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Newcastle put in a valiant display on Monday night as they held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park in the Premier League.

It was a result which ended a run of three successive defeats for the Magpies, having lost to Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester City in recent weeks.

Allan Saint-Maximin handed Eddie Howe’s side the lead in the first half as he improvised a stunning finish into the top corner whilst falling off balance. However, Edinson Cavani equalised in the second half for the away side as he collected a rebound from his own shot to slice an effort into the corner, with Martin Dubravka given no chance to save it.

Both teams had chances to win the match, with Jacob Murphy hitting the post and David de Gea producing a stunning save from Miguel Almiron, whilst Cavani fluffed an opportunity to score after Dubravka dropped the ball at Jadon Sancho’s feet in the penalty box.

Lightweight

Despite an impressive showing from the Magpies, one player who let Howe down on the night against Ralf Rangnick’s team was Javier Manquillo, who lined out at left-back.

For the equalising goal, the Spaniard was dragged out of position initially by Cavani and was left scrambling to get across to Diego Dalot on the switch. He then failed to stop the cross as he turned his body and allowed the Portuguese full-back to produce a cutback to the Uruguayan striker, who eventually turned the ball into the back of the net.

This shows that the 27-year-old was partly to blame for Newcastle failing to pick up all three points as he was unable to stop Dalot from creating the goal. However, this was not the only error in his game as his all-around performance was lacking in quality.

Defensively, he was poor throughout. As per SofaScore, he lost six of his 11 duels and was dribbled past a whopping four times in the match. This shows that he was a lightweight in his physical battles and was nowhere near good enough in his defending as he allowed himself to be beaten in the dribble on four separate occasions.

He also offered little in possession. As per SofaScore, he only completed 72% of his passes, with a mere 13 overall. He also failed to complete a single cross and failed with two of his four attempted dribbles. This aspect of his performance could be excused as he was playing on his weaker side, usually lining out at right-back, but it was a disappointing display from Manquillo all the same and he let Howe down with his performance.

AND in other news, Forget ASM: Newcastle’s “unplayable” beast who won 8 duels stole the show vs Man Utd…

Everton will return to action today at Goodison Park hosting Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round, with newly appointed manager Frank Lampard leading his first starting eleven out in front of the home fans.

There are a number of injuries to take into consideration, with both Abdoulaye Doucoure and Fabian Delph confirmed to be out for at least a month in a club statement and in his pre-match press conference the new Toffees boss has revealed the first blow to his squad as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has picked up a knock and won’t be available for the game this afternoon.

Lampard also faces another blow to his squad, as both Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli remain cup tied, but it could be a blessing in disguise as they will be raring to go when the side take on Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

With that being said, this is how Football Fancast expects Lampard to line up his first team against Brentford…

We expect to see four changes from Duncan Ferguson’s line up that lost to Aston Villa in the Premier League before the winter break, with Jonjoe Kenny axed from the side in place of youngster, Nathan Patterson.

Patterson, who was hailed “amazing” by his Scotland team mate Che Adams, could make his debut in the first team for Everton today after he was spotted in Lampard’s initial training sessions this week.

This could be the perfect opportunity for the 20 year old to make his mark on the team and make a good first impression on his new manager, who is renowned for developing and giving debuts to young players with potential.

We predict that due to the two cup tied new signings being unavailable, Andre Gomes will play alongside Allan in the deeper midfield roles to cover for Doucoure’s absence through injury and Anthony Gordon will take the 10 role behind Richarlison who is pushed up front in place of an injured Calvert-Lewin.

This season’s joint top goal scorers for the Toffees so far, Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray, are expected to be on hand to link up with Richarlison to seal goals and cause problems for the Brentford defence today.

Lampard will be hoping he can give something to the fans that they can be happy about after a number of protests took place just before his arrival and progressing in the domestic competition could really help to build confidence in the players going forward ahead of important must win Premier League games, where they need to pick up points to avoid a relegation battle.

In other news: Lampard must unleash Anthony Gordon against Brentford

Liverpool are plotting a summer move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, and he could make the perfect partner for Fabinho.

What’s the story?

According to journalist Dean Jones (via GIVEMESPORT) Liverpool are ‘going to be interested’ in Rice when the transfer window opens this summer.

He said: “Of course, they’re going to be interested in Declan Rice because if Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have had that player on their radar, then you kind of at least have got to consider whether you’re going to need him.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

They are among a number of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing the Englishman to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

The report says that Rice has recently turned down a contract offer at the London Stadium and would be open to a move. However, his contract doesn’t expire for another two years, and the Hammers are said to have the option to extend that by a further year, so he would fetch a high price. The Daily Mail have reported that the club would be asking for a British record £150m fee for him.

