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Sunderland return to competitive action on Wednesday night as they host Manchester United’s under-23 side at the Stadium of Light in the EFL Trophy.

The Black Cats won their opening match in the group last time out, beating fellow League One outfit Lincoln 2-1 away from home last week. Meanwhile, United have won one and lost one of their two matches in the competition, with Sunderland able to move above the Red Devils in their group with a win on Wednesday.

One player who Lee Johnson must unleash against the under-23 Premier League side is young forward Stephen Wearne.

The 20-year-old whizz kid made his senior bow against Lincoln as he came off the bench and scored the crucial second goal for the Black Cats. He came on for Ellis Taylor and played out wide on the right, marking his debut with a special goal which will surely live in his memory for a long time.

Speaking after the game, Wearne explained how much the goal meant to him. He said: “I was delighted to make my debut, it was a good team performance and obviously I’m happy to get the goal and with my family being here as well – my mum, my dad, my sister, and girlfriend – it was a special moment. I was delighted to score in front of the fans and it was a great feeling.

“I found out I was going to be in the squad the other day. The U23s had a game on Monday and I was told I was only going to play 45 minutes and then be on the bench on Tuesday. There was a possibility I might come on so I was just raring to go and excited to play and even more happy to get the goal.”

Taylor, who Wearne replaced, endured a difficult night against Lincoln as he lost half of his duels and gave away possession of the ball 11 times from just 28 touches. He also failed with both of his attempted crosses and did not attempt a single dribble, which is why Johnson must now unleash Wearne from the start against Manchester United’s under-23s.

In just 28 minutes, Wearne completed 10 of his 12 attempted passes and scored a goal to showcase his quality in the final third. This shows that he has the quality to be a game-changer for Sunderland, as he was able to find the back of the net at senior level, which means that he could score important goals to help Johnson’s side secure valuable points in the league and the EFL Trophy.

Therefore, the Black Cats boss should select him from the start on Wednesday night to see if he can replicate his Lincoln performance over the course of 90 minutes.

A big Rangers transfer claim has emerged on Alfredo Morelos and his future in Glasgow…

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has tipped the Colombian to be the subject of interest from clubs south of the border this summer. The attacker is set to miss the rest of the season through injury and O’Rourke believes that the Gers fans may not see him in action again.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It could be a real possibility that we have seen the last of Morelos in a Rangers shirt. We’ve had speculation about his future every transfer window since he’s been at the club.

“He’s scored goals again in Europe, which is going to attract interest from teams in the Premier League and across Europe, and he will not be short of offers in the summer because of his goalscoring record.”

Van Bronckhorst will be terrified

This update will surely leave the Ibrox head coach scared, as losing Morelos would be a gigantic blow to his side ahead of next season.

The prolific goalscorer has been crucial to the Gers this term and his exit would take a huge attacking threat away from the team.

In the current Premiership campaign prior to his injury, he scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 25 starts whilst averaging a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.32. He created two chances per game and nine ‘big chances’ for his team-mates as he showed that he can be a regular scorer and provider from the number nine position.

Earlier this year, Van Bronckhorst hailed the striker’s intelligence on the pitch as he said: “I think Morelos is doing really well in finding the moments to be available as a target man but also keep his threat in the 18-yard box, because that is where he is very dangerous. I think his knowledge of when to come or when to stay away is getting better and better.”

Morelos has also excelled in the Europa League, in which he scored four goals in eight starts to help the Gers on their way through the competition, with Van Bronckhorst’s men now set to face RB Leipzig in the first leg of the semi-finals this week.

His superb statistics domestically and in Europe illustrate how important he has been for Rangers and why losing him would leave a significant hole in the squad. There is no guarantee that Ross Wilson will be able to adequately replace him, and that is why the Dutch head coach will now be scrambling to convince the Colombian to stay at Ibrox.

AND in other news, Sold at £5m: Wilson had a huge Rangers howler on “perfect” 23 y/o Aribo heir…

Everton’s first victory since 25 September on Monday night steadied the ship on Merseyside, but the club remains firmly in a state of transition and disorder.

What’s the story?

Ahead of their crucial clash with Arsenal, it was announced that former director of football Marcel Brands had departed the Toffees, citing “a clear difference in the vision and direction” that he and the board wanted to take the club in.

The Dutchman followed Sarvar Ismailov out of the Goodison Park exit door, leaving Chairman Bill Kenwright, chief executive officer Denise Barrett-Baxendale and finance chief Grant Ingles as the only remaining board members.

Upon Brands’ departure, it was revealed via a club statement that a “strategic review of the football structure” will take place at Everton, and the Liverpool ECHO reporter Phil Kirkbride has provided an update on the situation.

