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Alex Crook has revealed a fresh development in West Bromwich Albion’s potential appointment of Steve Bruce.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the talkSPORT journalist revealed that, alongside the 61-year-old, Alex Bruce and Stephen Clemence also look set to join the Albion coaching staff upon the appointment of the former Newcastle United manager.

In his post, Crook said: “Understand Alex Bruce could be part of dad Steve’s WBA backroom team having recently completed his coaching badges. Stephen Clemence tends to be by his side at most clubs so would anticipate him coming too.”

Fans will be fuming

With Baggies fans appearing extremely unhappy at the prospect of Bruce being appointed as Valerien Ismael’s successor at The Hawthorns, the news that the veteran coach is planning on bringing his son into a coaching role at the club is sure to have left supporters fuming.

Indeed, in two polls ran on Football FanCast in recent days, West Brom fans first proved that they do not think the 61-year-old would be a good choice as the club’s next manager, before revealing in a second poll that the reasoning behind this is due to Bruce’s style of football.

As such, when adding into the mix the likely arrival of Alex Bruce as part of the Baggies’ new first-team coaching staff, there will undoubtedly be questions raised about the former Birmingham City and Aston Villa manager’s reasoning for appointing a completely inexperienced coach to help train a squad that is chasing promotion to the Premier League this season.

Indeed, with Albion fans not best pleased with Bruce’s impending arrival in the first place, the former Manchester United centre-back’s son also making a move to The Hawthorns is not likely to make matters any better for Albion supporters.

In other news: “I’m told…”: Sky Sports journo reveals WBA want 41 y/o boss, fans will be buzzing

Celtic’s Tom Rogic should be available for Sunday’s SPFL clash with Aberdeen, according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin. 

The Lowdown

Celtic will be looking to bounce back from Thursday’s Europa League defeat against Bayer Leverkusen, which knocked out of the competition, when they host The Dons.

Rogic has missed Celtic’s last five matches in all competitions as a result of the hamstring injury he sustained against Hibernian at the end of October (via Transfermarkt).

Manager Ange Postecoglou has raved about his ‘brilliant’ compatriot and the ‘extra special qualities that he brings’.

The Latest

Addressing a supporter in The Athletic’s matchday discussion on Thursday night, Devlin wrote that, while Rogic wasn’t ‘ready’ to face Leverkusen, he thinks he ‘should be for Sunday’.

The Verdict

What do the stats say about Rogic’s importance to Celtic? Well he’d started six of the last seven league games prior to his injury, suggesting he’d established himself as a key man under Postecoglou.

He also stands out in the squad because of his dribbling ability. He’s averaging 2.3 successful dribbles per 90 minutes and his nearest challenger (with more than three starts) is Jota on 1.3.

More generally, it’s crucial that Postecoglou has plenty of options at his disposal between now and the end of the year. Celtic are due to play 10 games in 34 days during that period.

In other news, this trio were Celtic’s poorest performers against Leverkusen.

West Ham United could discover their next Carlos Tevez this January amid interest in Darwin Nunez.

Portuguese newspaper Record mooted the Irons with interest in the Benfica talisman earlier this week (as relayed by Sport Witness), though there is fierce competition for his signature from many of Europe’s elite. The likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan are among the teams listed by the report.

Currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old would be a mighty fine addition to the Hammers, who are on a massive upward trajectory, having made the knockout stages of the Europa League and remain challenging for a place inside the Premier League’s top four.

The six-cap Uruguay international is averaging a goal every 86 minutes across the Eagles’ major competitions this season – that’s 11 goals in 15 appearances, building substantially on last season’s total of 14 goals in 44 games, per Transfermarkt.

Nunez has been compared to the likes of Luis Suarez and Alvaro Morata, a pair of strikers who have had differing success in the English top-flight in the past, whilst the young forward has been dubbed a “complete forward” and a “poacher” by scout Jacek Kulig.

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The Hammers have endured some pretty tragic strikers over the years and the need for a new addition to provide the perfect foil to Michail Antonio is paramount this winter.

