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West Ham United are entering a crucial stage of their season as they look to finish as high up the Premier League table as they can and go all the way in the Europa League.

Looking ahead to this vital period, it seems as though David Moyes could be set to have one of his key players back in action to help his side try and accomplish what they’re aiming to achieve.

What’s the news?

According to a recent tweet from journalist Jack Rosser, Irons winger Jarrod Bowen “has stepped up his recovery this week and is training on the grass at Rush Green once more.”

He added that it may be “too soon” for the attacker to be involved in West Ham’s Premier League clash against Everton this weekend but there is “a chance” that he’ll be ready for their Europa League showdown against Lyon next Thursday if his recovery progress continues on the right track.

The Englishman missed West Ham’s two previous league games against Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur after picking up an injury during their 1-0 defeat against Liverpool last month.

Prior to that, the 25-year-old had scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in 28 league appearances, highlighting how important he is to the side and how big a blow it was for West Ham to have him on the sidelines for the past few weeks.

To further highlight just how much of an attacking threat he is for the Hammers, Bowen has had more shots on target in the league this season (27) than any other player at the club, along with a higher shot on target percentage (40.3%) than any other West Ham player to have had more than one attempt at goal.

In addition to his useful goal contributions, the former Hull City star has earned himself an overall performance rating of 7.23/10 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player in Moyes’ squad.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that having the winger back in action and available for the remainder of the campaign would be a massive boost for the Hammers, and it would surely delight Moyes to have one of his main attacking talents back.

In other news: GSB heading for disaster on “sensational” West Ham ace that’ll have supporters raging

After listening to Victor Orta’s exciting comments about the academy last week, Leeds United supporters will no doubt be casting even more of a keen eye on some of the club’s brightest young talents.

The Yorkshire club’s director of football openly spoke about the need to have academy prospects in and around the first-team set-up, saying: “I believe in a project that is one of Marcelo Bielsa’s legacies – 18 professionals and the other four players always being under 21.

“If you believe in youth development, you need to prove (it). Our idea is to believe in youth development and to give belief to the Academy. (What) is better for me – the 450 minutes for a striker in Joey Gelhardt, or 450 minutes in a striker who is 31 years old? I believe in the first.

“Because it’s the only way Leeds United can grow. Because the other way, if I am going to buy careers, I always lose, because there are other teams in England with more money, with more investment. I need to build careers.”

Well, if Orta is looking at ‘building’ a career out of someone at Thorp Arch, then he should look no further than 18-year-old starlet Max Dean.

The teenage forward has enjoyed an impressive campaign with the club’s U23s this season, scoring five goals in 15 games at Premier League 2 level, including strikes against the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

It’s been no surprise then that Leeds’ former U23s boss Mark Jackson has previously waxed lyrical about the forward and his character, saying: “You don’t have to prepare it with Deano. Deano’s a fiery character, I don’t like to quash that in him. He’s got an edge to him and how he plays – and I like that in his personality.

“Yes he gets frustrated at times and we have to curtail it but his hunger to press and work hard and his hunger to score goals is really apparent.”

In late October, despite a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal, Jackson showered Dean with more praise, saying: “I spoke to Max before the game. When he first came to the club, he had a real intensity about his play, really aggressive style in how he pressed and how he competed – we have chats with the players all the time and there’s been stages where we think that’s sort of dipped off a little bit in recent games.

“We’ve had a few chats recently with Max, and particularly before the game, I said ‘listen, you need to try and get back to those moments when you were playing in the 23s last year’. I thought he took that conversation well and he took it on board today and he had a much more positive performance.”

If Leeds are looking to get more out of their burgeoning academy, then Dean could well be the next breakout star to come out of Thorp Arch.

AND in other news – Sold at £8m, now worth triple: Leeds had a nightmare over “fearless” 5 ft 9 magician

As per London World, a promising transfer update has come to light involving Tottenham Hotspur, Antonio Conte and Middlesborough defender Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Spurs join race…

First reported by Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, sharing news on his personal Twitter feed, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have joined the race to sign Spence amid his impressive stint on loan at Nottingham Forest.

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The 21-year-old has been turning heads at the City Ground under Steve Cooper, attracting the attention of major Premier League clubs as Conte seeks out new right-back options.

