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Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in making Sheffield Wednesday defender Osaze Urhoghide one of their summer additions.

According to The Sheffield Star, the Eagles admire the 20-year-old alongside the likes of Leeds United and Watford – and Urhoghide would be a perfect summer signing for Steve Parish in the summer.

Despite having only broken through at Hillsborough midway through the current campaign, the youngster is earning plenty of plaudits for his performances.

The defender has made 12 appearances so far throughout the season, ten of those being starts. In that time, Sheffield Wednesday have only claimed two clean sheets and lost seven matches in all, but Urhoghide has nonetheless been labelled “immense” by Owls manager Darren Moore.

He will certainly be aiming to continue that excellent form for the remainder of the campaign and into 2021/22 for whoever are his next employers.

Capable of playing in a number of positions including centre-back, right-back and left-back, he would seem to be the perfect addition for Palace.

The Eagles currently have a handful of defenders set to leave the club come the end of the campaign. Centre-backs Gary Cahill, Scott Dann and Mamadou Sakho are all out of contract, whilst right-backs Martin Kelly, Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward are also seeing their deals ticking down.

Elsewhere, left-backs Jeffrey Schlupp, Patrick van Aanholt and Tyrick Mitchell could also all potentially leave come the end of the season.

This means that they will certainly need recruits for all three of the positions, with Urhoghide’s versatility potentially coming in hugely useful.

Meanwhile, his age could present another convincing argument in his arrival at Selhurst Park. At the current time, Palace have on average the oldest squad in the Premier League, so younger arrivals would be welcome as the Eagles set their sights on 2021/22.

Available on a free transfer once his own contract runs out in three months’ time, there really is not a negative to Palace potentially signing Urhoghide.

AND in more news, take a look at another young defender would also be a brilliant signing for the Eagles…

Callum McFadzean badly let down Lee Johnson as Sunderland had to share the spoils on Easter Monday.

The Black Cats rescued a late point against Peterborough United to stay within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots, thanks to a stunning late free-kick from Aiden McGeady.

Johnson’s men dominated the opening 45 minutes, recording 62% possession and four attempts at goal, but failed to find a way past Posh.

Just before the hour mark, the home side made a double change which included the introduction of Siriki Dembele, and that move paid off within ten minutes as Nathan Thompson beat McFadzean to find the wide-open substitute inside the area.

Had it not been for McGeady’s stroke of genius, then a play-off position would’ve been looking like a mere formality but at least this draw keeps the Wearsiders in the automatic promotion race heading into the final eight games of the season.

Indeed, McFadzean ranked amongst Sunderland’s worst performers on the day, being graded by SofaScore at 6.5 – no-one managed worse in the red and white stripes.

Sunderland Echo reporter Phil Smith was a little more scathing in his post-game column, ranking the 27-year-old wing-back as the Black Cats’ standout struggler with a 4/10 for his trouble.

He wrote: ‘Struggled defensively early on and was lucky that lapses in the first half didn’t cost his side a goal. Peterborough targeted the left flank through the second half and got their opening goal down that side.’

The former Sheffield United graduate had a torrid time up against Posh’s tricky wide options, resulting in him being dribbled past twice, as well as losing 50% of his battles – both on the ground and aerially.

McFadzean was also pretty wasteful with the ball, suggesting that he simply couldn’t cope with the pressure from the opposition as from his 51 touches, the Sunderland defender lost possession 13 times, and could only make 75% of his 32 passing attempts, via SofaScore.

It’s no wonder that he was hauled off within five minutes of the goal going in – a frustrated Johnson had clearly seen enough.

In terms of attacking output, he also struggled, failing to register a single shot or successful dribble, whilst he only found a team-mate with 50% of his crosses, leaving Charlie Wyke with scraps to feed off.

As a wing-back, he should be contributing at both ends of the pitch, so evidently McFadzean has badly let Johnson and the side down here.

The Peterborough goal came from his flank, where he should’ve defended better. Johnson may want to think twice before trusting the 27-year-old again.

AND in other news, SAFC graduate has seen his value rise by £9m since leaving, he’s a “rock-solid” gem…

Everton midfielder Anthony Gordon must step up for Carlo Ancelotti as Bernard reportedly nears a move to UAE outfit Al Nasr.