He wrote: “Everton are planning to find two new board members following the departures of Marcel Brands and Sarvar Ismailov. And the ECHO understands that further additions to the Goodison top table have not been ruled out.”

Moshiri must axe Bill Kenwright

News that big changes are not expected at Everton will leave large sections of the club’s supporters extremely concerned and may have some calling for more of the hierarchy to depart, given their extensive failings in recent years.

According to TransferLeague, the Toffees have the third-highest net spend on transfers in the Premier League over the last five years, with their £275m outlay only falling behind Manchester United and Manchester City.

However, they have not had the results or any silverware to show for it. In that time, Everton have finished seventh, eighth twice, 10th and 12th, highlighting their huge underperformance both on and off the pitch.

The Blues’ fanbase has been growing ever-more frustrated with the club’s chiefs in recent weeks, unfurling a banner against them at Brentford and chanting ‘sack the board’ during the Merseyside before hosting a walk-out in protest on Monday.

And it’s Kenwright who appears to be taking the majority of the flack. Journalist Richard Buxton highlighted why in a recent tweet, questioning what the 76-year-old actually does behind the scenes.

He wrote: “What is Bill Kenwright’s defined role as Everton chairman? Yes, he’s involved in the day-to-day running but when it comes to the high-ranking decisions (managers, transfers etc) Moshiri’s autonomy renders him little more than a legacy figure with a fancy title.”

Therefore, despite Everton languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, owner Farhad Moshiri ought to be wielding the axe upstairs once more rather than putting extra pressure on manager Rafa Benitez.

The Merseyside outfit’s issues run far deeper than the person sitting in the dugout on a Saturday afternoon, and unless extensive changes are made, their issues are likely to continue for many years yet.

And, in other news…Rafa must seal EFC swoop for “complete” £51k-p/w beast who plays like Platini & Zidane 

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Arthur Cabral to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by Goal Brazil, who claim that David Moyes and his West Ham transfer team are set to make an offer for the FC Basel centre-forward this Thursday, with the Swiss Super League side believed to be commanding a figure in the region of €15m (£12.5m) in order to part with the 23-year-old this month.

The report goes on to state that the Brazil international is demanding a salary of €2.5m-per-year (£2m-per-year) in wages – roughly £40k-per-week – following a potential switch to East London, while it is also claimed that Barcelona and Newcastle United are two further clubs pursuing a deal for the forward in the current transfer window.

Cabral can finally replace Haller

Considering just how impressive Cabral has been in Switzerland so far this season, it would appear an extremely wise move for Moyes to do all he can to secure a deal for the FC Basel centre-forward this month.

Indeed, over his 18 Super League appearances in the current campaign, the £13.5m-rated striker has already scored a whopping 14 goals, registered four assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 4.2 shots and making 1.2 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who Jacek Kulig dubbed a “machine” average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.49, ranking the 23-year-old as the second-best player in the entirety of the Swiss top flight.

However, it is not only domestically that Cabral has been impressing, as the former Palmeiras hitman has bagged a further five goals over his six appearances in the Europa Conference League, in addition to averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.35 in the competition.

Further still, the Brazilian also scored eight goals and registered four assists over Basel’s six Europa Conference League qualifying fixtures – taking his total haul for the season to an astonishing 27 strikes and eight assists in just 31 appearances in all competitions.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Cabral is undoubtedly the man to finally replace Sebastien Haller as Michail Antonio’s primary competition for the centre-forward spot at the London Stadium, with the 23-year-old looking to be a contender for the bargain of the season if he is indeed available for just £12.5m this month, as has been reported.

In other news: “I doubt…”: ExWHUemployee reveals big transfer twist that will have WHU fans buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur was at least three additions before transfer deadline day on January 31st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to ever-reliable Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel, who delivered an exciting claim to GIVEMESPORT this week.

“My understanding is that Conte wants a new right wing-back, he wants a new striker to supplement [Harry] Kane and a central midfielder,” he said. “Whether they can do all of those, I’m not sure they will, but that’s what they’re aiming for.”

One name heavily linked with the north London outfit has been Adama Traore, who fits the bill as their potential new right wing-back, though Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly knocked back Spurs’ initial offer of £15m this week.

Meanwhile, the Lilywhites could look to seal a move for AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie now, rather than the summer, when he’s out of contract at the San Siro.

Hugely exciting news

Spurs remain unbeaten under the Italian in the Premier League, which already displays the sort of magic he’s been able to pull off at Hotspur Way. However, he needs to be backed to truly elevate the club to the next level.

