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Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to David Ornstein’s Wednesday morning Twitter post regarding Eberechi Eze.

Eze suffered a freak injury during training earlier this month and will be sidelined for at least six months as a result.

The 22-year-old, who has been capped eight times by England at Under-21 level, made his mark at Selhurst Park in his first season, scoring four times and registering six assists.

It seems as if his displays under Roy Hodgson also caught the eye of Gareth Southgate ahead of this summer’s European Championships.

According to Ornstein, Eze turned on his phone following the training session in which his injury occurred to find a message from the FA saying he was under consideration for England’s Euro 2020 squad.

Southgate named a provisional 33-man squad on Tuesday afternoon, and it seems as if Eze would have had a chance of making that if it wasn’t for his injury.

Palace fans react

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply to Ornstein’s post, with one describing it as ‘heartbreaking’.

“Please make this stop”

Credit: @jwgribbin_

“Oh my god I’m in tears”

Credit: @emmabethwright

“this is just so unbelievably harsh. like he was never gonna be in the final 26 man squad but just to tell him you might and then to get injured must be heartbreaking”

Credit: @owenw_14

“I want to cry”

Credit: @Mclack119

“Crying rn”

Credit: @PalaceMattt

“Oh man, that can’t have been easy to take for Eze”

Credit: @Pets93

In other news: Many CPFC fans react to the latest on Wilfried Zaha, find out more here. 

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been linked with a summer move to Atletico Madrid as his disappointing Reds career potentially nears an end.

The Lowdown: Disappointing Liverpool career

The Guinean arrived at Anfield in 2018 for a seismic £52.75m but, now rated at £34m by Transfermarkt, he has flattered to deceive during his time on Merseyside, only making 76 appearances in three seasons at the club.

A string of injuries have played a part in the 26-year-old’s struggles, but a paltry return of seven goals (and only one since the start of 2020) illustrates that he has been a disappointment, and a summer exit could now be on the cards.

The Latest: Atletico linked with Keita move

According to AS [via Sport Witness], Atletico are eyeing up a move for Keita this summer, with the report stating that he has been offered to the La Liga giants.

The midfielder’s current Liverpool deal expires in the summer of 2023, so the Reds are in no great rush to get rid of him.

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The Verdict: Time to go?

Keita is a hugely effective player when he it fit and firing – he was hailed as “world-class” by none other than Virgil van Dijk last year, while scoring bursts in April and December 2019 showed what he can bring to the table when on form – but unfortunately that has proved to be a rare occurrence in a Liverpool shirt.

Should a big offer come in for him this summer, the Reds could be wise to accept it, allowing them to sign a more reliable replacement.

That being said, the idea of Keita staying for another year would be no bad thing, with Jurgen Klopp then assessing the situation at the end of next season when the midfielder will then be entering the final 12 months of his current contract.

In other news, one Liverpool hero could potentially sign a contract extension at the club. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith must make a ruthless call on Wesley amid a major transfer update.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have linked Villa with a move for a new striker, with Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham one of those names who has been mentioned as a potential transfer target.

Now, Football Insider claim that Villa will need to let one of their current forwards go to make room for a new arrival, and that the “most likely to go” is Wesley.

The report adds that “Smith has given the green light for Wesley to go if a replacement is secured.”

Time’s up

The Brazilian was out for the majority of the Premier League following a knee injury he suffered back in 2020, and only just returned to first team action in the top-flight in the closing weeks, with Smith understandably not wanting to risk him too soon.

And despite the injury troubles, former Villa man Lee Hendrie has questioned whether he’s actually the right fit for Smith, and suggested himself that it might be most for him to “move on”.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “Since he’s come in, he hasn’t done anything for me. Obviously he had that bad injury as well, similar to Tom Heaton, but the season I’ve seen him, he wasn’t the player I felt that was going to fit the bill for Villa if I’m being quite honest.

“There was lots of talk that he could get behind defenders and I didn’t see that. I didn’t see that at all. I feel that it’d be better for him to possibly move on and further his career.”

With just six goals and only 25 appearances to his name in a Villa shirt, Wesley has been a bit of a transfer flop for the Midlands club, and rather than waiting out in hope of him becoming a success, Smith must make a ruthless call and call short his career.

