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Leicester City could save themselves millions in the transfer market this summer by unleashing academy graduate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

What’s the story?

The 22-year-old midfielder had an impressive 2020/21 campaign, scoring three goals and providing six assists in 39 league appearances for Championship outfit Luton Town.

Brendan Rodgers’ charges have already added Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumare to their ranks from RB Salzburg and Lille, respectively, meaning money could now be tight at the King Power Stadium.

Brendan Rodgers could save millions

After narrowly missing out on a Champions League qualification spot for the second consecutive season, the Foxes have already made some quality additions to their first-team squad.

However, with the effects of the ongoing pandemic continuing to hamper clubs’ finances, it may be unlikely that Leicester will be able to make any further big-money signings over the coming months.

That means they’re going to have to get creative when it comes to bolstering their options ahead of the upcoming campaign, and promoting from within is a logical solution.

After putting in a string of impressive performances for Luton last season, Dewsbury-Hall was given the chance to impress in some end-of-season training by Rodgers.

“He’s done very, very well. He’ll be one of the players I’ll be looking to bring back in,” revealed the former Celtic and Liverpool boss.

With Hamza Choudhary linked with a move away from Leicester after struggling for game time, Dewsbury-Hall could play an important role next season, offering cover and competition in the Foxes’ engine room.

He may not be the most glamourous and exciting addition, but he caught the eye of his Hatters teammates last season and could provide a much-needed boost to his boyhood club.

“He’s all right, isn’t he, he’s not bad at football is he? He’s been absolutely class since he’s come in, and long may it continue for him,” said Luton’s James Shea.

“He’s been one of our best players this season, he’s big for us, we’ve got to keep him fit, look after him.”

Dewsbury-Hall has only made two appearances for Leicester to date, but that could be about to change in 2021/22.

And, in other news…Leicester handed major boost in their pursuit of 86-goal gem, Rodgers will be buzzing 

Fabian Delph is among a trio of players that Everton are hoping to sell in January, according to French journalist Santi Aouna.

The lowdown

The England international joined the Toffees from Manchester City ahead of the 2019/20 season in a deal worth an initial £8.5m. He has played just 36 games for the club since, having been hit with a succession of injuries which have sidelined him for nearly 50 matches in total.

Everton generated only £14.4m through player sales and loan fees in the summer as they struggled with Financial Fair Play requirements.

The latest

Aouna, a journalist for French publication Foot Mercato, tweeted that ‘Everton would like to get rid of several players’ after the turn of the year.

He identified three of those who could be set for the exit door – Delph, left-back Lucas Digne and striker Cenk Tosun.

The verdict

Delph is probably the most surprising inclusion in Aouna’s list. Digne has reportedly fallen out with manager Rafael Benitez, and Everton have already lined up a potential replacement in the form of Vitaliy Mykolenko.

Meanwhile, Tosun is on the periphery at Goodison Park, having played just six minutes of football since he returned from injury at the start of November.

On the other hand, Delph has started three of the last seven matches for which he has been available, indicating that he is regarded as a valuable squad player by Benitez, and has won plaudits for his ‘excellent’ contribution in recent weeks.

Based on the players’ Transfermarkt valuations, though, they could bank around £37m from the sales. Perhaps that’s the overriding reason for Everton apparently wishing to get that trio off their books once and for all.

In other news, could this Everton ace also head for the exit door?

Rangers have been hit with a worrying injury setback over Ibrox central defender Filip Helander…

What’s the latest?

Gers boss Gio van Bronckhorst has revealed why the towering centre-half was forced off on Sunday, as Leon King came on for him at half-time in the 4-0 rout.

Kemar Roofe scored a hat-trick and Joe Aribo found the top corner with a stunning strike as the Light Blues moved back to within six points of their rivals at the top of the table, but they now have an injury concern to deal with.

The head coach told the Daily Record: “Helander fell a bit awkward so he is having a scan now.

“Hopefully in the next few hours or by tomorrow we’ll know the extent of his injury.”

Van Bronckhorst will be gutted

Van Bronckhorst will surely be gutted with this setback as it potentially leaves him without another strong option heading into a busy period of matches.

Rangers are still competing in the Premiership, the League Cup and the Europa League, for now, and will need as many players available as possible to share the load. The head coach will want to rotate the team, as he did against St. Mirren to ensure that he is not overloading players and this blow to Helander could leave him with one less player to pick from.

