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Manchester City have another big game ahead of them tonight as they welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad Stadium for their first-leg semi-final Champions League clash.

Having secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Watford in their previous Premier League outing, Pep Guardiola’s side will be heading into tonight’s big fixture full of confidence.

However, it seems as though there will be a concern over the availability of two key figures for the Manchester club, in particular, that will surely have a lot of supporters and Guardiola sweating.

What’s the news?

Speaking in yesterday’s press conference, the City manager had this to say about the fitness of defensive duo Kyle Walker and John Stones.

He commented: “They are doubts, they didn’t train for the last week, ten days, John since Brighton. We will see how they feel and take a decision tomorrow [Tuesday].”

Bad news for Guardiola

Taking into account how full-back Joao Cancelo will miss this evening’s clash through suspension, not having Walker available to play will surely come as a big concern for Guardiola.

As for Stones, the fact that he has a higher percentage for aerial duels (84.2) won out of anyone in the Premier League this season, not having him in the side to take on Real striker Karim Benzema could be a key factor in this match.

Benzema has been one of the best in the world this term, registering a whopping 39 goals and 13 assists.

Should the centre-back not have the right fitness to play against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Guardiola will have to hope that the likes of Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte or Nathan Ake are able to fill in on this occasion. Either way, being without three defenders against such a potent threat is not ideal news.

For now, it appears as though it’s a case over everyone at the club having their fingers crossed that one or both of the Englishman will be fit enough to take part in the game and potentially put the team in a good place for the second leg.

Looking beyond that, with the Manchester club set to take on Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday evening, even having either Walker or Stones back for that game will be a great boost for the team and their hopes of regaining the Premier League title.

In other news: “Man City have discussed…”: Romano drops exciting summer update, Pep will be buzzing

Everton are struggling for survival in the Premier League this season and following another defeat last weekend, Frank Lampard’s side has fallen into the relegation zone and now his future is coming into question.

What’s the latest?

Journalist Paul Brown has dropped a huge claim on the Toffees boss surrounding his future at Goodison Park depending on the outcome of the current season.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT:

“It feels like Lampard can’t be there next season because he’s failed to do his job, that’s definitely a possibility, although the only way I see a new manager coming to Everton is if they go down and the owner goes, ‘you failed, off you go, on your bike’.”

Supporters will be worried

The thought of falling into the Championship for the first time since the Premier League began back 30 years ago is already a worrying prospect enough for supporters, without the thought of losing players and the manager in the process.

The inconsistency and constant upheaval at Goodison Park since Farhad Moshiri arrived at the club six years ago has ultimately put them in the position that they have now found themselves, and sacking the sixth permanent manager appointed in six years is not necessarily in the best interests of the club.

Not only is the speculation surrounding the manager a concern, but the future of key players also hangs in the balance with both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison linked with moves away from Everton this summer which will only further impact the team if they do leave so minimising disruption is essential.

The Toffees boss has managed 15 games for the club losing nine, winning five and drawing one so far, and although this run of results isn’t making a big enough impact to secure safety for the side at this point, there is still opportunity in the next six games which a one-game advantage on their relegation rivals around them.

Ultimately, if Lampard does make the great escape from relegation this season it would be a fantastic achievement considering the inconsistency in performances this season but Everton need to get to the end of the season before they make any reckless decisions on the future of people at the club.

AND in other news: Everton now plotting bid for £13.5m-rated “revelation”, he’s miles better than Iwobi

An exciting claim has been made regarding Newcastle United and Kalvin Phillips…

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that the club are looking at a move for the England international ahead of the summer window.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “They’re very aware of the fact that the players have to fit into that team. Something somebody said to me earlier on was that they are interested in Kalvin Phillips.

“Can you imagine Kalvin Phillips also now going into that Newcastle midfield and taking them to another level?”

Eddie Howe is surely buzzing

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe will be buzzing with this claim, because the prospect of the holding midfielder playing for the club is an exciting one.

The 44-year-old will be delighted with PIF’s interest in Phillips’ services and will be hoping that they can get a deal over the line for him in the coming months, as he would be a superb addition to the Magpies’ team.

The 26-year-old has proven himself at Premier League level with Leeds over the past 18 months. This season, he has made 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game across 16 league appearances, after managing 4.2 per match across 29 top-flight outings last term.

Phillips has shown that he can be a destroyer in the middle of the park by constantly breaking up opposition attacks to win the ball back for his team.

He has also caught the eye at international level, with England boss Gareth Southgate saying: “He’s been excellent. The way he has taken to international football, it hasn’t surprised us because what we’d seen with Leeds, even in the Championship, we felt could convert into our team.

“We felt he could play an important role with us. To play in the enormity of the matches he did in the summer and play as well as he did is massive credit to him.”

