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Crystal Palace have several young English prospects in their squad and after fantastic performances over last season, some of Patrick Vieira’s most promising rising stars were given the golden opportunity to play for their country for the first time.

Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi and loan player, at the time, Conor Gallagher were all handed their debuts in Gareth Southgate’s side over the last 12 months for their outstanding contributions with the Eagles, something that has led to a continued conversation about their inclusions in the upcoming World Cup.

The Athletic published an article where the publication’s journalists put together their predicted 26-man England squads and despite a slow start for Palace, some of the club’s players were mentioned.

Senior writer Dominic Fifield named midfielder Eberechi Eze in his predicted squad, a player who has not only been a standout performer for Palace this season but also took an unfortunate blow to his chances of featuring in the Euro 2020 squad last year.

It was reported in May 2021 that Eze was given notice of his selection for Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad for the European tournament, however, a serious Achilles injury sidelined the player in the same month and he spent 162 days in recovery.

Unfortunately, the talented Palace ace hasn’t featured for his country since returning to action from his injury and it will be interesting to see if he will make the cut when Southgate does put together his squad over the coming days and weeks ahead.

However, there was another player named in Fifield’s predicted squad who has had the opportunity to prove himself on the international stage for Southgate, with Guehi named as a potential selection for the World Cup.

The Athletic’s Chelsea reporter Carl Anka also named Guehi in his predicted 25-man squad, and it’s not hard to see why when you consider his consistency in the centre-back position for Palace.

The 22-year-old – who was dubbed an “absolute tank” by Josef Bursik – averages 71.6 touches, 1.1 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and 3.6 clearances per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (59%) over 12 league appearances.

When you compare Guehi to regular England centre-back Harry Maguire over this season, it is clear that the Palace ace is in much better form in comparison ahead of the international tournament.

The £18m machine has a better pass completion rate (88% v 87.6%), has made more tackles and interceptions (26 v 7) and has won more aerial duels (14 v 7).

Guehi is no stranger to international success either, as he scored one of the goals that led England to victory in the 5-2 defeat over Spain in the U17s World Cup final back in 2017, something the Palace centre-back claimed was the “best moment” of his life.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Guehi should be given the opportunity to travel to Qatar with the England squad next month as he has proven he can offer consistent form and has defensive attributes that could prove invaluable to Southgate during the tournament.

Indeed, with Southgate looking short of quality central defensive options, and Maguire out of form, the Palace defender could be an unexpected answer to his prayers.

Sky Sports’ David Prutton has backed Millwall manager Gary Rowett to take over at West Brom.

The Lowdown: Rowett links

The Baggies have been on the hunt for a new manager for over a week now after parting ways with Steve Bruce.

Rowett was one of the first managers to be linked with the vacancy, with The Mirror reporting that he was on a three-man shortlist alongside Carlos Corberan and Chris Wilder.

They stated that Baggies officials like how Rowett is ‘used to operating on a modest budget in London’, however, the 48-year-old appeared to cool rumours shortly after.

The Latest: Prutton’s comments

Prutton talking to Sky Sports, relayed by Football League World, admitted he knows that Rowett is happy with Millwall but believes the ‘ambitious’ manager could be lured to the Midlands.

“There will be a pull there because obviously we’ve seen the recent history of West Brom compared to Millwall.

“That’s not in any way, shape or form to disrespect Millwall given where they’ve been, specifically with their cracking home form over the last few seasons, getting near the play-offs but not quite getting into the play-offs, and you would think possibly with West Brom, the players that he’s got or maybe the squad that he’s got and the ability possibly in January to go again could be a bit of a lure.

“He’s a very loyal manager and character though is Gary, but also very ambitious – I know that he likes where he’s at at this moment in time and who he’s got in his team and at the club, and there’s that very unique atmosphere down at Millwall, and whether that’s replicated at a place like West Brom I think remains to be seen.”

The Verdict: One to watch

Chief executive Ron Gourlay is the man tasked with bringing in Bruce’s long-term successor, so his admiration for Rowett’s work on a tight budget is certainly something to keep an eye on.

He has plenty of experience with a number of Championship sides and has been doing a solid job in London at The Den as he approached his three-year anniversary in charge.

The Bromsgrove-born boss may well be tempted by a new challenge and a move closer to his hometown as well, so it will be interesting to see if West Brom look to speak to Rowett in the coming days or weeks.