Van Bronckhorst is not blessed with natural centre-back options as it is, with Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun the only senior players aside from Helander. Calvin Bassey, who is a left-back by trade, can play there, though, and he has academy prospect Leon King waiting in the wings.

However, the boss will not want to put too much pressure on the youngster so soon into his career with huge matches coming up this week against Braga in Europe and Celtic in the cup. This could be a season-defining week and not having the Sweden international available is, therefore, a big blow as he could be needed in the cup if any injuries are sustained in the European clash.

Last season in the Premiership, Helander averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.10 for the Gers across 22 appearances. This shows that he does have the quality to be a top performer for the club and that is why losing him over the next few weeks would leave van Bronckhorst gutted, with the head now surely now praying that it is not a serious injury for the defender.

Fingers crossed…

AND in other news, Forget Roofe: Rangers ace with 5 key passes showed GVB he’s no longer “useless” today…

A number of Liverpool supporters believe Jurgen Klopp may have hinted at extending his stay as Reds manager beyond 2024.

Liverpool return to action on Saturday evening, welcoming an in-form Arsenal side to Anfield. It has the potential to be a thrilling encounter on Merseyside, with Mikel Arteta’s team winning their last three league games in a row.

Not only that, but the Reds lost 3-2 away to West Ham in their last league outing and also dropped two points at home to Brighton, raising doubts over their title aspirations and making this a massive contest.

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Ahead of Saturday’s game, in his pre-match press conference [via James Pearce on Twitter], Klopp discussed his future and admitted his time at Anfield is still “far away from being over.”

The German’s current Liverpool deal runs until the summer of 2024 but the hope is of course that he stays well beyond that date, considering his brilliance as manager and the success he has enjoyed.

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Liverpool fans flock to Klopp news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the news, clearly believing Klopp could extend his contract.

“SIUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU « It’s far away from being over »”

Credit: @Lfc_Klopp

“Sounds like he might consider extending”

Credit: @MobPsycho1OOO

“Good spirits”

Credit: @gerald_ynwa

“Extension incoming”

Credit: @_michaelwall94

“Klopp contract extension and #Mbappe22 announced early next year, some say I’m a dreamer”

Credit: @ex_leeds

“Far from over is what I see and that makes me immensely happy”

Credit: @LFCaditya_

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to another key injury update. Read more here.

Manchester United are on the cusp of appointing a new manager to take over at Old Trafford this summer, and after a new transfer update has emerged, Erik ten Hag may not be the only new addition at the club ahead of 2022/23.

What’s the word?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have already discussed a potential move for Darwin Nunez this summer.

Romano tweeted: “Darwin Nunez will leave Benfica in the summer, fee around €80m. Man United already discussed his name internally – Arsenal wanted him last January as West Ham but Darwin was not for sale.”

Ten Hag will love him

The Mirror has reported that the Dutch coach is likely to have full involvement in recruitment as per the terms of his move to Man United at the end of the season, something that would suggest that Ten Hag has already given his seal of approval to make an approach for the Benfica striker.

Nunez has been attracting a lot of interest from Premier League clubs, with both Liverpool and Arsenal speculated to be interested in making a move for him, and a bid from West Ham was rejected last January, but, with a brand new project on the horizon at Old Trafford, the striker could well be tempted by a move the Red Devils in order to become the main man in Ten Hag’s forward line.

The 22-year-old Uruguayan has scored 31 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions so far this season, with the £36m-rated hitman playing a huge role in Benfica’s Champions League campaign – in which the Portuguese side have reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 2016.

Nunez has also found the back of the net against some of the biggest sides in European football’s most prestigious club competition this term, bagging five goals in games against Liverpool, Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich, and will hope he can revive Benfica’s chances of progression to the semi-finals against Liverpool in the second leg tonight.

A move to Manchester United could certainly take the striker’s career to the next level, however, if the current squad can’t secure Champions League football this season, it could become a major issue in signing a player of Nunez’s calibre this summer.

AND in other news: Man United eye move for “brutal” £45m-rated monster, he’s miles better than Maguire

When Steven Gerrard was handed the Rangers job back in 2018 there was one question that is bound to have popped up in the minds of supporters… how can he use his Liverpool connections to improve the side?