What’s the word?

According to the Liverpool Echo, Toffees chiefs are in official negotiations with Al Nasr over a deal for Bernard.

The Brazilian has entered into the final 18-months of his £120,000-per-week contract and has fallen out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti, with the Italian only starting him twice in the Premier League this season.

Everton are hoping to see a deal for Bernard finalised before Monday night’s deadline in order to clear his lucrative terms from the club’s wage bill, and may even allow the 28-year-old to secure a free transfer just two-and-a-half years on from joining the Blues.

Bernard was omitted from Ancelotti’s matchday squad as Everton lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United on Saturday after being an unused substitute in the prior 1-1 draw with Leicester City, the 12th time this season that he had failed to enter a top-flight fixture from the bench.

Previous reports had suggested that Al Nasr had agreed to sign Bernard on loan with a €5m (£4.5m) obligation to turn the deal permanent at the end of the season, despite claims of Everton wanting £9m amid interest from AS Roma.

Everton parting with Bernard before Monday night’s 23:00 shut off is likely to have implications on Gordon’s future at Goodison Park, with the winger unlikely to be allowed to leave on loan following interest from Championship and Bundesliga clubs.

Time for Gordon to step up

Everton retaining Gordon, if Bernard’s deal to join Al Nasr goes through, will leave Ancelotti needing the youth product to step up, after a handful of underwhelming outings from the youngster in recent weeks and months.

David Unsworth has previously backed Gordon to find a home for himself on the wing, for he boasts “unbelievable pace” and a growing eye for the final pass, but the forward let Everton and Ancelotti down when fielded in the FA Cup against Rotherham United earlier this month.

Gordon was criticised for his poor body language during the third-round tie having shrieked into the shadows after a promising start, going from turning defenders inside out and carving the backline apart to rarely completing a pass and offering no end product.

That performance also came in only the 19-year-old’s third start of the season across all senior competitions, while playing a mere 87 minutes of Premier League action thanks partly to being hauled off just 10 minutes into the second-half at Sheffield United.

Gordon failed to create many one-vs-one opportunities at Bramall Lane and Ancelotti will need to see the England U20 do more if he is to offer the threat from the left that £13.5m-rated flop Bernard could not offer Everton.

It was also those performances that have helped to see Lucas Digne emerge ahead of Gordon, as well as Bernard, in Ancelotti’s pecking order for wide-left options, after the French full-back opened the Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester games in midfield.

If Gordon is to stay at Goodison Park and not leave on loan in line with Bernard’s exit, it has to be time for the Liverpool-born prospect to step up and make the position his.

AND in other news, a £70k-p/w gem let Carlo Ancelotti down as Everton lost to Newcastle…

Glasgow Rangers have been linked with all and sundry since Steven Gerrard’s side stormed to the summit of the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers have just ten days to bring in any new signings, although Gerrard has hinted that there will be more outs than ins at Ibrox in the January transfer window.

But that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from churning out new transfer stories, with Preston North End duo Ben Davies and Daniel Johnson among the names tipped to make the switch to the 54-time Scottish champions.

It appears Gerrard was targeting a new name for Rangers’ defence, as Filip Helander, 27, and Leon Balogun, 32, have been sidelined by knocks and Nikola Katic remains a long-term absentee.

However, despite several outlets suggesting otherwise, a recent report from the Press Association has subsequently revealed that a club insider has made it clear that Rangers have ‘no interest’ in Preston’s Davies, dealing a blow to Gerrard’s chances of finding suitable defensive cover.

If Ross Wilson and co. are serious about stopping Celtic from winning ten in a row and competing in the Europa League, then Davies is the man who could seriously help the club.

This season, the 25-year-old defender is averaging 1.2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions in 17 appearances across all competitions, with his 6.83 WhoScored rating ranking him sixth out of Alex Neil’s side – his centre-back partner Patrick Bauer is one of only five players to have a higher rating.

Rangers signed Balogun after he left Wigan Athletic as a free agent at the end of last season – since his arrival last year, Gerrard has opted to go with him as part of his preferred defensive partnership with Connor Goldson, acting as a shield wall for veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Whilst the Nigeria international has shown he can mix it with the best in Scottish football, the same can’t be said for George Edmundson, who has fallen down the pecking order under Gerrard this season.

