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Nuno Santo finally appears to have cracked the code. After a minor thought of relegation, Wolves have now tasted defeat just once in their last six Premier League outings.With this season being somewhat of a write-off, though, they can already start preparing for next term.

What’s the word?

Part of the preparation for next season will be considering who they should and shouldn’t sign in the transfer market during the summer.

One name that’s been linked in the last few days is young defender Odilon Kossounou. The Club Brugge centre-back has been attracting the eyes of Wolves but it’s thought that Inter and AC Milan are also chasing his signature.

The youngster is supposedly rated at around £20m so would be fairly costly for a player of his stature in the game. That being said, Jeff Shi isn’t afraid to spend money on potential. After all, Wolves shelled out £35.6m on teenager Fabio Silva last summer.

Upgrade for Wolves

One of the Old Gold’s biggest problems this season has been in defence. As of the beginning of February, they had kept just a solitary clean sheet in the league since October.

However, they have finally begun to find some sort of remedy, keeping three shut outs in their last four outings. That being said, with Nuno tinkering with a three-man and four-man defensive shape, there is still work to be done in improving what has been a shaky backline.

Perhaps the addition of Kossounou in the summer window would help. Standing at 6 foot 2, he’s a sizeable object to get past and consequently, is a defensive brute. For instance, he is one of the best tacklers of the ball in the Jupiler Pro League.

In Belgium’s top tier this season, the 20-year-old has a tackle success rate of 87%. For context, that betters Romain Saiss, who has managed to succeed with only 55% of his tackles in comparison.

Kossounou is also better in the air than Wolves’ Moroccan centre-half, winning 57% of his aerial battles compared to Saiss’ 46%.

Although the Brugge defender is impressive on the ground, he’s also technically adept – just look at the assist he claimed last month against Cercle Brugge.

Clearly, he’s got excellent vision and for a Premier League defender, Kossounou’s link-up passing would rank at an impressive 81 out of 99 according to Smarterscout’s ratings. They have a video-game-like ratings system where they accumulate a host of stats to work out player abilities.

Possessing a success rate of 85% in terms of his passing, he’s adept at bringing the ball out from the back and with that in mind, he’d certainly suit the style of play Nuno likes to operate with.

With problems at the back one of the brunt of Wolves’ problems this term, signing someone as stern in the challenge as Kossounou would undoubtedly help their cause.

AND in other news, Forget Jose: Wolves should have signed 18-goal Mendes client instead, he’s an “entertainer”…

After taking home all three points against Leeds United, Aston Villa are back in Premier League action as they take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Wednesday evening.

Dean Smith’s side secured a huge win against fellow top-six chasing contenders Leeds thanks to a goal from Anwar El Ghazi, and will be confident of securing back-to-back triumphs when they face the top-flight’s bottom club tonight.

One major injury concern for Smith was the fitness of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who appeared to be struggling with a groin problem during the game against the Whites at the weekend.

Now, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has confirmed that Martinez will be fit for the clash against the Blades tonight, revealing: “The goalkeeper is fit for the game despite a problem with his groin in the 1-0 win over Leeds United at the weekend.

“Martinez had to take painkillers to get him through the last outing and also called on his centre-halves to take the goal-kicks. Smith confirmed this morning that he will play at Bramall Lane.”

News of Martinez’s availability will be of a major relief for Smith, with the Argentine shot-stopper playing a crucial role in Villa’s rise up the table this season – his tally of 13 clean sheets in the Premier League is only bettered by Manchester City’s Ederson.

The £16.2m-rated gem has been a transfer revelation for Villa since joining from fellow Premier League side Arsenal, so having their number one shot-stopper all ready to go for today’s game against the Blades will surely have Smith buzzing.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a summer move for this “talismanic” striker…

Mike Ashley can strive to quell the emerging turmoil at Newcastle United by appointing assistant coach Graeme Jones as Steve Bruce’s immediate replacement.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, several members of the Magpies first-team want Jones to replace Bruce at the helm, believing that the former Luton Town manager gives them their best chance of avoiding relegation.

United currently sit three points clear of the drop zone but will enter the weekend inside the bottom three, should 18th-placed Fulham pull off an upset and beat London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night.

Things behind the scenes are rapidly starting to fall apart, as well, with Bruce involved in a training ground bust-up with Matt Ritchie on Tuesday after the 60-year-old allegedly shoulder-barged the ex-Scotland international after Ritchie allegedly called his head coach a “coward”.

Bruce is also claimed to have told the winger “after all I’ve done for you,” to which Ritchie responded with a few choice words.

The incident was sparked following Bruce’s comments to the media on Saturday, in which he blamed Ritchie for not passing on instructions of a change in formation before Wolves scored their equalising goal.

