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Bradford City announced on Friday that striker Alex Jones has joined Cambridge United on loan for the remainder of the 2018/19 campaign.

Jones joined Bradford from Birmingham City in 2017 and has scored 10 times in 30 appearances for his current club in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The 24-year-old has actually only made two League One appearances this term though, with his last coming against Coventry City at the end of October.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

Injuries have harmed Jones since arriving at Bradford, but it still seems strange that the club are allowing him to leave considering their problems.

Indeed, Bradford are currently 23rd in League One and were thumped 4-0 by Southend United last weekend.

The Bradford fans have been on social media offering their views on the loan, which is Jones’ third following previous spells at Grimsby Town and Port Vale.

And it would be fair to say that there was a mixed reaction from the supporters overall.

Indeed, whilst some believe that it was the right time to allow Jones to leave, others are finding it difficult to understand why the decision has been made with Bradford facing the possibility of dropping into League Two for the 2019/20 campaign.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

According to The Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur and manager Antonio Conte have set their sights on another target as news emerges on Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The Lowdown: Tottenham working…

As the final hurdle of this year’s January transfer window approaches, Lilywhites transfer chief Fabio Paratici is intensifying talks for key targets after missing out on both Adama Traore and Luiz Diaz to Barcelona and Liverpool respectively.

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Little time remains to significantly bolster Conte’s squad and give Tottenham a better chance of finishing the 2021/2022 season on a high.

There are even some fears that the 52-year-old could walk if Spurs don’t strengthen sufficiently as both Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy seek to back the Italian mid-season.

The Latest: Tottenham preparing Luiz bid…

New targets appear to be emerging on a regular basis as The Mail now share news on yet another in Brazilian midfield ace Luiz.

The Villans regular is now allegedly the subject of intense interest from Spurs with both Conte and Paratici now ‘preparing a £32m bid’ for the player.

Luiz has just 18 months left on his current deal, prompting Tottenham’s interest as the club could be forced to contemplate a significant offer.

The Verdict: Ideal target?

Strengthening in midfield is one of Conte’s four main goals for this transfer window and we believe signing the 23-year-old could come as a real statement of intent.

He’s attracted praise from Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who branded his former youngster as a ‘strong’ and ‘clever’ player, meanwhile journalist Gregg Evans has even more rave reviews.

Speaking on The Athletic’s 1874 podcast, via This is Futbol, the Villa reporter lauded Luiz as ‘an absolute joy to watch’, ‘fantastic player’ and ‘absolute star’ – summing up the South American’s form at Villa Park over these last few seasons.

At £32m, taking into account his fairly young age also, Luiz could be an absolute steal in the long-term.

In other news: Spurs now preparing another marquee bid for ‘special’ forward, find out more here.

Arsenal have as many as three exciting strikers on their shortlist this month…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the very reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, who delivered a fresh update on the Gunners’ transfer plans.

“Dusan Vlahovic is their key target for that position with very credible backup options – the likes of Alexander Isak at Real Sociedad and Dominic Calvert-Lewin has admirers at Arsenal,” he told The Athletic’s football podcast.

“Vlahovic is going to be really difficult. They’re pushing hard or they have been pushing hard. I’ve not been made aware of any progress in recent days.”

Reliable alternative

With the Fiorentina marksman becoming increasingly out of reach for the north London giants, it’s very encouraging to learn that the club have a range of options, in which Calvert-Lewin is one.

The 24-year-old Everton forward, who has now been capped 11 times by England, is a solid alternative to the Serbian and perhaps even the safer choice. That’s largely due to his prolific record and experience in the Premier League.

He has missed a large part of this season with a fractured foot but he had started with three goals in as many games prior to the setback. Last campaign, he bagged 21 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, further adding to his tally of 15 in 2019/20.

What should make him even more appealing is the fact that he looked up to Thierry Henry as a role model growing up, as revealed during an interview with Sky Sports.

“Thierry Henry is my other idol. Whenever I used to try and get football shirts it was Thierry Henry’s football shirt because he was my favourite player, and I don’t think you can argue with that one,” he said.

Something that Cavert-Lewin would offer Arsenal that perhaps the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette do not is his aerial ability.

The Englishman won 4.3 aerials per game last season and that had increased to 5.3 this term, albeit based on more limited outings, as per WhoScored.

