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Fans of Crystal Palace have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed the pre-match comments of Roy Hodgson regarding the fitness of Jeffrey Schlupp and Connor Wickham.

So far this season, Schlupp has featured in 15 league games for Palace, scoring two goals and providing one assist. However, after picking up a hamstring injury in the club’s 2-0 victory over Sheffield United at the start of January, the midfielder has missed the club’s last nine Premier League fixtures.

Meanwhile, Wickham is yet to feature for the Eagles this term due to injury, with the centre-forward’s last Premier League appearance for the South London side coming back in January of 2020.

However, speaking in his pre-match press conference prior to the Manchester United fixture on Wednesday evening, Hodgson confirmed that both long-term absentees will be available for selection for the visit of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

He said: “While we’re talking about positive news, I’m happy that Jeff Schlupp and Connor Wickham have recovered and will be available for me too. With Jeff and Connor, they will be available even for tomorrow evening.”

Although, after Crystal Palace relayed the 73-year-old’s comments on Twitter, many fans of the club appeared far from happy with the manger’s update.

So, what exactly did these Crystal Palace fans have to say in reaction to Roy Hodgson’s pre-match comments?

“The highly talented and creative Eze benched for the remainder of the season in favour of the one dimensional, hopeless Schlupp incoming.”

@MDJones82

“I’ll play for free over Wickham, pls I’m on my knees.”

@SellyMenace

“Eze dropped.”

@wayneoG

“Schlupp replacing Eze, you heard it here first.”

@MarcWilliams22

“Can you ask Roy why Benteke played 90 mins against Fulham when he offered nothing?”

@buddhazron

“Hope Connor has moved to a bungalow.”

@JackkBarton

In other news, many Palace fans reacted to these Hodgson comments – find out more here!

David Moyes must push West Ham United to sign Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill as he prepares to lose captain Mark Noble this summer.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, the Clarets are facing a fight to retain Brownhill at the end of the season as interest continues to build in the highly-impressive 25-year-old.

Brownhill has established himself as a key player under Sean Dyche after a slow start to life at Turf Moor, with the central midfielder not starting a Premier League game until five months after a £9m winter transfer from Championship side Bristol City last year.

The Warrington-born talent has been a regular fixture of the Burnley unit this term with 22 starts in 23 top-flight appearances, only sitting out five games to date of which three came as a result of an ankle injury.

Premier League rivals are now taking a keen interest in the dynamic maestro’s efforts in Lancashire ahead of the next transfer window, with several carrying out scouting checks in recent months.

Along with West Ham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are each said to be monitoring the £35k-per-week Preston North End product’s situation.

Brownhill scored his sole goal for Burnley to date during the Clarets’ Carabao Cup third round win over Millwall in September, but is yet to register a single assist over 36 outings across all competitions.

Should West Ham sign Brownhill?

Burnley will no doubt be loath to lose a player so pivotal to Dyche’s plans should the Turf Moor outfit remain in the Premier League next season, but Moyes should urge West Ham to test the Clarets’ resolve as Brownhill could prove to be a solid replacement for Noble.

Mr West Ham, Noble, is nearing the end of his £50,000-per-week deal with his terms set to expire in June and he has featured extremely infrequently in the Irons line-up this season, outside of the FA Cup.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has also voiced that this season could be the £4m-rated veteran’s final at the London Stadium, as Noble will still have the fire in his belly to go out and secure a regular playing role elsewhere as he enters the twilight years of his career.

Should Noble go, it would leave Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek as Moyes’ only recognised senior central midfielders, and the Irons boss can ill-afford to not bring in cover having relied on Rice and Soucek to feature more than all bar Aaron Cresswell across all competitions this season.

Brownhill may be a solid pick-up for the back-up role in the Irons engine room, having been lauded by Dyche for his “boundless energy, will and desire”.

The 5 ft 10 Burnley star has also provided a similar impact to Rice and Soucek in the Premier League this season, with Brownhill seeing the ball for an average 48.7 touches a game and playing 29 accurate passes with an 80% success rate, per SofaScore.

He further wins the ball back frequently with 2.4 interceptions, 1.4 successful tackles and dominates in the duel by winning 4.9 of his total contests (2.7 ground, 2.2 aerial) per game.

Brownhill’s success in the duel is marginally superior to Rice overall but he’s better than the England international in the air, while offering comparable numbers for successful tackles and interceptions albeit seeing less of the ball than the Hammers’ engine room conductor.

Soucek also averages a similar defensive impact at the London Stadium and volume of accurate passes, but would not be expected to fall to the side to make way for Brownhill having emerged as one of Moyes’ most important goalscoring options this term.