Ritchie was furious with being thrown under the bus, alongside Joelinton, Martin Dubravka and Jamal Lewis, and wished to thrash out his displeasure after the game but Bruce would not speak to the 31-year-old until training on Tuesday – which created further frustration.

Several players reportedly no longer trust Bruce and want Jones appointed as head coach until the end of the season, due to a growing feeling of resentment towards Bruce after teammates sided with Ritchie.

Should Ashley appoint Jones?

Clearly, the situation at Darsley Park is as bleak as it likely has ever been under Bruce, with players also said to have been “disgusted” at how news of Dubravka ousting Karl Darlow appeared in the media 72 hours before Bruce informed the goalkeeper of his benching.

With players also growing frustrated at Bruce for passing the blame onto them rather than taking responsibility for results, it surely has to be time for Ashley to step in and relieve the boyhood Newcastle fan of his responsibilities.

It has been claimed that Ashley will remain hands-off as long as United stay out of the drop zone, but that can no longer be the case, and Jones – who former Toon defender Steve Howey exclusively told FFC is a “very good organiser” – should be promoted from the assistant role he took up in January.

As well as allegedly having the backing of some of the dressing room already, Jones has frequently been acknowledged for his man-management skills and ability to get players on side in difficult circumstances.

“With him, it’s very easy… if he does not like you, he tells you straight to your face and this is very important,” Kevin Mirallas, who worked with Jones at Everton and Belgium told Chronicle Live. “Some assistants do this job well; some do not. I know this guy very well and he’s a very good person.”

Former Toffees midfielder Leon Osman also claimed: “Bonner would tell you what he wanted you to do but if the standard wasn’t up to what he expected, he would let you know in no uncertain terms.

“He expects that when you do anything on the field, you do it to the best of your ability – no passengers, no easy rides. On the flip side of that, I found he knew how to relate to people, and he knew how to relate to individuals.”

A character like Jones may be just who Newcastle need at the helm at a time of apparent crisis, it just remains to be seen if Ashley is willing to pay Bruce the seven-figure sum needed for his sacking.

AND in other news, an “absolutely awesome” titan has been tipped to quit Newcastle this summer…

According to an update by reliable club source ExWHUemployee, via West Ham News, the Hammers could look to overhaul their goalkeeping department either this summer or next summer, with main options Lukasz Fabianksi and Darren Randolph at the centre of growing injury concerns coupled with age.

Fabianski, who has made 89 appearances in all competitions for the Irons since signing from Swansea City in the summer of 2018 (Transfermarkt), is David Moyes’ number one choice between the sticks.

However, at 35 years old and with injury concerns mounting, ExWHUemployee claims the Poland veteran could make way for new blood either in this summer’s transfer window or next year.

The same goes for his deputy Randolph, who isn’t getting any younger himself at the age of 33.

Reacting to this update, dropping a wide array of opinions, some Hammers fans believe the change is long overdue, with others disclosing who they think West Ham should try to sign.

Find some of the best verdicts below.

West Ham fans flock to ExWHUemployee claim

“Yes it needs to happen. Randolph is liability now and we get scared when Fab gets injured”

Credit: @tonyclarke1

“Needs to be this summer we need decent back up to Fab”

Credit: @paulturner358

“I’ve said this before, can’t go at their age without consistent injuries like we’re seeing now… need a good keeper in their twenties”

Credit: @BillySullivan27

“Let’s hope this gets done properly this time, I’m sure it will. Was strange when we signed the 2 keepers in the same window. A backup keeper has to be good enough to be the number 1. Ours aren’t and we need to get it right. 2 top keepers to fight for a place”

Credit: @Deanoseabrook

“yessssss”

Credit: @brushheadd

“Pope should be our top summer target after a striker. If we get European football we should be his best option to move his career forward.”

Credit: @slayburn

“I never understood why we gave Randy three and a half year deal. We will do well to move him on. But Sam Johnstone would be my pic if WBA go down.”

Credit: @IanDeakin16

In other news: West Ham fans also responded to this club update, find out more here.

Harry Kane’s performance against Crystal Palace on Sunday evening was a testament to the world-class player that he’s become at Tottenham Hotspur, but it also serves as a reminder that without a trophy to his name, we could well see him depart the North London club at the end of this season.

The England international has spoken in the past about his desire to win trophies with Spurs but he is yet to make that personal breakthrough, despite contributing 212 goals and 46 assists for the club in just 323 appearances.

The Lilywhites’ last trophy came in the shape of a League Cup all the way back in 2008 under Juande Ramos, and they have an opportunity to replicate that success when they take on Manchester City in the League Cup final in April.

