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Tom Heaton will consider leaving Aston Villa this summer in search of guaranteed first-team football, according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans.

Aston Villa are apparently keen to keep him and will offer him a new contract. They recognise his ability as a goalkeeper and also value his ‘leadership skills’.

Heaton, though, will listen to offers from elsewhere before he considers any proposal from Villa.

Injury spoils Heaton’s spell at Villa

The ex-Manchester United ‘keeper moved to Villa Park in the summer of 2019 for a fee of £8million and held down the number one spot until he suffered an ACL injury away to former club Burnley on New Year’s Day.

Almost a year on, he returned to the substitutes bench, providing back-up for Emiliano Martinez. Of course, the exceptional form of Martinez has meant that no matter what Heaton shows in the occasional cup fixture he has no real chance of cementing himself back in as the number one.

Fan feed Villa Report relayed the news, and here’s how supporters reacted.

Villa fans wouldn’t begrudge Heaton a transfer

“You can’t blame him, he’s far too good to be a number 2, but let’s face it he’s never getting a game ahead of Emi”

Credit: @UtvJack

“Deserves first-team football don’t blame him”

Credit: @Connor_AVFC

“A real shame for us but totally understand why. He is too good to be a number 2”

Credit: @RichieLionel81

“Not surprised, really. Was pretty certain at least one of him or Jed Steer will be off. No doubt a top half Championship/bottom half Premiership team will be in for one of them.”

Credit: @rad_nauseam

“If that’s what he wants then fair play, let him go”

Credit: @TheWillRoss

“Such a shame with the way things went for him, I was so excited when we signed him. Hopefully he can go to a club and perform well, just not if/when he plays us”

Credit: @j_d_richards

“Fair play. More than happy with Jed as #2”

Credit: @elootor

“Respect honestly, he deserves it”

Credit: @fokkos2

In other news, fans hailed this player’s performance against Fulham.

Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho appears to have put himself firmly in demand with his recent electric form.

Premier League trio Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been talked-up as potential destinations for the Nigerian by Fichajes.

However, Jon Rudkin must keep the in-form forward at the club as alongside the likes of Wesley Fofana, Wilfred Ndidi and Harvey Barnes, he is both the present and the future of Leicester City.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leicester-city-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-soumare-soyuncu-edouard-jakupovic-lookman” title=”Latest Leicester City news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Iheanacho’s hot form in recent months has certainly been well-broadcast.

The 24-year-old, who was signed from Manchester City in 2017, leads the scoring charts at the King Power Stadium this season with 16 goals in all competitions – 13 of those coming in his last 12 domestic appearances for the Foxes.

It is form that saw Iheanacho named as the Premier League Player of the Month for March and draw considerable praise from manager Brendan Rodgers who labelled the striker’s contribution as “outstanding”.

It goes without saying then that his goals have been pivotal to Leicester City in recent times.

Jamie Vardy has scored just twice in 2021, Iheanacho shouldering the vast majority of the goalscoring burden, an aspect that has been crucial in the Foxes reaching the FA Cup final and continuing their challenge for a UEFA Champions League place.

Whilst he has certainly developed as a viable striking option for Rodgers in the present, it’s in the future where he will likely be called upon more.

At the age of 34, Vardy only has a limited amount of time left at the top-level and as it stands Iheanacho looks like his natural successor at the King Power Stadium especially with his recent goalscoring exploits.

Selling the Nigerian then would be nonsensical as it would greatly hamper the Foxes over the next few seasons should they fail to bring in a reliable goalscorer.

Meanwhile, of the clubs who could swoop for Iheanacho, Leicester would surely prefer not to sell the £13.5m-rated forward to any of them considering they are the Foxes’ direct rivals for places in the top-four.

In all then, it only makes sense for the East-Midlanders to hold onto Iheanacho despite the reported demand over his signature. So while Fofana appears to be the man in the headlines considering his links with Manchester United, keeping the in-form striker is arguably just as important.

AND in more news, read which starlet could be ready to break into the Foxes’ first-team next season…

Tottenham Hotspur could look into signing Nicolas Gonzalez this summer, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas claims Spurs have been monitoring the 22-year-old forward for quite some time and could look to make a move when Gareth Bale returns to Real Madrid at the end of his season-long loan.

It’s thought that the Bundesliga outfit would want around €30m (£26m) for his signature. Gonzalez still has three years remaining on his current deal, which was only renewed in November.