“He must be a nightmare to play against and he has an incredible leap on him like Cristiano Ronaldo,” once claimed his Toffees teammate Richarlison, via talkSPORT.

On the above evidence, the Emirates Stadium faithful have plenty to be excited about. If they do not land Vlahovic, then someone like Calvert-Lewin is certainly an exciting and reliable alternative.

Following Ornstein’s revelation, there is plenty for Arsenal fans to be buzzing about heading into the remainder of the transfer window.

AND in other news, Arsenal “following” £27m-rated “elite talent” who’s like Locatelli, Arteta needs him…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s interest in West Ham centre-back Issa Diop…

What’s the talk?

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, the Magpies have ‘established contacts’ with the Hammers over a potential deal for the defender.

The reporter has claimed that Watford are also in the race for his signature, whilst Paris Saint-Germain colossus Abdou Diallo is another player on the radar of the Toon Army.

Philippe Albert 2.0

In Diop, Howe can find Newcastle’s Philippe Albert 2.0 by signing a defensive “monster” who can lead from the back for the Magpies.

Albert played 137 times for the club, including 97 games in the Premier League and matches in Europe, and was capped 41 times by Belgium throughout his career.

The centre-back, who has been dubbed a club legend by The Chronicle, enjoyed a fantastic spell on Tyneside and Diop could follow in his footsteps by arriving in January and excelling in the side – going on to match or better Albert’s run at St. James’ Park.

In just over three years in England, the 24-year-old has made 88 appearances in the Premier League and played 108 games for West Ham. He has also made five appearances in the Europa League this season, showing that he – like Albert – has experience of playing European football as well as in the English top-flight.

Jose Mourinho previously lauded the West Ham recruitment staff for their work in landing the centre-back, saying: “Congratulations to the scout who found Diop, a monster who dictated everything.”

Diop has averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.16 in the Europa League, making 3.0 tackles and interceptions per game from centre-back. In his first Premier League campaign for West Ham, he averaged a score of 6.89 and made 4.0 tackles and interceptions per game, showing that he has the potential to be a top-quality performer at this level for Howe if he can get him playing at his best.

Therefore, Newcastle must ensure that they are able to get a deal over the line for the £10.8m-rated gem as he could end up being a reliable, consistent, option at centre-back and end up playing many games in the top-flight for the Magpies. Albert was a European defender who managed that feat in his time at the club and Howe can find the next one on the production line by landing Diop in January.

AND in other news, “Decision has been made”: Romano drops major transfer update that’ll delight NUFC fans…

West Ham have approached Aston Villa over a move for centre-back Kortney Hause, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: El Ghazi interest

The 26-year-old isn’t the first Villa player with whom the Hammers have been linked during the January transfer window. David Moyes is also thought to be keen on signing Anwar El Ghazi, with the Irons manager viewing the Dutchman as a versatile attacking option at the London Stadium.

Villa are willing to part ways with the Netherlands international and would prefer a permanent sale, and it now seems as if Hause is also a player of interest.

The Latest: Source shares Hause update

Football Insider, who were informed by a West Ham source, shared a story on Saturday morning regarding Hause.

They claimed that the Hammers have approached Villa over a possible deal, but Steven Gerrard’s side have the option to extend the defender’s stay in the Midlands by a further 12 months.

The report added that, should Villa activate the clause, it would enable them to secure a significantly higher fee for Hause, with his manager open to moving him on if the club can bring in a replacement.

The Verdict: New addition needed first

Villa recently lost Axel Tuanzebe’s services after he cut short his season-long loan spell to join Italian side Napoli. That has left Gerrard with Hause, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa as first team options in the centre of defence, so Villa certainly need one and possibly two additions at the back if they are to part ways with the 26-year-old.

The £25,000-a-week earner, who journalist Pat Rowe called a defender who ‘dominates players’, made his first start under Gerrard in the recent 2-1 defeat to Brentford, with a number of fans criticising his performance that day.

Incomings are needed at Villa Park before possibly letting Hause leave, but it seems as if a move to the capital could have legs, making it a transfer rumour to watch.

In other news: ‘Heartbroken’ – Many Villa fans react to Gregg Evans’ big transfer development

Providing an update on West Ham United and their transfer plans for January, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has now shared news involving Liverpool striker Divock Origi.