Jose Mourinho’s side are also still going strong in the Europa League too, so are in the running for two possible trophies this season.

Certainly, the Portuguese manager was brought in to bring success on the trophy front, and perhaps if he can win one of those two trophies this season, then it will be enough to convince the “world-class” Kane to stay.

However, with the likes of ManCity reportedly having a long-standing interest in him, it may really be make-or-break time for Spurs this season, as they need to begin to deliver success if they want to ensure that the 27-year-old finishes his career as a one-club man.

Sunday’s performance against Crystal Palace emphasises that Kane will not be short of suitors if he does decide to call quits on his time at Spurs, as he contributed two goals and two assists against Roy Hodgson’s side, including a stunning goal from outside the box, with SofaScore awarding him a 10/10 for his performance.

Therefore, with Kane now at the peak of his powers, you certainly wouldn’t blame him if he wanted to leave Spurs in search of regular trophies and Champions League football, which puts a huge amount of pressure on Mourinho to deliver some success at the North London club this season.

And, in other news… Spurs handed big transfer blow in hopes of signing “very confident” beast who could’ve replaced Dier

Rangers look set for a big summer ahead of next season, with the Ibrox outfit no doubt preparing to retain the title, whilst also hoping to give a good showing of themsevles in the Champions League.

If the Gers want to push on as a club, then they should perhaps focus on getting rid of some of the deadwood around Ibrox and unfortunately for 22-year-old Jamie Barjonas, that includes him.

The midfielder has made just nine appearances for Rangers in his career thus far but hasn’t featured since 2017, and has endured some disappointing loan spells away from the club in the seasons since.

Barjonas is a product of the Rangers youth academy and made his senior debut for the club as an 18-year-old in May 2017 under Pedro Caixinha, in a 2-1 win against Partick Thistle.

He joined Bury on loan for the 2018/19 League Two season but was limited to just eight appearances in all competitions under Ryan Lowe and was recalled in January before being sent to Raith Rovers on loan.

Barjonas was something of a regular with the Scottish League One side and seemingly impressed, registering two goals and three assists in 19 appearances.

However, this was clearly not enough to see him come back into the Rangers senior side, as after some more appearances for the academy side, he was sent out on loan again, this time to Partick Thistle, where he made just five appearances last season.

Unfortunately for the young midfielder, he hasn’t made a single senior appearance during this campaign and it seems clear that he is never going to make it as a regular at Rangers.

The 22-year-old’s contract with the club is set to expire at the end of this season and therefore, Ross Wilson should ensure that he definitely leaves Ibrox, as no appearances in the last four years really speaks for itself.

With Rangers taking their performances to another level this season, he is never likely to get muc, if any, game time under Steven Gerrard.

Certainly, you could argue that the youngster has been stealing a wage with Rangers for the past few seasons, as he hasn’t been able to have any impact whatsoever, but hopefully, he can find regular football with another club should he leave Ibrox at the end of the season.

And, in other news… Rangers could be set for huge boost on £7.5k beast Gerrard dubbed “world-class”

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who scored 34 Premier League goals during his career, believes Newcastle United fans are wild but in a positive way because they love their club no matter what.

It comes after Graeme Souness said Newcastle fans were “wild” and “demand success”, and that becoming the manager on Tyneside would send you to the “managerial graveyard”. However, Lee knows the problems are out of every manager’s control.

Mike Ashley is currently onto his ninth permanent manager since buying the club in 2007, overseeing two relegations in that time, and Lee believes the owner is the main problem at Newcastle and nobody will succeed in the dugout until he sells the club.

He told Football FanCast:

“I think the fans are wild but in a good way because when you go to St James’ Park, certainly when I played there, they were fanatical. That’s what I love about Newcastle fans because they love their club. They go week-in-week-out even when things are not great, but everyone knows they hate the owner.

“It has been a sort of graveyard since Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson left because everybody since those two has failed. People say ‘why are they failing?’, and it’s because the club is not run well.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/rob-lee-exclusive-newcastle-united-premier-league-steve-bruce” title=”Exclusive! Rob Lee’s thoughts on Newcastle”]

“Everyone can blame Steve and he’s got to take some of the blame because Newcastle shouldn’t be where they are. However, everyone knows who the main culprit is and the fact is we’ve got an owner that doesn’t really want to be there and he’s not going to put any money into the club.”

In the last transfer window, Mike Ashley sanctioned just one deal as Joe Willock arrived on deadline day on loan from Arsenal, despite Newcastle needing to improve in numerous areas of the pitch.

Newcastle have been involved in a long and drawn-out takeover saga involving Amanda Staveley and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which is due to go through arbitration in the coming months.

Rangers have been linked with a move for IF Elfsborg centre-back Joseph Okumu recently and if the 23-year-old were to join Steven Gerrard’s side, it could prove to be the end of George Edmundson’s time at Ibrox.

According to Football Insider, Rangers are considering a move for the Kenyan international after it emerged that both Leicester City and Aston Villa were interested in signing Filip Helander ahead of next season.

The £1.08 million-rated defender has established himself as a regular in Sweden since joining from USA side Real Monarchs, having made 34 appearances in all competitions.

However, even if the young centre-back joins as the Swedish international’s replacement, you still worry that the added competition could bring an end to Edmundson’s Rangers career, especially after his underwhelming loan spell at Derby County this season.

After breaking lockdown restrictions in November, Gerrard sent the former Oldham Athletic man on loan to the Championship in January, although he has struggled to make much of an impression thus far, averaging a 6.7 rating across his six league appearances for Wayne Rooney’s side.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Since joining Rangers from Oldham in the summer of 2019, Edmundson has managed just 17 appearances for the Light Blues, in which he has contributed two goals and one assist.

Although he is just 23 and has plenty of time to develop, recent reports have suggested that Rangers have ‘internal doubts’ about him, so the potential arrival of Okumu could prove to be the catalyst for him leaving Ibrox.

Rangers already have the likes of Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Helander available at centre-back, whilst Nikola Katic should hopefully return from injury ahead of next season, which leaves little room for Edmundson in Gerrard’s squad, especially if Okumu makes the move to Ibrox too.

[freshpress-quiz id=“588789″]

Unless Edmundson can return to Rangers in the summer and seriously impress Gerrard, who was clearly not happy with him breaking restrictions, then you fear that his time at the club could come to an end.

And, in other news… Gerrard suffers potential blow with £10k-p/w “leader”, Wilson can’t be bullied

Celtic are intent on signing AC Milan’s Diego Laxalt permanently at the end of the season, according to a report from Italian outlet Tutto Mercato.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reported when the loan deal for the £57,000-a-week defender was struck back in October that Milan wanted a fee of around £9m to let him go for good.

Tutto Mercato claim that Celtic have been convinced by the Uruguayan’s performances and may now enter negotiations to drive down that price tag. A £9m deal would almost equal the club’s record outlay – they paid £9.27m to sign Odsonne Edouard from PSG in the summer of 2018 (via Transfermarkt).

How has Laxalt fared at Celtic?

Versatile left-back Laxalt has made 24 appearances this season and started all six of Celtic’s Europa League matches.

He has only scored one goal, but his numbers going forward are still reasonably good. He has averaged 1.1 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game; while going the other way, he boasts 1.7 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

Although ex-Hoops striker Chris Sutton said Laxalt hadn’t done enough over the season as a whole to ‘warrant a big fee’, the Uruguayan’s former manager Neil Lennon raved about his performances at Parkhead.

As per Daily Record, the ex-Celtic boss said of the 28-year-old: “Diego has been an excellent addition, a superb asset to the squad…He’s aggressive in his play and in his passing. I’ve been absolutely delighted with him.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

Laxalt has been decent at Celtic, but unless they can convince Milan to significantly lower their asking price, they shouldn’t pursue this deal.

It would be reckless to nudge transfer records for a 28-year-old left-back in this market, particularly when they’ll have to come through three qualifying rounds just to secure Champions League group stage revenue.

In other news, Frank McAvennie is worried about this planned move.

Aston Villa defender Bjorn Engels is no longer in Dean Smith’s plans, with a summer exit now looking likely.

That’s according to a report from VoetbelKrant, cited by Birmingham Live, who claim that Royal Antwerp are in pole position to sign the 26-year-old.

Antwerp, who tried to sign the Belgian in January, are thought to be at the front of the queue for the centre-back.

Engels’ pricey Villa stint

Engels, who is on £55,000 per week at Villa Park, has made just 19 appearances in the Midlands following his £7.2m move from Stade Reims in 2019.

That works out at £379,000 per appearance, and it seems as if his disappointing stay in England will come to an end over the next few months.

Transfer Tavern take

Engels’ Transfermarkt valuation has plummeted from £10.8m to £3.6m over the last 16 months, and a summer exit would certainly seem to be the right decision.

He hasn’t made a Premier League appearance this season, with Smith mainly using Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa as a central defensive partnership.

Kortney Hause is another centre-back who appears to be above Engels in the pecking order, and Villa’s task now is to try and recoup as much of the £7.2m they paid for the Belgian two years ago as they can.

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to transfer update on Jack Grealish, find out more here.