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Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has suggested that midfielders Matty Longstaff and Sean Longstaff could become integral for the Magpies, with the pair nearing a return.

The Magpies have suffered the blow of losing Jonjo Shelvey for around three or four weeks after the 28-year-old finally underwent surgery for a hernia injury, per Chronicle Live. Bruce had confirmed that the £70,000-a-week (Spotrac) midfielder had been playing on through the injury during the opening stages of the season.

Bruce still has firm belief in midfield duo

Newcastle have appeared light on numbers in the midfield area in the last couple of weeks, but Bruce confirmed that Isaac Hayden is now back in contention to start after sitting on the bench at Wolves last week as a precaution to a hamstring problem, per Chronicle Live. It has now emerged that both Longstaff brothers could also be ready to make their respective returns to the team.

Matty Longstaff is yet to feature for Newcastle’s first team so far this season due to a persistent thigh problem, with the Magpies having fielded loan enquiries about the 20-year-old over the summer, per Chronicle Live. Meanwhile, his brother has featured three times in the league but had been out with tonsilitis.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the Magpies’ clash against Everton, Bruce confirmed that both Longstaff brothers are set to make returns to the squad, while he also suggested that the pair could become an integral part of the side over the next few weeks.

He said: “They bring an energy to the team and they’re both very good passers of the ball too. They’ve had a few problems, but we hope they can stay fit because they’ve both got something to offer.

“Matty has played a game and a half for the U23s and looks like he’s over his injury.

“Sean has recovered from a bout of tonsilitis.”

Longstaff duo need to ensure they take their opportunities

Both Longstaff brothers have created plenty of buzz around them during their short Newcastle careers, with Sean having even been linked with a potential move to Manchester United after he burst onto the scene. Matty also impressed when making his breakthrough, with Alan Shearer labelling him ‘unbelievable.’

However, the pair have not been able to make much of an impact lately. The arrival of Jeff Hendrick alongside Hayden and Shelvey when they are fit means that both Longstaff brothers are far from guaranteed starters. They must build on Bruce’s backing and show they can deliver consistently to continue to play key roles for the Magpies.

In other news, find out what this sports law expert suggested could result from the latest update on the Newcastle takeover saga here.

It’s almost hard to believe but Glasgow Rangers are on a 16-game unbeaten run at the moment after a disjointed display against Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday night. Not that you’d necessarily know it, especially when you consider the fact that Steven Gerrard’s side struggled to break down a side who are currently tenth in the Polish top flight.

A couple of culprits were largely at fault, including Scott Arfield and Ryan Kent, but one player in particularly stood out from the rest for all the wrong reasons – Ianis Hagi.

That’s right, the 14-cap Romania international struggled to make much of an impression, which is exactly why Gerrard must unleash Joe Aribo against Kilmarnock.

According to GlasgowLive, Hagi had ‘a few untidy moments on the ball and struggled to influence the game as he did at the weekend’ before he was replaced by Aribo just after the break.

The 24-year-old only had 21 minutes to work with but still tried to make something happen during his brief cameo, which is more than can be said for his teammate. A look at his heatmap reveals a hub of activity on the right wing, including a short burst inside the box.

Aribo, who earns £8,100-a-week according to Salary Sport, missed the home game against Kilmarnock at the start of the season due to injury but could be in contention to start at Rugby Park. In fact, it’s worth remembering the 4-cap Nigeria international started the game against Livingston last weekend.

Recently described as an “exceptional” powerhouse by Charlton boss Lee Bowyer, on talkSPORT, as quoted by The Daily Record, Aribo has already scored two goals in five games in the Scottish Premiership this season so far, via Transfermarkt. By comparison, Hagi has only managed to score once in 11 appearances in the Scottish top flight, as per Transfermarkt.

The beauty of balancing both domestic and European competitions is that it provides Gerrard with the opportunity to rotate his squad, which is exactly what we think he will do against Killie. Whilst Aribo has only recently returned from injury, the attacking midfielder certainly made up for lost time by scoring against Livingston to help secure the victory. When was the last time that Hagi scored? We can’t really remember, either. It’ll be a big call to make, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Steven Gerrard’s gamble pays off as Alfredo Morelos spares Glasgow Rangers blushes vs Lech Poznan…

Glasgow Rangers target Daler Kuzyaev was the star of the show for Russia in their 3-2 defeat against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.

Kuzyaev shines

The Ibrox outfit were interested in the 27-year-old during the summer transfer window, but in the end Steven Gerrard’s target ended up staying with current club Zenit St. Petersburg.

He was selected for his country’s League B Group 3 match this past weekend, and he put in a fantastic display despite the loss. He provided the assist for Denis Cheryshev’s opener, and then scored himself on his way to a Man of the Match display.

