Everton managed to keep hold of Idrissa Gueye in the January transfer window despite relentless speculation linking him with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but those rumours haven’t ceased to exist since the window slammed shut.
What’s the word?
The combative, diligent and incredibly consistent midfield lynchpin has been one of the stars of the Toffees’ season so far, and interest from the Ligue 1 giants has certainly been well placed.
Gueye handed in a transfer request in January to force a move through and recent quotes from the player prove that he has was bitterly disappointed not to earn a mid-season transfer, per Canal + (via Sky Sports).
“I was disappointed not to join PSG because it’s a big club and all players dream of playing in the Champions League and winning trophies.
“I was ready to go. It did not happen.”
Running out of time for a major challenge
At 29-years-old it’s fair to say that Gueye is something of a late bloomer. The Senegal international has only recently established himself as a player boasting genuine credentials of joining a side of PSG’s stature, and with time running out in his career it’s easy to understand why he’s so desperate to complete a switch.
Despite Gueye’s comments, he has upheld the highest level of professional conduct on the pitch and maintained his excellent form with speculation rumbling on in the media, but when the season reaches its conclusion it’s fair to say that a transfer away from Goodison Park is inevitable.
Silva is, much to the dismay of the supporters, fighting a losing battle to keep a key man at the club. With Everton some way from challenging for a place in the Champions League, Gueye will be drawn towards any potential suitor offering a chance to play on the grand European stage, whether it be PSG or another top club.
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Without the promise of genuine challenges for silverware and European evenings to remember turning his head, the Toffees faithful will be forced to say a rueful goodbye this summer.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Celtic are eyeing up a Chelsea striker this month as Martin O’Neill’s side scour for a new number nine.
The Bhoys are stepping up their pursuit of January striking reinforcements, with O’Neill making a new centre-forward his absolute priority.
The Scottish giants are actively exploring a move for Union Berlin striker Andrej Ilic, with the 25-year-old Serbian international reportedly emerging as a key target (TEAMtalk).
Sources indicate Celtic are prioritising what has been described as an “ambitious” and “extremely challenging” deal for the Bundesliga forward. Ilic boasts an impressive record of 72 goals in 192 career appearances and joined Union permanently last summer from Lille.
However, securing the striker’s signature will prove difficult, with Union demanding around £9m and the player also attracting interest from Premier League side Burnley.
Union hold a strong negotiating position with Ilic contracted until 2027 (Give Me Sport). The physical 6 ft 2 striker has managed 6 assists in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season, despite scoring just once in all competitions.
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Celtic have also reportedly submitted a loan offer with an option to buy for Lorient striker Mohamed Bamba, according to French outlet Ouest-France (Sport Witness).
The 24-year-old Ivorian has scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists in 722 minutes from 16 matches this season (Sport Witness). However, serious concerns have emerged after Lorient manager Olivier Pantaloni dropped Bamba from his squad for their recent Coupe de France clash due to “repeated lapses” in group discipline (GlasgowWorld).
O’Neill confirmed earlier in the week the club is “genuinely working really hard” to add players during the January window (The Scotsman).
The manager also warned Celtic could be in “serious trouble” without January reinforcements, given 22-year-old Johnny Kenny is their only fit natural striker following Kelechi Iheanacho’s recurring hamstring problems.
New targets are emerging all the time amidst the hustle and bustle of January, and reliable transfer journalist Romano has now lifted the lid on another name Celtic are looking at.
Celtic express interest in signing exit-bound Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana
Taking to X, the renowned reporter, famous for his ‘here we go’ catchphrase, says that Celtic are expressing an interest in outcast Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana.
The 23-year-old has made just four appearances for Chelsea since joining them in 2023, with Fofana spending time on loan at various clubs minus any long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
The Ivory Coast international is currently on a temporary deal at Karagümrük in the Turkish Süper Lig, where he’s scored seven goals in 14 outings across all competitions.