The Lowdown: West Ham looking to January…

As recently confirmed by manager David Moyes, speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, his Hammers side could be active in the winter window (Sky Sports).

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The Scotsman says that, as well as scouring for a new centre-half as emergency cover to the injured Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma, his side have been searching for a striker (Sky Sports).

There have been no shortage of links to new forwards already, including the likes of Andrea Belotti and Adam Hlozek most recently, with Ex now sharing what he knows on the West Ham Way Website.

The Latest: Insider makes Origi claim…

As per his information, West Ham could now ‘make a move’ to sign Origi in the upcoming transfer window – explaining it would ‘not be a surprise at all’ if the Irons swoop for his signature.

The 26-year-old, struggling for consistent game time at Liverpool, has also apparently been ‘very close’ to joining previously as Ex claims he may well be one to keep an eye on.

The Verdict: Good option?

Despite his lack of chances under Klopp, Origi has actually managed to turn it on this season when given the chance.

The Belgium international even scored a brilliant individual goal against West Ham at the London Stadium with Liverpool’s boss holding no shortage of praise for some of his exploits this season.

Klopp lauded the striker as a ‘really quick’ player and ‘monster’ in the air recently (The Mirror), and with Origi’s contract expiring in 2022, the Reds may feasibly be forced to sell for a cheaper rate in January.

Racking up a career tally of 63 senior goals, the 31-cap ace could actually come as an ideal back up striking option for Moyes and someone who can finally end West Ham’s year-long search for a Michail Antonio-alternative.

In other news: Moyes dealt worrying news as ‘another big injury blow’ comes out of West Ham, find out more here.

Kjetil Knutsen could be an alternative to Giovanni van Bronckhorst for Rangers after impressing Ross Wilson, according to The Daily Record. 

The lowdown

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is said to be the frontrunner for the managerial vacancy at Ibrox right now.

However, he’ll apparently ‘only take the job if everything is right’, seeking assurances regarding his backroom team and financial backing.

The latter could be a particularly thorny issue after Rangers announced a ‘huge’ £23.5million loss.

53-year-old Knutsen is currently in his first managerial post at Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt.

He’s took charge of 141 matches up to this point, winning 79 of them (56%).

Knutsen led his side to the Norwegian title last year and they’re currently five points clear as they look to retain that crown.

The latest

Knutsen is said to be one of ‘a number of managers’ who have won the personal admiration of Wilson.

If Rangers were to pursue him, it’s possible they could face competition from Norwich City given that he features on their ‘final shortlist’ of Daniel Farke replacements.

The verdict

Knutsen is also delivering in Europe, with Bodo/Glimt sitting top of a Conference League that includes Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma.

In fact, they dealt Mourinho the biggest beating of his managerial career last month with a 6-1 home rout.

It surely won’t be long before he ascends the footballing ladder.

The New York Times’ Rory Smith reckons his 2020 exploits should have had him in the running for FIFA’s manager of the year, while Express journalist Will Lancaster says he’s transformed Bodo/Glimt from the ‘Norwegian resemblance of Burnley’ to a ‘Pep [Guardiola]-inspired’ outfit.

In other news, fans were buzzing over this manager update. 

Frank Lampard and Everton must do everything in their power to keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Goodison Park, with interest said to be high this summer.

What’s the latest?

The Everton striker has been heavily linked with a move to Mikel Arteta’s resurged Arsenal side, with reports suggesting that Calvert-Lewin could in fact leave in the summer to help the Merseyside club with the £373m losses suffered over the last few seasons.

The rules surrounding financial fair play allow for maximum combined losses of £105m over three years, with Everton looking as though they will be forced to sell one of their big-name players in order to comply with FFP.

Former Tottenham and Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has suggested that the 25-year-old England forward would be better placed at West Ham United:

“I think for Calvert-Lewin, West Ham. They need another centre-forward, they cross the ball.”

Though Bent also added that Everton would have to lower their reported asking price of £60m if they wanted to attract viable suitors for the 25-year-old.

“If Everton ask for £60m no one’s buying him for that.” When prompted on Calvert-Lewin’s worth, Bent said: “£35m-£40m”

No DCL, No Party

With the pressures of FFP surrounding them, Everton will need to offload one of either Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison in order to relieve some pressure and reach a more confident position when it comes to balancing their books.