So, while Brownhill would not be likely to emerge as the first or second-choice midfielder at West Ham next season, he could easily fill the void that Noble is expected to create in a few months’ time.

AND in other news, West Ham are monitoring a nine-goal 21-year-old but face a huge hurdle to strike a deal…

Celtic are thought to be interested in a move for Hatayspor striker Aaron Boupendza ahead of the summer window.

That’s according to an exclusive report from 90min, who claim that the Hoops are keen on the 24-year-old, with his current employers demanding £8.5m for his services.

Tottenham and eight more sides keen

Boupendza joined the Turkish side for free last summer and has scored 18 goals in 26 league appearances this season – averaging a goal every 93 minutes.

However, a number of Premier League sides are also monitoring the Gabon international ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Brighton, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Southampton, Tottenham, West Ham and Wolves have all been credited with an interest, as well as Celtic’s rivals Rangers.

Transfer Tavern take

At £8.5m, a possible deal for Boupendza appears to be in Celtic’s price range. Should a Parkhead switch go through, that could make the forward the club’s third-most-expensive signing of all-time behind Chris Sutton and Odsonne Edouard.

Edouard looks likely to depart Glasgow this summer, so replacing his goals could be crucial in the Hoops’ attempts to reclaim the Scottish Premiership next season.

Boupendza could provide plenty of them following his displays in recent months and could also give the new manager plenty of versatility, as he’s capable of turning out on either wing when needed.

In other news: A former Celtic player is keen on replacing Neil Lennon, seven years after turning the job down, find out more here. 

Jackie McNamara says he can see why some Celtic fans would be ‘apprehensive’ about the appointment of Roy Keane but reckons they would appreciate the ‘passion’ he would bring.

Celtic are assessing the candidates for their next permanent manager after Neil Lennon resigned at the end of February.

Keane, who played for Celtic in the 2005/06 season before he retired, has emerged as a contender (via Daily Record). He is also noted as maintaining a strong interest in the Hoops as a supporter.

Although he has taken on assistant roles at Aston Villa, the Republican of Ireland and Nottingham Forest over the last decade, Keane hasn’t managed a team since leaving Ipswich Town in January 2011 (via Transfermarkt).

The Irishman has worked predominantly as a pundit for Sky Sports in the past couple of years.

McNamara a fan of Roy Keane

McNamara, who made more than 300 appearances for Celtic between 1995 and 2005, has no doubts over the 49-year-old’s credentials despite his lengthy spell away from management.

“I wouldn’t mind Roy Keane,” he told 67 Hail Hail. “I liked him as a player, like him as a pundit. He doesn’t mess about with his words.

“I think he would do a good job, I’ve no doubt about that. I would have no problems with him coming here.”

McNamara’s message to Celtic fans

There have been concerns that Keane is out-of-touch with the modern game. His Irish compatriot David Meyler has fought back against critics who have labelled the 49-year-old a ‘dinosaur’.

However, McNamara believes that Celtic fans, even those sceptical at first, would come to relish the passion of the fiery ex-Manchester United captain, whose demands for high standards have led to some notable flashpoints in his playing and coaching career.

“He’d lean towards the older-school approach,” he said. “Some players don’t respond to that now.

“At the same time, the fans would want that passion. I can see why they’d be apprehensive but I think he’d bring in a strong management team that’s fresh, and he’s at the forefront of that.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

However appealing Keane’s approach may seem, particularly to a team which has surrendered the title so meekly, this is surely too great a risk for Celtic.

Their appointment should be a calculated gamble, but this would be an emotionally-driven rather than rational call.

In other news, Danny Mills addresses Celtic links with one Premier League manager.

Plenty of Aston Villa supporters have been reacting on social media to Paul Merson’s comments regarding Jack Grealish.

The 25-year-old has missed the last six Premier League fixtures through injury, with Dean Smith’s side picking up just five points from a possible 18 without their influential captain.

Grealish, who has been involved in 18 of Villa’s 39 Premier League goals this season, has been linked with a permanent Villa Park exit.

Manchester City are thought to be leading the way for the Englishman, with the player himself reportedly excited over a potential Etihad switch.

Former Villa man Merson, talking to Sky Sports, cited by the Birmingham Mail, shared his worries for Villa next season, should Grealish leave, labelling Smith’s side ‘a relegation team’.

“Without being horrible, they’re a relegation team without Grealish in the team. Not this season, but if Jack ended up leaving, you’d expect them to be well down in the bottom half of the table.”

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared Merson’s comments on social media, which led to numerous fans giving their thoughts.

This is what some had to say, with many in agreement with the 53-year-old and one describing his comments as ‘big claims’.