For a Celtic deal to happen, the loan would have to be terminated, of course, but he could find the perfect new home in Glasgow, where O’Neill is craving a striker to rescue their hopes of a Scottish Premiership crown.
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The chase is on for a clinical yet energetic forward who can bring a new dimension to the team, and Fofana possesses a lot of the traits required by O’Neill.
The former Burnley striker scored four Premier League goals over a productive loan spell at Turf Moor during the second half of 23/24, where Vincent Kompany praised his attributes as a ‘very fast’ and ‘aggressive’ centre-forward.
For Molde, Fofana bagged 24 goals in 65 appearances, and that form prompted Chelsea to seal a deal three years ago.
Scotland could be the ideal next landing spot for him, where he could have a golden opportunity to rip it up north of the border.
Contact made: Celtic launch move to sign African star who went to university in Middlesbrough
Fabrizio Romano has tipped Tottenham to sign two forwards, with chairman Daniel Levy and co making a decision on Richarlison’s future at the club.
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Spurs boss Thomas Frank has now welcomed playmaker Xavi Simons to N17 from RB Leipzig, after Spurs struck an overnight agreement for the Dutchman worth around £52 million.
After missing out on both Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White in humiliating fashion, Simons’ arrival comes as a much-needed boost to inject positivity ahead of what will be an interesting last three days of the window.
The 22-year-old bagged 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig last season, despite missing a chunk of the early-campaign with ankle ligament damage.
Tottenham’s summer signings
Price tag
Mohammed Kudus
£55 million
Kota Takai
£5 million
Mathys Tel
£30 million
Joao Palhinha
Loan
Kevin Danso
£21 million
Xavi Simons
£52 million
Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard has alluded to sources in Germany claiming that Simons has attitude concerns, but this may just be paper talk, and supporters can expect a “silky” new playmaker capable of making a serious contribution in the final third.
In terms of other business that Levy, Johan Lange, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and Fabio Paratici could conduct before the September 1 cut off time, it has been widely reported that Tottenham want a new defender and a new winger too.
Spurs were in lengthy talks to sign Savinho from Man City, but must now look at alternatives as Pep Guardiola’s side adopt a firm ‘not for sale’ stance.
The Lilywhites are still actively pursuing a centre-back too, with City’s Manuel Akanji on their list of targets heading into deadline day.
Tottenham tipped to sign two forwards with Richarlison decision made
Speaking on Men in Blazers earlier this week, trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has said that he expects Tottenham to sign two new options up front before the end of the season, with Levy and co making a call on Richarlison’s future.
It’s actually good news for Spurs supporters, because Romano expects Frank’s side to sign a forward duo on top of Richarlison – who won’t be going anywhere this summer.
The 28-year-old, after a difficult 2024/2025 marred by injury, is beginning to hit his stride just in time – with Richarlison having one eye on a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.
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The former Everton star bagged a brace against Burnley, including an early goal of the season contender, and assisted Brennan Johnson for Tottenham’s opening goal in their outstanding 2-0 win at the Etihad last weekend.
Chelsea have now joined the race to sign a Premier League forward who has “blistering pace”, but a deal would amount to at least £43m, according to a report.
Blues attacking issues on display at Craven Cottage
Although the Blues were ultimately able to overturn a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, their attacking issues were once again on display prior to the late comeback.
It was a drab affair at Craven Cottage, with Enzo Maresca’s side lacking a spark and recording an xG of just 0.90 throughout the match, while Nicolas Jackson once again failed to find the back of the net prior to being replaced by youngster Tyrique George.
George scored the equalising goal to ignite the comeback, but the overall performance suggests the west Londoners may need to bolster their attacking options this summer, and they have now joined the race to sign a Premier League winger.
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That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Chelsea are now monitoring Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, given the Sweden international’s impressive performances in the Premier League this season.