There have already been fears behind-the-scenes that he could walk should he not get such financial support during the transfer window. Not only is Conte dealing with injuries but largely, they lack the strength in depth that those in the top four possess.

The former Chelsea boss seemingly doesn’t trust summer signing Emerson Royal at right wing-back, particularly in the final third, so it’s easy to see why they are targeting Traore, who on his day is “unplayable” in the final third, according to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

And whilst the north Londoners are well-stocked in the engine room, it’s believed that Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli are free to leave and there isn’t much quality behind the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skip anyway.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-transfer-gossip-rumours-conte-paratici-levy-premier-league” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

As talented as he is, it’s rather telling that the 21-year-old gem has walked straight into the starting XI after a loan spell in the Championship last season.

Then there is the striker issue – it’s a catch-22 for Spurs. They need an alternative to Kane but no one in their right mind will want to play second fiddle to him. Although, there’s a chance that Conte reverts to his title-winning tactics at Inter Milan, where he played two up top.

Either way, this exciting revelation from Mokbel should leave much of the Lilywhites faithful absolutely buzzing heading into the final ten days of the transfer window.

It’s time for chairman Daniel Levy to open the chequebook. They now have a world-class manager capable of giving this club the silverware they are desperately craving but he needs to be backed, starting with this current window.

AND in other news, “Tottenham will”: Sky Sports reporter issues “exciting” transfer claim…

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Loads of Leeds fans have been reacting to a shocking deadline day revelation, as their deal for Swansea attacker Daniel James fell through at the last minute.

Leeds fans have been absolutely desperate to sign James this month as they look to improve the depth in an injury-hit squad.

However, the deal is 100 per cent off, as reported by Phil Hay, after the Swans quite literally stopped responding to Leeds’ calls.

The young winger was set to join on an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent move in the summer, reported The Yorkshire Evening Post on Thursday afternoon, but the turmoil at the south Wales club has clearly played its part.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

James, 21, can play in various positions across the attack, but is probably most comfortable on the left wing, where he was seen as the long-term successor for Pablo Hernandez.

The youngster scored eight goals and added 12 assists for Swansea’s Under-23 side before graduating to the senior side, where he has found the net three times and chipped in with four assists, per Transfermarkt.

Victor Orta has taken plenty of stick since he took over the transfer dealings at Elland Road, but the Spaniard surely can’t be blamed for this one, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Manchester United are still thinking whether or not to part ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Antonio Conte keen on the Old Trafford position, should it become available.

That’s according to reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano and, as to be expected, a number of United supporters have been reacting to the update on social media.

Solskjaer’s position as manager has been under major threat following the 5-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool on Sunday, which made it four defeats from seven in all competitions.

Romano has been providing the latest on the Norwegian’s future since the loss to Jurgen Klopp’s side and revealed that Conte now wants the Red Devils job.

The United hierarchy are still yet to make a decision on Solskjaer, though, who signed a new contract through to 2024 earlier this year.

United fans react

Romano’s late-night Twitter post on Monday had plenty of United fans talking. This is what some had to say in reply, with many hoping to see the back of Solskjaer and the arribval of Conte.

“Wow.. big news!”

Credit: @DesireMUFC

“Let me hear that sweet sweet phrase… Here we go”

Credit: @_chulat

“SIUUU GET OLE GAWNNN”

Credit: @LiamsUTD

“why is this so difficult for them just sack him already”

Credit: @itssofiiaaa

“Please get it over the line.”

Credit: @mufcfanzone4

“Wonderful NEWS, we’ll be waiting to hear from you Fab once they have made that decision”

Credit: @lincz45

Manchester United are attempting to hire their next manager to take control at Old Trafford this summer with Erik ten Hag the clear favourite for the challenging role, however a new update has emerged in another set-back for the club.

What’s the word?

According to Mail on Sunday’s Chief Writer, Rob Draper, Manchester United have now got some competition to secure the appointment of the Ajax boss.

In a report for the Daily Mail, Draper wrote that a leading Bundesliga club are also interested in hiring ten Hag this summer, and there are many issues that need to be resolved before he considers a move to Manchester at the end of the season.

Supporters will be fuming

Ten Hag has been the clear front runner and favourite to take over from Ralf Rangnick for weeks now, and losing the manager to another club this late in the process would be a devastating blow that would surely leave Man United supporters fuming and disappointed.

The Ajax boss was originally linked with the job leading up to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being sacked, but the manager committed himself to see out the season with his Dutch side, so after a long wait for the appointment it will be a widely unpopular outcome if the United board and the Glazers don’t seal the deal.

