Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he cannot see Steven Gerrard replacing Marcelo Bielsa in the Elland Road dugout.
This comes after The Athletic’s Phil Hay, speaking on Ask Ornstein, mentioned Gerrard’s name when discussing who could succeed Bielsa as Leeds boss.
The Argentinian’s contract is set to expire in the summer, meaning that the Whites could be on the lookout for a new manager before the start of next season.
Palmer, however, cannot imagine Gerrard ditching the new Scottish Premiership champions for the Yorkshire club.
Speaking exclusively to FFC about the above, the ex-Leeds player said:
“I think Stevie G’s had a fantastic season up at Rangers. I can’t for the life of me see Stevie G leaving Rangers at this moment in time, apart from going back to Liverpool Football Club and I don’t think [Jurgen] Klopp’s going for a couple of seasons yet.”
Gerrard will surely want to have a go at defending Rangers’ Scottish Premiership title against rivals Celtic. He will also have the opportunity to manage the Glasgow club in the Champions League, so it really is hard to imagine an Ibrox exit for the Liverpool legend right now.
Queens Park Rangers got back to winning ways with a victory over Millwall at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Mark Warburton’s side quickly found themselves down 2-0 inside the first 40 minutes before a second-half inspired comeback saw the home side clinch all three points to move into the top half of the table.
Plenty of the Hoops faithful were quick to laud the performance of Lyndon Dykes on his return to the starting XI even despite the striker failing to find the net. Many believed the Scotsman was the ‘Man of the Match,’ as seen here.
However, there was another player – also returning to Warburton’s lineup – that deserves just as many plaudits, if not more.
That being, match-winner Jordy de Wijs, who impressed yet again in only his third appearance since joining from Hull City on loan in January.
Indeed, the 26-year-old Dutchman rated out among the Rs’ best performers with a 7.4 rating from SofaScore – only Lee Wallace (7.5) and Stefan Johansen (7.6) managed better.
And aside from bagging the all-important goal four minutes from time, he was still a rock at the back, even despite the visitors finding the net twice.
De Wijs won three of his four aerial duels (75%) and it was that sort of presence that completely thwarted the Lions’ main threat in Mason Bennett, who won just 19% of his aerial duels, as per SofaScore.
The 6 foot 2 centre-back also put in one clearance and one block in the heart of Warburton’s three-man midfield.
His 92 touches were only bettered by one other player on the pitch, defensive partner Yohan Barbet (99) and that only goes to show just how involved he was in the match, pretty much starting most of QPR’s attacks.
A match-high 74 accurate passes would reinforce that too.
West London Sport waxed lyrical about the £1.08m-rated loanee in their post-match ratings column, grading him a seven out of ten – ‘Atoned for that [error] in a huge way by nodding home Ilias Chair’s corner to seal a remarkable comeback and made a crucial block to deny Wallace when the score was 2-0.’
De Wijs stole the show on the night and that’ll please Warburton immensely.
Aston Villa could clinch a unique signing for Dean Smith by landing Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge.
Reports in recent days have suggested that Villa are eyeing a move for the Norway international in the summer transfer window, with the Blades likely heading back to the Championship given that they are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with just 13 games remaining.
While signing a player from the Premier League’s worst side may not sound like the most exciting of captures, the kind of qualities Berge would be able to offer to Smith makes him a very intriguing prospect.
Standing at a towering 6 foot 5, the 23-year-old is unlike any of Villa’s current midfield options, and it’s something his manager at the Blades, Chris Wilder, has been quick to highlight.
He said: “Sander has been unique. He is the one who has stood out for us. He is a complete midfielder. He can play as 8s and as 6s. He can play in different formations. The wonderful thing about Sander is his attitude.
“Complete midfielders are like that. Look at Jordan Henderson (FWA’s Footballer of the Year last term). Sander should gain enormous confidence that he can play so well in various positions in the Premier League.”
Berge’s extra height and physicality marks him out as someone who would offer Smith something completely different to what he already has at his disposal, and so it’s no surprise that when it comes to duels won in the air (1.2 per game), the Norwegian comfortably betters any of Villa’s midfielders.