However, the Blues are not alone in their pursuit of Elanga, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also keeping an eye on developments ahead of the summer transfer window.
Sweden's AnthonyElangacelebrates scoring their fifth goal with Alexander Isak
Forest have not placed the 22-year-old on the transfer list, but a bid of over €50m (£43m) would make the Tricky Trees consider a sale, although they are also weighing up the possibility of offering the former Manchester United man a new deal.
Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures
Date
Everton (h)
April 26th
Djurgarden (a)
May 1st
Liverpool (h)
May 4th
Djurgarden (h)
May 8th
Newcastle United (a)
May 11th
Elanga making a name for himself at Forest
Like many players in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, the young forward struggled at Man United, picking up just four goals and four assists in 55 appearances for the Red Devils, but he has started to make a name for himself since moving to the City Ground.
In an impressive 2023-24 campaign with Forest, the right-winger amassed 14-goal contributions in the Premier League, notably scoring the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 victory for his side at Stamford Bridge in September 2023.
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Since then, the Swede has continued to impress, with journalist Ryan Taylor left impressed by his “blistering pace” last month, which was also on display during Forest’s 1-0 victory against Man United at the start of April.
At 22, Elanga is at the right age to be a long-term success at Stamford Bridge, and his performances since signing for Forest indicate he could be well worth the fee of over £43m, which could be demanded for his services.
Leeds United took advantage of Sheffield United’s 2-0 loss to Burnley earlier in the day by beating Stoke City 2-0 away from home on Boxing Day.
That win has left the Whites sat at the top of the Championship table, on goal difference, ahead of the Blades, and they can now head into the new year in first place if they win their next match.
They have only lost three of their 23 matches so far in the second tier and are on course to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking, after they finished third last term.
The West Yorkshire outfit secured all three points thanks to a double from Joel Piroe, who scored either side of half-time after being selected ahead of Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford.
His first goal was a rasping effort into the top corner after initially being challenged by Viktor Johansson, and his second was a close-range header from Dan James’ perfect ball to the back post.
The former Swansea marksman has established himself as a regular starter as the team’s main number nine, and justified his inclusion once again with a brace.
Joel Piroe's form this season
In the 2023/24 campaign, the majority of his appearances for Leeds in the Championship came in an attacking midfield position, as Georginio Rutter and Bamford were preferred ahead of him as the centre-forward.
This season, however, 12 of his 13 starts have been as a striker, in his natural position, and the Dutch attacker has thrived as a result of that.
Leeds duo Ethan Ampadu and Joel Piroe.
After a return of 13 goals in 45 appearances in the division last term, Piroe has already found the back of the net nine times in 23 outings this season, which shows that he is on course to beat last year’s tally.
It has not been a perfect campaign for the left-footed finisher, however, as he started the season on the bench with Joseph initially preferred ahead of him by Daniel Farke.
He made the most of his opportunities off the bench, though, and has now established himself as the go-to option for the German coach, by outperforming the Whites academy graduate at the top end of the pitch.
24/25 Championship
Mateo Joseph
Joel Piroe
Appearances
23
23
xG
3.79
6.13
Goals
2
9
Assists
3
4
Duel success rate
31%
27%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Piroe has been far more clinical than the wasteful Joseph and offered more creativity in the final third for Leeds, which is why he deserves his place in the side right now.
Joseph has won a slightly higher percentage of his duels but both players, clearly, struggle in that department, as opposition defenders find it a bit too easy to get the better of them in physical contests.
Despite Piroe’s strong form, the January transfer window is just around the corner and Farke could land an upgrade on the Dutchman by signing one of the club’s reported transfer targets.
Leeds interested in young marksman
Earlier this month, the Daily Mail reported that the German tactician wants to make attacking reinforcements ahead of the second half of the season to bolster the club’s push for promotion.
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The outlet added that they are also looking at forward options in the market in the event that experienced centre-forward Patrick Bamford secures an exit from Elland Road in January.
