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Following a difficult start to the Premier League this season, Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will have some ruthless calls to make over some of his under-performing players.

Rodrigo has arguably been the biggest disappointment of the lot given his considerable price tag and the extensive experience he brings to the table with his time in Spain playing European football year-in, year-out.

The Spaniard has yet to score or assist in nine games in all competitions this term, and what has been particularly disappointing is that he has been given a runout as the sole centre-forward in Patrick Bamford’s absence.

If the criticism was that his below-par displays might have been because he was asked to play in a more withdrawn role when Bamford was in the side, then there cannot be any excuses for how he’s been performing in recent weeks.

It was no surprise that numerous Leeds fans slammed the Spain international for his performance against Manchester United in the opening game of the season, while he was equally ineffective against Liverpool too.

Against Jurgen Klopp’s side last month, he had no successful dribbles, just one shot on goal with which he really should have done better, completed only ten passes and and lost the ball on seven occasions before he was taken off at the break.

Last time out against Southampton, he arguably delivered his worst performance in a Leeds shirt. Writing in his post-match player ratings for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Graham Smyth gave him a measly two, saying: “Completely ineffective. Offered next to nothing, took heavy touches or picked wrong options. No focal point for Leeds’ attack.”

Today’s game against Wolves marks a crucial opportunity for Bielsa’s side to get things right and finally get a bit of momentum into their sails.

Dropping the £100k-a-week earning Rodrigo would be the kind of ruthless move which could reignite the team.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign a huge Dan James upgrade in this star…

Everton must finally offload Cenk Tosun amid a recent update on his future.

What’s the story?

According to Turkish publication Sabah, Besiktas were hopeful of re-signing their former star last month, but that a deal failed to materialise because Tosun wanted some money from Everton to cut his contract short.

Moshiri’s biggest disaster

It’s fair to say that Farhad Moshiri has had his fair share of transfer disasters during his time at Goodison Park, but Tosun certainly figures high up on that list, if not right at the very top.

Signed for £27m from Besiktas back in January 2018, the 30-year-old was tipped for big things by the man who signed him, Sam Allardyce, who said: “He is Turkey’s No 1 striker and has scored goals in the Champions League and the Turkish League but he is desperate to play here in the Premier League.

“We looked at the qualities of the player, his talent and goal-scoring, and his resilience, too. I do not think you can look any more than we have done and, for the price, he is the best in Europe at the moment.”

A big claim that has come to back-fire spectacularly on the Toffees in the years since.

In 60 games for the club in total, he’s scored just 11 goals and provided only six assists in that time too, meaning he has cost the club more than £1.5m per goal he has scored – it’s no surprise then that he was also shipped out on loan in recent seasons too.

Indeed, according to CIES, his transfer market value now is less than £1m – a real indication of the kind of decline the Turkish ace has endured at Goodison Park in his time at the club.

And, back in December, former Premier League ace Alan Hutton urged then Everton boss Rafa Benitez to have a discussion with Tosun over his Everton future and to try and move him on for the good of the club.

He said: “But I think that the only way you can really move forward and is to try and be open and honest. Have a sit-down with the manager and player.

“Say: ‘Look, you are not in my plans, you’re not going to be involved. You’re not going to be in matchday squads. All you’re going to do is train.’

“I think if you have an open and honest discussion, maybe that will help to move things along. If you don’t have these conversations, you just leave him to think and go in a bad mood. He will get in a huff and go: ‘Well I’ll just sit it out then.”

Given Tosun has not been in the reckoning at Goodison Park for a long while now, new Everton boss Frank Lampard must surely now call time on the striker’s time at the club and acquiesce to the striker’s demands and finally get him out.

Meanwhile, Everton facing a Rafa Benitez-esque howler…

Crystal Palace posted a picture on Twitter of their seven first-team signings on Thursday.

And a number of Palace supporters were quick to share their excitement towards the new recruits on social media.

The Eagles completed their summer business late on deadline day with the signing of Odsonne Edouard from Celtic.

The French forward, who cost over £14m and penned a four-year deal on Tuesday, was at the centre of the club’s post, alongside fellow recruits Michael Olise, Conor Gallagher, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Remi Matthews and Will Hughes.