Ollie Watkins has come in and shown what a real number nine can bring to the table, and without the £35k-a-week earning Wesley, Villa have simply moved on to bigger and better things – they only just missed out on potential qualification into Europe after a disappointing end to the season.

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Time has just passed the Brazilian front-man by, and that should see him leave Villa Park this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa must win the race for this “super talented” teenager…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Tottenham and Chelsea defender Graham Roberts has heaped praise on Antonio Rudiger.

The 6 ft 3 centre-half has been a revelation for the Blues since Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as manager, helping his side to Champions League glory in Porto.

Rudiger was a target for Tottenham last summer when Jose Mourinho was still in charge, something that the German has publicly spoken about, and is a player the north London club could perhaps move for again.

He has just one year left on his contract, and the Mirror have claimed that Chelsea now face a real fight to keep hold of him.

On the 28-year-old Germany international, Roberts told FFC:

“I’ll tell you the best player in the last six months is Rudiger at Chelsea. He is unbelievable.

“Coming out from the back, attacking, he’s been superb and Frank Lampard wanted to get rid of him. It just shows you that there is things there.”

While Tottenham have quite clearly looked at Rudiger before, it is hard to imagine Chelsea selling him to the north London club given the bad blood between the two sides.

However, there is always the possibility of the former AS Roma man joining on a free transfer next summer if he chooses not to extend his current deal at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham have been dealt a huge blow to their hopes of keeping Harrison Reed at Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Leeds United are considering a move for the 26-year-old midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.

It is reported that, following Fulham’s relegation back to the Championship, Scott Parker’s side are facing a battle to keep some of their biggest stars this summer, with Reed thought to be one of the Cottagers’ more sought-after talents.

Parker will be gutted

Considering how impressive Reed has been since joining Fulham from Southampton back in 2019, in what was originally a season-long loan deal which Fulham turned into a £5.85m permanent move last summer, reports that the midfielder is attracting interest from a Premier League team like Leeds is sure to leave Parker gutted.

Indeed, in his first season in west London, the £9m-rated man played a big part in securing promotion with the Cottagers, providing one assist and creating one big chance over his 25 Championship appearances, as well as averaging 1.4 interceptions and 1.9 tackles and winning 4.5 duels per game.

These metrics saw Reed earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.81, ranking him as Parker’s joint 16th-best performer in the division.

The £31,000-per-week former England under-20 international once again impressed over his 31 Premier League appearances for Fulham last season, registering two assists and creating two big chances, in addition to averaging of 1.6 interceptions and two tackles and winning four duels per match.

These returns saw the 26-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.90, ranking him as the club’s 11th-best performer in the top flight.

As such, if Parker were to lose the services of the player Shane Long dubbed “immense”, it would undoubtedly hamper Fulham’s hopes of securing another immediate return to the Premier League next season – an outcome which would represent something of a disaster for the west London club.

In other news: Get him gone: Khan must ruthlessly axe “difficult” £67k-p/w Fulham flop this summer

Ange Postecoglou has only been Celtic manager for a small period of time but he’s already living up to his opening day promise.

After being announced as the new boss, he declared that the Hoops needed to crack on with their transfer business ahead of a busy window.

What’s the word?

One area of concern for the Bhoys will be in attack where Postecoglou and Dominic McKay will need to act quickly to replace the outgoing Odsonne Edouard.

The Frenchman is reportedly on the verge of joining Leicester in a £15m deal but it doesn’t look as though they’ll use that sum to find a replacement.

Instead, the recruitment team are working on a free transfer in the shape of Charlie Wyke.

Football Insider reported this week that talks are now underway to lure him to Parkhead with his contract expiring with Sunderland at the end of the month.

The outlet suggests Celtic will make a concrete offer to the forward during the course of this week.

A great fit for Postecoglou

The Australian may rely on a quick and frantic style of football but Wyke would offer something Celtic don’t have in attack right now; an aerial ability.

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Edouard has always been a big physical presence in the final third but his heading ability isn’t the most natural.