While Douglas Luiz and John McGinn have been Smith’s preferred partnership in central midfield, Berge’s arrival could add a different dimension to Villa’s engine room should the manager look to consolidate in games, or even go down the old ‘Marouane Fellaini as a number nine’ route if a goal’s needed instead.
Either way, like Wilder says, Berge is a “unique” talent and one that Johan Lange should consider bringing to the club.
Everton loanee Ellis Simms has been praised for a coming-of-age performance for Blackpool against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
That’s according to the Blackpool Gazette, who named the 20-year-old as their Man of the Match, after the Seasiders won 3-0 at the Valley to move within six points of the League One Play-Off places and with a game in hand over sixth-placed Doncaster Rovers.
Simms failed to get on the scoresheet himself but run Lee Bowyer’s nine-man Addicks ragged with his pace and strength, while winning the first of the Pool’s two penalty kicks.
Deji Oshilaja clumsily brought down Simms inside the first 10 minutes having been outpaced by the Everton talent, and Jerry Yates converted from the spot to break the deadlock.
Simms was soon creating again when awarded the assist for Matthew Virtue-Thick’s sixth goal of the third-tier season, with the 23-year-old given the time and space to pick his spot for a low drive into the net of Ben Amos.
Oshilaja was not the only Charlton player to look uncomfortable with Simms’ pace on Saturday, in what was a strong performance to follow the former England U18 international’s recent comments.
“I’ve noticed quite a big difference between the two, particularly the physicality of the senior side of the game,” Simms admitted, regarding stepping up to first-team football from the Toffees’ Under 23s.
“Obviously, you’re coming up against experienced athletes at times, who have been involved in the game for a number of years, so you have to learn and adapt your game quickly.
“I feel I’ve made the transition to the first-team game quite well so far, but there’s still so much more I need to learn. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow my game and help Blackpool go as far as they can.”
Simms joined Blackpool on loan until the end of the season during the recent winter transfer window and he will return to Goodison Park in the summer with only one year remaining on his Everton contract.
Carlo Ancelotti will surely be impressed by how the Oldham-born attacker has taken to life with the Pool, having seen Simms score twice in five League One appearances following an eight-goal haul in 12 Premier League 2 outings under David Unsworth earlier in the term.
But the Italian will likely still be wanting to see more from the former Manchester City trainee, given Simms scored both of his goals with a brace on debut during a 5-0 rout of Wigan Athletic and only took one shot at Charlton on Saturday, per SofaScore.
He also earned the assist for Virtue-Thick’s goal with his only key pass of the day after rarely venturing inside the Addicks penalty area, and still has some room to develop with success in just five of 11 ground duels and two of nine aerial contests.
Simms’ performance in the duel was below his previous standards for Blackpool, given he has boasted a 44% success rate on the ground and 24% in the air, yet contested more challenges having previously won just 1.3 a game in each aspect.
If Simms can continue developing like he has so far with the Seasiders, he could play his way into another contract at Goodison Park or secure a move to a club higher up the footballing ladder come the summer market.
AND in other news, a £16m-rated enforcer is open to a summer transfer following Everton’s interest…
A number of Liverpool fans have been discussing the potential of signing Ozan Kabak permanently this summer following a strong run of form.
The Reds returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Monday evening, getting the better of Wolves and clinching a 1-0 victory at Molineux. It wasn’t necessarily a game which will live long in the memory, but Diogo Jota’s goal against his old team got the job done in professional fashion.
There were a number of impressive performers for Liverpool on the night, from Trent Alexander-Arnold to Nathaniel Phillips, but Kabak was arguably the standout individual.
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The 20-year-old was immaculate at the back for the Reds, helping keep a second consecutive clean sheet and showing signs of real promise. On two occasions he made vital recovery tackles to deny a dangerous Wolves side, along with posting six clearances and winning seven duels.
Kabak hasn’t consistently convinced since joining Liverpool on loan from Schalke in January, but he now looks like a player who has settled into his surroundings, as illustrated by his steadily rising WhoScored match ratings since his debut last month.