Jacob Montes also signed at Selhurst Park but was loaned to Belgium, with Steve Parish spending just over £66m on new recruits in Patrick Vieira’s first summer in charge.

Palace shared a picture of their seven signings with the caption ‘let’s build something special’.

Palace fans react

This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply, with many excited and one ‘buzzing’ at the club’s summer business.

“Rebuild 90% complete.”

Credit: @cpfcfin

“Announce Europe”

Credit: @MichaelCPFC

“I’m just absolutely buzzing here”

Credit: @xylottie

“Absolutely ridiculous window”

Credit: @Phillyconcarne

“still in disbelief”

Credit: @EBERZEE

“Come on you palace”

Credit: @GeorgeHilder1

In other news: ‘Let’s gooooo’ – Lots of Palace fans delighted by ‘great’ Thursday news.

Frank McAvennie has revealed his anger at Glasgow Rangers following their Ibrox decision ahead of the first Old Firm clash of the season this weekend.

The Lowdown: Gers refuse to sell away tickets

The Gers host Celtic in the first Old Firm clash of the season on Sunday, and they will of course be looking to earn bragging rights over their fierce rivals and get a head start in the title race.

The match will take place at Ibrox but, although it was suggested up to 700 Celtic fans could be allowed entry to the stadium (Sky Sports), Rangers have decided not to permit entry to away fans for the clash.

The Latest: McAvennie livid

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie has expressed his anger with the 55-time Scottish champions’ decision. He said:

“They aren’t letting Celtic fans in, it’s a disgrace.

“It’s the biggest game in Europe and that’s because of the supporters.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s at Parkhead or Ibrox, part and parcel of the game is the fans having a go at each other.

“I just don’t get it, I can’t understand why. It’s disgraceful. Rangers are saying one thing and Celtic are saying the other.

“It’s creating a bigger divide and there’s no need for it at the moment. It’s meant to be 700 fans or something.

“Incredible, honestly are Rangers just trying to wind people up at this point?”

The Verdict: Petty

This is just the latest decision in the petty battle between Celtic and Rangers. Supporters have waited more than 18 months to be able to watch games at stadiums again, both home and away. Celtic refused to guarantee they would allow Rangers fans at Celtic Park, but that does not mean the Gers needed to retaliate.

Old Firm clashes are amongst the most tense and ferocious across the globe, and the atmosphere provided by both sets of supporters makes it an unmissable event. Just when it seemed fans were able to return to where they want to be, they have been prevented from doing so. That is a shame and will no doubt detract from the ferocity of the usual atmosphere, no matter who you follow.

In other news, Rangers fans lauded this man against Ross County at the weekend.

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have gone wild as a fresh claim emerges on the future of striking target Erling Braut Haaland.

The Sky Blues have been eyeing Haaland throughout 2021 with reports of their interest resurfacing in recent weeks, coming after they couldn’t quite manage to land a natural centre-forward in the summer.

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain had his eye on Harry Kane for the majority of the window, and after that move failed to materialise, they briefly contemplated a move for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Alas, manager Pep Guardiola didn’t get his striker wish and he could now have to wait another year until he signs the perfect heir to club legend Sergio Aguero at Eastlands.

In a silver lining for the Spaniard, it appears there has been a major development in the pursuit of Haaland.

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According to journalist Constantin Eckner of The Times, the Norway star’s agent, Mino Raiola, is now expected to hold talks with City over a potential move for his client next summer.

The dazzling 21-year-old’s release clause of £64 million is a sticking point as it comes into effect next year and Haaland is top of Begiristain’s transfer wishlist.

Flocking to this claim involving one of the best strikers in world football, it’s little wonder there are plenty of City supporters talking on social media.

Find all of the best reactions from Twitter down below.

Man City fans go wild for Haaland claim…

“now this is soooo amazing to hear”

Credit: @morison24383619

“Incredible.”