Any deal to sign Spence this window would result in the player remaining at Forest until the end of the season and then joining in the summer, but that hasn’t swayed Spurs as they take a firm interest.

The Latest: Spurs ‘edging closer’…

According to London World, Tottenham are ‘edging closer’ to their ‘first January signing’ as Conte personally eyes a move for the Englishman.

The Italian is said to be ‘unimpressed’ with current right-back options Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal as he takes to the market in search of alternatives.

Spence, as a result, could ‘answer Conte’s prayers’ with his pace and delivery on that side – but north London rivals Arsenal are also still in contention for the starlet as things stand.

The Verdict: Exciting player…

The Boro man’s form on loan at Forest this season has been terrific, leaving little wonder there are now major players in the hunt for his signature this month.

Defensively, according to WhoScored, he’s shown real solidarity – averaging the third-most interceptions per 90 out of Cooper’s side in the Championship this campaign (1.6).

Meanwhile, going forward, Spence has been a constant threat – completing more dribbles per 90 (1.8) than any Forest regular with more than two league starts (WhoScored).

His form has attracted real praise, with Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff saying he has been a ‘massive player’ for the English second tier side and could well continue to be in their hunt for a Championship play-off spot (Sky Sports EFL Podcast via Football League World).

According to journalist Ryan Taylor of The Daily Express, Spence could cost up to £15 million, but a player of his high ceiling may well be worth the investment,

In other news: Reliable journalist: ‘Perfect’ player once valued at £83m now wants to join Conte at Spurs, find out more here.

Sunderland are reportedly now battling Wigan Athletic to sign Josh Stones this summer.

The Lowdown: Wanted man

Stones is a wanted man, with the likes of Wolves, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Watford and North East rivals Newcastle United all expressing an interest in him before from the Premier League, as well as the Black Cats.

The Englishman currently plays for National League North outfit Guiseley, and so any move into the professional leagues would be a big step-up for him.

The Latest: Wigan lead race

As per Football Insider, League One rivals Wigan Athletic are now ‘leading the race’ for his signature, with Glasgow Rangers and Blackburn Rovers also thought to be in the mix with Alex Neil’s side.

However, a recruitment source has revealed that the Latics are now in ‘pole position’ to sign Stones, and are ‘favourites’ to agree a deal for him.

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying that the Stadium of Light faithful could now lose the battle to sign Stones, especially to a team in their division in Wigan.

He has been scoring goals for fun this season, while he also plays for England at youth level, and put in an ‘excellent‘ display against Crystal Palace’s Academy in February after scoring in a 1-1 draw.

At just 18 years of age, the striker is certainly one for the future, and the Wearside club would do well to fend off all of the competition for his services.

In other news, find out what ‘mystifying’ call the SAFC board made here!

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Rangers’ chances of winning the Scottish Premiership title have surely increased following the news that Brendan Rodgers is set to leave Celtic to take up the vacant post at Leicester City, but it leaves Steven Gerrard with a vital job to carry out, and probably the most important of his tenure to date.

On the chalkboard

A loss against Kilmarnock after the winter break and a goalless draw at home to St Johnstone earlier this month looked to have fatally damaged the Glasgow giants’ hopes of winning the league this season, given how formidable the Bhoys appeared under their Northern Irish manager.

However, there is no doubt that his departure could easily affect the players and the club’s performances on the pitch even with Neil Lennon reportedly agreeing to succeed him, and their local neighbours will know that they potentially have a big opportunity to grasp in the coming weeks and months with the gap lying at eight points ahead of their Wednesday fixture against Dundee.

One thing that has cost them before could ultimately do so again in their renweed title bid though, and Gerrard needs to ensure that it doesn’t happen.

No more complacency

It is something that the 38-year-old has accused his team of already this term, and he certainly cannot afford to let it rear its ugly ahead again anytime soon.

Suddenly the pressure if off of his side and all on Celtic, but the Rangers players simply can’t get into a mindset where they feel that they can easily win every game they turn up to – because it doesn’t happen like that, as they have learned against Kilmarnock and St Johnstone already in 2019.

Gerrard has obviously failed to eradicate it previously, but now he has the most important job of his Rangers reign to date so it doesn’t happen again and so they can push their arch-enemies all the way.

Everton claimed a huge victory from their Saturday afternoon clash against Manchester United at Goodison Park, with the Merseyside club in a rollercoaster relegation battle this season.