It also revealed that the Whites are interested in signing Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Dor Turgeman and that they are weighing up whether or not to make a move for the young whiz in the winter window.
The Daily Mail added that the West Yorkshire side have had positive reports back from scouts who went to watch him in action this season, but they are still assessing their options and have other players under consideration at this moment in time.
It was previously reported that Turgeman, who Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetić described as “a beast on the pitch”, could cost a fee of around £4.1m to sign in January, yet it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are prepared to pay that price for him.
Farke must, now, push for the board to get a deal over the line for the 21-year-old marksman, who could come in as an excellent signing for the club.
Why Leeds should sign Dor Turgeman
The Whites should swoop to sign the £4.1m-rated attacker because he has the potential to come in and offer an upgrade on Piroe in the centre-forward position.
Turgeman, who has played with Manor Solomon for Israel, has enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign and could come in to offer more quality than the Dutchman at the top end of the pitch.
He has showcased his ability on the big stage with one goal, from 0.86 xG, and one ‘big chance’ created in four starts in the Europa League this term, scoring against LaLiga outfit Real Sociedad and creating the ‘big chance’ against Ajax.
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This shows that he can perform against top level opposition and, therefore, could compete at Championship level in the second tier in England.
Turgeman’s form in the Israeli Premier League, coupled with his Europa League performances, also suggests that the potential is there for him to offer more to the team than Piroe.
24/25 season
Turgeman (Israeli Premier League)
Piroe (Championship
Appearances
12
23
Goals
5
9
Big chances missed
1
3
Big chances created
6
3
Aerial duel success rate
61%
24%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, both players have found the back of the net at a similar rate, with 2.4 games per goal for Turgeman and 2.5 matches per goal for the Leeds man, whilst neither of them have spurned many ‘big chances’.
The Israel international, however, appears to have a significant advantage over Piroe from a creative perspective, with twice as many ‘big chances’ created in 11 fewer league appearances, which suggests that he could come in and provide more to his teammates in the final third.
Turgeman’s strong aerial duel success rate also indicates that the 21-year-old star would provide more of a physical presence in the centre-forward position, and that could make him more suited to the long-term ambitions of the club, as he could stand a better chance of holding his own – physically – in the Premier League.
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Therefore, the Maccabi Tel Aviv star could come in as an upgrade on Piroe by offering a similar goal threat whilst giving more to the side in the build-up and out of possession, which is why Farke must push for the club to sign him.
Aston Villa will embark on an exciting adventure when they return to the Champions League next season. It will be their first time playing amongst Europe’s elite since the competition rebranded from the European Cup in 1992. In fact, they haven’t played in the Champions League since 1982/83, having won the whole thing the season before, in 1981/82.
Villa’s pathway to qualification for the Champions League last season saw them finish fourth in the Premier League, two points clear of Tottenham Hotspur who occupied fifth and therefore the Europa League spot. In total, the Villans ended the campaign with 68 points.
Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa
However, according to Understat’s expected points tally, they hugely exceeded their expectations. In reality, instead of their 68 points, Unai Emery’s side should have got 55.43xPTS, which would have placed them seventh in the top flight instead. However, their overachievement shows just how impressive the Midlands side performed last season.
Indeed, with their Champions League adventure awaiting them next term, the Villans will need to add players to their squad who can enhance their chances of a good performance in the competition. In fact, they have recently been linked with one player who could bring plenty of European experience to their squad.
Aston Villa target Premier League striker
The player in question here is Chelsea and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku. Since returning to Stamford Bridge for £97.5m in 2021, the all-time record goalscorer for Belgium has become something of an outcast in Blue, and could now permanently leave this summer after several loan spells.
According to a report from Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, the Villans are ‘pressing hard on the Belgian striker’, and could launch a bid and leave other suitors in the dust as they look to beat competition to his signature.