Given his poaching and evident goalscoring capabilities, West Ham’s head of recruitment Rob Newman could well stumble across their next Carlos Tevez, who joined Upton Park as a relatively unknown star in Europe, having never played outside of Argentina or Brazil at that point.

In some ways, there are similarities to be had with the 6 foot 2 Nunez, who went from Uruguayan giants Penarol to Spanish second-tier outfit Almeria and then to Benfica in 2020, so he has yet to make the step into a major league.

Not only would the east Londoners be getting a quite outstanding solution to their striker search nightmare, but also a potential future star who could go onto big, big things in the game, also being lauded as having “world-class potential.”

The Irons must win the coveted race for Nunez this January.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops exciting update on West Ham’s striker hunt…

Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Rangers star Glen Kamara as Steven Gerrard looks for reinforcements in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to TEAMtalk, the Gers are contemplating making a big sale next month after failing to make it out of the Champions League group stages, with Kamara among those players potentially being allowed to go.

And, the report adds that it’s Villa are who are currently at the front of the queue for the Finland international as Gerrard plots to reunite with his former midfielder at Villa Park.

Forget Nakamba

With Marvelous Nakamba ruled out through injury, Villa are in real need of a midfielder who can play that anchorman role, and in Kamara they can find someone who Gerrard knows very well indeed from his time at Ibrox.

The Villa boss dubbed Kamara as a “class act” following an impressive display against in a Scottish Cup win over Kilmarnock, and will be well aware of how to get the best out of him should he sign him for Villa.

And, Neil McCann, Kamara’s former manager at Dundee, said: “He looks small but he’s strong and he’s a playmaker. When Rangers signed Glen, I sat there thinking he would smash it. Glen will end up back in the English Premier League. I’ve no doubts about that.”

McCann added: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect. He’s a special talent.

“He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

The 40-cap Kamara could be exactly what Villa need in midfield, and with McCann saying that the Finn will end up back in the English top flight – he was once on the books at Arsenal – Villa Park could be an ideal destination for him.

Meanwhile, Villa could sign a new Gareth Barry in this star…

Manchester United travel to Italy on Thursday for a crunch UEFA Europa League last-16 tie against AC Milan.

The two teams find themselves level following the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last week but with Stefano Pioli’s men scoring an away goal, the onus is really on the Red Devils.

Having played just four days ago, and with an FA Cup quarter-final creeping up this weekend, will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer be tempted to make any changes to his starting line-up?

Considering the importance of the tie, there might only be two alterations to the Man Utd XI and they will be in line with Solskjaer’s normal changes for Europa League matches.

Dean Henderson should remain in between the sticks with David De Gea only recently returning to action.

However, two changes should occur in front of him. Alex Telles has started all but two of the Red Devils’ European games so will likely replace £19.8m-rated Luke Shaw once again, despite the left-back currently being in excellent form.

Meanwhile, after sitting out the first leg, Victor Lindelof may also be swapped out for fellow centre-back Eric Bailly.

Despite that, the backline should remain otherwise the same.

Midfielders Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba have handed Solskjaer huge boosts in their returns to fitness. However, having both been out for a considerable amount of time, they may be only afforded places on the bench, meaning Scott McTominay and Fred will once again be the Red Devils’ midfield pairing.

The attack meanwhile should have a very familiar look to it. Bruno Fernandes is likely to be flanked by Marcus Rashford and Daniel James. Owing to Edinson Cavani’s continued fitness problems, Mason Greenwood will continue in the centre-forward role.

AND in more news, read why the Red Devils have to make a move for Sporting CP’s Pedro Goncalves…

Everton loanee Moise Kean wants to stay at Paris Saint-Germain and hopes the club will do ‘everything’ to make the deal happen, according to Le10 Sport.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan in the French capital after a difficult first season at Goodison Park. The Blues signed the Italian striker for an initial fee of £25.1m, but he managed only two goals in 33 appearances in all competitions in his first year on Merseyside.