The Turkey international can be signed permanently by the Reds for £18m this summer should they choose to do so, with Jurgen Klopp set to make that decision in the coming months.
Liverpool fans provide their thoughts on keeping Kabak
These Liverpool fans have been giving their thoughts on the “assured” Kabak remaining at Anfield beyond this summer, responding to a tweet by journalist Henry Winter.
“He’s 20 and got loads of developing to do. I’ve been really impressed but do Liverpool think they can get better in the summer? For me I’d take him, I’d also keep Phillips as well because I think he’s been brilliant too”
Credit: @ryallzey82
“He’s grown into the role over the last few games. Self confidence looks high, very assured on the ball. Looks a real talent for 20 years old”
Credit: @Worems
“This season has been tough for all at LFC but the £18m would be well worth the outlay, as in Phillips and Kabak we will finally have solid battle hardened back up to Gomez and VVD”
Credit: @mexicola25
“Was always going to take a young CB in a new league, new team, new system time to adjust. Most Klopp players bedded in to the team slowly over the months. He’s had to jump in the deep and and player with multiple partners already. Think once fully settle his quality will shine”
Credit: @KarlThyer
“He looks solid, isn’t ruffled easily and doesn’t panic in crucial situations, also last night showed confidence on the ball bringing it out the back. Could be a good investment at his age, let’s see where the run in takes us first”
Credit: @JamesGerrard
“If he was Kabak from Aigburth people would be raving. The lad is 20. Plenty of room for mistakes but there’s a high ceiling there. 18m is a good deal”Credit: @easystrider71In other news, some Liverpool fans are worried about one key Reds player’s international call-up. Read about who it is here.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are admirers of Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey, and the starlet’s new contract is unlikely to discourage any potential transfer suitors.
What’s the story?
The £16.2m-rated ace has been a sensation for Graham Potter’s side this season in the Premier League, managing one goal and providing three assists in 11 games.
Now, The Athletic claim that despite putting pen to paper on a new deal with the Seagulls, that will not deter interested clubs from making a move for him.
The report reveals that the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City are among Lamptey’s domestic admirers, and that Brighton’s asking price for their talented prospect will remain similar to that before his new deal.
Imagine him and Bukayo Saka
With Arsenal really beginning to feel the rewards of trusting in the club’s abundance of young talents – Mikel Arteta’s side have reeled off five wins in six games in all competitions – the arrival of Lamptey at the Emirates would be another exciting step in the right direction.
The 20-year-old can play at right-back or right wing-back, and with Bukayo Saka now featuring from a more attacking role on the right-hand side, it could give Arsenal a scintillating attack down that side.
The duo could give the Gunners an added dimension of intensity and pace, with Lamptey being described as “unbelievably quick”. That speed could ensure Arsenal don’t get caught out in transitions on the counter-attack, but also allow them to be more adventurous going forward.
With Saka cutting in from the right-hand side, Lamptey could make more dangerous overlapping runs on the outside, much like what Kieran Tierney has been doing to great effect for the north Londoners this season on the opposite flank – the Scotland international has already racked up an impressive three assists from left-back.
Lamptey and Saka could represent the future of Arsenal’s right-hand side.
Meanwhile, this Arsenal sensation outshone Aubameyang vs Newcastle…
Manchester United midfielder Fred may be in the firing line after he was sent off against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, but that doesn’t hide from the fact that Bruno Fernandes was strangely ineffective.
The Portuguese magnifico has turned out to be a total revelation for United after joining on a five-and-a-half year deal from Sporting Lisbon as he was quickly rewarded for his efforts with the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.
But it’s safe to say that this was far from his finest hour as Fernandes ultimately toiled in vain as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side saw their four-game winning streak snapped by the French Ligue 1 giants.
Fred was abysmal, Anthony Martial wasn’t much better, but Fernandes seriously let Solskjaer down with a wasteful performance.
SofaScore gave the 26-year-old a low grade of 6.6 out of ten for his efforts – he lost possession 20 times, failed to win a single ground duel from seven attempts, was dribbled past three times and took just one shot on target.