Imagine him and Fabinho

Although Liverpool supporters shouldn’t get too excited as they will face stiff competition for his signature, he would be the perfect signing for them and would partner Fabinho extremely well.

Earlier this month it was reported by Football Insider that Jurgen Klopp has his sights set on signing a ‘world-class’ midfielder, and that Rice was on the list of options. With Jones now confirming this, he may be the Reds’ priority, especially when you consider that he’s been described as “world-class” already by reporter Toby Cudworth and many others.

He has been key for West Ham in the league this season appearing 32 times with one goal and four assists from defensive midfield. He also often captains the side when Mark Noble isn’t playing, so has great leadership qualities as well.

The England international ranks in the top 3% amongst Premier League midfielders this season when it comes to his pass completion percentage and the top 2% for interceptions.

Liverpool already have two incredible midfielders in Thiago and Fabinho, if they added a third the team would be complete with a stellar player in every position.

Klopp is famous for the constant pressure he likes his teams to put on their opponent, and Rice would fit perfectly into that. His percentage when it comes to successful pressing this season is 33% which is almost identical to Fabinho’s 32%.

The fact he came through the youth setup at Chelsea may well have an impact on which club he ends up moving to, but the chance to win with Liverpool and play under Klopp must be an attractive option.

IN other news: Sky Sports: Liverpool will need mega £55m to sign “unstoppable” gem, he’s Salah 2.0…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, ex-Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has suggested that his old side could be hit hard by a potential John Terry exit.

The former Chelsea and England captain, who has been assistant head coach at Villa since 2018, was linked with the Bournemouth job last month and has spoken about his desire to be a No.1 in the past.

It means a Villa Park departure in the near future could be possible, and Hendrie believes such a development could handicap the Villans due to the impact Terry has had on the team’s defence this season.

When asked if Terry leaving the Midlands club would impact Dean Smith’s side, Hendrie told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“I think JT’s put his spin on things, hasn’t he? Listen, what JT comes with is bags of experience. You only need to look at the games he’s played in, where he’s played at. You know, he was an outstanding defender. So, yes, he would be missed at the club.”

Speaking on Terry’s influence further, the former Villa player added:

“I’m pretty sure you take him out of the equation, and you haven’t got someone who’s going to give them that guidance. I see JT when I go down to the games and he’s very demanding on that back four and the goalkeeper. I think you’ve got to give JT a lot of credit.”

Terry and the rest of Villa’s coaching staff definitely deserve praise for the team’s defensive improvement this season. At present, the Villans’ have the joint-third best record in the Premier League for goals conceded.

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Rangers confirmed that Gers goalkeeper, Allan McGregor, has penned a new deal at Ibrox.

According to a statement posted on the club website, McGregor has put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension with Rangers, a deal that will see the 39-year-old remain at Ibrox until the summer of 2022.

Commenting on the shot-stopper’s new deal, the Rangers manager, Steven Gerrard, heaped a considerable amount of praise on the former Scotland international, claiming that McGregor has been “outstanding” since his arrival in 2018, as well as suggesting that the ‘keeper is well in contention for being one of the club’s best-ever number ones.

And, after the club relayed the news on Twitter, fans of Rangers flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing delighted at the prospect of McGregor remaining at Ibrox for a further year.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to the news regarding Allan McGregor’s contract?

“This better not be an April Fool’s.”

@cjnovo992

“Yessss. This season’s save montage would be lovely.”

@ggh1992

“FINALLY.”

@RFCMatt7

“Class news.”

@nathrfc1

“Delighted with that. A real hero of this season.”

@alanmurdoch70

“Superb news.”

@r_i_mac83

“This, this right here… is content.”

@Logan81316517

“Things you love to see.”

@StuartY19

“Absolutely brilliant.”

@petermartin41

“The best ever news. What a boy. What a keeper, man.”

@TB72_

In other news: this source dropped Rangers’ plans for a sensational summer signing; ‘outstanding’ 25-goal star in the mix – find out more here!

Celtic face competition from Spartak Moscow and FC Krasnodar in their pursuit of Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet, as reported by the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Celtic eyeing firepower ahead of 2021/22

Looking towards 2021/22, newly-appointed Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou will be desperate to acquire some extra firepower in the final third as he plots a Premiership title challenge this term.

Club icon Leigh Griffiths has agreed a new one-year contract extension, but talismanic figure Odsonne Edouard looks set to leave Parkhead in the midst of interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham [The Scottish Sun].

Frantically searching for potential alternatives, the Celts now may have to go all guns blazing to land one particular target after recent developments.

The Latest: Nisbet subject to Russian interest; contact has been made

Nisbet is attracting interest from Champions League qualifiers Spartak Moscow alongside fellow Russian Premier League side FC Krasnodar [Daily Record].

