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Crystal Palace officially unveiled their brand-new Academy project on Thursday.

And, as to be expected, a number of supporters were quick to react to footage shared by the Eagles on social media.

Palace spent £20m on redeveloping the club’s Academy base, with former youth player and England boss Gareth Southgate officially declaring the site open.

Along with Southgate, manager Patrick Vieira and former bosses Roy Hodgson, Alan Pardew and Ian Holloway were also in attendance.

More than 220 players will benefit from the facilities, which includes six full-size pitches, an outdoor 3G pitch, a show pitch with a 500-seater stand and a full-size covered indoor 3G training pitch.

Palace fans react

Palace posted a video on their official Twitter page, with a drone flying through the building to give supporters a detailed look at the facilities.

This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply, with many impressed and one labelling it as ‘incredible’.

“Wow. This is MY Palace, this is OUR Palace. What a place to go and live, work and play”

Credit: @JustMattWatts

“Yh this is nuts”

Credit: @palacealfie

“Looks incredible”

Credit: @palacedann

“My god, as if we have this. Amazing!!”

Credit: @CpfcWill

“This is absolutely unreal, can’t believe this is palace now. On a different note but will this mean no more Soho offices?”

Credit: @TalkCPFC

“Wow just wow”

Credit: @L4MZ1

“We are massive”

Credit: @machutuck

In other news: ‘What’s that?’ – Many CPFC fans go wild as injury update emerges. 

The versatility of summer signing Odsonne Edouard is a major bonus for Crystal Palace, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

What’s the story?

Although he is a natural striker, the 23-year-old is also comfortable playing on either flank and was deployed on the left wing during Palace’s recent draws with Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Due to Wilfried Zaha’s enforced absence through illness, the Frenchman was deployed in (and scored from) the more unfamiliar position by Patrick Vieira at the Emirates Stadium, but Barclay believes he is more than capable of fulfilling that role, claiming that he’s comfortable out wide due to his well-rounded skillset.

Referring to Edouard, Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s not a centre forward playing out of position, he can play along the forward line in all three positions. You wouldn’t play him, I don’t think, as a winger in a 4-4-2, but as an inside forward or a player who doesn’t have to defend as much, he can definitely do that.

“And that’s another great option for them. He’s got great pace, he’s obviously physical, he’s got good technical ability, and a great finish again for that goal (against Arsenal).”

Crystal Palace fans will love him

Edouard has already made a big impression at Selhurst Park following his arrival for £14m in August, bagging three goals in just six Premier League appearances.

Despite his impressive exploits on the left-hand side in recent weeks, though, the 23-year-old’s future is likely to remain through the middle, especially when Eberechi Eze returns to full fitness.

The prospect of Zaha, Edouard and Eze forming a formidable front three in south London is an exciting one for Palace fans, and they’ll surely love their new French forward for many years to come if he maintains his current form.

In other news… Journalist reveals £18m-rated Palace gem “loves” Vieira, they could form a formidable duo

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer cannot see his old side getting relegated this season.

It has not been the best of starts to the campaign for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, who have taken just two points from their first four games.

They have struggled at the back, conceding five goals to Manchester United in a 5-1 defeat and three to Liverpool in their recent 3-0 loss over the weekend.

It is still early days, though, while Manchester United and Liverpool are capable of scoring multiple goals against anyone. Considering that and how weak some of the other teams in the Premier League are, Palmer is backing Leeds to avoid relegation this term.

“Bielsa plays one way. That’s the only way he knows how to play,” the ex-Leeds star told FFC. “You know, I think this is a very important season for Leeds United.

“The one thing they don’t want to do is be playing catch up, but I certainly don’t see Leeds getting relegated. I think there are three worse teams than Leeds in that league, but I do feel that it’s going to be a tougher season for them.”

Next up for Leeds is Newcastle United, who have also had their struggles in this early part of the campaign. The Magpies are currently in the relegation zone with one point, so Bielsa may feel that this could be a good opportunity to really get the ball rolling.

It has been a month-and-a-half since Antonio Conte was appointed Tottenham manager, with the north London club already seeing rapid improvements under the Italian.

Spurs have picked up ten points from a possible 12 in the league under Conte, winning their last three Premier League matches. However, they haven’t played in two weeks after a recent rise in virus cases in the top flight.

The Lilywhites are set to return to Premier League action on Sunday as they host Liverpool in what could prove to be Conte’s toughest test since taking the reins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 52-year-old has tinkered with numerous combinations within his preferred three-at-the-back setup, deploying a 3-4-2-1 system since taking over for the clash against Everton in November.

However, one mainstay in the Italian’s team has been defender Eric Dier. The £19.8m-rated Englishman has played every minute of Premier League football under Conte as well as featuring in both Europa Conference League matches against Vitesse Arnhem and NS Mura.