Frank Lampard’s Toffees took all three points to record their eighth league win of the season, leaving Ralf Rangnick and his side stunned whilst bolstering their challenge to maintain their Premier League status ahead of their remaining seven Premier League fixtures.

Despite having less possession of the ball, fewer shots on target and fewer accurate passes over the course of the game, Everton were able to keep United busy with outstanding defensive play, winning more interceptions and tackles and making 35 clearances, ultimately snatching the win with a goal scored in the first half.

Anthony Gordon’s shot deflected off Harry Maguire into the back of the net behind David de Gea to give Everton the lead over their Mancunian visitors in the 27th minute, and they were able to keep a clean sheet over the rest of the game thanks to an outstanding performance for England number one Jordan Pickford.

According to SofaScore, the Toffees goalkeeper – who was hailed as “resilient” by Theo Walcott – was the highest-rated player on the pitch (8.0) today after putting in an important shift for his team. He won 100% of his duels, made four saves, two punches and two clearances and had more touches than Ben Godfrey during the match, proving that his presence played a huge part in the result.

The goalkeeper’s flawless display may have just saved Lampard’s job, as it was revealed earlier today by Football Insider that a source close to Everton had told them the club were plotting to sack the former Chelsea boss should he have lost against United in the early kick-off. However, with three points added to their tally, his job is surely safe for the time being.

The Toffees will need to keep the momentum going, and Lampard must keep the confidence and winning mentality in his team that we saw this afternoon as their upcoming fixtures do not favour them, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all ahead of them before the season finishes.

In other news – Forget Calvert-Lewin: Everton now plot bid for 76-goal machine, he’s “one of the best”

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘close’ to signing Matt Targett on a permanent deal in the summer.

The Lowdown: Good impression

Targett has certainly made a good impression at St. James’ Park, especially with the supporters, as 97.5% of them have recently claimed that they would like him to sign permanently from Aston Villa.

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He was ‘excellent’ on his debut in the 3-1 win at home to Everton, and has not looked back since, not missing a single minute under Eddie Howe, except when they played his parent club (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Targett ‘close’

Taking to Twitter, iNews journalist Mark Douglas has revealed that a deal to sign Targett permanently is now ‘close’.

Expanding in his article, Douglas added that the North East club ‘have the framework’ of a deal agreed, which could materialise once his loan expires.

The Verdict: Smart move

It would certainly be a smart move by the new owners to sign Targett on a permanent deal, as it means that they will not have to look for another left-back to sign in the summer.

The 26-year-old is clearly popular with the club and the fanbase already, and is at a good age to kick on for the Tyneside outfit.

Nonetheless, with Villa signing Lucas Digne from Everton in the January transfer window, they would likely allow him to go for the right price.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ record-breaker NUFC are now ‘interested’ in signing here!

Newcastle are currently 18th in the Premier League table, and one of the biggest reasons behind their struggles has been their lack of quality in defence.

Only Norwich (45) have conceded more goals than the Magpies (43) in the top flight, which highlights how poor they have been at the back this season.

One of their defenders who has struggled on and off the pitch is Federico Fernandez. The £45k-per-week dud has only started five Premier League matches this term and has been unable to catch the eye when he has played, which is a far cry from where he was at the start of his career on Tyneside.

In December 2018, Transfermarkt valued him at £7.2m. This came after his final season for Swansea and the first half of his debut campaign at St. James’ Park, with the centre-back averaging a solid WhoScored rating of 6.76 in the top flight with the Welsh outfit.

He then averaged a score of 6.73 with Newcastle in the Premier League in the 2019/20 campaign as he proved to be a reliable performer during that time. However, his displays have taken a nosedive since then, averaging a score of 6.64 last term and a dismal 6.37 this season. This suggests that he has been regressing over time and is not the same player he was two or three years ago.

Fernandez has also had availability issues to go along with his lack of form. He has had six separate injury or illness absences for Newcastle, with the latest one having kept him out for eight matches so far.

He missed nine games last term and it remains to be seen when he will return during the current campaign. This shows that he is now an unreliable player for Howe, both in terms of his performances on the pitch and his fitness.

It could now be time for the ex-Bournemouth boss to brutally axe Fernandez from the squad by cashing in on him at the end of the campaign. This would allow the Magpies to replace the 32-year-old ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season, with Newcastle getting rid of a player at the back end of his career.

