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Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Paul Robinson has shared his Jesse Lingard belief amid yet more reports linking him with a return to West Ham United.

The Lowdown: West Ham still eyeing Lingard?

Despite the signing of Croatia international Nikola Vlasic, some reports have come out over the last month linking the Hammers with a possible return swoop.

Lingard is out of contract at the end of this season as talks remain ongoing over a possible Old Trafford extension, but as it stands, he could leave for free in 2022.

According to The Sun, United will consider a cut price £15 million offer for the forward if he continues to refuse new deal offers – coming after Football Insider claimed last month that West Ham are still interested.

Lingard himself admitted he needs to playing regularly to stand any chance of going to next year’s World Cup with England, with Robinson now reacting to this message and sharing his belief.

The Latest: Robinson shares Lingard belief…

Speaking to FI, the former Premier League goalkeeper insists a return to the London Stadium ‘could be on the cards’ next year.

“A return to West Ham could be on the cards judging by that,” explained Robinson when asked about Lingard’s admission.

“If Lingard wants any kind of international career he needs to be getting regular starts. I don’t think a bit-part role at Man United is going to be enough for him.

“He played well against Andorra. I’m a big fan of his. I really like the way he plays. He looks a completely different player since he’s come back from West Ham.

“The worry would be that he regresses again as his game time reduces. He is not getting the minutes that he wants.

“There will be a couple of exits from Man United in January. Lingard could well be one of them. I think there will be activity there.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 28-year-old’s spell on loan under David Moyes last season certainly seemed to be a game-changer for his career.

Even now, despite the lack of game time, Lingard has bagged a brilliant two league goals in just 45 minutes of Premier League action for the Red Devils this season and he may well need to get more of a look-in.

If West Ham do decide to take a punt in January, especially for a mooted £15m, it may well pay off – former Hammer Nigel Winterburn lauded him as ‘sensational’, and his displays on loan last term certainly back up that description.

In other news: West Ham plotting big money bid to sign 115-goal striker who Moyes personally wants, find out more here.

A major update has emerged on Rangers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s attempts to bring a new forward to Ibrox this month…

What’s the talk?

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via VoetbalKrant, the Gers are set to miss out on a deal for winger Andreas Skov Olsen.

The report claims that the Scottish giants placed a £4.1m (€5m) bid for his services before Club Brugge came in with an offer of £5.8m (€7m) to oust them, with the winger now poised to join the Belgian club as an agreement is close with the Serie A outfit.

Infuriation for Van Bronckhorst

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst will surely be left infuriated by this latest update, as it suggests that the club will not be able to bring in Olsen this month.

The Dane could have been a fantastic addition to the squad and the Dutchman will be gutted that he will not be able to work with the 22-year-old in Glasgow. Olsen has shown enough at senior level to suggest that he would have been able to make an impact in the short term, and he is at an age where he could have the potential to improve even further in the future.

He has already played 70 times for Bologna in Serie A, which shows that he has a solid bank of experience in a top European league. In those games, he has racked up three goals and five assists, with two assists in 18 matches this term as he tests himself against the likes of Juventus, Inter, Milan and Atalanta.

The forward has also shown promise for Denmark at international level, with five goals and three assists in 10 World Cup qualifiers. This suggests that he presently has the ability to arrive at Ibrox and make an impact on the first team this season, which is why Van Bronckhorst will be infuriated by the club missing out on his signature, as he would be deprived of a player who could strengthen his side immediately.

At the age of 22, Olsen has scope for further improvement and could increase his value down the line. This means that Rangers could be about to miss out on a forward who would have offered a short-term and long-term benefit to the club on and off the pitch.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst can jettison Rangers liability in swoop for “phenomenal” 18y/o with a “big future”…

Serie A expert Conor Clancy insists that Jeremie Boga would be limited by Rafael Benitez if he decided to move to Everton.

The Toffees have been linked with a potential swoop for the winger this summer, as have Crystal Palace.

Boga has emerged as something of a star during his time with Sassuolo in Serie A, and reports suggest that Atalanta have already tabled a bid worth £15.5m for his signature, though it was rejected.

The 24-year-old, who is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, has made a total of 90 appearances for the club and has scored 18 goals, while also laying on seven assists.

A pacey, tricky winger who can play on the left, in attacking midfield and up front, Boga needs to be able to have the opportunity to play with complete freedom, according to Clancy, who is the editor-in-chief at Forza Italian Football.

Boga, of course, has experience of playing in England, as he came through the ranks at Chelsea, though he made just one senior appearance for the Blues.

Like a number of Chelsea youngsters, he went on a spate of loan spells, playing for French club Rennes, Granada in Spain and fellow English club Birmingham City.

Clancy said: “Maybe Everton might make a little bit more sense but still, under Benitez, he’s going to be a lot more restricted than he would like to be.