Indeed, the other side showing the strongest interest in Lukaku this summer is Italian giants Napoli. However, for Gli Azzurri to do a deal this summer, Victor Osimhen must depart the club. The Nigerian striker was linked with Chelsea, but a deal to Stamford Bridge may now be off after they are set to sign Samu Omorodion from Atleti.
Should Villa nip in front of Napoli in the queue to sign Lukaku this summer, they will have to fork out a fee of £30m, assuming Chelsea ask for the same price the 2022/23 Scudetto winners were charged for the Belgian.
Why Lukaku would be a good signing
It has certainly been an interesting few years for Lukaku, who put up some impressive numbers for his second club in Italy, AS Roma. The 31-year-old Belgian scored 21 goals and grabbed four assists in 47 games in all competitions last term. He grabbed 13 goals and three assists in 32 top-flight games in Italy, as well as seven goals and an assist in 13 Europa League games.
One thing that Lukaku can bring to Villa next season if he joins the club that could be crucial is experience and goals in the Champions League. He is vastly experienced in the biggest club competition in Europe and boasts an impressive record.
Lukaku's Champions League record by season
Season
Club
Games
Minutes
Goals
Assists
2017/18
Man United
8
704
5
N/A
2018/19
Man United
9
546
2
1
2019/20
Inter
5
405
2
2
2020/21
Inter
5
446
4
N/A
2021/22
Chelsea
6
320
2
1
2022/23
Inter
8
177
3
1
Stats from Transfermarkt
The 31-year-old’s excellent goalscoring record amongst Europe’s elite is better than some legends of the game. Italian icon Francesco Totti has only scored 17 goals in the Champions League, and legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo boasts just 14 goals in 40 games.
Having played in a Champions League final, albeit ending up on the losing side, the former Inter striker could bring plenty of experience to a Villa side taking an unknown step into arguably club football's biggest competition.
Not only will he bring goals and experience in the Champions League, but the signing of the Chelsea man would mean he is the first Belgian striker to play for the club since Christian Benteke between 2012 and 2015.
The Belgian, who, like Lukaku, is something of a journeyman himself, was superb for the Villans during his time at the club. He played 101 games, getting himself on the scoresheet 49 times as well as grabbing 12 assists, before getting a big £32.5m move to Liverpool.
Benteke was a talisman for Villa, and the signing of Lukaku would certainly have shades of that prior deal, given he has an exceptional goalscoring record and could become a cult hero at Villa Park if he manages to find his best form.
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One of the only stumbling blocks for a deal to sign Lukaku for Villa this summer could be his wages. The 31-year-old is currently earning an eye-watering £325k per week at Stamford Bridge according to Capology, which would see him be the highest earner at Villa Park by some distance.
The highest-paid players in Claret and Blue currently are Boubacar Kamara and his Belgium teammate Youri Tielemans, who both earn £150k per week. The Chelsea striker currently earns £175k per week more than those, and even if he accepted a wage reduction, it could be hard to negotiate a weekly wage in line with Villa’s current wage structure.
Sky Sports presenter Dougie Critchley once described Lukaku as an “absolute phenomenon”, and if he can rediscover his best form, such as what he showed at Everton or during his first spell at Inter, Villa could have one of the best strikers in the Premier League on their hands.
Inter Milan's former loan striker Romelu Lukaku.
There is no doubting Lukaku’s quality, and if he gets on a goalscoring run, Emery’s side could find themselves progressing through the Champions League thanks to one of the most exciting strikers of his generation.
He's ideal for Onana: Aston Villa submit offer for £17m midfielder
Unai Emery is chasing a move for an Italian midfielder…
Aston Villa are readying an audacious bid for a man wanted by plenty of the Premier League big-hitters, according to reports coming out of Italy, with Sporting Director Monchi hot on the case.
Unai Emery's side making history
Despite having won just one of their previous five Premier League games, Aston Villa and Unai Emery are still on course for a historic season.