Dream Mourinho player

Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the Argentine forward has been in fine form – when fit – providing six goals and two assists from only 15 appearances, including strikes against Champions League clubs in Dortmund and Gladbach.

That’s a direct goal contribution every 116 minutes.

And the glowing endorsement from his manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, could hint towards why Jose Mourinho would be so keen on securing him this summer.

“He’s got a lot of qualities, but what I like best about him is that he’s a winner. He wants to win at all costs. He always gives 100%, and gets stuck in. He’s very important for us,” the American said to Bundesliga.com.

We know from Spurs’ mooted interest in RB Leipzig captain Marcel Sabitzer that the Spurs boss loves a competitor – transfer guru Fabrizio Romano told the Que Golazo CBS podcast: “He has quality but he’s a fighter, so he would be perfect for Jose Mourinho.”

The same would surely have to be said for Gonzalez, going by Matarazzo’s praise.

“He reminds me of Mario Kempes,” claimed the 22-year-old’s former coach, Alfredo Berti.

Those comparisons to the Argentina legend reinforce such a view, the 1978 World Cup and Golden Boot winner was a perfect mix of pace and power, often breaking through the defensively lines with brute force and acceleration.

Kempes, aged 30, once had a trial at Spurs in 1984, featuring in a 7-0 pre-season win over Enfield but was never signed permanently.

Gonzalez sits top for shots at Stuttgart, managing 4.43 attempts per 90 minutes, over one more effort than any other player and similarly, he ranks fourth for goal-creating actions (0.67 per 90), as per FBRef.

Likewise, he’s clear for touches in the opposition’s penalty box too, managing 7.21 per 90, and the combination of the above certainly suggests he’s able to break free to create chances – not just for himself, but for others too.

Mourinho would certainly love this sort of presence in attack, which is why Daniel Levy must open the chequebook this summer. Gonzalez and the ‘Special One’ could be a match made in heaven.

AND in other news, Spurs star dealt “significant” blow on international duty…

Fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed the news that Mike Dean has been appointed as the referee for the Hammers’ upcoming Premier League clash with Leeds United.

According to an announcement on the Premier League’s website, Dean will take charge of West Ham’s fixture against Marcelo Bielsa’s side on Monday 8 March, with Darren Cann and Derek Eaton appointed as the 52-year-old’s assistants, while Andre Marriner will be the VAR official.

However, after West Ham Family FC relayed the news of Dean’s appointment on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing furious at the prospect of the referee overseeing their club’s next fixture.

The 52 year-old was of course in the spotlight a few weeks ago when he sent off the Irons’ likely player of the year, Tomas Soucek, who later had his suspension lifted for scraping Aleksandar Mitrovic with his funny bone.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to the appointment of Mike Dean for their club’s upcoming fixture?

“How is someone so incompetent, yet keeps his job.”

@devonhammer66

“Appeal it and change it!!”

@AndrewWickstead

“Really, cant we have someone else? Tbh, anyone else.”

@steven_eastlake

“Makes the game tougher then it needed to be.”

@CHXRLIEXWHU66

“Leeds win then.”

@KaneWHU

“Oh dear.”

@maxquorum

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

@WH_Unofficial

In other West Ham United news, many fans wanted this Premier League ace after a contract claim – find out more here!

Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell.

Cantwell was linked with a move to Tottenham some months ago and Leicester City were also said to be interested in the midfielder. Liverpool were also linked with a summer move but now it seems as if Newcastle are also interested in the 23-year-old.

Newcastle could compete with Spurs for Cantwell

Football League World recently reported about Cantwell’s situation, saying that Newcastle are keen to bring the midfielder to St James’ Park in the summer if they stay in the Premier League this season. The report claims that Tottenham are still keen on the Englishman and Cantwell’s future could well depend on whether Norwich get promoted or not, as well as the Magpies’ eventual fate in their relegation battle, with the player likely to be swayed towards a club in the top flight.

Cantwell’s current deal at Carrow Road runs out in the summer of 2022 and he has been a regular for Daniel Farke’s men this season. Norwich are top of the Championship this season and ten points clear of second-placed Watford, with an instant return to the Premier League looking highly likely for the Canaries.

Cantwell would add goals to Newcastle’s midfield

Cantwell has already contributed to eight goals in the Championship this season, along with one assist in the FA Cup. He has been used primarily on the left of midfield this season and did well in the Premier League last term, scoring six times for the Canaries and supplying two assists.