“With Sassuolo, he’s basically just told, ‘there’s the ball, go and play’. I think he’s got to go somewhere where that can also happen and I don’t see that from Everton in the Premier League.”

The Celtic Way journalist Anthony Haggerty claims that Ryan Christie has the talent to play in the Premier League, after leaving Celtic for AFC Bournemouth in the Championship.

The winger has moved to the second-tier club for a bargain fee of around £2.5m, per Sky Sports.

Christie had been with Celtic since 2015, spending a total of six years with the Scottish giants.

A Scotland international with 21 caps under his belt, the 26-year-old made 151 appearances for the club, scoring 41 goals, registering 44 assists and winning the Scottish Premiership three times.

Haggerty believes he has all the talent to make the step up to the Premier League even if he was booed at times last season, and Bournemouth will be hoping that he can lead the club back to the top-flight.

He said: “I think there’s talent there, no doubt about it, he’s a talented, talented boy. He was another one who suffered with the malaise at Celtic last season, setting in of the rot, and he became a bit of a fan’s boo boy because he was trying stuff and it wasn’t coming off, and it’s easy to shout at guys who are possessed with talent and ability, they’re the ones who cop it the most.

“Christie was one of the targets for Celtic fans’ anger and ire and he got it really badly so he maybe didn’t forget that.

“I think he could do well. Stuart Armstrong’s made a decent fist of it at Southampton and thrived and I think Ryan Christie’s another player there.”

Bournemouth have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season but they have won just two of those games, drawing three; they are currently sixth in the table.

Aston Villa defender Axel Tuanzebe will not retain his spot in Dean Smith’s starting line-up for today’s game with Tottenham Hotspur, according to Kevin Campbell.

The Lowdown: Hause the matchwinner

The 23-year-old, who is on loan from Manchester United for the second time in his career, started three consecutive games in a row against Brentford, Chelsea and Everton before missing last week’s win at Old Trafford as he was ineligible to face his parent club.

Kortney Hause filled the vacancy in Smith’s side and scored his first goal since Boxing Day with an 88th-minute header to earn Villa their first win at United since 2009.

Ahead of today’s Premier League game with Tottenham, Smith now has a decision to make on who to start alongside Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa in defence.

The Latest: Bench only for Tuanzebe

Speaking to Football Insider, former Arsenal striker and occasional Sky Sports pundit Campbell has explained why he believes Tuanzebe will only make the bench this afternoon.

He said: “It’s a big call. What a great problem for Dean Smith to have though.

“I think it would be very difficult for him to drop Hause after he scored the winner against United. For that reason I think Hause will start ahead of Tuanzebe. I really think he will be the one who gets the nod with Mings and Konsa.”

Campbell continued: “As a unit, Villa player brilliantly against United and Hause was one of the star players. I think Smith will go with an unchanged side if he can. How can you drop anyone from a side that just beat Man United at Old Trafford?”

The Verdict: Kane on form

Whoever Smith decides to start with at the back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they must be at their best to stop Harry Kane from adding to his Thursday hat-trick in the Europa Conference League.

Against United, Hause completed 23 of his 30 passes, won all of his aerial duels and had two blocks and two interceptions (Sofascore) as Villa kept Cristiano Ronaldo quiet throughout the game.

Tuanzebe may count himself unlucky if he is dropped to the bench, but after a goal and clean sheet at Old Trafford, starting Hause makes sense for Smith. We’re with Campbell on this one.

In other news, these Villa fans have reacted to a journalist update on the upcoming international break. Find out more here.

Leicester City have been linked with a move for Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his defensive options.

What’s the story?

Highly-rated centre-back Wesley Fofana suffered a fractured fibula during a pre-season game against Villarreal on Wednesday, leaving the Midlands outfit in desperate need of an additional centre-back before the new campaign kicks off.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Foxes are one of four Premier League clubs interested in acquiring Lenglet’s services this summer, with Everton, Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion also credited with an interest.

The report claims that Barca are offering the 26-year-old around to several clubs as they’re keen to secure a sale, allowing them to lower their wage bill and facilitate the registration of their new signings.

Jon Rudkin must swoop

Lenglet arrived at Camp Nou from Sevilla in a £31.7m deal back in 2018, but he’s failed to live up to expectations with the Catalan giants. He made 33 appearances in La Liga last season due to injury issues for Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique, although his performances left a lot to be desired.

The France international received a lowly WhoScored rating of 6.59 for his underwhelming displays, leading to speculation of an imminent exit.

However, on his day, Lenglet is still undoubtedly a top-class player capable of producing elite performances on the biggest of stages.

His international manager Didier Deschamps has previously lauded the £22.5m-rated gem, praising his technical ability, a key asset for a modern-day defender.

“He’s a top player. He’s got good technique, and despite his size, he’s not bothered by individual duels. He’s a player who’s improving every day, ” said Deschamps.