He has been a player transformed at PSG, scoring 15 times. In fact, he is averaging a goal every 121 minutes this season (via Transfermarkt).

The report added that Juventus are keen to bring him back to Turin, but Kean has his heart set on remaining at the Parc des Princes. However, Everton are apparently proving to be ‘very greedy’ over the transfer fee.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, the 21-year-old is worth between €70m and €90m. When averaged out and converted to sterling, that’s a full £68.7m.

Here’s what some Everton supporters, replying to a tweet from fan feed The Toffee Blues, made of this latest update.

These Blues demand hardball over Moise Kean

“This is where Brands needs to earn his corn. Took an age, perhaps understandably, to get rid of the dead wood but got nothing for them. Now we’ve got a prize asset who’s done brilliantly on loan. He should be getting £60m+. Will he? Or will we see a repeat loan or daft £15m fee?”

Credit: @rlfansSaddened

“So happy that this move has really worked for him. Wish it had happened for us but at least he’s found a home over there!”

Credit: @joshjball_

“Richest club in Europe, no favours please”

Credit: @leapfrog200

“Ahh well. Just make a profit and I don’t mind”

Credit: @HarryLeahy1

“Need to draw maximum value to Everton on such a deal !”

Credit: @rmaycock2

“Take the money & run… but he’s £60m minimum”

Credit: @five15design

“Bleed them for every penny you can get.”

Credit: @Everton1878Ste

“This is where we need to take a leaf out of Leicester’s book. We have asset we could sell for 40-50 million, and with the right scouting we can replace him with 2 young, quality players. Have no confidence in Everton to do good business though, if our record is anything to go by.”

Credit: @BainesOnToast96

In other news, Everton may be offered the chance to sign these two Juventus stars.

Journalist Phil Hay believes that Dan James will lead the line for Leeds United in their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Monday night.

The Lowdown: James’ resurgence under Marsch

Jesse Marsch’s men face another crucial game in their top-flight survival battle as they head south to take on the Eagles at Selhurst Park.

James has been used regularly by the Leeds manager since the American replaced Marcelo Bielsa, admittedly not yet scoring under the 48-year-old but providing lots of endeavour and registering two assists.

The former Manchester United man has often been used centrally by Marsch in the absence of Patrick Bamford, and that could be the case again when Leeds take on Palace.

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The Latest: Hay makes team news claim

Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic leading up to kick-off, Hay has backed James to lead the line for Leeds at Selhurst Park, on what feels like a crucial night in the relegation tussle. The journalist wrote:

“My gut feeling is it will be James up front again this evening – but maybe Marsch will surprise us.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Verdict: Big night for James

In truth, James has had a disappointing first season in a Leeds shirt, having become the club’s second-most expensive signing in history when he joined from their Mancunian rivals.

Four goals and four assists is still a reasonable effort in a struggling team, though, and it makes sense for him to continue in a central role on Monday night in the absence of Bamford.

If James could find the net decisively at Selhurst Park, it would be perhaps his biggest contribution yet in a Whites shirt as he looks to justify the £25m that Leeds paid for him last year.

In other news, Marsch is reportedly trying to bring one player to Leeds. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United have a lot of exciting prospects, one being Olly Casey, and Phil Hay has reported that the player could head out on a temporary move to build up some first-team experience.

Hay’s update on Casey

The journalist was asked if there was any transfer news around the club and he revealed that incomings are not expected this month, but Casey is “likely to leave on loan”.

This is a good idea for all parties

Former Whites star Noel Whelan spoke highly of the player when he told Football Insider: “He’s a young player with a lot of potential, and when you have that at a football club, it’s important because it’s an investment for the future.”

The 20 year-old centre-back is one that manager Marcelo Bielsa clearly wants to keep an eye on as he has given the player three appearances for the senior side (Transfermarkt).

Casey is reportedly attracting interest from many sides in the English Football League and if he could get consistent game time at such a level it would be great for his growth.

Not only would it be good for the defender, but also for Bielsa as he can see how he gets on at such a level and if he has the potential to succeed in the Premier League in the future.