This suggests that he can perform at the Premier League level. Ex-Newcastle striker Darren Huckerby has previously praised Cantwell’s growth and said: “He was always the most gifted, but needed more work mentally than the others. He would admit it himself he could get intimidated by other players, and it’s great to see where he is now, because five years ago you might have said it would be touch and go.”

As things stand, Newcastle have scored only 27 goals in the Premier League and Cantwell could well help to improve things in that regard were he to swap Norfolk for Tyneside in the summer.

In other news, details have been revealed about Matt Ritchie’s situation – read more here.

West Bromwich Albion fans have been reacting to their U23 side losing 5-0 against Leeds United.

The Baggies are currently struggling at the bottom of the Premier League. As it stands, they are 19th in the table and have picked up just 18 points from their first 29 games in the competition (Sky Sports). They are 10 points from safety with just nine matches left to play – it looks increasingly unlikely they will survive amongst the elite.

It seems their development squad is not fairing much better. They were in action against the Whites on Monday, and they were hammered 5-0. They are now bottom of their section with just 17 points from as many matches (flashscore.com). Not only that, the 5-0 scoreline was the same one the senior side were on the end of against the same opponents in December.

West Brom’s official Twitter account shared the result, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Baggies supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the West Brom fans had to say about the result below

“I’m no expert on the academy scene, but surely such consistently poor results is having no great influence on our youngsters. Don’t blame the coaches though, all down (to) Dowling.”

Credit: @joekapalo

“Not again”

Credit: @joshiecole2003

“When is it gonna end robbie”

Credit: @bruno_prest1

“Somethings clearly not right in our youth setup, I know Dowling has done some restructuring and coaches have moved on. I’d like to see more senior pros who are not getting a game time play in there, would be good experience for the U23’s too.”

Credit: @PallettJack

“I guess some things never change”

Credit:@BigAjayi

“well…at least Barca won’t rip us off anymore.”

Credit: @RobertsWBA23

In other news, West Brom fans were delighted with this club update.

After signing from Wigan Athletic in the summer, Joe Gelhardt has spent the majority of his Leeds United career thus far with the club’s U23s.

The 18-year-old forward has been in prolific form for the youth sides, bagging five goals in nine games at Premier League 2 level, playing in a number of different roles, including as an out-and-out number nine and even more withdrawn as a number ten.

But with Leeds reportedly in the market for a new striker, and Tyler Roberts being linked with an exit in this January transfer window, it’s surely time for Marcelo Bielsa to see what Gelhardt can do in the Premier League.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show, The Athletic journalist Phil Hay said of the teenager: “He’s been hugely impressive in the (Under-23s). Every time I see him, he looks like a massively talented player. Leeds have been quite honest in saying that the money they paid for him, around about £700,000 up front, from what I was told, is a small fee for somebody with massive amounts of talent.

“The only reason that they were ever able to get involved at that level of valuation was purely because Wigan were in deep trouble and Wigan were in administration. He is, in the opinion of most people, worth more money than that.”

Whether it’s through cameo roles here and there, or the odd start, Bielsa could unearth a hidden gem in Gelhardt and perhaps even save them a tonne of money in the transfer market by trying to land another centre-forward.

And with Roberts’ long-term future uncertain at Elland Road given his lack of real game-time, Bielsa may be better served handing out those minutes to someone like Gelhardt, who Leeds clearly see as a hot prospect.

Meanwhile, this pundit has delivered his exclusive verdict on this Leeds United transfer target…

West Brom have swiftly appointed their new manager.

Sam Allardyce.

What’s the word?

The Baggies sacked Slaven Bilic on Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after he steered his side to a 1-1 draw over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

And this evening, they confirmed the 66-year-old former Bolton, West Ham and England boss as their new manager. In an official statement on wba.co.uk, Albion revealed that Allardyce had signed an 18-month deal.

He will take training for the very first time on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Midlands derby against Aston Villa.

Austin redemption?

Whilst the overall appointment of a forgotten manager like Big Sam is questionable, to say the least – there’s nothing to suggest that he will be well-backed by the board, unlike his predecessor.

In reality, it is the lack of relegations on his CV that makes him seem an ideal candidate on paper but it’s going to take an awful lot to turn around this sinking squad. It’s practically a Championship-level outfit with an owner unwilling to invest.

No one’s changing that around.

Although the change in manager could be of benefit to several players, most notably Charlie Austin, who was effectively finished under Bilic despite the Croatian dubbing him “magnificent.”