“Hard to disagree”

Credit: @PaulRG14

“That’s what happens when you build a team around 1 player and that player gets injured”

Credit: @jjnavfc

“Not wrong though is he! One lucky win against Leeds since he got injured, we seem to be getting worse each game. GK, back 4 and OW are class but most of the rest… Luiz, McGinn, Barkley, El Ghazi, Trez, Davis and too many others, none of them get in any other top 10 team. #avfc”

Credit: @Chris_AVFC1983

“On current form it’s bob on”

Credit: @Sallis77

“judging by the way we’ve played these past games I can’t really defend that”

Credit: @avfcdemi

“Paul Merson saying what every Villa fan knows which is why I’m struggling with DS not getting any criticism he needs to develop the team”

Credit: @davecave8

“Big claims that half our squad are doing their absolute best to confirm when given the chance”

Credit: @ajsfounded71

In other news: Many Villa fans urge club to make big-money move for ‘perfect’ star, find out more here. 

David Sullivan should fund a move for West Ham United to sign Goncalo Guedes in the summer transfer window as Valencia reportedly look to sell the Portuguese forward.

What’s the word?

According to AS, Valencia’s dire financial outlook has seen the La Liga giants slap a for-sale sign on Guedes and teammate Maxi Gomez.

The Mestalla Stadium natives are willing to listen to offers for the pair as they look to drum up vital funds, with owner Peter Lim facing losses of €26.5m (£23m) and challenges to meet Spain’s Financial Fair Play limit.

Reports in Spain last month had touted West Ham as a potential destination for Guedes, with David Moyes said to have an eye on the 24-year-old’s uncertain outlook.

A deal to sign Valencia’s record signing, for whom they paid Paris Saint-Germain £36m in 2018, was claimed to be possible for just €15m (£13m), sparking interest from the Irons as well as Napoli and AS Monaco.

West Ham could look to couple the Portuguese’s arrival with a revived pursuit of Gomez, with AS adding that Valencia are open to selling the striker for €18m (£15.5m) just two years on from the Hammers reportedly agreeing to pay Celta Viga €50m (£44.5m).

Gomez has scored 15 goals in 67 games across all competitions since rejecting West Ham’s interest for a move to Valencia, while offering eight assists.

Guedes has 20 goals and 20 assists in 126 games for Valencia, including during his initial season on loan, but has only started 17 of a possible 28 La Liga fixtures this term.

Should West Ham sign Valencia’s Guedes?

West Ham looking to capitalise on Valencia’s dire financial outlook and raiding the Mestalla for Guedes could see Sullivan fund a move for a forward who Javi Gracia lauded as “decisive” and may only need a fresh start to rediscover the form which saw PSG demand £36m.

Guedes lit up La Liga in the 2017/18 campaign during his year on loan with five goals and 11 assists, but abductor and groin issues arose in the following season to kick off his decline and 14 games out with a sprained ankle last term ensured it continued.

This year has been a massive challenge for Valencia as a whole, with Gracia overseeing just eight wins in 28 top-flight games, to sit closer to the relegation zone than Los Murcielagos are to the European places.

Given their struggles, it is no wonder that Guedes has also lost his form, but a fresh start could see that talent return, similar to how West Ham have benefitted from Jesse Lingard since his arrival on loan from Manchester United.

Lingard had not featured in the Premier League this season before moving to the London Stadium in the winter market, but has five goals and three assists to his name from seven appearances in claret and blue.

It’s the 28-year-old’s best return in front of the goal since the 2017/18 campaign, when he registered a career-best eight goals and six assists, but it took 33 games and three times as many minutes as he has played this season for Lingard to reach that tally.

Moyes had the key to unlock Lingard’s best form of his Premier League career, and may have the ability to unlock Guedes’ maximum potential as well.

AND in other news, West Ham are adamant a deal to sign a £100k-p/w “revelation” will be reached…

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Rangers relayed a club statement regarding the Gers captain, James Tavernier, speaking out on the topic of racist abuse.

In the statement posted on the club website, Rangers confirmed that Tavernier, along with four other members of club staff, attended an SFA summit regarding the topic of racist abuse in football.

The defender’s comments in the meeting were then relayed by the club, with Tavernier revealing that every black player in Steven Gerrard’s squad had been the victim of racist abuse at some stage this season, either on the pitch – such as the incident involving Glen Kamara – or away from the pitch – such as online abuse.

And, after the club relayed the statement on Twitter, fans of Rangers flocked to have their say on the matter, with many showing their unwavering support for Tavernier and the other players, while others stated their disgust at the horrendous abuse Rangers’ players have received for the colour of their skin.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to James Tavernier’s club statement?

“It is appalling in the year 2021 that anybody is abused purely because of their skin colour.”