Leigh Griffiths prefers to play with the ball on the deck while the less said about Albian Ajeti’s time in Glasgow, the better.

Standing at 6 foot 2, Wyke is a dominating figure in the box, capable of brushing defenders to one side with ease.

He is a monster in the air but he also knows how to find the back of the net with his feet as well.

The Sunderland forward scored 31 goals last term, netting 26 in the third tier of English football. Remarkably, 12 of those strikes came with his head.

Described as “clinical” by Mackems boss Lee Johnson, Wyke has a wonderful habit of being in the right place at the right time.

He makes clever runs to the near post and holds the ball up tremendously well. In winning 4.8 aerial duels per match this term, no attacker at Celtic even comes close to replicating that.

Mohamed Elyounoussi had the best aerial ability from an offensive point of view last term, winning just 1.5 battles per match.

With that in mind, this transfer has the potential to be absolutely game-changing for Postecoglou and his coaching staff.

AND in other news, McKay must complete Celtic move for 42-cap beast who dubbed Postecoglou “intimidating”…

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell believes Kalvin Phillips could be a great signing for Real Madrid if a ‘big-money offer’ arrives in Yorkshire.

The Lowdown: Phillips linked with Real Madrid move

Phillips has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last 12 months or so, helping Leeds United get into the Premier League and also becoming an England regular.

The 25-year-old is currently starring for the Three Lions at Euro 2020, drawing lots of praise for his shining display against Croatia, and his performances have led to Madrid reportedly being interested in signing him.

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The Latest: Campbell talks up switch

Someone who believes Phillips would be ready to make the step up to one of the biggest clubs in world football is Campbell, who is a pundit for La Liga TV.

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-striker claimed the Leeds star could be an ideal replacement for four-time UCL winner Casemiro at the Santiago Bernabeu:

“Why not Real Madrid? Carlo Ancelotti had a good look at him last season.

“He plays the same position as Casemiro, who is probably top three in the world at that role but Real Madrid need midfielders. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are on the wrong side of 30 now. They are pushing on now and the midfield needs to be rejuvenated and re-jigged.

“I’m a big fan of his and I 100 percent believe he could play for Madrid and join them but at the end of the day he is a Leeds boy and he is happy there.

“When the big teams put in a big-money offer it can be very difficult for a club, even if it is your boyhood club, to turn it down.”

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The Verdict: Worrying for Leeds

While it feels Phillips is unlikely to leave Leeds this summer, given his loyalty to the club and the fact that their Premier League journey under Marcelo Bielsa has only just started, it is worrying to see him linked with such a huge move.

It speaks volumes about the midfielder’s current standing in the game, but it also highlights how difficult it could be to keep hold of him for the long-term future – if more sides like Madrid come sniffing around, it will become increasingly difficult for the Whites to say no.

Hopefully, Leeds will progress so much that he is willing to stay put for years to come and even when those clubs come calling – perhaps a push for a Europa League place next season could do the trick?

In other news, one Leeds player is set to be offered a new deal this summer – find out who it is here.

Sheffield Wednesday reportedly face fresh competition for the signing of Solihull Moors attacker Kyle Hudlin, with Cardiff City linked with a move.

The Lowdown: Sheff Wed keen on Hudlin move

Darren Moore is looking to mastermind the Owls’ return to the Championship following a hugely disappointing 2020/21 season.

A host of experienced faces are expected to leave this summer as their contracts near expiry, so the main aim is to sign emerging talent who can bring a freshness to the squad.

Hudlin is someone who has been linked with a move to Hillsborough, with the 6ft9in striker currently the tallest outfield player in Britain.

The Latest: Cardiff emerge as rivals to sign striker

According to Yorkshire Live, Cardiff are now also eyeing a move for the 20-year-old, with Mick McCarthy hoping that Championship football turns the striker’s head at the expense of Sheffield Wednesday.

Hudlin only joined Solihull last October but he has impressed in that time, scoring 10 goals in 36 appearances for the National League side.

The Verdict: Potential blow for Owls

Hudlin looks an exciting prospect, so it would be a blow if Cardiff were to swoop in over Wednesday and snap him up this summer.