Showing his worth

It was no secret that Gerrard was after a new midfielder during the past transfer window, and he finally brought in Bongani Zungu on loan on transfer deadline day. Kuzyaev, though, may have been a class above the South Africa international.

After all, he has experience at the very highest of levels. With Zenit, he has competed in the Champions League, while he also featured at every one of Russia games at the 2018 World Cup as they made the quarter-finals. In 101 games for his current employers, he has 13 goals and nine assists, and has shown his versatility whilst playing in a number of positions.

The £7.2m-valued midfielder (Transfermarkt) initially rejected a new contract at Zenit before signing on for three years in October. As such, the Gers’ window of opportunity may have passed. On this performance, it may be a chance they will regret not taking up.

In other news, Rangers fans want to sign this 28-year-old.

As is always the case with potential transfers, you win some and you lose some. And by and large, Aston Villa had a superb summer in terms of the players they brought in, with Dean Smith’s side’s start to the new Premier League season propped up by some excellent performances from their new signings.

But one man who they did miss out on, was Braga striker Paulinho. Reports over the summer claimed that Villa were very much interested in luring the 28-year-old to English football, and that they could have got him at discount price too – although with the major caveat of the Midlands club opting to replace Smith with Bruno Lage, who had made the Portugal international a priority signing following his potential arrival.

And given the incredible work Smith has done at Villa Park, there’s no questioning that fans won’t be too upset that that situation failed to come to fruition. But for those who watched Braga’s thrilling Europa League clash against Leicester on Thursday night, there may have been a slight tinge of regret that they couldn’t sign Paulinho even without replacing their manager.

The striker scored in his side’s 3-3 draw with the Foxes, and proved to be a real menace playing the lone striker role. His ability to find space inside the box and fire away a shot was impressive, and he registered four total attempts on goal as he ran the Leicester defence ragged.

As per Sofascore, the 6 foot 2 machine made his presence felt winning four duels and earning his side four free-kicks too – in fact, he drew more fouls for Braga than the rest of his teammates combined.

Spot the fact from the fib: Are these Premier League records true or false?

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Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers would no doubt have been thanking his lucky stars that his side came away with a point after Jamie Vardy scored a last-gasp equaliser.

Paulinho almost single-handedly dragged his side to victory, and Villa fans may see him as a case of ‘what if?’.

Farhad Moshiri must sanction a January swoop for Everton to sign Rangers full-back James Tavernier amid rumours of interest at Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees are one of several Premier League clubs considering a move to bring Tavernier back south of the border with his Gers contract set to expire in 18-months’ time.

The Ibrox natives have been quick to dismiss approaches in the past, yet are braced for a major battle to retain the full-back this winter following his sublime start to the season that has helped Steven Gerrard to clinch a commanding lead in the Premiership standings.

Rangers sit 13 points above bitter Old Firm rivals Celtic having won 14 of their opening 16 fixtures, helped heavily through Tavernier’s incredible return of 10 goals and seven assists.

No Gers player has scored more often or assisted a higher number of league goals than the 29-year-old, now said to be a mid-season target for London trio West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur, plus Everton and his boyhood side Newcastle.

Gerrard has been full of praise for his captain’s efforts at Ibrox, describing Tavernier as an aggressive all-rounder performing at the same level as he saw in his former England teammates Kyle Walker and Glen Johnson.

“It’s top-level stuff,” Gerrard said. “I have played with some fantastic attacking right-backs, Kyle Walker, Glen Johnson, Steve Finnan to name a few. Tav is right up there.

“The pleasing thing for me is he is still contributing to the other side of the game. He’s pressing, he’s aggressive, he’s winning his duels, stopping crosses. Our clean sheet record, to me, is just as important as James’ other numbers. Where he is right now, he needs to bottle it and stay there for as long as he can because he’s in fantastic form.”

Should Everton sign Tavernier?

If Everton’s interest in Tavernier is true, Moshiri must see a reason to sanction his Director of Football Marcel Brands striking a deal with Rangers, as the 29-year-old’s form would serve as the perfect mid-season injection Ancelotti needs while facing a crisis at right-back.

Jonjoe Kenny’s Goodison Park future will surely be enshrouded in doubt with Ancelotti favouring midfielders Tom Davies and Alex Iwobi to slot in at right-back while without the injured Seamus Coleman, who has been plagued by hamstring problems this season.

Former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan expects Tavernier to be on the market at a bargain fee, too, telling Football Insider: “There was talk of a £7m bid before. There will be teams looking at him in January because he is the modern-day wing-back who ticks every single box.”

Rangers’ legendary head coach Walter Smith also lauds Tavernier for “doing a remarkable job” at Ibrox, where the defender boasts 16 goals and 11 assists across all competitions after 25 appearances so far this season.