Credit: @FutbolGlobal

“About time”

Credit: @CitySlick4

“All is forgiven Txiki if you somehow manage to do this”

Credit: @crystallan21

“Good news”

Credit: @Musekere1

“We’re overdue a Txiki masterclass”

Credit: @MrUwais

“No wayyyyyyy it’s actually happening”

Credit: @rated07_

“This is exciting and obviously the club will go into this in good faith. But it’s still so unlikely any Haaland offer from Raiola would fit City’s wage structure. I’m not optimistic, but this is good news.”

Credit: @skramerwrites

In other news: ‘Vamosss’, ‘Best news today’, ‘Lets goooo’…Man City fans erupt over ‘beautiful’ development out of Eastlands, find out more here.

According to The Daily Express, Southampton are interested in signing Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham this summer.

The Lowdown: Saints eye Vestergaard replacement

The Saints have already been busy during this transfer window, making five signings in Romain Perraud (southamptonfc.com), Danyl Simeu (chelseafc.com), Valentino Livramento, Armando Broja and Adam Armstrong.

However, the departure of Jannik Vestergaard to Leicester City (lcfc.com) means the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit could do without another centre-back.

The Latest: Saints eye Adarabioyo

Now, it seems Southampton are interested in signing Adarabioyo.

As per the report, the 23-year-old has a £10m release his contract at Craven Cottage, while Norwich City are also believed to be interested in his services.

The Verdict: Solid option

The Saints have been looking to bring in young players during this transfer window – they have not signed anyone over the age of 25 – and Adarabioyo certainly fits that billing.

Former Blackburn defender Darren Lenihan called him “exceptional” (Goal.com), while Pep Guardiola even had praise for the defender (allnigeriasoccer.com).

He also has 33 Premier League appearances (Transfermarkt), showing he has already held his own at the highest level. £10m for a player of the former England U19 international’s man potential is hardly a huge fee – Ralph Hasenhuttl and co should make their move quick to make sure they get their man.

In other news, Southampton fans want to sign this four-time league winner.

A number of Manchester United fans have urged out-of-favour Anthony Martial to leave the club, following an update on his future by Fabrizio Romano.

The Frenchman’s Old Trafford career has never quite taken off in the manner that many predicted back in 2015 when he made a big-money move from Monaco. Martial famously scored on his debut against Liverpool but he has flattered to deceive too often since, despite his tally of 79 goals in 268 appearances for the club.

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The 26-year-old has fallen increasingly out of favour at United, starting just two Premier League games this season, and a January exit could be on the cards.

According to Romano on Twitter on Monday, Sevilla are keen on signing Martial after he informed Ralf Rangnick that he wants to leave next month, although his salary is proving to be an issue. The Red Devils interim boss has reportedly said: “I understand him but it should not only be in the interest of the player, it should also be in the interest of the club”.

Man United fans call for Martial to leave

These United fans reacted to the update on Twitter, with many keen to see the back of the enigmatic 26-year-old, who has netted just eight times in all competitions since the start of last season.

“It’s definitely in the interest of the club if he clears off”

Credit: @TomPatrick_

“Let him go… Same as Pogba if their head is not at 100% at United then their performances won’t be 100% and we only want and need players that give that week in and week out”

Credit: @Acro_ManUtd

“Quite sad but he’s flopped hard here. He’ll smash it in La Liga”

Credit: @FredFC__

“Martial is deadwood and he should stop talking about leaving like he will be missed, he’s been bad for a while now”

Credit: @easyrouge

“Martial has done gegenpressing in one training session and he can’t take it no more”

Credit: @JakeIntrovert

“Martial is finished, based on facts only”

Credit: @UTDGrey11

In other news, Romano has also provided an update on another rumoured United target. Find out who it is here.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Ianis Hagi and Alfredo Morelos will both be ‘missing’ for Glasgow Rangers on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Hagi timeframe

Van Bronckhorst revealed back in February that Hagi will likely even miss the start of next season, as well as the rest of this, after suffering a damaging knee injury.

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Of course, that timeframe could be shortened if the Romania international is able to speed up his recovery through rehab, but for now he will be ruled out for the foreseeable future, and he won’t be the only one missing on Sunday.

The Latest: Early team news

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of their Old Firm clash against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, van Bronckhorst confirmed that both Morelos and Hagi will be ‘missing’.