Of course, if the Toffees are to suffer relegation to the Championship this season, both would likely depart.

Having featured just 11 times for Everton this season, scoring on just three occasions, Calvert-Lewin’s goals have been a big miss for the Toffees and it is no coincidence that the Merseyside blues find themselves in the precarious position of 17th, having played their fair share of games without the star man.

It’s easy to forget that the £72k-per-week forward netted a solid 16 Premier League goals just last season and 13 the season prior, which showcases how big a disaster it would be to lose him permanently.

Calvert-Lewin has been a big miss for the Toffees and his importance has been evidenced this season, as Lampard’s side are battling to avoid what would be a catastrophic relegation to the second-tier.

The Toffees faithful will be hoping that Calvert-Lewin can return to his goalscoring ways before the end of the season.

In other news – Forget Keane: “Embarrassing” Everton dud who lost 100% duels let Lampard down…

Now that the 2022 January transfer window has opened, the next few weeks could see a number of Premier League clubs dip into the market to make some changes to their squads.With four wins and four defeats since Steven Gerrard was appointed as Villa’s manager, it seems likely that he will want to use the current transfer window to improve his squad and end the season on a high note.However, it seems as though the Villans will have to be careful to not lose one of their current squad members as well as potentially looking at bringing in some new players.What’s the word?

In a recent club-by-club transfer guide from the Daily Mail, they have claimed that Villa defender Kortney Hause is of interest to fellow Premier League club Watford this month.

Villa originally signed Hause from fellow Premier League club Wolves on a loan deal back in the 2019 January transfer window before securing him on a permanent deal in the following summer window.

Overall, the 26-year-old, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £25k-per-week according to Salary Sport, has made a total of 53 appearances for Villa across all competitions, chipping in with four goals along the way.

Having been labelled in the past as a figure that “dominates players” on the pitch by Pat Rowe, Hause’s previous performance for Villa in their recent 2-1 defeat against Brentford showed just that with the defender winning four of the five duels he was involved in.

In terms of his overall performances in the league for Villa this season, WhoScored have him listed as their joint-seventh highest rated player alongside fellow centre-back Tyrone Mings, showing how capable he is of playing at a good level for Villa in the Premier League.

With this in mind and the fact that Axel Tuanzebe is reportedly close to leaving Villa Park for another loan deal to Italian club Napoli, it would be a disaster if Villa were to see Hause leave as well this month if the club aren’t able to bring in another defender to replace the duo.

Moving forward, Villa and Gerrard should be doing all they can to keep hold of Hause this month and beyond given how useful he’s been for the team this season.

In other news: Lange could solve Gerrard’s big AVFC issue with swoop for “complete” £24.3m-rated gem – opinion

New Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will oversee his first game in charge of the club when they take on Brighton at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.

Villa lured the former Liverpool captain away from Ibrox as the man to replace Dean Smith in the dugout, and he will have his task cut out to claim a victory against a Seagulls side performing above expectations this season – ahead of the weekend, they find themselves in seventh place and not far off the top four.

Given the wretched run of form that Villa have had, losing five league matches on the spin, getting the home crowd roaring by naming a forward-thinking line-up ahead of the game could be the perfect start for Gerrard in the Midlands.

While Danny Ings hasn’t exactly enjoyed a barnstorming start to his own career at Villa Park, his inclusion in the starting XI could spark a fire up front.

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison once compared him to Robbie Keane for his “first-class” movement, while Ralph Hasenhuttl, his former boss at St Mary’s, lauded his exploits as “unbelievable”.

The £16m-rated striker enjoyed a decent campaign in the Premier League last season, firing in 12 goals in just 29 top-flight games – that followed up from his outstanding season the year before when he bagged 22 goals and finished just behind Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy (23).

The 29-year-old got his Villa career off to the perfect start with two goals in his first two games, but goals have been far harder to come by since then, with his team’s overall struggles not being the most ideal situation either.

However, with Gerrard having worked with the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe north of the border, the Villa boss will feel confident that he can get Ings firing again, and he could start by doing it against Brighton on Saturday.

A new manager and a new setup could be exactly what the summer signing needs to thrive at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Villa must finally sign this long-term transfer target…