Tavernier’s influence stretches beyond his goal involvement and role in 13 Premiership clean sheets, as well, with the 5 ft 9 gem taking 94.9 touches per league game this season, alongside delivering 2.4 accurate crosses, winning 5.8 duels, making 2.2 successful tackles, 1.2 clearances, 1.1 interceptions and taking 1.8 shots, per SofaScore.

His form and Everton’s need for depth at right-back this winter is all the reason Moshiri needs to sanction a mid-season splurge, after Carlton Palmer exclusively told Football FanCast he expects the Toffees’ majority owner to block Ancelotti from making any signings.

AND in other news, Marcel Brands can land Everton’s new Idrissa Gueye in a £22.8m leader the Toffees’ are monitoring.

Newly-appointed West Brom boss Sam Allardyce has been thrown straight into the deep end for his first game in charge of the Baggies as they welcome an arch-rival to the Hawthorns this evening.

The 66-year-old has it all to do if he’s to salvage something from Albion’s woeful start in the Premier League, and it begins with an encounter against Dean Smith’s high-flying Aston Villa.

He replaced the axed Slaven Bilic earlier in the week despite the Croatian steering his side to an impressive 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

It’ll be interesting to see what sort of lineup Big Sam selects as his next survival bid takes shape – here’s the XI we’re predicting tonight…

Allardyce is known for his direct style so there may well be a change in system, though he’s expected to be without a quintet of Baggies stars.

The influential Matheus Pereira is serving the third and final match of his suspension while defensive duo Kyle Bartley and Conor Townsend are still on the treatment table, as is Sam Field and Hal Robson-Kanu.

We’re likely to see no change between the sticks, so Sam Johnstone keeps his place but there could be a recall for Premier League veteran Branislav Ivanovic to partner Semi Ajayi at centre-back. Kieran Gibbs and Darnell Furlong should continue at full-back.

In midfield, we’re expecting Jake Livermore to take up a place alongside Conor Gallagher as a two-man engine room. The pair are the perfect box-to-box types to play Big Sam’s 4-4-2 formation.

It means Grady Diangana also keeps his place on the left, though there may be a shock return for 32-year-old outcast Kamil Grosicki as he comes in for Matty Phillips on the right.

Allardyce could also make a huge call in attack, dropping the out-of-sorts Karlan Grant for Charlie Austin with Callum Robinson also returning to the XI in the fourth and final change to partner him up top.

Romaine Sawyers will therefore join the likes of Filip Krovinovic, Lee Peltier and Kyle Edwards on the bench.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Sam Allardyce tipped to bring Premier League striker to West Brom in January…

Celtic have been tipped to replace Neil Lennon before the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

Beginning of the end for Lennon?

The Irish tactician has come under intense scrutiny during the 2020/21 campaign after a slow start in the Scottish Premiership and an early exit from the Europa League.

Mass protests and banners have been seen outside of the stadium, calling for the board to sack Lennon, who has won four league titles as a manager for the Bhoys, but the board have publicly backed him.

Despite these calls for change, Celtic made history at Hampden Park at the weekend after beating Hearts on penalties to win the Scottish Cup, securing an unprecedented quadruple treble.

However, speaking exclusively to Football Transfer Tavern, Windass believes that Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond will have a change of heart by replacing Lennon before next season gets underway.

“The main priority for Celtic Football Club is winning the league, getting into the Champions League,” he said. “That’s their main aim and if Lenny doesn’t achieve that, then I can’t see him being there next year.”

“I think he’s taken them as far as he can and they’ll look for some fresh ideas from a new manager”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

The only way for Celtic to change the minds of supporters is if they can overhaul the points deficit to Rangers and clinch a famous 10th title in a row.

Lennon’s cup triumph could be exactly what he needed. Although his side didn’t play exceptionally well, it could inject a new lease of life into his players.

The end of the season will spell his destiny at the club, and whether or not Lawwell or Desmond think he is worthy of a longer stay at Parkhead remains to be seen.

In other news, Celtic taking strong interest in “dangerous” talent who has more dribbles than Ryan Christie.

According to insiders Claret & Hugh, via West Ham News, GSB and David Moyes are plotting a swoop for Sparta Prague sensation Adam Hlozek off the recommendation of midfielder Tomas Soucek – with Irons fans buzzing as the club target another promising player from that club. 

Hlozek has been turning heads with his potential for Sparta, apparently prompting Soucek to explain how he is as good as any striker in Europe.

Soucek’s glowing reference has now apparently prompted the club to track his efforts with a view to potentially signing the rising star, and it’s safe to say that many Hammers have been buzzing as GSB plot this ‘unreal signing’.

Lauding him as an ‘exceptional talent’, one Irons supporter even said West Ham would be ‘sorted for the next 12 years’ – with their excitement hardly able to be contained.