The Mirror gave Fernandes a 6/10 rating and claimed he “tried to inspire United once again and had some nice touches, but lacked usual influence” whilst 90min went even further, insisting he ‘drifted in and out of the game, not as influential as usual.’
All style, no substance, eh?
We still can’t quite work out why the Portugal international played the full 90′ minutes despite his obvious struggles, as Solskjaer’s decision to replace Marcus Rashford with Paul Pogba makes very little sense, especially when you consider the fact that the 23-year-old was named Man of the Match for his performance.
Not only was he lacklustre, but he was uncharacteristically lightweight as well with Fred and Scott McTominay winning more ground duels than the attacking midfielder.
Maybe he’d have actually been better off replacing Fernandes with the French World Cup winner instead.
With Pogba waiting in the wings, perhaps Solskjaer could start the Frenchman further up the pitch and give Fernandes a rest as the Red Devils get ready to travel to West Ham at the weekend.
AND in other news, Manchester United must avoid signing injury-prone Barcelona flop Ousmane Dembele at allcosts…
When Chelsea set their eyes upon Arsenal’s team sheet at the Emirates on Saturday evening, they will have lit up.
They were missing a host of senior players including new summer signing Gabriel, their captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and former Blue, Willian.
However, if they took added confidence from that, it clearly didn’t show on the pitch.
This was arguably one of Chelsea’s worst displays of the season as they missed the chance to go second and suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat. Frank Lampard was understandably angry at full-time – this was a display that lacked quality, desire and urgency.
They were playing a team who hadn’t won in seven Premier League games so on paper, they should have come away with all three points. Instead, they were battered and bruised by a heavily improved Arsenal side.
One of the worst performers was Reece James, someone given a torrid afternoon by the rampant Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Martinelli.
Time and time again the full-back was beaten and caught out of position, eventually giving away a penalty after contentiously bringing down Tierney. It was a moment that summed up his game and it didn’t get better.
James is known for being a fabulous crosser but on this occasion, he was poor in attack too. The England international succeeded with just 12.5% of the balls he delivered into the area.
Furthermore, the 21-year-old conceded two fouls and lost possession a mammoth 17 times. To put things simply, this was a horrible outing for the youngster.
To make matters even worse, James failed to win any of the ground duels he contested, being bullied down Chelsea’s right-hand side.
It was a surprise that he wasn’t withdrawn at half-time but the defender did combine more nicely with Callum Hudson-Odoi when he was introduced at the break. Unfortunately for Lampard, it was too little too late.
James hasn’t done too much wrong this season but this performance has to draw questions about his place in the side. Cesar Azpilicueta may have lost a yard of pace, but he is still capable defensively.
In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former footballer and current pundit Carlton Palmer has discussed the future of Southampton striker Danny Ings.
The former Liverpool man is currently locked in contract negotiations with the South Coast club, with the two parties reportedly not being able to agree on a release clause for the forward – that said, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl seems confident that he will stay.
It has been suggested that the 28-year-old is keen to play European football in the next few years, so whilst he is happy to stay with Southampton for now, a release clause opens up the possibility of a move to the likes of a Tottenham Hotspur or a Manchester United if they ever came calling.
Ings has been a revelation since joining Southampton on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019, as he has now contributed 40 goals and nine assists in 83 appearances for the South Coast club, including 22 in the Premier League last season, so it is no surprise that Ralph Hasenhuttl is desperate for him to stay.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Brighton & Hove Albion v Southampton – The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain – December 7, 2020 Southampton’s Danny Ings celebrates scoring their second goal with Oriol Romeu Pool via REUTERS/Mike Hewitt EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player
Here’s what Palmer had to say about the England international when speaking exclusively to FFC:
“Danny’s turned his career around but Southampton have given him the opportunity to. Danny’s a clever lad, he’s 28. Clubs wouldn’t be frightened of giving him a three-year deal. If he signs a new contract at Southampton, he’s past that chance to capitalise on that prime time when he should be scoring goals.
“The thing that Danny has to consider, as well as the financial situation, is he’s pushed himself into England contention for the Euros. One thing Danny can’t afford to do is go to a Manchester City or a Liverpool and not play. He’s already done that before.
