niccolo Ceccarini (via Tutto Mercato Web) that Newcastle are interested in signing River Plate attacker Julian Alvarez.

As a product of River Plate’s youth academy, Alvarez, who is currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, has made a total of 93 appearances for the Argentine club across all competitions in which he has managed to score 33 goals and provide 24 assists along the way, which is presumably why Newcastle have struck an interest in him.

So far this season, the 21-year-old, who has been labelled as being a “hungry” player on the pitch by Sebastian Abreu, has racked up an impressive 17 goals and seven assists in just 19 league appearances.

These numbers alone should convince anyone that Newcastle should be doing all they can to bring Alvarez to S. James’ Park, ideally in the upcoming January transfer window if they can to see if he can save their season and out of any relegation danger with his goals.

If PIF are able to strike a deal with River Plate to sign Alvarez in January, this could give Toon boss Eddie Howe the perfect attacking option to help his side pick up some much-needed points throughout the remainder of the season.

Additionally, with current Toon winger Allan Saint-Maximin being one of Newcastle’s most dangerous attacking outlets with three goals and three assists under his belt in the Premier League this season, there’s every chance that Alvarez could form a deadly attacking partnership with the Frenchman if the pair get the chance to play alongside each other given their clear knack for scoring and providing goals.

However, with January in mind and the fact that Newcastle’s main problem could be the fact that they concede too many goals rather than struggle to score them, perhaps signing some defensive options rather than an attacker like Alvarez should be more of a priority.

That said, the addition of a proven goalscorer could really fire Newcastle up the table and in turn, secure their safety too. This is a player they simply have to secure the services of during the winter.

In other news: Imagine him & Wilson: Howe can transform NUFC with move for “fighting” 25-goal machine – opinion

Tottenham must swoop for Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo this summer as manager Antonio Conte looks to bolster his squad in his first summer transfer window in charge of the north London club.

What’s the talk?

Reports from Italy have suggested that Spurs are following the 22-year-old closely, with Corriere della Sella (via Sport Witness) suggesting that the Italian knows that ‘decision time is approaching.’

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The Roma star’s contract expires in 2024 and is yet to renew, meaning that the Serie A outfit may have to sell this summer, with a fee being quoted at around €80m (£66m).

Manager Antonio Conte is believed to be a big fan of the 22-year-old, having assessed the winger during his time as Inter Milan manager, as is Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici.

Tottenham must sign Zaniolo

Despite a season that has seen a managerial change, an early exit from the Europa Conference League and yet another campaign without silverware, Tottenham’s season could end with success with the Lilywhites still firmly in contention for a top-four spot.

Conte’s side are fourth with six games to go in the Premier League and will undoubtedly be a more attractive proposition for Zaniolo and other potential targets if they can offer Champions League football.

The 22-year-old has netted seven goals and assisted another eight in 35 appearances across all competitions this term whilst averaging a 7.31 match rating in the Europa Conference League.

In Serie A, the Italian’s rating is lower at 6.7, with the winger averaging a 78% passing accuracy whilst completing just under half of his dribbles at 49%. Moreover, Zaniolo likes to get forward, producing 2.6 shots a game.

Moreover, the 22-year-old has been integrated into the senior Italy set-up, earning nine caps and scoring two goals for the Azzuri.

There is plenty of excitement in Italy regarding the Roma starlet, with club legend Francesco Totti praising the winger back in 2018 by saying: “Zaniolo is explosive and he plays with an unusual ease. If he continues this way he could become a great player.”

With the Italian a right-sided winger, Zaniolo could complement the left-sided Heung-Min Son perfectly.

The South Korean has netted a whopping 17 Premier League goals this term as well as registering seven assists in the top-flight, numbers that Spurs will hope the 22-year-old can one day reach should he swap Rome for London.

Granted, £66m will be a significant fee for Spurs to pay to secure Zaniolo’s services, however, with Conte a big fan, the deal could prove to be well worth it in the long run.

AND in other news: Lost the ball every 2.6 touches: “Quiet” 9-pass THFC passenger let Conte down vs BHAFC

Newcastle United journalist Luke Edwards has offered his reaction to the news that Magpies target Chris Wood may have a release clause in his contract. 

The lowdown

Edwards broke the news on Sunday that the Tynesiders had approached Burnley over a deal for the 30-year-old.

Eddie Howe’s side are set to be without their top scorer Callum Wilson for up to eight weeks after he picked up an injury, although Newcastle fans may have doubted whether a move for the New Zealand international was realistic given that the two clubs are relegation rivals – the Clarets are 18th, level on points with the Magpies (albeit with two games in hand).

However, Edwards then said that he was ‘hearing Chris Wood might have a release clause’, before expressing greater confidence in the information in a follow-up tweet in which he described the £5.4m-rated striker a ‘priority target’ for the Tynesiders.

The latest

After learning of the development, The Telegraph journalist tweeted: “Oooooohhh hearing Chris Wood might have a release clause in his contract. Haven’t had it confirmed yet but that would explain why #nufc have pursued it when it didn’t immediately make much sense given Burnley would be selling to a relegation rival.”

He signed off the tweet by adding: “More to follow? Perhaps.”

It remains to be seen just how much Newcastle will be required to pay for the £50,000-per-week striker.

The verdict

Newcastle’s shock FA Cup defeat at the hands of League One Cambridge United laid bare the importance of adding cover for Wilson. On Saturday, Howe deployed the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton and Ryan Fraser, but his team still couldn’t find the net; and after the game, the manager admitted that the absence of a ‘focal point’ cost them.

Signing Wood, who has hit double figures in each of the last four full Premier League seasons, would fill the gap left by Wilson’s enforced absence. It would have the significant added benefit of weakening relegation rivals Burnley, who would be left without their leading marksman from 2020/21.

Therefore, this potential transfer has the ability to greatly alter the picture at the bottom of the table between now and the end of May.

In other news, this Premier League centre-back is also a potential target for Newcastle

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted after new photos showing Harvey Elliott recovering from his serious injury emerged.

The Reds have had to make do without the talented 18-year-old since the middle of September after he suffered a broken ankle away to Leeds United.

It was a cruel blow for Elliott, who had made a hugely promising start to the season, making three Premier League starts in the early weeks of the campaign.

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The midfielder has been making admirable progress in his recovery, however, and it now looks as though he could even feature as soon as next month.

On Monday, Liverpool’s official Twitter account posted photos of Elliott in action on the training pitch, suggesting his recovery is going swimmingly, as he is even working with a ball already.

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Liverpool fans love Elliott images

These Reds fans took to Twitter to provide their reactions to the images, showing their delight in the process.

“Yeah boiiiiiiiii”

Credit: @LilLoubieLou

“Great to see”

Credit: @Ricky_Gr8ness

“Inter are not ready for the Salah, Trent, Elliott link up triangle”

Credit: @fishtoes22

“Things you love to see in your timeline”

Credit: @lubomerkov

“What a sight”

Credit: @lfc_ali21

“Harvey Elliott will save our season during AFCON”

Credit: @NoSwearingHere7

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has given an update on a possible Liverpool transfer. Read more here.