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They sit fifth in the Premier League and are set for Champions League football next season, which will be their first time in the competition since the 1980s. The Villans remain in the hunt for European silverware this season too, with a showdown against LOSC Lille in the UEFA Conference League before a potential semi-final against Olympiacos or Fenerbahce en route to the final of the competition.
But attention is already turning to summer business, and the latest reports suggest Emery's side are set to be ambitious in the market once again as they look to push on to bridge the gap to the Premier League's traditional heavy hitters.
Villa eyeing Zirkzee with Monchi leading the charge
Now, it has emerged from reports in Italy that Villa are the latest side to show an interest in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has enjoyed a fantastic campaign to date in the Italian top flight.
The Dutch attacker has found the net on 10 occasions in Serie A so far this season, as well as grabbing four assists, and has caught the eye of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool among other clubs across Europe as plenty scramble to try and find a striker before the new season.
According to Italian media [Via GIVEMESPORT], Villa have now joined the race for his services and could even have an advantage over their rivals despite the calibre of the other sides in the hunt for his signature.
That is because of Sporting Director Monchi, who knows Serie A intimately from his time in charge at Roma. He is keen to land Zirkzee and has enlisted the help of super-agent Kia Joorabchian, who already represents Villa duo Douglas Luiz and Philippe Coutinho.
Bologna boss Thiago Motta has already revealed just how special the striker could be, discussing his "extraordinary" qualities earlier in the campaign.
“‘It was an excellent goal from a player with extraordinary qualities. He scored a similar goal in training. Joshua is very talented, but I want to emphasize that he also works very hard for it,” Motta stated after Zirkzee scored against Sassuolo in October.
Zirkzee in Serie A 23/24
Appearances
29
Goals
10
Assists
3
Shots on Target (per 90)
1.03
Expected goals
8.5
Any deal would depend on Villa clinching Champions League football for next season, though that seems more of a formality than anything else at present given their advantage over Manchester United in the Premier League.
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It would reportedly set Villa back between 60m and 70m euros (£52-£60m), while he would also demand an almost four times increase on his current £900,000 (£18,000 per week) wages.
With Ollie Watkins ploughing an almost lone furrow at the top of the pitch for much of the season, an addition feels necessary for Emery's side ahead of playing in four competitions once again, and the versatile Dutchman could be the perfect solution.
Glasgow Rangers return from the international break straight back into domestic proceedings with a clash against Aberdeen this afternoon.
Between now and January 2, the Light Blues face 12 vital matches which could arguably make or break their season.
Included in this run is a League Cup final against the Dons, two crucial European matches and a trip to Parkhead to face Celtic in the Premiership.
If Philippe Clement can emerge from this busy run with a trophy, a place in the Europa League knockout stages and having closed the gap on Celtic in the league, it will be a job well done.
Philippe Clement
The signs have been positive over the previous few weeks as the Gers have won six and drawn one of the last seven matches and the Belgian has brought some confidence back into a squad which had stagnated under Michael Beale.
The main thing now is to build on these performances while also managing the first team with regard to workload, as there have been far too many injuries this season.
Slowly but surely, certain players are returning and Tom Lawrence was one of the many who had missed large chunks of the season before making just his third start of 2023/24 and the first since Real Betis in the tie against Livingston a couple of weeks ago.
Tom Lawrence’s game in numbers vs Livingston
The Welshman had proven during his maiden season in Glasgow that, when fit, he could be a valuable asset to the club.
Before suffering a season-ending injury in August 2022, Lawrence had scored three goals and registered two assists, and it was clear that the Light Blues missed his creativity during a dismal campaign.
He had managed only one assist before starting against Livi, yet his performance on the plastic turf was excellent, and he could certainly throw a spanner in the works regarding Clement’s future plans.
The 29-year-old was deployed just behind Cyriel Dessers in an attacking midfield slot and ran the show, making five key passes while also grabbing an assist.