Although there’s a case to be made that Edmundson still has room to improve at the age of 23, he has largely struggled to impress for the Gers on the very few occasions he has made an appearance after he endured an afternoon to forget against Motherwell at the start of this season, finishing the game with a low 5.8 SofaScore rating – the worst out of any player from either side.

It’s perhaps hardly surprising when you consider the fact that he only won one out of four duels (25%), was dribbled past once and scored an unfortunate own goal, despite playing just 14 minutes of football.

When you consider the fact he was banned for seven games after breaching lockdown regulations, it’s frankly a minor miracle that he is still at the club after his reckless behaviour both on and off the pitch.

On the other hand, Davies has demonstrated a level of confidence and maturity far beyond his years, with WhoScored pointing out that he ‘does not dive into tackles,’ emphasising the fact that he has an experienced head on his young shoulders. It’s a move that Rangers must surely consider before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Rangers should unleash Cedric Itten against Ross County…

Southampton continue to be linked with Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams this month, with The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon suggesting that he ‘remains a target’ and after Tuesday’s defeat against Arsenal, it seems clear that the Saints have to bring him in on loan this month.

Ralph Hasenhuttl was without both of his first-choice full-backs for the visit of Arsenal earlier this week, with Kyle Walker-Peters having picked up a muscle injury in training, whilst Ryan Bertrand was suspended.

Youngsters Yan Valery and Jake Vokins started in their place and both struggled against Mikel Arteta’s side, as they picked up 6.1 match ratings from SofaScore – the joint-worst of any outfield player on the pitch.

Both of Arsenal’s wingers, Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka, would score on Tuesday after getting in behind the young full-backs, so you could argue that they were a big reason why Southampton ended up losing the game.

Neither have much experience in the top-flight, with Vokins having made just five senior appearances for Southampton in his career, whilst Valery has spent time with David Horseman’s B team this season following the arrival of Walker-Peters, having struggled to establish himself in the first-team since the 2018/19 season.

Therefore, when Hasenhuttl brought on Nathan Redmond for Vokins in the second-half, with defensive-midfielder Ibrahima Diallo moving to left-back, the Austrian was perhaps sending a message to the Southampton board that he is desperate for some defensive cover, especially with the Saints struggling with injuries this season which has emphasised their poor strength in depth in recent fixtures.

Williams looks to be the ideal man to bring in, as the 20-year-old has featured as both a left-back and a right-back in his time with Manchester United, so could provide excellent cover for both Bertrand and Walker-Peters.

The £9.9 million-rated youngster has struggled for game time in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this season as a result of Luke Shaw and Alex Telles’ form, so a loan move could definitely suit both parties.

If Williams were to impress we could see a repeat of the situation that saw Walker-Peters join on a permanent deal from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer, and given the performances of both Valery and Vokins on their rare starts against Arsenal, it seems as if the full-back would be a great option to have for the long-term, rather than just this season.

Therefore, Martin Semmens should do everything he can to bring him to St Mary’s before the transfer window shuts.

And, in other news… “Ralph seems optimistic” – Exclusive: Pundit makes Danny Ings contract claim

Celtic are currently going through a turbulent time as a club. They currently look a shell of their usual, dominating self and are trailing to arch rivals Rangers by 13 points in the Scottish Premiership.

With such a huge gap between them and the league leaders, plus their inevitable exit from the Europa League, there’s a target on Neil Lennon’s back.

Although the club are backing the man who has led the Hoops to five league titles and an infamous ‘treble treble’, the club’s poor run of form can only go on for so long before something must give.

Names linked to Celtic manager job

A lot of speculation is flying about as professionals and fans alike wonder whether Lennon will face the boot any time soon. If he does, the club has been linked to several high profile names who could swoop in and start to pick up the pieces in the wake of the Irishman.

One man who has been tipped by bookies as the favourite to replace Lennon is Martin O’Neill. But according to Football Insider, the 68-year-old has already dismissed the idea of joining the Glasgow outfit.

Whilst many just want a quick-fix solution to the current mess at Celtic, O’Neill is not a target that the club should be chasing. The former Northern Ireland international already had a stint in Parkhead, guiding the club to three league titles and two Scottish Cups.