Celtic defender Alexandro Bernabei has endured a tough start to life in Glasgow, with off-field issues and a lack of game time having previously seen the Argentine struggle to make an impact in his new surroundings.

The former Lanus man – who arrived at Parkhead on a £3.75m deal in the recent window – had been brought in as cover and competition for first-choice left-back Greg Taylor, although has struggled to dislodge his colleague as a result of the Scotland international’s “consistent” displays, as lauded by teammate Matt O’Riley.

Amid the need for rotation ahead of a hectic run of fixtures, manager Ange Postecoglou handed the youngster a rare chance to impress in Saturday’s Scottish Premiership clash away at St Johnstone, with the 22-year-old’s only other league outing having come as a late substitute in the 9-0 thrashing of Dundee United back in August.

On what was just his second start for the club – having previously featured in the League Cup win over Ross County – the attacking full-back no doubt took his chance, playing a crucial role in helping to steer the Bhoys to victory.

The £2.97m-rated ace had looked lively from the off as the visitors took control of proceedings, notably producing a brilliant cutback across the box early in the first half that his teammates somehow failed to get on the end of.

Such quality from down the left flank did prove fruitful late on, however – after Alex Mitchell had cancelled out Andy Considine’s early own goal – with Bernabei producing a delightful whipped cross for Giorgos Giakoumakis to turn home right at the death.

That stunning assist – which was the defender’s first goal contribution for the club – came at the end of what was an “impressive” all-round performance against Callum Davidson’s side, in the words of journalist Josh Bunting.

The 5 foot 7 menace notably won 100% of his aerial duels despite his diminutive frame, while also recording two interceptions and one tackle to showcase his willingness to put in the hard yards defensively.

As Glasgow Live journalist Ben Banks noted in his post-match player ratings, the 124-touch gem provided real ‘attacking intent’ from his left-sided berth, with Postecoglou also lauding him as “very aggressive on the ball” after the triumph.

The Hoops boss also stated that the summer signing had “showed the attributes we really find exciting”, with the 57-year-old likely keen to see just what kind of impact Bernabei can make in the coming games.

On this recent evidence, there certainly is a lot to be getting excited about.

There were certainly a few eyebrows raised when Wolves broke their transfer record to sign 18-year-old Fabio Silva from Porto in 2020.

The Old Gold paid a whopping £35.6m to sign the teenager, despite him having scored just three goals in 21 appearances for the Portuguese giants, in a deal that was later described as “increasingly baffling” by New York Times journalist Tariq Panja.

The teenager was thrown in at the deep end following the injury to Raul Jimenez and seriously struggled, hitting just four goals in 32 appearances in his debut campaign.

The following season was even worse for Silva, as despite Jimenez’s return and the pressure on him being eased somewhat, he would fail to score in 26 appearances in all competitions for Bruno Lage’s side.

During the 2020/21 season, Silva came under a lot of criticism, particularly from former manager Harry Redknapp. He was a pundit on Sky Sports when he said: “He’s a kid, he looks well short at the moment. Well, well short.”

Now 20, and Redknapp’s comments seem more true than ever, as Lage felt that he wasn’t needed at Molineux this season, despite seeing his side hit just 38 goals in the top flight last season.

Perhaps all he needs is a hair cut in order to improve his game.

That was certainly the view of club legend Steve Bull, who in an interview with Football FanCast commented: “I think if I had him in front of me, the first thing I’d say to him is get your hair cut because when he’s heading the ball it isn’t hitting him directly on his head, it’s hitting him on the side where his hair is and he isn’t getting the power behind it.

“Seriously, that’s not me being funny. Think when you head a ball at full power it’s off your forehead but when it comes to him, it’s gliding off his locks.”

However, while he has started well in his loan with Anderlecht, scoring seven goals with the Belgian side, it is a testament to how much Lage rates the youngster that he felt he would be better off on loan, despite Wolves’ issues in front of goal.

The Old Gold have scored the joint-fewest goals in the Premier League this season with just three from their opening seven fixtures, with Diego Costa brought in as an emergency reinforcement.

Those at Wolves will obviously be hoping that Silva can return from Belgium a much more confident and developed striker, as they will want to see a return on a significant investment that has so far cost them a mighty £8.9m a goal.

But it certainly does not bode well that he was loaned out this summer by Lage, and Redknapp’s historic thoughts on the signing in 2021 will still be a commonly-held one as we approach 2023. In this case, the former Spurs manager was absolutely right, but Wolves were quite evidently wrong in their decision to sign the striker.