The Dutch manager thinks that the striker will be out for at least a ‘couple of weeks’, after he was spotted on crutches at Glasgow Airport.

The Verdict: Double blow

Of course, it is a double blow for the Teddy Bears that they will be without two of their key players in what looks to be their biggest game of the league campaign so far.

Both Hagi and Morelos rank in the top seven performers for the Light Blues in the league this term, while the latter is their top scorer with 11 goals and has also contributed seven assists (WhoScored).

Hagi is more of a creative influence, having ranked highly among his teammates in terms of average key passes, crosses and through balls per game (WhoScored), and both of them can form a formidable partnership when they are on song.

In other news, find out who Frank McAvennie thinks ‘will start’ for Gers here!

West Ham are interested in signing Sevilla and Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri in the January transfer window, according to a new report from Fichajes.

The Lowdown: Potential January reinforcements

The Hammers are enjoying an excellent season so far but squad additions in the winter could help take them to another level. David Moyes’ side will hope to continue challenging for a top-four finish, but that could be a struggle without changes to the current squad.

An exciting new report has emerged regarding El-Nesyri, who scored an impressive 18 goals in La Liga last season and a further six in the Champions League and has been given the nickname ‘Hurricane Youssef’.

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The Latest: En-Nesyri linked with West Ham move

According to Fichajes, West Ham are eyeing up a move for the 24-year-old, who could be available for €50m (£42m), which would almost break the club’s record transfer fee set by £45m man Sebastien Haller.

Daniel Kretinsky’s investment in the Hammers means that funds could be available to snap up the Moroccan, who has scored 11 goals in 39 caps for his country and was the subject of an unsuccessful €35m (£29.5m) bid from the east London club during the summer transfer window.

The Verdict: Perfect mid-season addition

This is the kind of signing which would feel like a statement of intent by West Ham at a time when they are looking to complete with the most successful teams in the country.

En-Nesyri is a proven striker who has delivered in La Liga for a number of seasons now and he could provide strong competition for Michail Antonio in attack, something which is sorely lacking at the moment.

With both domestic and Europa League commitments for the Hammers over the winter and into the New Year, it could also allow Moyes to shuffle his pack more regularly. It’s hard to feel that a move for En-Nesyri wouldn’t make perfect sense.

In other news, some West Ham fans are excited about another transfer rumour. Read more here.

Liverpool have undoubtedly one of the strongest defences in the Premier League, having conceded just 20 goals in 30 games.

One man who has contributed a lot to the Reds’ impressive defensive displays is Joel Matip, who has appeared in 24 league games so far this season.

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To highlight just how significant the 30-year-old has been for Liverpool in this campaign, only Trent Alexander-Arnold (98) and Fabinho (95) have racked up a higher combination of tackles and interceptions than Matip (81).

Despite the Cameroon international’s effectiveness at the back, it seems as though the Merseyside club could be eyeing up a potential replacement for him.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Goal by journalist Neil Jones, Liverpool are interested in signing Torino defender Gleison Bremer.

Since joining the Italian club back in 2018, the Brazilian has gone on to make 105 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with 13 goals and five assists along the way.

In terms of his defensive capabilities, the 25-year-old has the third-highest number of tackles and interceptions combined (144) throughout Serie A, showing how much of a unit he is at the back in a similar way to Matip.

Labelled a “powerful” figure by Forza Italian Football editor in chief Conor Clancy, Bremer eclipses the Liverpool defender in terms of the number of blocks, tackles and interceptions made this season in their respective domestic leagues.

Taking all this into account, and the fact that Matip is five years older than the £18k-per-week Torino brute, a transfer swoop for the Brazilian defender could be a great investment from the Merseyside club given his obvious talent and relatively young age.

However, the report from Goal claims that Juventus and Inter Milan are also interested in signing the centre-back, which means that the Reds may have a challenge on their hands to get Bremer to Anfield.

That said, to get the opportunity to play in the Premier League under the management of Jurgen Klopp next to a player such as Virgil van Dijk at one of the biggest clubs in England could all be very tempting for the 25-year-old defender.

In other news: Liverpool now plot bid for “unbelievable” £45m-rated dynamo, just imagine him & Salah