On paper, he looks ideal to step in if Lennon is axed. But Celtic run the risk of repeating history by signing a manager who has already been in charge of the club. Plus, with being 68, he may not be the best choice for the future.

At this moment in time, a quick-fix would be a mistake for the club. Peter Lawwell must be looking for the next long-term head coach who can come in and restore Celtic’s stature.

In other news, Shane Duffy tipped for early exit after disappointing loan spell…

Many Crystal Palace fans are reacting to the news that Scottish Premiership midfield star Glen Kamara is attracting the interest of the South London side.

According to TEAMtalk and tweeted out by @cpfc_xtra, Palace and fellow Premier League sides Everton, Newcastle, Sheffield United, Southampton as well as Portuguese giants Benfica are monitoring the Rangers player.

The 25 year-old has been a key asset for Steven Gerrard this season, playing 18 times in all competitions (WhoScored). In his Europa League appearances, he has proved how crucial he is at breaking up opposition attacks as he has managed two tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game. Clearly, some fans at Selhurst Park rate the player highly, with one saying his performances this season have shown real ‘quality’.

James McCarthy is linked to Celtic, Luka Milivojevic is struggling to perform at the level needed and James McArthur is nearing the end of his career. Therefore, a central midfielder around Kamara’s age could be exactly what the club need and would be a very astute signing.

Here is how Palace fans reacted to the update on Kamara:

In other Palace news, have a read of a bizarre statistic about the club which fans aren’t happy with here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Sheffield Wednesday legend Carlton Palmer has revealed what he’s heard about the vacant managerial role at Hillsborough Stadium.

The Owls are looking for their fifth manager in three years following the shock sacking of Tony Pulis just over a week ago, and the former midfielder believes that current caretaker boss, Neil Thompson, is going to get the gig for the remainder of the season.

Wednesday are now unbeaten in four matches as the 57-year-old has guided them to back-to-back Championship victories for the first time since December 2019.

Thai chairman Dejphon Chansiri laid into Pulis during a two-hour press conference, criticising his style of football and admitting it was a “mistake” to appoint him in the first place just days after his dismissal, via talkSPORT.

He will surely be pleased with the reaction since with Thompson in control as he begins the search for a new boss.

And Palmer has claimed that the long-serving Owls coach will get the job until the summer…

He told FFC:

“The shout, from what I’m hearing, is they’re going to give it to Thompson until the end of the season, which would be an easy fit for them because he’s going to do what he’s told.

“He knows the players, he knows about the players and they will run through a brick wall for him, and [they will] give him until the end of the season to just keep them in the division.

“You know, that’s the easiest scenario for the chairman.

“But if they kick on, and no disregard to Thompson, but he’s not the man who’s going to get them promoted to the Premier League.”

A decision will need to be made quickly as Pulis’ sacking couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Wednesday need reinforcements during the January transfer window and at the minute, they’re likely to be made without a permanent manager, which could spell trouble later down the line.

Which is also why the possibility of Thompson being appointed permanently makes a ton of sense.

But as Palmer says, the short-term fix isn’t necessarily the right one for the long run, and Chansiri could be back at square one come the summer.

AND in other news, Sheffield Wednesday could find their next Carlos Carvalhal in one-time UCL winner…

Football is by far one of the most loved sports with over 4 billion fans worldwide. Its impact is felt in various fields like the arts, business, and gaming world. Moreover, it has found its way to slot games. Slot online gaming uses a theme-based method to provide a unique gaming experience. It is no surprise that football-based slots are successful in online betting sites.

Microgaming and NetEnt have used real-life players like Johann Cruyff, Pele, and Maradona from their glory days. You can feel the eccentric excitement associated with the game through the casino slots. Another impressive aspect of football-themed slots is their compatibility with mobile gadgets. You can play any game that you prefer from your smartphone, PC, and tablets. Play these slots yourself at the best online casino of your choice anytime you wish.

Here are some of the best football-themed slots to try out.

Champions Cup

Who does not wish for their home team to win the championships? The champions cup is a creation of NetEnt and released for the 2016 European Championships. It contains five reels and three rows. This slot game features 20 ways to win and free spins. Besides, an RTP of 96.82% and overlay wild substitution increases your chances of winning.  If you prefer a slow and steady approach, then you will love this game.