The 27-year-old has certainly impressed, conceding just one goal in those four Premier League games in the middle of a back three alongside various others, solidifying his place in the team.

Now in his eighth year at Tottenham, Dier has been subject to various examples of both stinging criticism and glowing praise, particularly last season in what was an inconsistent campaign.

The Englishman claimed last season that he was the victim of an “unfair narrative” amid criticism from his then-manager José Mourinho, whilst also being handsomely praised by former Spurs player Jermaine Jenas after a “sensational” performance in a win over eventual champions Manchester City.

Tottenham is certainly a work in progress for Conte, particularly having come in mid-season. However, the Italian will be looking to replicate his successes at both Chelsea and Inter Milan, where he won league titles.

Dier could be Conte’s new Cahill

Whilst at Spurs’ capital rivals Chelsea, the 52-year-old famously switched to a 3-4-3 formation after losing 3-0 to Arsenal early in the Blues’ title-winning 2016/17 season. This proved to be the catalyst for the west London club’s success, and the use of a back three became a popular tactic in the Premier League, adopted by the likes of former Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Former England defender Gary Cahill was a mainstay in that title-winning Chelsea defence, making 37 league appearances in the triumphant campaign and proving to be a towering aerial presence, winning 2.5 headers per game. Perhaps Dier can replicate the successes of his former international teammate, with an average of 2.3 aerial duels won per match this season as he also illustrates his ability in that regard under Conte.

In the short-term, the 27-year-old will be looking to contribute to Tottenham finishing as high as possible in the Premier League this season. However, a return to the England setup will surely be on his mind.

It’s been over a year since the 45-cap defender last represented his national team in a 4-0 win over Iceland, and he will certainly look to impress Gareth Southgate over the coming months with the 2022 World Cup now less than a year away.

Life under Conte has started well for Dier, who must remain consistent if he is to seriously excel under the Italian. If he does, he could do for Tottenham what Cahill did for Chelsea when the 52-year-old was on the other side of London a few years ago.

In other news: Conte must unleash Spurs’ £80k-p/w “team player” tomorrow, he could terrify Liverpool

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted at the news that Jordan Henderson should sign a new Reds deal in the near future.

The Reds have had a quiet summer in the transfer window, only signing Ibrahima Konate to date and significantly losing Gini Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain.

It has been a hugely productive time of things in terms of new contracts, however, with Virgil van Dijk the latest player to sign a long-term deal on Friday.

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There has been some doubt surrounding Henderson’s future at Liverpool in recent weeks, with contracts talks seemingly at an impasse.

Thankfully, Jurgen Klopp provided a huge update on the situation in his pre-Norwich City press conference on Friday, claiming his captain’s new deal “will get sorted” [via journalist Dominic King on Twitter].

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Liverpool fans react to Henderson contract news

It is extremely encouraging news which has pleased many, with these Liverpool fans taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the matter.

“Buzzing”

Credit: @fareed_jovainy

“At last some sense in Liverpool management hierarchy”

Credit: @PAPAN07_LFC

“Would be very happy with this! Give the team and fans a boost to know the club captain is being given a very deserved contract renewal!”

Credit: @CallumLucas0902

“Brilliant news”

Credit: @AnfieldKnow

“Thank heavens”

Credit: @icy7_YNWA

“Let’s gooooooo”

Credit: @benedettatello9

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming at an update regarding one Reds player. Read more here.

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce could sign a major upgrade on Jonjo Shelvey in AS Roma midfielder Amadou Diawara.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Magpies are closing in on a swoop for Arsenal starlet Joe Willock, but it seems that Bruce isn’t finished strengthening his midfield this summer.

According to Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Tyneside club have their eye on Diawara, with Roma potentially open to letting him leave as they look to bring in a new central midfielder of their own.

The report adds that fellow Premier League club Wolves are also said to be interested in signing the 24-year-old this summer.

Upgrade on Shelvey

Since his arrival at St James’ Park, it’s fair to say that Newcastle fans haven’t been overly impressed with Shelvey’s performances at the club, and many were particularly critical of him during a Premier League game against Leicester towards the back end of last season.

He managed more yellow cards (seven) than goals and assists (four) in the Premier League, while his passing accuracy was down at a shocking 76.4% – to put that into context, even Jeff Hendrick did better (80.1%).

Diawara, on the other hand, is someone who provides a superb range of passing (he completed just shy of 90% of his passes in the Serie A last season) and also has the defensive tenacity to cover the ground expertly and make challenges – he has averaged an impressive 1.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game over his career, which are both significantly better than Shelvey (1.2 and 0.9 respectively).