The Red Devils have had an abysmal season by their standards considering they finished second in the Premier League last season. They have crashed out of all competitions and will enter their longest trophy drought in 40 years, so the addition of a manager like ten Hag with a winning mentality is essential for bringing back trophies to the club.

He has won two Eredivisie titles and impressively took Ajax to a Champions League semi-final in 2019 to name just a few of ten Hag’s achievements at his current club, and the supporters of Man United will surely be desperate for him to emulate his success with their side too.

The powers at Old Trafford must do everything they can to keep the deal on the table with the 52-year-old manager as it would be a disaster to lose him to another club and go back to square one in their manager search.

In other news: Journo reveals what he’s heard from senior figures at MUFC on Ronaldo, it’s bad news

An update has emerged on Ivorian gem Ibrahim Sangare, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are keen on a deal to sign the PSV midfielder as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his Magpies squad in the coming weeks.

The report, however, does not state how far along a move is or how much the Eredivisie club want in return for his services.

Midfield beast

Howe can find the midfield beast his side has been lacking this season by securing a deal to sign Sangare from the Dutch giants in January.

He has been sublime for PSV this term and is producing performances that suggest he could be a huge asset for the Magpies in the Premier League. Sangare has averaged a brilliant WhoScored rating of 7.59 in the Eredivisie – making a whopping 5.6 tackles and interceptions whilst also producing 2.8 key passes and dribbles per game.

Meanwhile, Sean Longstaff’s 3.0 tackles and interceptions per game leads the way for Newcastle in the Premier League, with the academy graduate averaging 0.8 key passes and dribbles per match. This suggests that the Ivory Coast international would come in as a sizeable upgrade in the middle of the park as he is efficient from box to box and can dominate teams with his physical strength.

PSV head coach Roger Schmidt showered the midfield monster in praise earlier this season, saying:

“Ibrahim Sangaré is important in any system. It has nothing to do with a system. He has everything a central midfielder needs. He could already win balls, but now he makes better decisions and uses his ability to dribble. He had to hold the ball a little longer for that. Sometimes he is just unstoppable.

“He really grows into a very crucial player for us. He is better on the ball, makes fewer mistakes and plays forward more often. Last season he could be characterized as a player with quite a few lateral and backward passes during the game and that is a lot easier. Passing forward is more difficult, but you have to show that at the top level. He does that now.”

It is worth saying that it is impossible to guarantee that he will be able to translate his form over to the Premier League, but there is risk attached with every signing and Newcastle can only go off the sample size he has provided in the Netherlands.

His statistics and these quotes from Schmidt suggest that he could be a monster for Howe and the ex-Bournemouth boss must ensure that a deal gets done this month.

AND in other news, Howe can land NUFC’s new Andy Carroll in swoop for £72k-p/w beast who’s “Sheareresque”…

With Liverpool having lost Harvey Elliott to a serious ankle injury back in September, followed by Roberto Firmino picking up a hamstring injury earlier this month, it’s safe to say Jurgen Klopp has not had much luck when it comes to having all of his attacking options available to him this season.

With the latest international break underway, it seemed as though the Reds could have been struck with another injury issue to one of their key attacking players.

However, there has been a development that will surely be a big relief to everyone at the Merseyside club.

What’s the news?

After being forced off the pitch during Senegal’s recent World Cup qualifying clash with Togo after 28 minutes with a suspected injury, Senegal coach Aliou Cisse revealed that Mane’s injury is not a serious one and that he was taken off as a precaution, which should be great news for Klopp.

Given how the 29-year-old, who is currently valued at £76.5m according to Transfermarkt, has managed to score eight goals in 15 games across all competitions so far this season, this shows just how important he is to the team and why it will be a big relief that his injury, on this occasion, was not a serious one.

In addition to his goals, the winger has also managed to rack up an average of 3.4 shots at goal per game in the Premier League and an overall season rating of 7.24/10, making him Liverpool’s fourth-highest rated player according to WhoScored, highlighting how much of a vital figure he is for the club.

Moving forward, with Senegal set to play Congo on Sunday in their next World Cup qualifying match, everyone at Liverpool will undoubtedly be hoping that Mane will be able to get through this game unscathed and then return back to Merseyside ready to take on Arsenal when the Premier League returns later this month.

If Mane is fit to play against Mikel Arteta’s side, then he will surely give the Reds a better chance of securing a win against the north London club, who are on a good run of form at the moment, remaining unbeaten in their eight previous league games, having also conceded just one goal in their last three matches.

In other news: FSG could secure perfect Milner heir at Liverpool with “phenomenal” £58.5m-rated beast – opinion