When it comes to the graphics, wild cheering crowds and teams add authenticity to the slot game. You will also enjoy two bonus features and a penalty shootout bonus. Getting through the four rounds of the tournament can earn you 500 times your stake.

Football Star Slot

The Football Star is among the most popular slots in online casinos. It is popular due to its relating concepts with the real-world football experience. As a fan, you can relate to the game as the symbols used relates to football in the best possible way. The slot activities range from striker heading the ball to goalkeepers making a save.

With 243 paylines, this creation from Microgaming presents various chances to win. Football star features an RTP of 96.42%, five reels, and three rows. You will love the world cup songs, 3D animated visuals and the opportunity to win real money. This slot further features stacked wilds, striking wilds, and rolling reels.

Foxin’Wins Football Fever

This creation is by NextGen Gaming, one of the top casino software developers. The game centers on Mr. Fox around the 2018 World Cup. With this slot, you get five reels and up to 25 ways to win.  The vibrant colours combined with football-related symbols create an exciting football atmosphere.

Not only can you win 50 times your bid by catching leprechaun but also when your spin activates the random bonus. If you want to access wilds and massive wins, turn on the SuperBets options. Watch out for Mr. Fox as he might throw huge cash your way. Because this is a high-risk game, you can opt to change your bankroll needs. The least you can stake per spin is 0.25, with an RDP of over 95%.

Subbuteo

Do you remember those childhood evenings you used to spend playing Subbuteo football? This NextGen game is filled with nostalgia to bring back those old memories to reality. Quick-paced game lovers are bound to find this slot highly entertaining. Furthermore, it features a universal appeal thanks to its colourful interface and immersive feeling.

The slot contains football-related items such as football boots, referees’ whistles, Subbuteo players, and even trophies. It is interesting to know that on getting eleven players, you activate the free spins feature. This bonus includes penalties, free kicks, and action replay. The Manager of the Month feature is responsible for gaining extra players.

Universal Cup

This football slot from Leander Games captivates with its defiance of gravity. It features possibly the best team in the universe. This alien tournament has a galaxy backdrop and various amazing ways to win big. Besides, with the 20 fixed pay lines, players can bet from 0.20 to 100.

What is more, is the wide selection of bonuses and amazing graphics. Not only does the fun and upbeat atmosphere favor football fans, but it also appeals to gamblers.

Final Thoughts

Generally, sports continue to influence casino games. With various championships around the corner, you can expect more football-themed slots in the future. The provided list is some of the best football slots that you can play in most online casinos. However, you can check out reviews for various features and offer bonuses.

Tottenham Hotspur’s quest to land a new striker this summer is quickly becoming desperate with less than a week to go in the transfer window, although one name could be the solution…

What’s the word?

According to TVI24 (via Sport Witness), Spurs are one of several Premier League teams eyeing a move for Benfica forward Carlos Vinicius with the deadline looming on Monday night.

The Primeira Liga outfit are demanding €50m (£45m) to let the 25-year-old leave whilst Crystal Palace and Leicester City are also keen.

It’s also claimed that Spurs have already had a €30m (£27.5m) bid rejected for Vinicius this summer.

Jose’s new Drogba?

Spurs have one hugely congested fixture list this season having had to qualify for the Europa League group stages, so the need for a back-up or an alternative to Harry Kane is paramount.

In midweek, the north Londoners edged past Jose Mourinho’s former club, Chelsea, on penalties with Steven Bergwijn and Erik Lamela playing upfront.

Last season, Spurs rued the Englishman’s absence as they crashed out of the FA Cup and Champions League, so Daniel Levy ought to sanction a move for Vinicius as soon as possible.

At Stamford Bridge, Mourinho had a very fruitful partnership with Didier Drogba – a fast yet powerful goalscorer, who seemed to be the ideal fit for the Special One.

And this is what Vinicius could bring to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 25-year-old provided 24 goals and 13 assists from 47 appearances last term, via Transfermarkt, and is considered more of a “clever penalty-box poacher” than a “dominating target man,” which again is very Drogba-esque.

Kane desperately needs support and having someone with a different skillset in the 6 foot 3 monster would certainly be one way to alleviate the problems at Spurs.

AND in other news, Levy could end a six-year nightmare with swoop for “explosive” £9m man…