The Guinea international also gets dribbled past less often per game and is someone who prefers to keep his passes on the deck, rather than the long-range passes that Shelvey likes to try – he played just 1.2 long balls per game last season compared to Shelvey’s whopping 5.8.

Fabrizio Tazzioli, Diawara’s former coach at Napoli, has waxed lyrical about him, saying: “I saw the guy in training and thought that he is a phenomenon. He is not as strong physically, but better with his feet and has the same presence on the pitch.”

The £17m-rated powerhouse looks clearly better than Shelvey in all the key departments, and with Sean Longstaff’s future at St James’ Park uncertain given his interest from Everton, he could arrive as someone who kills two birds with one stone – an upgrade on Shelvey, and a replacement for Longstaff.

The Magpies must ruthlessly sell Longstaff this summer, with a recent fan poll done on Football FanCast showing that 70% of people thought he should be sold in this summer transfer window (442 votes to 185).

Signing Diawara would give them the perfect chance to do just that.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must ruthlessly sell this ace…

Flocking to Twitter, these West Ham United supporters have responded to a claim involving Burnley defender James Tarkowski.

The Burnley defender has been heavily linked with West Ham recently, with a report from Football Insider claiming they are reigniting interest and the player is ‘very keen’ to join.

Claret & Hugh also say that centre-back is one of the priority positions manager David Moyes is looking to reinforce, alongside the signing of a new striker and permanent deal for Jesse Lingard.

Now, the Daily Mail have dropped an update in regards to Tarkowski and West Ham.

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They claim that West Ham have in fact opted against a move for the colossal English defender, news which has prompted much reaction from Irons supporters on social media.

The majority appear overjoyed by this development as Moyes sets his sights on other defensive targets instead, with one supporter speculating Duje Caleta-Car could be a prime target.

Despite the fact Tarkowski averaged more clearances per 90 (4.4) than any West Ham player with more than 15 Premier League starts over 2020/2021 (WhoScored), it appears Irons fans really don’t want the 28-year-old in east London.

Find their best verdicts on this Mail update, in response to Twitter accounts West Ham Fan Zone, West Ham News & Views and West Ham Central, down below.

West Ham fans flock to Tarkowski claim

“YES YES YES YES !!!!!! YABADABADOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!”

Credit: @paulway6

“Siouuuuu”

Credit: @dtmason15

“Good he is shocking”

Credit: @WHUFC_Dan78

“Omg I sooooo hope this is true. So many better younger options.”

Credit: @EthanP48445025

“Good. We can find much better value”

Credit: @AmeliaC59215601

“Indicates Caleta-Car is number 1”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

In other news: ‘Have started negotiations’…Journalist makes exciting West Ham transfer claim, find out more here.

Steven Gerrard has a key decision to make over the future of Rangers winger Brandon Barker…  What happened?

According to Rangers News, the 24-year-old was expected to leave Ibrox on loan before the end of the summer transfer window.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and Football Insider reported that the club told him he could find a loan move or permanent exit on deadline day.

The winger failed to secure a deadline day switch and is now in limbo at Ibrox, having been left out of the Gers’ Europa League squad and not being in Gerrard’s current Premiership plans.

Gerrard faces decision on Barker

Gerrard is now in a position where he needs to take charge and make a crucial decision regarding what to do with Barker. It would be a waste to see the winger kicking his heels and doing nothing until January, so the Rangers boss needs to decide whether he wants to allow him to play for the B team and/or first team or have him do nothing for four months.

Rangers B have an SPFL Trust Trophy clash against Ayr United on Wednesday and Barker is eligible to feature in the game. Gerrard must allow the 24-year-old to feature in it in order to gain some match fitness and show that he has the quality to be a first team option further down the line.

His performance in this game, if he is allowed to play, could determine what happens with him between now and January. Given that he is out of contract next summer, January will be the club’s final chance to recoup some money for the former Manchester City man and giving him some game-time leading up to the transfer window could drum up some interest in his services.

Commenting on Barker and Jordan Jones previously, Gerrard hailed the pair as exciting players who can provide quality in the final third.

He said: “Last year I didn’t feel we had enough in the final third. The idea this year was to build a squad with exciting players who can open the door in different ways.

“Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker open the door in one-v-one situations then provide crosses or cut in to score goals.”

This shows that Gerrard had faith in Barker at the start of his career at Ibrox and maybe he could still have the potential to be a success. He scored three goals and provided four assists in 22 games on loan at Oxford last season, having scored twice in 10 Premiership matches during the first half of the campaign for Rangers.