While the end of the transfer window may be on the horizon, one issue which remains at Wolverhampton Wanderers is in their centre-forward ranks, with manager Bruno Lage still seemingly suffering for the lack of a new striking recruit.

Despite only recently completing the signing of Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes – along with the permanent capture of Hwang Hee-chan from earlier in the year – the Molineux club are still in need of a new target man, with neither of those being a true number nine.

With Raul Jimenez currently sidelined with injury – after scoring just six league goals last season – and with goal-shy youngster Fabio Silva having been shipped out on loan to Anderlecht, the need for a new marksman at Wolves has only increased.

One man who could be the answer to Lage’s prayers is Southampton striker Che Adams, with the Old Gold among a handful of Premier League clubs who have been linked with the Scotland international of late.

The 26-year-old – who could reportedly be available for a fee of at least £15m – has been a steady performer for the Saints since his arrival from Birmingham City three years ago, having scored 20 goals and provided ten assists in his top-flight career thus far.

The £30k-per-week menace had previously been a prolific presence during his time at St Andrew’s, notably netting 22 goals in 46 Championship games in 2018/19 to alert the attention of his current club.

The 19-cap hotshot – who has netted six goals for his country so far – would no doubt add increased firepower to a team which scored just 38 goals in as many league games last term, with only the three relegated teams having netted fewer.

While it may not appear the most exciting addition for Wolves supporters, it is worth noting that the Leicester-born gem has previously earned comparisons to Brazilian icon Ronaldo.

His former Ilkeston teammate Matt Baker said of Adams: “He reminds me a little bit of the old Ronaldo. He had that raw ability. I wouldn’t say he was electric quick but he was powerful and strong. He would brush people off and he could go through people. And he always had a finish at the end of it.”

That claim – which likely stems from the similar physique and size of the two strikers – will no doubt have caught the attention of Lage and co, with it undoubtedly lofty praise to be considered to such a great of the game.

The now-retired genius was a truly devastating forward in his pomp, winning a plethora of major honours at domestic, European and international level, while also scoring goals galore in a glittering career which saw ‘Il Fenomeno’ enjoy stints at some of Europe’s elite clubs.

In total, the World Cup winner plundered 295 goals in 450 club career appearances, while also adding a further 62 goals in 98 games at international level, with such a record seeing him revered as arguably one of the finest strikers of the modern era.

Of course, while Adams is a long way from replicating such feats, it is a marker of his natural raw talent that he can be compared to such a legendary figure, with those at Wolves surely eager to see the dynamic forward unleashed under Lage this season, if a deal can be struck.

The former Benfica boss would no doubt love to have a Ronaldo-esque presence like Adams in his forward line, especially given his team’s goalscoring woes.

Arsenal are said to hold a long-term interest in Pedro Neto and according to recent reports, the north Londoners have even made an enquiry.

“If they decide to stay in the Premier League, I think Pedro Neto could be one to look out for,” transfer insider Dean Jones revealed to GIVEMESPORT.

“There have been some enquiries made along that path and I think that’s one that might get talked about a little bit more in the next week or so.”

Indeed, the Gunners are thought to be keen admirers of the Portugal international and given their search for wide additions, it could be a wise decision from technical director Edu Gaspar and his recruitment staff to launch an offence in the coming weeks.

The Brazilian chief missed out on one of his key targets, Raphinha, earlier in the window as the former Leeds United dynamo opted for a dream transfer to FC Barcelona.

Other names that have been linked to the Emirates Stadium include PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo and Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby.

However, it is the Wolverhampton Wanderers star that makes the most sense but only if he can be lured from Molineux before September 1st.

Similar to Saka

According to FBref, the 23-year-old is most comparable to current Gunners sensation Bukayo Saka in terms of statistical profile and that has to be encouraging news indeed.

The Wolves gem is someone who likes to get on the ball and influence the game in the final third, as summed up by his 8.58 progressive carries per 90 and 6.15 touches in the opposition box per 90, which sees him rank within the top 12% of his positional peers across Europe.

Saka is very similar in this regard, having averaged 7.92 progressive carries per 90, which ranks in the top 15% of wingers, and 7.01 touches in the opposition’s penalty area, which is better than Neto as he ranks inside the top 5%, also via FBref.