The midfielder also created a big chance, succeeded with his only dribble attempt, and won two of his three duels, demonstrating his strength in one-on-one battles.
It was a display which showcased Lawrence’s talents from the number ten role and one that surely pleased the manager.
With that in mind, however, Clement faces a selection headache ahead of the tie against Aberdeen, especially when Todd Cantwell is performing well in the same role.
With plenty of games to come in the next few weeks, keeping players fresh and healthy will be his main concern and this could see the Welshman return to the bench against the Dons today.
Todd Cantwell’s season in numbers
The Englishman endured a difficult start to the season under Beale as he was played out of position several times and while he grabbed an assist against Servette in the Champions League qualifiers back in August, that was his last goal contribution until Clement arrived.
Cantwell suffered a knee injury against Celtic at the start of September and this meant he missed the next seven matches, disrupting the progress he had built since joining the club in January.
Todd Cantwell
Since returning to the first-team fold, however, he has been in solid form and even scored his first goal of the season against Sparta Prague last month.
The Belgian has deployed him on the right side of the attack, yet the playmaker is more effective from the attacking midfield slot.
During the second half of last season following his £1.5m move from Norwich City in January, he scored four goals and grabbed four assists from the number ten role in just 11 games in that position.
Following the end of last season, journalist Josh Bunting lavished praise on the former Norwich gem, saying:
“Really interested in seeing how Todd Cantwell goes next season. Has proved to be an excellent bit of business and I don’t think it’s unfair to say he’s probably a level above this league. With the momentum he has he’s going to be the catalyst in that Rangers side. Has that desire.”
Due to his injury, his performances have taken a while to get back to that sort of level, but with more game time under the Belgian plus some added confidence following his goal against Sparta, he should be raring to go now.
He was given a 12-minute cameo against Livi a couple of weeks ago and during his time on the pitch, he completed 100% of his passes (10/10) along with succeeding with his only dribble attempt, and he should be fresh to start against the Dons.
Todd Cantwell’s market value
Since joining the Glasgow side less than 12 months ago, the 25-year-old has shown a significant improvement on the pitch and this has led to his market value increasing slightly.
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According to Football Transfers, Cantwell is now currently worth €3.6m (£3.1m) and this is a decent rise on the £1.5m that the club signed him for at the start of the year.
Jack benched & £26k-p/w machine unleashed in Rangers predicted lineup vs Aberdeen
The Gers return to league action against Aberdeen on Sunday
ByRoss Kilvington
It means that the Ibrox side could potentially cash in on him if they received an offer too good to turn down, or if the player failed to adapt to Clement’s tactical system and style of play.
Hopefully this is not the case, however, as the Gers currently have a player who was valued at around £40m just a few short years ago, and he appears to be shining north of the border.
Although Lawrence made an impressive return to the starting XI against Livingston before the break, his game time should be managed in order to ensure he will be fit once the fixtures start rolling in thick and fast leading up to the festive season.
This should give Clement the licence to unleash Cantwell from the first whistle and if he performs like he has done since joining the Gers, he could certainly cause the Aberdeen defence plenty of problems, that’s for sure.
A win today would exact revenge for the 3-1 defeat suffered against the same opposition in what turned out to be Beale’s last game at the end of September.
It's fair to say, the Light Blues have come a long way since then.
All of the news surrounding Crystal Palace currently relates to the loss of Wilfried Zaha and understandably so. As a result, attentions now turn to the future of key attacking duo Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.
Will Eberechi Eze Remain at Selhurst Park?
Every year, Zaha was linked with a move away only to stay put in South London. When he did eventually move on, it was on a free transfer and so the Palace faithful will hope that Eze doesn’t follow suit.
Talking of Eze’s contractual situation and his £30k-a-week deal will expire in two years' time, hence the desire to strike a new agreement. His exploits for the England national team will only see his stock rise higher to the point that bigger clubs who can offer bigger wages will come calling.