The answer to that question came fairly quickly as he landed Ryan Kent on loan from Anfield in his first transfer window in charge at Ibrox. Kent joined on a season-long loan and quickly caught the eye before earning a permanent deal with the Scottish giants the following summer.

Transfermarkt valued him at £1.58m at the time of the move, having scored six goals and provided six assists in 23 Premiership matches for the club on loan. This showed an immediate impact from Gerrard in terms of what he offered off the pitch with his notability within the game and links to Premier League side Liverpool allowing the Gers to strike gold on this occasion.

Kent has established himself as one of the best players in Scotland over the past few seasons since joining the club. He has been nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award in two separate campaigns, whilst also winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2019.

Former Gers attacker Kris Boyd previously heralded Kent as being phenomenal and praised the way he excites supporters with his style of play.

He said: “There’s Ryan Kent who is phenomenal – he gets you off your seat. His numbers have increased season after season. Even if the team are not at the level we saw at the start of the campaign, he is still a threat. He is so comfortable with the ball – it is like he has superglue in his boots!”

Last season, Kent averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.23 in the Premiership as Rangers won the title. He racked up an impressive ten goals and nine assists to help the Gers claim the crown ahead of Celtic, proving that he has the quality to be a difference-maker for the club.

This has led to the 24-year-old’s reputation and profile improving considerably since he joined the club permanently in 2019. At the time of writing (06/10/21), Kent is valued at £12.60m by Transfermarkt. This is a stunning 697% value increase in two years since the move became official.

Gerrard hit the jackpot with Kent and Rangers have benefitted from his quality on the pitch ever since. His exponential rise in value could also see the club benefit from a financial standpoint. If they ever decide to cash in on him, which could provide a huge boost to the coffers if a Premier League side, for example, comes in with a big-money offer.

Therefore, the signing of Kent was a masterstroke by Gerrard. Hopefully, he will continue to grow and improve as a player, with his market value following him on an upwards trajectory.

AND in other news, Davis 2.0: Rangers must swoop for £4.1k-p/w “exciting talent”, he won’t cost a penny…

A number of Manchester City fans want Raheem Sterling to depart the club after he was once again linked with a move to Barcelona.

The Citizens have enjoyed a generally positive start to the season. As it stands, they are third in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Chelsea, who they beat 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last weekend (Sky Sports). On Sunday, they were involved in a thrilling 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield, taking four points from visits to the two teams ahead of them in the table.

One player who has not been involved as much as he would like this term is Sterling. The England international has started just two league matches (used more regularly. As per Mundo Deportivo (via AS), Barcelona have the money to sign Sterling in January and it is now down to Pep Guardiola and the 26-year-old to decide whether to entertain any prospective offers from Camp Nou.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from Man City supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to respond to the latest rumour, with many hoping that the club will cash in on the England winger, who according to WhoScored has been one of the champions’ least effective performers this season.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Sterling news

“sell him !!”

Credit: @achmadepp

“Please Pep sell him”

Credit: @mcfcjosh9320

“Yes, and use the money to buy Haaland”

Credit: @Centurions_21

“If they’ve got a spare £80-90m down the back of the sofa we should be making this deal happen. Has definitely reached a ceiling at City and is 3rd choice on both sides of the pitch now.”

Credit: @Stubamford86

“I mean its kinda perfect cos Sterling gets another chance to prove himself until January and just gets sold if he cant get better”

Credit: @mcfcdavid_27

“Would be a great move for all parties. Dream. Move for Sterling in a league he would thrive, we already have an abundance of players in his position. Additional funds for a world class ST, in January or the summer. Be sad to see him go if it materialised.”

Credit: @LMLee123

In other news, Man City fans have reacted to an update on this striker.

Many West Ham United fans have been airing their frustration on Twitter, after it emerged that the Hammers are in no hurry to submit a formal offer for CSKA Moscow attacker Nikola Vlasic’s services [Eurostavka via Inside Futbol].

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the Croatian registered 18 goal contributions from 34 appearances in all competitions; 12 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].

Vlasic has been at the centre of rhetoric within West Ham United circles in recent weeks, after being identified as a reported target for David Moyes’ men [Eurostavka via Inside Futbol].

His agents are now allegedly applying pressure on to his current club, CSKA Moscow, to sanction his exit.

West Ham United are rumoured to be ready to pay a base value of €20m plus add-ons for his signature, however, are in no rush to formalise an offer.