These reports have been backed up by the 24-year-old’s agent Nicky Nicholson, who stated: “Krasnodar is really interested in Kevin. They first got in touch a few months ago, and since then we have been in touch.

“He also likes Spartak Moscow. They got in touch, we talked.” [Daily Record].

In January, the striker looked all but set to join English Championship outfit Birmingham City before a move collapsed at the final hurdle [Birmingham Mail].

The Verdict: Nisbet would be a tailor-made addition for Celtic

Due to a multitude of different factors, it is hard to see too many concrete arguments against Nisbet being an excellent prospective addition at Celtic.

Familiar with the Scottish top flight, deadly in front of goal and possessing a growing reputation on the international scene, he could become the ideal replacement for Edouard should the Frenchman leave Celtic this summer.

In 2020/21, the former Dunfermline talisman chipped in with a whopping 26 goal contributions from 44 appearances, with 18 goals and eight assists [Transfermarkt].

He recently scored his first goal for Scotland in a 2-2 draw with Netherlands last month [BBC], and it is easy to see why he was once labelled as ‘excellent’ by his current manager Jack Ross [The Edinburgh Reporter].

Always eager to get involved in attacking play, he recorded the highest average shots-per-game rate in the Hibernian squad across the 2020/21 season with 2.5 per match [WhoScored].

Celtic should absolutely look to tie a deal up for the forward before somebody else does.

In other news, Celtic are set to open talks with this Serie A ace.

Leeds United are potentially lining up Granada manager Diego Martinez as a replacement for Marcelo Bielsa, should the Argentine leave this summer.

Bielsa has worked wonders at Elland Road, overseeing a memorable period in the club’s history in recent years.

The 65-year-old has guided Leeds back into the Premier League and their first season back has been a resounding success, with the Whites currently ninth in the table.

Bielsa’s contract expires at the end of the campaign, however, and he has not yet extended his stay at Elland Road.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Orta eyes up Bielsa replacement

According to Onda Cero [via Sport Witness], Victor Orta sees Martinez as an ideal replacement for Bielsa, with his own deal at the La Liga club ending this summer.

He is described as an ‘old acquaintance’ of Orta’s and is wanted by a host of a clubs, including Valencia.

Transfer Tavern take

Despite the worrying nature of Bielsa’s contract situation, it would be a huge surprise if he didn’t extend his stay at Elland Road for another year, at least.

It still feels like there is unfinished business with him and the next aim should be attempting to qualify for Europe next season.

The thought of losing Bielsa is a horrifying one for Leeds fans, and despite Martinez’s prowess as a manager – he took tiny Granada to the Europa League quarter-finals – there is only one outcome supporters will want this summer.

In other news, Leeds have been urged to sign a world-renowned forward this summer – find out who it is here.

This is set to be one of the busiest summers in the history of Celtic Football Club.

Not only will they welcome a new manager to Parkhead, there will also be the arrival of a new director of football to coincide with Peter Lawwell’s retirement. Once everything is in place, the Bhoys will need to go about discovering who wants out and who wants to stay.

It could be a summer of mass departures, with Odsonne Edouard close to moving south of the border and Kristoffer Ajer also watched by clubs in England. With that in mind, it would not be the most ideal of starts to Ange Postecoglou’s reign in Glasgow.

The 55-year-old is now the favourite to take over in Paradise after a bid to lure Eddie Howe to Celtic collapsed unexpectedly. The Australian will have a lot on his plate if and when he does take up his seat in the dugout.

With that in mind, how could Postecoglou’s starting XI look next season once the summer transfer window has concluded? Here’s our fun and quirky prediction…

We’re tipping Celtic to remain with a standard 4-2-3-1 formation, but there are a number of changes.

Let’s start in goal, where Dundee United stopper Benjamin Siegrist has been linked on numerous occasions with a move to the Bhoys.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-ajer-howe-lampard-wilshere-gauld” title=”Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

The 29-year-old made a remarkable 12 saves during a 0-0 draw between the two teams earlier this season and has a wonderful knack of keeping everything at bay. It’s thought that the Swiss stopper may set Celtic back around £1m.

At left-back, we’re tipping Celtic to strengthen their ranks by landing Aaron Hickey. Once of the Bhoys’ academy, he could be tempted to return to Parkhead in a deal which would be worth £4m. With Diego Laxalt heading back to Milan, they will need to find greater depth in that part of the pitch.

Ajer is expected to leave, so it would be surprising if Celtic didn’t sign a centre-back. With Christopher Jullien out for a prolonged period of time, Stephen Welsh resumes his place at centre-back alongside Ciaron Brown.

The Northern Irishman has been touted with a move on a free transfer this summer after his contract with Cardiff expires.