At the time of writing (05/02/22), Transfermarkt value the Argentine at £1.8m. This is a £5.4m plummet in the space of just over three years and shows that his career may be winding down as he heads towards his mid-30s.

He is currently under contract until 2023, with an option to extend it a further 12 months, but Howe must cash in on him in the summer instead of allowing him to leave on a free transfer the following year. The end of this season could be the club’s last chance to recoup some money for the defender and, for the aforementioned reasons, they should act upon that opportunity.

AND in other news, “I believe”: Luke Edwards delivers big Newcastle update which will leave Howe buzzing…

Leeds United target Noussair Mazraoui has stated that there is just a 5% chance he will remain an Ajax player ahead of the 2022/23 season, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Orta keen on Mazraoui

The Whites are looking to bring in a midfielder before the January transfer window slams shut, with Brenden Aaronson a key target.

However, they have been linked with a move for Mazraoui, who progressed through Ajax’s youth system alongside Leeds colossus Pascal Struijk, for even longer.

Reports back in November suggested that Leeds and Victor Orta were weighing up a move for the Adidas-sponsored defender. The full-back’s contract situation hasn’t changed, with the 24-year-old set to become a free agent in the summer as things stand.

The Latest: Mazraoui speaks out

As reported by The Sun on Tuesday evening, Leeds are still keen on a move for the speedster, as are Arsenal and AS Roma.

Mazraoui admitted that he is ‘open’ to a new challenge and revealed there is only a 5% chance he will still be an Ajax player next season.

The Verdict: Pre-contract agreement?

Even though Orta has his hands full in the final days of the January window, a pre-contract agreement for Mazraoui ahead of a free transfer in the summer could be an excellent piece of business.

The Morocco international has plenty of experience at the highest level for both club and country and is clearly an attack-minded full-back, as he has already contributed to eight goals this season.

He can also play in midfield when required, so landing an £18m-rated player for nothing seems to be a no-brainer. It’s just a question of whether he would entertain a move to Yorkshire over Arsenal or Roma.

In other news: ‘People I’ve spoken to’ – Journalist drops Leeds transfer news; Orta busy on more than just Aaronson

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has led his side to fourth in the Premier League, as it stands, and is on the verge of sealing a place in Europe’s premier cup competition for 2022/23.

Finishing in the top four could have a major impact on their business in the summer as it could help their efforts to land a certain Lazio gem.

It was recently reported that Spurs will make a move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, with Fabio Paratici plotting a swoop for the midfielder if the club can secure Champions League qualification this season.

He is reportedly valued at €80m (£66m) by the Italian outfit and he is attracting interest from other teams, with PSG and Juventus said to be keen on him.

Antonio Conte would love him

The Spurs head coach needs him at the club as he would offer something different to the current crop of Spurs midfielders.

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Tottenham do not currently have any central midfielders who offer a big goal threat in the Premier League. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is the club’s top-scoring player from that position with just two goals to his name, which suggests that they lack a player like Milinkovic-Savic.

In Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the Serbian international ranks in the 93rd percentile or higher for non-penalty goals, assists, expected assists, non-penalty expected goals, and shots per 90 – as per FBRef. He is also in the 80th percentile for shot-creating actions and in the 97th percentile for progressive passes, proving that he is an elite attack-minded midfielder.

Parma’s sporting director Demetrio Albertini previously lauded his talent, saying: “Milinković-Savić has the characteristics of a great champion; he has extraordinary elegance.”

This high praise is backed up by his incredible attacking statistics for Lazio. He has nine goals and nine assists in the Serie A this term, after producing eight goals and nine assists last season – proving his consistency in the final third.

At the age of 27, he is also now heading into his prime years and this means that Conte will not need to worry about him reaching his potential. Spurs have a number of young players in their squad, including Ollie Skipp in the same position, and it will be a relief for the head coach to have another experienced option to choose from in the middle of the park.

This, along with his attacking quality, is why the Italian boss needs him in North London next season. He can bring goals and to the side from midfield and take some of the pressure off Heung-Min Son, Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski, whilst also providing them with chances to score with his progressive passing.

AND in other news, Conte can finally axe “terrible” £91k-p/w dud as THFC plot bid for £58m-rated “leader”…