The pair also like to get a shot off, meaning they regularly create a goal threat for their respective teams, with Neto averaging 3.24 shots per 90 and Saka managing 2.87 shots per 90.

It’s clear that both players are very similar in terms of playing style and that would make Neto a fantastic fit for manager Mikel Arteta and his playing style, given just how big of an influence the England international has been.

Last season, no one contributed to more goals than Saka (11 goals, seven assists) as he led the team for shots per game (2.6) and ranked second for creating key passes (1.8 per game), as per WhoScored.

Neto has suffered from injuries in recent times, the latest being a serious knee problem that saw him miss the majority of last season as he was restricted to 463 minutes of Premier League action.

But the winger, who has been lauded as a “superstar” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher and a “very special talent” by his colleague Jamie Redknapp, is evidently a proven threat in the big time and one that would need little time to settle in heading into a hectic fixture list.

His presence on the left would also allow Saka to be deployed in arguably his best position on the right flank. A front three of Neto, Saka and Gabriel Jesus is a mouthwatering prospect.

Edu must do whatever he can to secure the £18m-rated dynamo before the end of the summer transfer window.

AND in other news, Enquiry made: Arsenal eyeing swoop for £50m “huge talent”, he’s clear of Pepe…

Aston Villa could make a ‘surprise’ striker signing before the end of the summer transfer window, according to reliable reporter Ashley Preece.

The lowdown: Summer so far

The Villans have already been busy in the transfer market as ownership group NSWE continues to back Steven Gerrard – who himself made the bold decision to replace Tyrone Mings with John McGinn as club captain this week – with multiple signings.

So far, Philippe Coutinho, Diego Carlos, Ludwig Augustinsson, Robin Olsen and Boubacar Kamara have been added to the Villa Park ranks, whilst Matt Targett, Trezeguet, Conor Hourihane,  Lovre Kalinic and Wesley all departed the senior squad whether it be on loan or on a permanent basis.

However, the exit of Wesley on loan to Levante has left Gerrard with only Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins at his disposal as experienced senior centre-forward options, leading to speculation as to whether there will be an attempt to bring in another signing to the Midlands club…

The latest: Preece predicts a ‘surprise’

Responded to questions from supporters for a Q&A on Birmingham Mail, Villa correspondent Preece was asked whether there was any movement on a possible incoming frontman.

He replied: “No. It could well be a Lange-esque surprise a little later in the window, though.”

The verdict: Options out there

Having already been active in the window, there has also been no shortage of potential options for Johan Lange as the likes of Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas, now Southampton gem Sekou Mara and Lille sensation Jonathan David have all been linked with a switch to Villa Park.

Even former Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez had been indexed to the club prior to completing a move to Uruguayan outfit Nacional this week, suggesting that Gerrard has been attentive to the possibility of adding more firepower to the ranks at Bodymoor Heath.

Despite the impressive loan spell enjoyed by Keinan Davis at Nottingham Forest and the promise of highly rated Cameron Archer, going into the 2022/23 campaign with just Watkins and a previously injury-prone Ings as the Premier League proven operators would undoubtedly represent a major risk.

Lange has already pulled off some major coups out of the blue in this time as technical director in the Midlands, none more so than the under-the-radar capture of Ings himself, and therefore many will be hoping Preece’s premonition becomes a reality and another central striking option is indeed forthcoming before the September 1 deadline.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has shed some light on the multiple planned transfer swoops from West Ham United this summer. 

The lowdown: Reinforcements wanted

The Hammers have been pulling up trees domestically and in Europe during David Moyes’ second spell at the helm in east London, finishing inside the top seven of the top-flight in consecutive campaigns for the first time in the Premier League era.

Despite the successes, there has been a reluctance from the London Stadium hierarchy to spend lavishly, highlighted by the failure to land a replacement for Sebastien Haller after the Ivorian left for Ajax in January 2021.

However, following reports claiming that GSB were willing to shell out £100m on a sensational triple swoop for Armando Broja, Gianlucca Scamacca and Amadou Onana, in addition to the possible signing of free agent Jesse Lingard, an expert in the market has had his say on the potential transfers…

The latest: ‘Big few days’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that West Ham are about to get busy as they attempt to bolster their squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He said: “It’s true they are progressing various deals at the moment and just waiting for one to show signs of a breakthrough.

“Onana is looking good, there’s promise over Scamacca, Broja is still up in the air, and they are waiting for Lingard to make his announcement. It’s a big few days ahead.”