One of the club’s landmark additions could be in midfield, where the talented Ali McCann is snapped up. The 21-year-old has been targeted by Celtic and was among the nominees for Scottish Player of the Season.

St Johnstone will settle for nothing less than their record fee for a departure of £1.75m. Perhaps a bid in or around the £2m mark would be suitable.

Another exciting addition is on the left flank, where Karamoko Dembele’s brother Siriki joins from Peterborough. Barry Fry exclusively told Football FanCast recently that the 24-year-old will be allowed to leave if they can’t agree on a new contract, and a fee of £3m has been touted for the winger’s services with Celtic among his admirers.

The final arrival could be up front in a bid to replace Edouard. That sees Kevin Nisbet sign from Hibernian in a deal which could see the Glaswegian outfit part with £3m.

All in all, that would ensure a spend of £13m from Dominic McKay, funds which could be provided from selling Edouard and Ajer.

AND in other news, “Unbelievable” 49 y/o wants to rival Postecoglou for Celtic job, fans must be buzzing…

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a blow to their hopes of bringing Valerien Ismael to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s been said?

In a recent interview with Barnsley’s official website, their CEO Dane Murphy revealed that there have been no approaches made for the club’s 45-year-old manager so far, in addition to stating that he fully expects Ismael to remain at Oakwell for the club’s upcoming Championship campaign.

It has been reported that both West Brom and Crystal Palace have been keeping tabs on the Frenchman ahead of a potential move to appoint him at their respective clubs this summer.

However, Murphy appears confident that neither club will be successful in their attempts, with the Barnsley CEO stating: “We’ve heard the rumours, we’ve seen the headlines, but we haven’t had any direct approach for Valerien.

“Of course there is going to be rumour and interest after the season we’ve just had. What Valerien put together with our club was incredible. But I am extremely confident, the club is extremely confident that he will return and he’s going to continue to be the leader of our team.”

“I don’t envisage a situation where we aren’t looking at season 2021/22 without Valerien Ismael as our head coach.”

Fans will be furious

Considering just how impressive a job Ismael has done at Barnsley since taking over at the club last October, the likelihood that West Brom will be unable to poach the 45-year-old from Oakwell this summer is sure to leave Baggies fans furious.

Indeed, over his 39 Championship fixtures as the Tykes’ manager, Ismael guided his team to 23 wins, five draws and 11 losses, picking up a whopping 74 points along the way.

This form saw Barnsley comfortably qualify for a place in the play-offs, finishing the regular season above Bournemouth in fifth place in the Championship standings and just 13 points behind Watford in an automatic promotion spot.

Although the Tykes narrowly missed out on a shot at promotion in the play-off final following their 2-1 aggregate loss to Swansea City in the semis, considering the club were predicted to finish in 18th place by FourFourTwo before a ball had been kicked last season, the argument can easily be made that Ismael has worked something of a miracle in his short time at Oakwell.

Aside from his obvious coaching talents, with the 45-year-old being described as a “young, ambitious” manager by the club’s CEO, these are both traits which – following West Brom’s relegation from the Premier League under Sam Allardyce – the Baggies’ hierarchy will undoubtedly be seeking in their next coach.

As such, Ismael does not seem to be far off being the ideal candidate as West Brom’s next manager, but following Murphy’s recent comments, the Baggies very much appear to have an uphill battle on their hands if they are to land the Frenchman this summer.

In other news: West Brom handed transfer boost over “fantastic” £8m beast that’ll have fans buzzing

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as news emerged on Abdoulaye Doucoure.

As per the Merseyside club’s official website, the former Watford ace has won the Davanti Tyres Everton Goal of the Month award for August as the vast majority of supporters voted for his strike in their 3-1 win at home against Southampton.

His effort was a clear winner with 74.6% of the vote, while Demarai Gray’s goals against Brighton and Hove Albion and Leeds United came in second and third respectively.

The award is certainly well deserved, and Doucoure will be hoping to add more goals from midfield to his game, with just four so far in total from 38 matches over all competitions across the past two seasons (Transfermarkt).

Everton fans on Doucoure’s award

These Toffees fans were buzzing as the news was shared by the club on Twitter, with one Everton supporter describing it as ‘fantastic’:

“Great goal, let’s give Andros his for this month now too, although what a time to be a fan if that’s somehow topped before the end of the month”

Credit: @Mikey1981

“What a goal, congrats”

Credit: @_jennifer1878

“Well deserved!”

Credit: @ronnie_watters

“Rightly so”

Credit: @nikkiharg

“Fantastic”

Credit: @annmckenzie67

“Get in Doucs”

Credit: @jonesyp964

In other news, Everton had shown an interest in this Premier League and Champions League winner