Giving him a few opportunities in the league between now and January could be worthwhile for the Gers for multiple reasons. Firstly, it allows him to show that he has improved since the start of last season and it could open the door for him to work his way into Gerrard’s plans, but it also gives interested clubs a recent set of performances to analyse and make decisions upon – potentially helping him to secure a transfer.

AND in other news, Rangers flop has seen value soar by 203% since leaving Ibrox, he deserved more time…

A major update has emerged for Southampton, one that could lead to them finding a potential heir to Danny Ings’ throne.

What’s the talk?

According to Le10Sport, Ligue 1 outfit Nantes have decided that they are willing to part ways with striker Randal Kolo Muani this summer for a fee in the region of £8.5m (€10m).

Muani is out of contract at the end of next season and Nantes are hoping to cash in now before they lose him on a free transfer. The report claims Bundesliga side Frankfurt have already failed with a bid for Muani as they were unable to match Nantes’ price tag.

Last month, Le10Sport claimed that Premier League clubs Southampton and Crystal Palace are interested in signing the forward to bolster their squads ahead of next season. French side Lyon were also mentioned as being extremely keen in the report, although no bids from Lyon, Palace or Southampton have been made as of yet.

Danny Ings heir

Southampton CEO Martin Semmens could land the heir to Ings’ throne by landing a deal for Muani in the transfer window. Ings is out of contract at the end of next season and The Telegraph reported last month that Manchester United are considering a swoop for the English centre-forward. This could open the door for a striker to come in and take over from Ings, if the former Liverpool man does depart from St. Mary’s, and Muani could be that man.

Ings scored 12 goals and registered four assists in 29 Premier League appearances for Southampton in the 2020/21 campaign, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.84. Muani, meanwhile, racked up nine goals and four assists in 35 starts for Nantes in Ligue 1, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.91. This suggests that he could be on a similar level to Ings, as the Saints man only managed a few more goals, whereas Muani achieved a superior match-by-match rating across the season.

The £2k-per-week dynamo is also six years younger than Ings. This means that Muani could have the potential to improve further and become a key player for Southampton for years to come if they are able to sign him from Nantes in the coming months.

At the age of 22, Ralph Hasenhuttl could coach Muani into becoming the leading figure for Saints, with the French forward having already shown he has the quality to perform on a similar level to Ings.

Even if Ings stays at Southampton and sees out of the final year of his contract, Muani could be a great addition to the squad. Muani could compete with Ings and Che Adams for a starting spot and potentially learn from the former in order to improve his own game before taking over his throne in 2022.

For £8.5m, this is a deal that Semmens must look to get done.

AND in other news, Saints must act swiftly to land “complete” £5.5k-p/w ace, compared to Virgil van Dijk…

Liverpool transfer target Kylian Mbappe is still considering his future at Paris Saint-Germain with his contract set to expire in the summer.

What’s the latest?

In an interview with French outlet L’Equipe (via The Liverpool Echo) PSG’s sporting director Leonardo said that Mbappe is “in deep reflection” and “hasn’t made a decision” with regards to his future at the club.

His contract expires in June and he is considered one of the brightest talents around so to lose him on a free transfer would be devastating.

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However, what is PSG’s loss could be Liverpool’s gain with the Reds linked to the Frenchman already with Get French Football News suggesting they are now the ‘most likely’ to acquire his services and turn his head.

Therefore, this new development is hopefully a sign when it comes to their chance of signing him.

A great replacement for Salah

He would be a great replacement for Mohamed Salah whose future at Liverpool is still in doubt with the forward yet to put pen to paper on a new contract at Anfield.

The Egyptian has been Liverpool’s standout player this season and is currently the top scorer in the Premier League with 22 goals. Of course, the Reds will hope that he stays and signs a new deal, but if he doesn’t then Mbappe could be the complete solution.

The World Cup winner’s statistics in Ligue 1 this season are insane. He has played 31 games and directly contributed to 37 goals. Yes, it’s undoubtedly not as tough as the top flight in England, but if he could replicate close to that in a Liverpool shirt then they wouldn’t miss Salah at all.

He’s been described as a “baller” by outlet Goal and Mbappe beats Salah in a lot of categories when you compare them both. He wins for the number of goal creating actions per 90 minutes 1 compared to the 29-year olds 0.87.

He also has slightly more combined goals and assists per 90 minutes with 1.25 compared to Salah’s 1.21. You can compare them both to each other all day long, but ultimately they are both incredibly exciting players, and Liverpool supporters will be a lucky fanbase if they get to say that both of them pulled on their club’s shirt.

If this transfer was to happen we think it would require Salah to leave. The Reds would likely need him off their wage budget in order to afford the £144m-rated dazzling Frenchman.

IN other news: Sky Sports: Liverpool will need mega £55m to sign “unstoppable” gem, he’s Salah 2.0…