When asked a couple of months ago if he is playing the best football of his life though, as per the Evening Standard, the former Queens’ Park Rangers man had this to say: “Yeah probably. I feel like I’ve got the freedom to play, to do my thing. I’m just happy to be enjoying my football.”
This points towards his short-term future remaining at Crystal Palace, a club who he enjoys playing for. That being said, the departure of Zaha and lack of any fierce summer recruitment may have Eze nervous of the relegation zone looming again.
What is Alex Crook's update on Eberechi Eze?
He had this to say when talking to Give Me Sport:
“They want to tie Eze down to a new contract, but I’m not sure he’s going to be keen to commit his future yet. I think he believes that he’s going to get interest as well.”
It stands to reason that the club would be wanting to offer the 25-year-old a new deal given just how significant an impact he made last season. Not only did Eze reach his highest return of Premier League minutes to date but he contributed more goals and assists than the two seasons before combined. Eze appeared in every single league outing and across those games he amassed 10 goals and four assists, including some box office moments.
Who Could Join Crystal Palace Ahead of the New Season?
There is only one new arrival at Selhurst Park at the time of writing in the form of Jefferson Lerma. The midfielder arrived from AFC Bournemouth on a free transfer and is likely to be a very solid option in that area which is regularly occupied by Malian international Cheick Doucouré.
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One name that has been heavily linked, as per Caught Offside, is Perr Schuurs. Palace are reportedly ahead of fellow Londoners West Ham United in their pursuit of the Dutch defender who currently plies his trade in Italy. The 23-year-old arrived in Turin just last year after a strong few seasons with Ajax. Regarding the fee and the whole process, “talks are at an advanced stage with [the] £34m-rated” centre-back, though it remains to be seen as to whether anything will get done.
Tottenham chief Donna Cullen is pushing for the club to appoint former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, but Daniel Levy disagrees.
What's the latest Spurs manager news?
Spurs have a number of pressing concerns to alleviate before kick-starting their plans for next season, with the north Londoners still missing both a permanent Antonio Conte successor and sporting director.
Conte left N17 nearly two months ago and Levy's manager search is dragging on, while Fabio Paratici's resignation means Tottenham are eager to source a replacement club chief quickly.
The Lilywhites are apparently stepping up their chase for a new managing director to step in Paratici's shoes, even despite the appointment of Scott Munn as Chief Football Officer.
Back to their managerial search, Tottenham's list of candidates appears to be getting narrower, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann out of the running and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso confirming his plans to stay.
Brendan Rodgers
As of the names still in the frame, it is believed Feyenoord's Arne Slot, Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi are still in contention.
Another tactician who has been linked with the job is Rodgers, who left Leicester City earlier this season, with a report by Football Transfers and journalist Steve Kay sharing an update.
According to their information, Cullen, a member of the Spurs boardroom, is pushing for the appointment of Rodgers, but Levy is against the idea of his hiring.
Cullen apparently holds hope that the 50-year-old can persuade both of his former stars, James Maddison and Youri Tielemans, to follow him to Spurs.
Levy is still saying no, though, with the report describing this difference of opinion between Tottenham's chairman and executive Cullen as a boardroom tussle.
Who is Brendan Rodgers?
The former Celtic boss, who guided the Scottish giants to a plethora of SPFL titles, also won both the Community Shield and FA Cup during his time at Leicester.
Rodgers has been courted by Spurs in previous years and was a rumoured candidate to replace Jose Mourinho in 2021.
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Given his status as a readily-available free agent, along with past achievements, it's little surprise his name has been circulating again in regards to the Spurs job.
West Ham boss David Moyes certainly rates Rodgers, calling him a "super manager" in reaction to his Leicester exit.
The Scotsman said:
"Really disappointed for Brendan. Super manager. Really good coach. He won’t be out of a job long."