Unfortunately, the Bluebirds have the advantage of playing in a higher division that the Owls, which could be enough to persuade him to move there.

The hope is that Hudlin sees Wednesday as someone for whom he could start regularly, becoming a prominent figure over time.

In other news, a Championship side are believed to be preparing a bid for one Sheff Wed player. Find out who it is here.

Gabby Agbonlahor has signified that Charlie Wyke could make a significant impression at Celtic, should he complete a move from North East giants Sunderland [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Sunderland gear up for 2021/22

As Sunderland get their ducks in a row ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, they will be desperate to re-shape their squad effectively as they bid for promotion once more.

Though acquiring high-profile players will be an important element of this, keeping top assets at the Stadium of Light will take equal precedence for manager Lee Johnson.

Despite this, one man the Black Cats look certain to lose is Wyke. Currently in talks with Celtic over a move north of the border, he looks likely to complete a Wearside exit at some point this summer upon the expiration of his contract [Glasgow Live].

The Latest: Agbonlahor pays tribute to ‘brilliant’ Wyke as he backs him to succeed

Prompting Agbonlahor to discuss his abilities and whether he could handle the rigours of the expectations in Glasgow, the talkSPORT pundit was quick to back up the 28-year-old in an interview with Football Insider; claiming:

“I think so. Celtic are in talks for a brilliant signing, if they get it done.

“Yes, it’s a big step up but he’s a quality player in League One.

“I’m sure he can make that step up fine and continue to improve.” [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Replacing Wyke should be the main priority for Sunderland; plans already in place

Correctly, the former Aston Villa star points out the poacher’s contribution to Sunderland’s promotion endeavours in 2020/21.

In 54 appearances, the potent striker scored an incredible 31 goals for his current employers [SoccerBase] – whether fans were happy with his overall play or not, that is a lot of goals to replace.

Particularly potent in the air, he registered 16 goals with his head across this timeframe [67 Hail Hail]. There is little doubt he could handle the physicality of the Scottish Premiership.

Losing Wyke would come as a bitter blow to Johnson, but potential replacements are already in the works, following links with AFC Wimbledon striker Joe Pigott and Nottingham Forest forward Lyle Taylor.

Identifying a suitable alternative to Wyke before he moves on would be the best possible scenario in this situation for the Black Cats.

In other news, Wolves fans fume at a Sunderland bid for a Molineux man.

According to an update by Spanish media outlet Sport, Fabio Paratici has now asked Barcelona about midfielder Miralem Pjanic in a fresh Tottenham Hotspur transfer approach.

The Lowdown: Paratici on the prowl…

Since Paratici’s appointment as managing director of Tottenham, a position in which he will oversee and develop the club’s sporting operations, the Italian has been linked with many high profile names. 

Chairman Daniel Levy originally had the biggest say on Spurs’ transfer plans, but the 48-year-old’s arrival could mean a passing of the torch in some respect as the Lilywhites revert to a true sporting director model.

The Latest: Approach just made for Pjanic…

The latest claim on Paratici’s plans for Spurs come from Spain, with media outlet Sport now saying that Tottenham have joined the race to sign the Catalans’ midfield man Pjanic.

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Apparently the Lilywhites have asked about Pjanic through their new managing director Paratici and the Bosnia international’s possible move away from the Camp Nou is ‘accelerating by leaps and bounds’.

The 31-year-old ace started just six La Liga matches last season with the majority of his domestic appearances coming off the bench.

The Verdict: Good move?

Tottenham need to inject some much needed quality with a major summer overhaul but we believe the costly midfield man approaching his twilight years isn’t exactly the answer.

Pjanic is on a reported £210,000-per-week at Barcelona and it is no wonder they wish to offload him given their financial plight.

Spurs find themselves in a similarly precarious position and signing Pjanic is a luxury the club cannot afford despite his quality and experience.

Averaging a 91.9% pass accuracy over six starts in the Champions League last season (WhoScored), the tidy midfield maestro also boasts a century of international caps for his country.

However, Tottenham have bigger priorities, like the signing of a top centre-back.

In other news: ‘I’d be excited, Spurs fans’…Stan Collymore thrilled by major N17 update, find out more here.