In light of this news, lots of West Ham fans took to Twitter to protest what seems like yet another unsuccessful transfer saga.

West Ham fans react:

Replying to multiple outlets on Twitter, here is what some Irons fans had to say about the update:

““In no hurry” Other than the window closes Tuesday and it takes us about 20 years to complete a medical.”

Credit: @JoshuaHearne

“West ham are in no hurry lol”

Credit: @IanCulleyMorga2

 “No hurry only 100 hours left”

Credit: @WHUemployee””No rush” * 4 days left on the market *”Credit: @WestHargm”In no Hurry to Complete a Deal, Despite the Window About to Close FC”Credit: @WestHamRambles”why are we in no hurry there is 4 days left”Credit: @dajwhufcIn other news, West Ham United fans react to their Europa League draw. Find out more here.

Rangers have the chance to make it three wins in a row under Gio van Bronckhorst as they prepare for Premiership action on Wednesday night.

The Gers travel away to play Hibernian in the top-flight, shortly after their 3-1 defeat to them in semi-final of the League Cup prior to the Dutch manager’s official arrival at Ibrox.

They have beaten Sparta Prague and Livingston in his first two games in charge, with the latter coming in the form of a 3-1 win on Sunday.

Time to shine

One change van Bronckhorst could make to the starting XI is unleashing central midfielder John Lundstram, who is yet to make his first appearance for the Dutchman.

The summer signing from Sheffield United has not hit the ground running in Scotland and has been unable to secure a regular place in the side. However, the arrival of van Bronckhorst offers him a clean slate and a chance to show what he is truly capable of at this level.

Therefore, it could now be his time to shine for the Gers. He can use the frustration of his season so far to motivate him further to put in an excellent display against Hibernian and help the ex-Feyenoord coach to win his third game in succession.

Last year, former Blades manager Chris Wilder claimed that he is ‘exemplary’ with his attitude off the pitch. 

He told The Sheffield Star: “The way he has been in the changing room when he hasn’t played has been exemplary. And then he comes back in and plays like he has.

“I think that’s a fantastic example of how you should be as a professional footballer.”

This shows that the £6.3m-rated beast has the mentality required to come in from the cold and be ready to perform, as Wilder pointed to his professionalism.

He has shown signs of promise in the Premiership this season, with a 91% pass completion rate over the course of the campaign. The midfielder has also won 56% of his duels, showing that he has the strength to go along with his impressive passing.

However, his goal contributions from midfield could be unlocked by van Bronckhorst. He managed five goals and three assists in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign for Sheffield United, but only has one goal contribution in 11 league matches for Rangers.

By unleashing him against Hibernian and showing faith in his ability, the 46-year-old coach could give Lundstram the confidence to show off his full potential as a Rangers player. This is why he should be offered the opportunity to start in central midfield.

AND in other news, Gio could unearth Goldson 2.0 in “superb” Rangers teen who is “going to be massive”…

Leeds United are reportedly ready to make a move for Manchester City midfielder Yangel Herrera this summer, according to a report which emerged on Wednesday evening.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Herrera move

The 23-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan at Granada, with Pep Guardiola struggling to promise him playing time.

Herrera scored three times and registered one assist in La Liga last season, featuring in 32 of Granada’s 38 games in the competition.

Leeds have been linked with making a summer move for the 24-time capped Venezuela international and now a new report has emerged.

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The Latest: Fresh report emerges

According to El Gol Digital [via MOT Leeds News], Leeds are happy to pay £20.4million for Herrera’s services, seeing him as a strong midfield addition.

The report states that ‘everything indicates that he will be a Leeds player’, even though Atletico Madrid have shown an interest in signing him.

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The Verdict: Exciting big-money signing

Herrera could be a major coup for Leeds if they manage to get a deal over the line, especially as his admiration for Marcelo Bielsa is mentioned in the report.

The youngster has a huge amount of long-term potential, but he could be a key figure immediately at Elland Road, having averaged 1.8 tackles and 2.2 fouls per game in La Liga last season – he likes to get stuck in, also picking up seven yellow cards across the campaign.

Those figures suggest that he could do a similar job to Kalvin Phillips, in terms of thwarting the opposition, allowing him to dovetail effectively with the Leeds favourite and act as an able replacement when the talisman is injured or rotated.

In other news, a pundit has talked up the idea of Leeds signing one player this summer. Find out who it is here.