“Sometimes, you have to go that little bit more for a player that’s a little bit special. If they believe that’s Danny in this case, I think they’ve got to go a bit extra and secure his services. Pay him the money that he wants. They won’t recoup that money for him because he’s going to be 31/32 but that doesn’t really matter, it’s what he does in the next three or four years. He’s integral to them finishing off this season very very well.
“Sometimes you have to just roll the dice and pay them what they deserve. I think Danny, if he gets a good offer, will re-sign. Ralph seems pretty optimistic that he will sign a new deal.”
Therefore, Palmer seems confident that Ings will sign a new deal with the South Coast club, so long as they offer him what he wants, which seems to be a release clause.
If the striker can focus on his football and help Southampton achieve a top-six finish this season, then perhaps he will be content to stay with the Saints for the long-term and enjoy European football under Ralph Hasenhuttl.
And, in other news… Hasenhuttl handed headache with £12.7m Southampton beast; he’s been superb
Today could be a huge day in Everton’s season as they attempt to pull further clear of the relegation zone after their excellent end to last season.
However, they’ve endured a torrid start to the new campaign, with Sean Dyche’s side losing both their opening Premier League outings, failing to score a single goal whilst conceding seven in the process.
Deadline day is always a frantic spectacle, with incomings and outgoings expected across the board, but it’s pivotal that the Toffees make additions that would allow for the club to turn around their woeful start to the new campaign.
The club are targeting various players in numerous positions to provide added quality and depth to Dyche’s squad – with Orel Mangala set to be the latest addition, as he undergoes his medical ahead of a proposed loan move.
He could be joined by one player on Merseyside, with his current side looking to offload the star before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
Everton offered deal to sign Championship star
According to GIVEMESPORT, Everton have been offered the opportunity to sign Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill at a cut-price on deadline day.
Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.
The 28-year-old, who’s also been offered to fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, could leave Turf Moor, with the Toffees able to sign the ace for just £5m.
Brownhill has enjoyed an excellent start to the 2024/25 campaign under Scott Parker, scoring two goals in his first three Championship games – with his qualities evidently too good for England’s second tier.
He would be a superb addition to Dyche’s squad, potentially reuniting himself with the talented midfielder – allowing the club to land a star who’s a mixture of two talents who have captured the hearts of many at Goodison.
Why Brownhill would be a hybrid of Garner and Onana
Amadou Onana was a fan-favourite during his two-year stint at Everton, excelling with his ball-winning ability at the heart of the club’s midfield.
However, after their recent troubles with PSR, the Belgian had to be sold, joining Aston Villa for £50m – leaving a huge hole in Dyche’s side.
James Garner could therefore be handed the opportunity to stake his claim to be a replacement for the 23-year-old, with the Englishman a fantastic box-to-box option for the Toffees, as demonstrated by his stats last season.
However, the potential signing of Brownhill could allow for the Blue half of Merseyside to sign a player who is an excellent hybrid of the pair – with FBref ranking the Burnley ace as a similar player to the duo based on their stats from last season.
Games played
33
30
37
Goals + assists
6
2
3
Pass accuracy
77%
84%
77%
Shots on target
0.44
0.26
0.30
Tackles won
1.4
1.6
1.3
Interceptions made
1.36
0.91
1.35
Take-on success
54%
44%
46%
The “fabulous” talent, as described by former professional footballer Lee Hendrie, managed more goals and assists than the aforementioned duo, potentially contributing to aiding the club’s attempts to increase their offensive output.
He also completed more interceptions per 90 than Onana and Garner, whilst making more tackles per 90 than his compatriot – showcasing he has the ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.
The rumoured £5m fee for Brownhill’s services would be a phenomenal deal, with the 29-year-old having the ability to transform the club’s midfield.
Whilst he may not provide the presence of Onana, his ability to regain possession and cause a problem in the final third could allow him to follow in the Belgian’s footsteps and be a huge hit at Goodison.
Bid pending: Everton plot late move for £15m star who has shades of Gordon
The Toffees desperately need attacking reinforcements before Friday’s deadline.