The verdict: High-profile moves

While all four aforementioned transfers would certainly set tongues wagging and provide additional options for Moyes, the deal for Gianluca Scamacca is the one which may appeal most of all to the Scot.

The 23-year-old Italy international scored 16 Serie A goals last season and has been dubbed ‘a bit Zlatan-ish’ by sports journalist Maxi Angelo due to his towering 6 foot 5 frame and strong aerial ability (WhoScored).

Not only a dominant target man, Scamacca shares similar stylistic traits with a variety of strikers such as Jamie Vardy, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and former Irons forward Marko Arnautovic (FBRef), which indicates his excellent all-round ability to accompany a towering presence.

Valued at £27m and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), Sassuolo are likely to hold out for a significant fee for their prized asset, but it’s one that GSB and Rob Newman should be doing everything in their power to meet.

Celtic are set to confirm the signing of winger Jota on a permanent deal by the end of this week, according to reports in the player’s homeland.

The Lowdown: Jota a key man for Hoops

The Portuguese maestro was one of the Hoops’ most prominent attacking players last season, hitting the ground running after joining on loan from Benfica.

Jota registered 15 goal involvements in just 21 Scottish Premiership starts – seven goals and eight assists – with his pace and trickery out wide proving to be a nightmare for opponents.

Celtic have reportedly been working on a permanent move for some time and it appears to be getting closer to being completed by the day.

The Latest: Permanent move close

According to Record [via Sport Witness], a deal could be struck ‘by the end of the week’, as the Hoops secure the long-term services of a rising star in Jota.

Celtic have triggered the 23-year-old’s release clause and it is now just a case of agreeing some personal terms.

The Verdict: Big piece of business

Signing Jota on a permanent basis was of the utmost importance for Ange Postecoglou this summer, with the attacker such a potent player for Celtic in 2021/22.

Had they failed to get their man it would have felt like a crushing blow, but instead, his arrival will feel as important as any new face that comes in before the start of next season.

Jota has been hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Postecoglou himself, which shows how much he admires him, and he could become a future superstar at Parkhead.

In other news, Celtic are reportedly eyeing up a move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa are closing in on the permanent signing of goalkeeper Robin Olsen, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

As per the transfer insider, the Midlands outfit appear keen to exercise the buy option in the Swede’s loan deal, with the 32-year-old having joined the club on a temporary switch from Serie A side AS Roma back in January.

Writing on Twitter about the situation regarding the 56-cap international, Romano revealed that an agreement is close: “Aston Villa are getting closer to find full agreement with AS Roma on Robin Olsen deal. Buy option clause for €3.5m expected to be triggered soon, as Aston Villa want to keep Olsen at the club. Talks in progress, the deal could be completed soon.”

The £1.8m-rated giant had spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Championship outfit Sheffield United, prior to moving to Villa Park, having also played the role of understudy to Jordan Pickford at Everton the year prior.

Supporters delighted

It may not prove to be quite as exciting as the club’s other summer business – having already snapped up Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho – yet supporters will no doubt be delighted to see the proactive attitude to Steven Gerrard’s squad rebuild, with the former Rangers boss seemingly wanting to get his transfer dealings done swiftly.

With further additions also in the pipeline, amid links to soon-to-be free agent Luis Suarez, the former England skipper appears to be receiving substantial backing in order to put his stamp on the squad, with expectations for next term now likely to have sky-rocketed.

As for Olsen, there may not be too many fireworks over a player who was technically already at the club and had made just a solitary Premier League appearance during his six-month loan stint, although he will no doubt provide quality cover to undisputed first-choice, Emi Martinez.

The 6 foot 5 stopper’s solitary top-flight outing came in that remarkable final-day defeat to eventual champions Manchester City at the Etihad, with the visitors squandering a two-goal to help hand Pep Guardiola’s men the title.

The one-time Malmo man had hardly been culpable for any of City’s excellently crafted goals – nor did he deserve to be on the receiving of an awful, post-match assault from a home supporter – with Villa’s problems this term having largely been among the defence, rather than between the sticks – shipping 54 goals in the most recent campaign.

A veteran at international level, Olsen also provides valuable experience to a dressing room that is beginning to overflow with top-class talent, with his presence in the dressing room potentially set to prove vital next term.

As for supporters, they will likely be glad to see the deal wrapped up quickly, so that the club can prioritise other areas of need.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior