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West Ham have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of their Europa League clash this evening…

What’s the latest?

The Hammers are expected to be without the services of right-back Vladimir Coufal for the next three matches due to an ongoing problem, according to club insiders Claret and Hugh.

He missed the weekend’s 1-0 win over Everton, having pulled out of his Czech Republic duties over the international break, and now it appears he will miss both the Genk game and the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

It is hoped that he could resume training next week but a clash with defending champions Manchester City may prove to be too soon for a return.

Speaking about the 29-year-old after the game on Sunday, the Irons boss said, via football.london.

“Vladimir has taken an injection he had a bit of discomfort in his pubis. He has had an injection in there, he got the injury in the Man United cup game and he has been carrying it for a few weeks.”

Huge blow

This will come as a massive setback to Moyes and West Ham.

Coufal missed their last Europa League game with what seemed like a knock but was able to return in the defeat to Brentford right before the break, though you could tell that he was far from 100% as he put in a disappointing display.

He was then not named in the squad to face the Toffees and according to the reliable insiders, he’s set to be out for the next three matches, which is certainly devastating as he is the clear first-choice option in the role.

The Irons have some important and tricky fixtures coming up, so to not have the £18m-rated right-back available is certainly gutting news.

His value to the side and their chances of success cannot be understated. He finished last season with the second-highest number of assists (seven), only behind fellow full-back Aaron Cresswell (eight).

That goes to show that Moyes’ wide department is a crucial creative cog in this system.

Furthermore, Coufal has been an absolute animal defensively, too – as per WhoScored, he averaged a squad-high 2.1 tackles per game and wasn’t far behind for interceptions (1.2 per game) either.

That form had continued into the current campaign, where he is averaging 2.1 tackles each outing once again.

Perhaps Jamie Carragher’s endorsement of him on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football last season truly hints at his influence, he said [4th May, 22:24pm]:

“We talk about [Tomas] Soucek, but Coufal whether it’s right wing-back or right full-back at different times, he’s just one of those players that’s 7/10 minimum every time you watch him play.

“He’s the type of player you’d love to play with him. A manager’s dream, never injured, he’s there week in week out.”

On the above evidence, this will be a frustrating development that is sure to leave Moyes hugely worried heading into some very important fixtures.

A win over Genk would keep up their 100% record in the Europa League, whilst matches against Spurs have always offered up goals and drama, and then there’s the small matter of Pep Guardiola’s City.

In an ideal world, Moyes would have loved to have Coufal available, so it’s a major blow to the Hammers.

AND in other news, Big call: Moyes must ruthlessly axe West Ham’s £10.8m-rated “complete beast” vs Genk…

Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes that Danny Ings could be one of the signings of the summer.

The 29-year-old made the switch to Aston Villa from Southampton in a deal worth £25m and put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Villa Park [BBC Sport].

Ings was in incredible form in front of goal at St Mary’s, scoring 46 goals for the Saints in 100 games. The striker opened his account on his debut for Aston Villa in the club’s 3-2 defeat at Watford before scoring a spectacular acrobatic goal against Newcastle United.

The transfer came out of the blue, as Ings had been linked with moves elsewhere but Hatfield believes he could be one of the signings of the summer, telling Football FanCast: “He’s probably one of the most clinical strikers in the league. When you consider other players in his position, you put Harry Kane ahead of him but other than that, who would you put really ahead of him in terms of a clinical striker in that 18-yard box?

“He’s been that good and if he can replicate that at Villa, then he could well be one of the signings of the summer.”

Villa have had a really good summer window, adding Leon Bailey, Axel Tuanzebe, Ashley Young, Emi Buendia and Danny Ings to their ranks and manager Dean Smith will be hoping that all his new signings gel as quickly as possible and Villa have another good season in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest will take on Arsenal in the FA Cup after the draw took place on Monday evening.

And a number of Forest fans have been giving their thoughts to the confirmed news on social media, delighted at the prospect of another ‘cupset’ like their clash with the Gunners in 2018.

Forest began their busy December schedule with a 2-0 win over Peterborough United on Saturday and still have five Championship fixtures to fulfil before attention can be turned to a meeting with Mikel Arteta’s side.

Forest and the north Londoners were the final two teams to be drawn, with the tie set to be scheduled between January 7-10.

Arsenal have won the FA Cup 14 times but were dumped out at the third round when they last visited the City Ground, losing 4-2 with right-back Eric Lichaj an unexpected hero for the Reds, scoring twice back in January ’18.

Forest fans react

Forest shared the news regarding the third-round tie on their official Twitter page. This is what these Reds supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘beautiful’ and others referencing Lichaj.

“Here we go……. coyr”

Credit: @bdosanjh_9

“JUST DO IT”

Credit: @Jose_J95

“beautiful”

Credit: @aamyy_xox

“Bring @EricLichaj back for 1 game only. Let’s do it again”

Credit: @Joel_Bryan1999

“Tasty”

Credit: @Timgledstone

“Love it”

Credit: @AWRads94

Glasgow Rangers are interested in a deal to bring Xavi Simons to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication AS, who claim that Ross Wilson and his Rangers transfer team have initiated talks with Mino Raiola regarding a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder – whose contract in Paris expires at the end of the current campaign.

The report goes on to state that Barcelona are also interested in a move for the Netherlands U19 international, however, Giovanni van Bronckhorst is hoping that the fact he is the 18-year-old’s compatriot will help to convince the wonderkid of a move to Ibrox, with Gers hopeful of securing a deal for the teenager in January.

He’s like Iniesta

Considering the sheer amount of potential Xavi Simons quite clearly possesses, it is undeniable that, should Wilson and Rangers be able to get a deal over the line for the midfielder in January, it would be a rather enormous coup for the Premiership side.

Indeed, a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, the attacking midfielder who has been compared in style to both Xavi and Andres Iniesta moved to PSG in the summer of 2019, making his debut for the Ligue 1 side as a 17-year-old earlier this year – with Railoa stating of the youngster: “Xavi Simons is a great player, young, with potential and a big future.”

Raiola is not the only one convinced of Simons’ ability, with Jonathan Mengeli stating his belief that the teenager “has everything to evolve at the highest level.”

It is easy to see why expectations are so high for the Dutchman, as, over his five appearances in the UEFA Youth League so far this season, the £450k-rated man has already scored two goals and registered a whopping five assists.

As such, it would very much seem as if Rangers should do all they can to secure a deal for the 18-year-old this winter, as the £8k-per-week attacker would not only be a transformative signing for the club this season, he would very much appear to possess the potential to become the cornerstone of van Bronckhorst’s Gers side for years to come.

In other news: Lost possession 14x: Rangers’ ineffective £20k-p/w dud who won just 1 duel failed GVB

Carlton Palmer believes Aston Villa will have to pay over the odds to capture James Ward-Prowse after receiving a big-money offer for Jack Grealish.

Premier League champions Manchester City have tabled an English record bid of £100million for Grealish as they look to prise the talisman away from his boyhood club.

It has been reported that Villa are expected to accept the offer despite the England international still having four years remaining on his £120,000-per-week deal.

Prior to City’s bumper offer being lodged, Villa boss Dean Smith had set his sights on persuading Southampton to sell Ward-Prowse but saw a £25million bid rejected.

Ward-Prowse has played every minute in consecutive Premier League campaigns and Saints are keen to hold onto the midfielder.

He contributed seven assists and scored nine goals, including a brace of free-kicks in Southampton’s 4-3 win at Villa Park, last term.

Ex-Southampton midfielder Palmer believes Villa will have to increase their opening offer significantly if they are to have any chance of Saints agreeing to let their captain leave St Mary’s.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Palmer said: “I think an offer of £35million or £40million will get him out of Southampton but they will have to pay over the odds for players because people know they have this money. That’s unfortunate.

“Ideally, Aston Villa would have liked to have done their business before the offer for Grealish.”

A number of Liverpool fans are in positive spirits about the Reds signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn following a report suggesting as such.

Jurgen Klopp will surely be keen to make a few new signings this summer in addition to Ibrahima Konate, who has already joined from RB Leipzig.

Gini Wijnaldum’s exit to Paris Saint-Germain is likely to leave a sizeable void in Liverpool’s midfield, so a new signing there wouldn’t go amiss.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Borussia Monchengladbach ace Florian Neuhaus has been tipped to join the Reds a number of times, but now McGinn’s name has been thrown into the mix. The Sunday Post (Post Match pullout, 20/06, p2) [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter] claimed that the Scotland international is on Liverpool’s radar, with the midfielder being valued at £20m.

The 26-year-old started all but one of Aston Villa’s Premier League games last term, with three goals and six assists to his name (Transfermarkt), while only Jack Grealish averaged more than his 1.4 dribbles per game among Dean Smith’s squad (WhoScored).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-copy-2/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans want Reds to sign McGinn

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to call for the Reds to sign McGinn, believing that he would be a strong addition in the middle of the park.

“I actually rate him so highly, would love this signing”

Credit: @jwftbl

“Quite like this….we need a hard working ball-winner in the midfield. John fits the bill. Sure he’s not £100m but he’d still take Pogba down”

Credit: @Goranh75

“He’d be perfect for the Reds”

Credit: @Doyley1208

“I’d actually rate that”

Credit: @Simply_Sadio

“My analogy of John McGinn: He’s a young James Milner. So I’m not against it.”

Credit: @Auxanooo

“What a player! Would love McGinn at Liverpool”

Credit: @SH35dv5e7

In other news, one Liverpool hero has hinted at unhappiness in his current role at Anfield. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Ederson and Gabriel Jesus, regarding their availability for Manchester City this weekend. 

What’s the talk?

According to Sky Sports, Manchester City are set to be without both Ederson and Gabriel Jesus for their clash with Leicester in the Premier League this weekend.

The report claims that FIFA are poised to hand five-day bans to players whose clubs blocked them from playing for Brazil due to Covid restrictions, at the request of the Brazilian FA.

Pep will be fuming

Pep Guardiola will surely be left fuming by this news as it means that two of his key players will have to miss out on the game against Leicester. The Spanish head coach’s team will be weakened due to issues that are out of his, or the player’s, control and that will be frustrating for everyone involved.

Man City only had two options; block the players from playing or allow them to play and have them miss 10 days through quarantine upon their return. Either way, given the subsequent action, it would have resulted in Ederson and Jesus missing the game against Leicester due to the Brazilian FA’s request.

The report claims that FIFA remains in talks with the UK government over an exemption to the 10-day quarantine coming back from certain countries, but that is with future international breaks in mind rather than with a view to rectifying the current issues.

Guardiola will be livid that two key players are out of Saturday’s clash. Ederson is his number one goalkeeper and has won the Premier League Golden Glove in each of the past two seasons, suggesting that he has been the best player in his position in the division during that period.

Jesus, meanwhile, has one goal and three assists in two Premier League starts for City this season, averaging a superb WhoScored rating of 7.85. This means that Guardiola will be without an in-form forward for the clash with Leicester.

Whilst frustrating, it is something ManCity are seemingly going to have to deal with for this match. They will then need to hope that the problems can be resolved ahead of the October and November international breaks, or else Edersona and Jesus may be in trouble again.

AND in other news, 73% duels won: Man City dynamo with 120 touches will have wowed Pep with performance…

Some Manchester United fans have been left fuming as an update emerged on Jadon Sancho.

As per the Red Devils’ official website, the former Borussia Dortmund star will miss England’s remaining September fixtures at home to Andorra and away to Poland respectively.

He missed the 4-0 win in Hungary on Thursday because he sustained a slight injury in training, and it appears to be more serious than first thought given that he has had to withdraw from the England squad.

Manchester United fans will surely be hoping that Sancho can recover in time for them to play Newcastle in their first game back after the international break next Saturday, especially with the prospect of linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo on the veteran’s second Old Trafford debut.

Manchester United fans on Sancho update

These United supporters fumed as the news about Sancho was shared on Twitter, with one fan calling it ‘unbelievable’:

“Noooo!!!!! Why now?!”

Credit: @AdebisiIsrael12

“the universe is against us”

Credit: @eldad__

“This is why I hate international breaks”

Credit: @NAKEDI_NKD

“Ahhhh man”

Credit: @t7891011

“The Manchester curse has hit him… injuries!!!”

Credit: @KoreanKiwi1989

“Shocking. Unbelievable. Devastating”

Credit: @DumVardi

In other news, lots of Man Utd fans slammed this player’s display against Wolves

Crystal Palace look set to miss out on managerial target Patrick Vieira as they continue to search for Roy Hodgson’s successor.

What’s the story?

Vieira’s agent had told Italian outlet Il Secolo XIX that his client is in contention to takeover Serie A outfit Sampdoria.

Claudio Ranieri is set to walk away from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris following a successful two-year stint at the club, leaving the door open for Vieira to return to the dugout.

Fans will be gutted

The news that the former Arsenal star is likely to no longer be an option will surely leave Steve Parish gutted as it reduces the number of candidates that he can choose from.

After an impressive stint in charge of MLS side New York City, the 44-year-old Frenchman took control of Nice in his homeland.

Things started well for the World Cup winner with Les Aiglons, recording respectable seventh and sixth-place finishes in Ligue 1 in his first two campaigns at the club.

However, the wheels started to fall off last season, and Vieira was sacked after overseeing five consecutive defeats. The final straw coming via a 3-2 defeat by Bayer Leverkusen that confirmed their exit from the Europa League.

Nice were sitting in 11th position in the top-flight table at the time of his dismissal, and a win rate of 45% throughout his managerial career shows that the young tactician has the potential to have a successful career in the hot seat.

Palace, though, appear to be prioritising a move for former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo. While that may seem a sensible and popular decision, competition from Premier League rivals Everton means that Eagles chairman Steve Parish needs to keep his options wide open.

With several top teams across the continent competing for the top managers, the capital club’s hierarchy need to move quickly in order to secure their top target.

Vieira would have been a strong candidate for the role, given his familiarity with English football and his strong showing at NYCFC and Nice, but Parish will have to move on with his search with another potential candidate now off the table.

And, in other news…Parish spends £74m, Zaha axed: How Crystal Palace could look under Steve Cooper 

Liverpool are among the leading candidates to sign Jude Bellingham.

What’s the word?

That’s according to German outlet BILD, who report that Real Madrid and Liverpool are “already closely monitoring” Bellingham’s development.

The newspaper stated that the England star is the most expensive 18-year-old footballer in the world, whilst being priceless for Dortmund.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

BILD state that Bellingham’s status in the Dortmund hierarchy is expected to rise next season, with the leadership issues at BVB serving as a problem for the Signal Iduna Park side.

The fee may set Liverpool back though, with the German outlet stating this. “One thing is clear: if the ‘BellingBOOM’ continues at this breathtaking pace, the Dortmund diamond will soon become the next ‘over 100 million deal’ for Borussia.”

Worth every penny

From what we have seen of Bellingham so far, along with the metrics that he has produced during his developmental and prosperous time at Dortmund, he is worth every penny of the estimated €100m price tag.

The exchange rate would actually see Bellingham valued at around £83m, bringing the fee closer to his current market value which currently sits at £67.5m according to Transfermarkt.

Though, for an 18-year-old who has been described as a “leader” by teammate Mats Hummels and a “sensation” as per BT Sport, a £100m price tag would still seem worth it – given his identity as a current player, whilst bearing in mind his almost limitless potential.

The England wonderkid who stands at 5 foot 11 has asserted himself as a Dortmund regular ever since his move from Birmingham City in 2020.

This season has seen a big improvement in his goal contributions, with the £49k-per-week talent netting six goals and producing 13 assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.

Even more impressive though, is his record in the Champions League this season. With four goal contributions in six appearances, in the form of one goal and three assists, Bellingham has demonstrated his prowess as a big-game player.

A key attribute that Klopp and the Reds faithful will appreciate though is his ability to lead.

After the 4-1 defeat to RB Leipzig, Bellingham was the only player to stand in front of the fans and applaud them, an act that has made him the new “darling” of the BVB fanbase.

In other news: Liverpool targeting £13.5m-rated “world class” beast, supporters will be buzzing…