Find all of their best verdicts on the dazzling 18-year-old down below.

West Ham fans buzz over Hlozek

“Hlozek would be an unreal signing……but I think our only chance of getting him is in Jan before a big club comes in”

Credit: @ix_TOM_xi

“Exceptional talent.”

Credit: @JBsOpinions

“Oh my goodness just give us the title now”

Credit: @jxck_whufc

“YES”

Credit: @whujoe

“Quality player, him and Sima and that’s our strikers sorted for the next 12 years”

Credit: @Jamin_78

“Don’t get me gassed”

Credit: @Jakec1505

In other news: David Moyes has been tipped for a big boost, find out more here.

West Brom are hoping to secure Hamza Choudhury on loan this month, though one thing is standing in their way.

According to the Express & Star, Baggies boss Sam Allardyce is keen to add a holding midfielder to his squad before the end of the transfer window, and is understood to have the Leicester City man among his top targets.

However, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has hinted that he’d prefer a permanent exit, which may not suit Albion as transfers in excess of £2m have already been ruled out by reliable journalist John Percy.

“A loan deal isn’t an overly attractive one at this moment in time,” said Rodgers.”If he does go out, it may be to get games. He wants to play, which is natural,” before he added: “If someone is looking to buy him, or sees his qualities to buy then that’s a different matter. We’ll see what January brings on that front.”With Choudhury valued at £7.2m by Transfermarkt, he would seem out of West Brom’s price range which is why they’re chasing a temporary deal, but it might be time for chairman Guochuan Lai to open his tight wallet to fill Big Sam’s glaring need in defensive midfield.As we have seen this season, Albion lack an out-and-out option in the role as academy graduate Sam Field has spent most of the time on the treatment table.Romaine Sawyers, who has been deployed there for much of the campaign, has proven repeatedly that he’s not up to the standard of starting in the Premier League – especially as an anchorman.Only Jake Livermore has recorded a worse average rating than the 28-year-old’s 6.21 of any regular Baggies starter (those that have started eight or more of their 17 matches), per WhoScored.Indeed, three other midfielders (Livermore, Field and Conor Gallagher) have managed more tackles per game than Sawyers (1.6), so it raises further questions to why Big Sam continues to put such faith in him.Clearly, it is because of the lack of alternatives, which is why the addition of Choudhury is needed this month – even if they have to ‘break the bank’ for him on a permanent deal as he’d be an instant upgrade.The 23-year-old hasn’t been given a proper opportunity at the King Power, but when he was given a run of matches in the 2018/19 season, he displayed very promising attributes – managing 2.7 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game, via WhoScored, which are two major facets of a lynchpin’s game.Those tackling figures would sit him above Sawyers by quite some distance as well as Field and Livermore, whilst in terms of interceptions, only Darnell Furlong is averaging more this term, per WhoScored.Choudhury has also been tipped to play for England one day as former Foxes coach Steve Walsh told Football FanCast: “Yes, he can [get into the England side],” before adding: “He’s a player with great tenacity, he reads the game well.”Whilst pundit and ex-pro Gary Lineker once lauded the British Asian enforcer an “extremely talented young player” to Twitter.Big Sam can wave goodbye to playing Sawyers in defensive midfield, just as long as sporting and technical director Luke Dowling can sanction a move for the young talent.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Pereira: West Brom must secure “creative” £57k-p/w maestro…

As per The Daily Record, Glasgow Rangers will need to pay a seven-figure legal bill in a case to determine how much compensation they need to pay to former shareholder Mike Ashley.

Ashley haunts Ibrox again

Ashley is far from a popular figure amongst the Ibrox supporters (The Scottish Sun) after deals he struck with the Gers saw their commercial revenue limited.

The 54-time Scottish champions previously signed a deal with Hummel and Elite over the manufacturing and selling of their kits, but it has been ruled that Ashley should have been given the chance to match their offer. Now, a case is imminent to determine how much compensation the tycoon should receive, and that could cost the Gers over £1m in legal fees.

The Daily Record detail costs of £450k for trial preparation, £300k on expert reports and £319,750 spent on the actual trial itself, coming in at £1,069,750.

Nemesis

Ashley continues to be a problem for the Gers. There were great efforts to remove him from the club’s dealings during the summer, while there were also concerns when it was revealed Castore, the Gers’ new kit manufacturer, will supply kits to Newcastle United, the club Ashley owns, next season.

Given the Gers’ financial problems in recent years – they went into administration less than 10 years ago (BBC) – both the board and the fans are undoubtedly wary of every single person involved in their side’s finances. Hopefully, these fees are cleared, they will have nothing more to do with the Tyneside boss.

In other news, Rangers fans are delighted by this new contract news.