@HarrytheBosch

“Awful that ‘every black player in our squad’ has been racially abused this season. Full support to our captain and everyone in the squad, whatever their skin colour or origin.”

@RangersVsRacism

“He’s right. We need action now, not just words. It should start with massive, MASSIVE bans for racism. I don’t think expulsion from the game for players is too steep tbh.”

@AmatoTheArcher

“Well said skipper, enough is enough.”

@gynoshwad

“It needs to end #StopRacism.”

@4MenHadADream

“All racism is unacceptable.”

@CraigAndrew61

In other news: this source dropped Rangers’ plans for a sensational summer signing; ‘outstanding’ 25-goal star in the mix – find out more here!

Leeds United are seen as potential suitors for Sam Johnstone this summer, with the goalkeeper expected to leave West Brom.

The Whites are preparing for Saturday’s daunting trip to soon-to-be-champions Manchester City, as Marcelo Bielsa’s side look to spring a surprise.

Away from the on-field action, however, Leeds continue to be linked with summer additions, as Bielsa looks to make his squad even more formidable.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Leeds keen on Johnstone signing

According to The Athletic‘s Steve Madeley, Johnstone is a considered an option to come in and replace Kiko Casilla next season, with the Spanish veteran expected to leave Elland Road.

The England international’s current West Brom deal expires in 2022, and with the Baggies on the verge of relegation, they will likely allow him to leave this summer, earning a fee for him in the process.

Johnstone has been described as ‘outstanding’ by Gary Lineker – he has been in red hot form despite playing in a struggling Baggies side, leading the top flight in saves.

Transfer Tavern take

The Englishman could be an excellent rival to Illan Meslier moving forward, pushing him for a starting berth and keeping the youngster on his toes.

At 28, Johnstone is both experienced at the top level and also young enough for a goalkeeper that he could still have many years left in him at the top.

In other news, one reported Leeds target still favours a move to England – find out who it is here.

Former Leicester City midfielder Keith Gillespie has exclusively told Football FanCast he doesn’t believe the Foxes are going to replicate their title-winning season again, but is confident that Brendan Rodgers’ men will finish in the top four.

Despite their defeat against Manchester City on Saturday, Leicester hold a seven-point cushion over fifth-place Tottenham.

It means that Rodgers’ team require at least six victories from their final eight Premier League to guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League.

But Leicester will be wary of what happened this time last season.

Before Christmas, the Foxes were 14 points ahead of fifth-place Manchester United, but ended up winning six of their final 22 league matches and were replaced in the top four by Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer’s side following a final-day showdown.

However, despite Leicester’s final three fixtures being against United, Arsenal and Chelsea, Gillespie isn’t expecting a repeat.

He told Football FanCast:

“In terms of where they are, I really like watching them, but Manchester City are too far ahead of anyone.

“But in terms of what they’ve done, they look pretty safe for top four. They fell away badly last year towards the end, but they haven’t got the Europa League, have an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to and are sitting third in the league.”

Gillespie also touched on Leicester’s famous 5000-1 title-winning campaign under Claudio Ranieri, but isn’t expecting a repeat of that any time soon.

He added:

“When Leicester won the league, what are your expectations then? It’s not something that’s going to be a regular thing.

“Anybody who’s a Leicester fan can enjoy that moment and think ‘wow’ how amazing did we do there? But I’ve got to be realistic, we’re not going to do that again.”

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish is worried after the latest injury update on midfielder Ryan Jack.

McLeish worried about Jack

Ahead of the Gers’ clash with Hibernian, Steven Gerrard revealed that the £2.7m-valued 29-year-old has seen a specialist to determine how bad his injury is (Glasgow Times).

Speaking to Ibrox News, McLeish has shared his worry. He said:

“It’s never good to be behind in pre-season.

“We’ve all got our different traits and levels of fitness, and he’s been a terrific player. You see the contribution he has made for Rangers for Scotland.

“It’s such a pity. He’s seeing a specialist and that will be for one particular injury, and he will have certain expertise. When you hear those words, you fear the worst.

“He’s in the best hands.”

Continual problems

Injuries have been a persistent problem for Jack ever since he moved to Ibrox from Aberdeen in 2017. So far, the most Premiership games he has managed in a single campaign is 30 – in every other campaign, he has failed to break the 20-match barrier (Transfermarkt).

While he has been an important player when he has managed to get on to the field, it is impossible for Gerrard and the Gers to rely on a player who will likely spend a considerable part of the season on the sidelines. Unfortunately, at his age it is unlikely to be a problem that will be solved, either. The 55-time Scottish champions do at least have plenty of other options in the middle of the park.

In other news, many Rangers fans are delighted by this Old Firm news.