With Barca’s desperate financial situation well known and Lenglet reportedly up for sale and in need of a fresh start, Leicester’s director of football Jon Rudkin must swoop for the 26-year-old this summer.

The 6 ft 1 beast would solve the FA Cup holders’ shortage in the heart of defence, provide Rodgers with a natural left-footed option at centre-back and potentially deliver a significant boost to their chances of finishing inside the top four.

In other news… Sky Sports drop concerning Leicester City transfer update that’ll leave fans worried 

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…

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…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United target Jesse Lingard, regarding Manchester United’s transfer plans for him.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are willing to part ways with the England international for a fee of £10m in January.

The report claims West Ham and Newcastle could be in the race to land his signature, with the latter’s interest potentially increasing the fee United can sell him for.

Ben Arfa 2.0

Eddie Howe could find Newcastle’s new Hatem Ben Arfa with a £10m deal for Lingard in the upcoming transfer window.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-newcastle-howe-ter-stegen” title= “Read the latest Newcastle news!”]

The French attacking midfielder enjoyed an impressive spell at St. James’ Park as he produced 15 goals and 16 assists in 86 appearances for the club. He was capable of the spectacular and scored two sensational individual goals against Blackburn and Bolton during his time in England.

Lingard is a player who can provide Newcastle with similar qualities. He scored a stunning solo strike against Wolves for West Ham earlier this year and ended his loan spell with the Hammers on nine goals and five assists in 16 Premier League games, showing that – like Ben Arfa – he can provide plenty from advanced midfield positions.

United coach Michael Carrick once praised the midfielder’s willingness to make runs off the ball and move players around. He said:

“I think his movement is excellent. It’s something that sounds quite simple, but it’s difficult to defend against.

“He senses where the space is and how to use it. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s a dribbler with skills and tricks but he’s dynamic. How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that now as everyone wants to get on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective.”

This highlights his work out of possession to go with his Ben Arfa-like quality in the final third on the ball, which makes him a well-rounded player who could offer a lot to Newcastle in the second half of the season. Howe could pull off a masterclass by bringing him to Tyneside as his statistics for West Ham suggest that he could make the difference at the top end of the pitch and win matches for the Magpies.

The ex-Bournemouth coach must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Lingard as his goals and assists could end up being the difference between survival and relegation, should he help the club win more matches with his contributions. He has proven that he can deliver in the Premier League and produce magical moments, thus demonstrating he could be the Ben Arfa 2.0 that Howe needs.

AND in other news, Howe could win over NUFC fans by axing £41k-p/w dud and landing “magnificent” beast…

Everton made five new signings in the winter transfer window, with Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli joining the squad on Deadline Day alongside the new manager Frank Lampard, however, both signings haven’t worked out the way they planned.

Alli has been anonymous for Everton only playing just 169 minutes since he joined over 3 months ago, whereas van de Beek has been given slightly more opportunity to prove himself in the team playing 430 minutes in six appearances.

However, on that evidence, it’s hardly a surprise that talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan said after they signed that they were the “runts of the litter” at Manchester United and Tottenham.

The £34m van de Beek is on loan from Man United following a problematic time at Old Trafford with only four Premier League starts for his parent club, and was given a lifeline at Goodison Park to prove his worth, but has failed to make a significant impact.

Van de Beek has not scored or assisted in the game time he has tallied up with the Toffees so far from his position in the centre of the pitch, with his most impactful performance coming in his full debut in a 3-0 win over Leeds United.

According to SofaScore, the 25-year-old made four tackles, one interception, one key pass and was successful in three out of four of his aerial duels over his 90 minutes played which led to Lampard hailing his signing “great”. Sadly, he has not since been able to emulate this performance.

One of the most notable Everton displays since the Toffees boss joined the club was the 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last month, where van de Beek put in a shocking performance losing the majority of his duels and proving unsuccessful in 100% of his crosses leading to Lampard benching the midfielder in the 59th minute.

Since then the Man Utd loanee, who was labelled “not that good” by Marco van Basten and “anonymous” by writer Peter Guy, has missed out on the last four fixtures following a thigh injury, and with the team securing a victory this weekend following Fabian Delph’s return to the side, it would be interesting if he even makes it back into the team against Leicester City a week on Wednesday.

Everton have a number of midfielders in the squad with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan, Delph and Andre Gomes to name a few, so with reports mounting that the club want to sign the Dutch maestro permanently, it seems like a pointless venture and a waste of money when you factor in his mediocre impact.

With the Dutchman’s former coach Erik ten Hag expected to become the next United manager, it would be more likely that he parts ways with the Merseyside club and takes his chances at getting back into the team at Old Trafford.

Lampard should certainly see it as a blessing in disguise as Everton needs to tighten their belt financially.

In other news: Lampard must brutally axe £19.8m-rated Everton “freak” who’s an “utter waste of time”