Last month, The Athletic’s Steve Madeley claimed the 31-year-old was unlikely to play for the club again, though he has come off the bench twice in as many outings recently.

He could well be in line for some redemption thanks to the likely appointment of Allardyce as there’s nobody better equipped in the Baggies side to play his direct and aggressive style.

Austin cost just £4m in Bilic’s first summer and went onto bag ten goals in 34 appearances (18 starts) on their way to promotion last term, whilst his record in the big time is pretty respectable – 34 goals and ten assists in 108 games, via Transfermarkt.

Evidently, the 66-year-old will know exactly what he’s getting with the former Saints and QPR talisman as he eyed a swoop for him in 2015 whilst in charge of Sunderland, as per ESPN.

Once dubbed “absolutely ruthless” by Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman, could Austin go from zero-to-hero under Allardyce? He may well make the Hawthorns erupt if he finds his tune again.

He ought to consider he’s earning a whopping £70k-per-week.

AND in other news, Lai heading for a Pardew-like mistake…

Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass has been ruled out for the next ten days – at least, his dad Dean exclusively revealed Football FanCast.

The Owls star has proven to be a valuable asset this season, scoring three goals in 20 appearances after signing permanently in the summer transfer window.

Both Garry Monk and Tony Pulis regularly started the versatile 26-year-old, but during their New Year’s Day clash with Derby at Hillsborough Stadium, he was withdrawn before half-time through injury.

Windass is now set to miss the next two weeks, which includes crucial matches against Exeter City in the FA Cup and fellow Championship strugglers Coventry City and Wycombe Wanderers.

Speaking to FFC, Dean said:

“He pulled his hamstring last week. So I can say it’s a grade one tear. And he’s out for 10 days.”He’s a bit gutted you know, but there’s been a lot of games and there’s been a lot of injuries in every club. He’s a quick, explosive runner so you’re going to get injuries like that.”

Sheffield Wednesday are currently without a manager, so caretaker coach Neil Thompson has taken the reins following the shock sacking of Tony Pulis over a week ago.

Owls legend Carlton Palmer believes the 57-year-old has a shot as getting the job permanently, though he is now left with a major dilemma in attack.

He could well have to turn to Jordan Rhodes, who has been linked with an exit to league rivals Queens Park Rangers this month otherwise he’s down to just Calum Paterson for striking options.

No Owls player is firing off more shots per game (two) than Windass, so it’s certainly a huge blow to their chances of pulling clear at the bottom of the table this month.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer fires Chansiri warning to next Sheffield Wednesday boss…

Celtic have started a much-needed winning streak thanks to their victory over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon. The Hoops played hosts at Parkhead and managed to come away with a narrow 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Stephen Welsh and Odsonne Edouard.

Whilst Celtic have been struggling this season, things are starting to look up for the quadruple treble winners. Although they look down and out in the league and will likely give up their crown to Rangers, there are a lot of positives to take from their recent performances.

One man in particular who has been impressing in the first team is reserve side captain Welsh. The centre-back popped up with a crucial goal after mere minutes against Motherwell and helped guide his side to three points. Fans erupted on social media when he netted the opening goal, with many singing his praises as Celtic’s new exciting prospect.

Stephen Welsh vs Motherwell

When Celtic were dealt the heartbreak of losing out on Ben Davies, who signed for Liverpool, things looked bleak for Neil Lennon and co across the backline. However, the manager has taken a big risk by dropping loanee Shane Duffy in replace of 21-year-old Welsh.

The Brighton man hasn’t lived up to expectations since his loan move to Glasgow and as such, he is now being usurped by a much younger and less experienced defender. However, despite Welsh only making a total of nine senior appearances for the Bhoys, he is already proving to be a strong candidate to permanently partner Kristoffer Ajer at the heart of the defence.

According to Sofascore, Welsh contributed a lot more than his early goal for Celtic. He made four tackles and three interceptions whilst manning the defence, which is more than Greg Taylor, Jonjoe Kenny and Ajer. The £180,000-rated Scot also maintained a 91% passing accuracy and lost possession just six times, the same amount previously against Kilmarnock.

Lennon’s faith in the up-and-coming defender is already paying off in dividends and Welsh could even be buying the Irishman some more time at the hilt of the club. The 49-year-old has been tipped for the boot recently, with Rafael Benitez heavily linked to being his replacement.

But if Lennon can keep bagging wins due to his brave team decisions, he may escape the chop and live to see another season at Celtic.

In other news, David Turnbull is rapidly becoming a Celtic talisman…