In other news, find out whose return from injury has been deemed ‘massive’ here!

An encouraging update has emerged in West Ham United’s mooted pursuit of Patson Daka this week…

What’s the word?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, the Irons haven’t given up hope of securing the RB Salzburg sensation despite interest from sister club RB Leipzig.

Back in January, the East London outfit were originally linked to the 22-year-old following the departure of Sebastien Haller, who departed for Ajax in a £20m deal, as per the Mirror.

Now it appears that David Moyes seems keen to revisit the target when the transfer window reopens this summer, though any move could cost the Hammers in the region of £25m.

Perfect striker?

It’s well-known that West Ham will look to sign another forward to bolster Moyes’ frontline this summer and Daka would certainly be some statement.

The Irons have every chance of securing him now, too, having qualified for the Europa League, which will make them an instantly move attractive destination for many of their targets.

Since the turn of the year, the Scotsman has only been able to call upon the injury-prone Michail Antonio to lead his line but his profile could provide clues into the sort of striker that he wants to sign.

Daka has to be amongst the most perfect of options.

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“He is a modern centre-forward, quick, capable of working hard and making the difference because he is skilful and has good movement,” suggested ex-Zambia head coach Herve Renard.

Whilst he has earned lofty comparisons to Premier League great, Thierry Henry.

“When I saw Patson Daka, what came into my mind is this guy is the next Thierry Henry – and in no time he has proved it,” once claimed his former Power Dynamos manager Dan Kabwe before further adding: “He is an intelligent boy and full of talent.”

The £18m-rated marksman has been in electrifying form this campaign, providing a whopping 34 goals and 12 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

That’s one direct goal contribution every game, or once every 63 minutes.

Daka also works incredibly hard off the ball, drawing further inspiration to why he might be a perfect fit under Moyes. He averaged 1.2 tackles per game across both European competitions this term, via WhoScored. And despite it being a small sample size, it is a significant feat for a centre-forward.

By comparison, Antonio averaged 0.3 tackles per league game this term, and he’s considered to be a big workhorse in this current side, so Daka’s returns speak volumes.

This has even been reinforced by his current boss Jesse Marsch, who claimed: “He is a great lad on and off the pitch, he is hardworking and he is a little fast. It’s a just lot of fun working with him and I hope he continues with this development he has a lot of potential, he is just a fantastic player.”

A player of this calibre would surely have no problem in adapting to the fast pace of the Premier League and in beating Leipzig, Sullivan and co could land themselves a masterclass.

They must sanction a £25m move for the prolific marksman this summer.

AND in other news, David Moyes set to receive major West Ham transfer boost, claims insider…

Many Everton fans have been left to bemoan a transfer update from Fabrizio Romano on Max Aarons.

Replying to a Toffees supporter when asked if the Norwich City ace was going to Goodison Park, the Italian football journalist and transfer guru claimed: ‘No chance’.

Just last month, Romano had stated that the Merseyside club were ‘leading the race’ to sign Aarons, and that advanced talks were ‘progressing’.

It has left several Blues wondering what has happened between then and now, as it looks as if they will have to start pursuing other targets in the right-back area.

Playing in all but one game for the Canaries in the EFL Championship in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), Aarons was certainly a key player in getting them promoted back up to the Premier League, and at just 21 years of age, the Englishman would have been an ideal long-term successor to 32-year-old Seamus Coleman.

Everton fans on Aarons transfer update

These EFC fans were left to bemoan the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter:

“I’VE SEEN IT AND I’M SAD”

Credit: @PaigeyEFC

“Our season is over before it even started”

Credit: @whoisparadox

“Noooooooooooooo”

Credit: @efcowen1

“Sigh”

Credit: @SP0RTSEDlTS

“Pain.”

Credit: @LiamAnderson66

“Another joke Everton should have wrapped up months ago, end up going to Tottenham this kid”

Credit: @CallumCarroll

In other news, find out which player Toffees are pleading to sign here!