This shows that Phillips can handle the pressure of playing on the biggest stage whilst also readily adapting to playing different styles of football under Marcelo Bielsa, Gareth Southgate and now Jesse Marsch, which suggests that he will be able to cope with a switch to St James’ Park.

Imagine the 26-year-old throwing himself into challenges and being the defensive lynchpin of Newcastle’s midfield next season. It is an exciting prospect for the Toon Army, and that is why Howe will be buzzing with the club’s pursuit of the Yorkshire-born colossus.

AND in other news, “Phenomenal” £18m-rated Premier League star now wants NUFC move, he’d be their new Gazza…

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst will need to carefully manage his squad in the coming weeks as his side face a hectic schedule to end the campaign.

The Gers have five more games before the end of the month as they play three Premiership matches, a Europa League final and a Scottish Cup final.

They face Dundee United in the Scottish top-flight today at Ibrox after winning 3-1 in Europe on Thursday night, as they currently sit six points adrift of the league leaders.

How many changes will Gio make to his team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make six alterations to the side, with Leon Balogun, Steven Davis, Fashion Sakala, Scott Arfield and Aaron Ramsey all coming in.

Borna Barisic, who was once dubbed “mind-boggling” by Richard Foster, let van Bronckhorst down against Leipzig and should be axed from the team. His exit from the XI would then allow Nigerian enforcer Leon Balogun to come in at centre-back, with Calvin Bassey slotting in at left-back.

In midfield, we are predicting that Steven Davis and Scott Arfield will both come in to provide an experienced presence in the middle of the park. This will allow Glen Kamara and John Lundstram to both have a deserved rest after their goalscoring exploits on Thursday, keeping them fresh for the midweek clash with Ross County.

We are also backing van Bronckhorst to unleash Ramsey from the start after he was on the bench against Leipzig. The Wales international may replace Scott Wright to play on the right of the front three as he needs to get minutes under his belt to build up his match fitness after just under a month out injured.

Finally, we are predicting that Fashion Sakala – who was once dubbed a “firework” by Alan Hutton – will be given the go-ahead through the middle with Ryan Kent and Ramsey either side of him. Joe Aribo came off against Leipzig with a head injury and was replaced by the Zambian – suggesting that he is next in line to start up front if the Nigeria international is unavailable.

AND in other news, Big setback: Rangers hit with huge injury blow that’ll leave GvB fuming…

Aston Villa could have a big say on where the Premier League title ends up this season as they prepare to take on Manchester City on the final day of the campaign.

If the Villans can stop Pep Guardiola’s side from winning on Sunday and Liverpool win at home to Wolves, then Steven Gerrard’s former club will be crowned champions.

While the Midlands club will undoubtedly be aiming to get a result for themselves and their own fans rather than anyone else, it seems as though the Villans have been dealt a double injury blow which could impact their chances of doing just that.

What’s the news?

City’s defensive duo of John Stones and Kyle Walker are reportedly in contention to feature in Sunday’s clash after returning to training, having recently been sidelined with injuries.

Taking into account how Guardiola’s side have the best defensive record in the Premier League with just 24 goals conceded in 37 games, having two of their main defenders back in the frame will undeniably make them a tougher opponent for Villa to try and beat.

With Stones having one of the highest percentages for passing accuracy (93.2%) and has the highest percentage for aerial duels won out of players to be involved in more than two per game in the top flight this season, he will be a welcome addition back in City’s line-up.

The England centre-back is also listed higher than the likes of Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake in terms of overall performances this season according to WhoScored, with a rating of 7.13/10.

As for Walker, the fact that City have conceded 10 goals in the league throughout the 17 games in which he hasn’t played this season suggests that they are much better defensively when he’s in the team.

Taking this into account, if the league leaders are able to play both England internationals this weekend, it will be worrying for Gerrard and undoubtedly make it harder for Villa to end their season on a high note with a win against the title-chasing Citizens.

The Villa manager must now be hoping that his attacking players have what it takes to trouble City’s defence and give their travelling fans something to shout about after the 1-1 draw against Burnley on Thursday.

In other news: Gerrard already heading for big summer disaster at AVFC over £13.5m-rated “magician”

Crystal Palace youngster Nya Kirby is set to be released by the Eagles this summer with Bournemouth, Watford and Club Brugge listed as potential new suitors.

What’s the word?

According to the Bournemouth Echo, via the 72, the Palace academy product is a target for the aforementioned clubs who would each offer the 22-year-old something different.

Bournemouth can now provide Premier League football following their promotion back to the top-flight whilst Watford will be a Championship outfit once again following their relegation.

As for Club Brugge, the Belgian club would provide the midfielder with the opportunity to start fresh abroad, something that has proven to work wonders for young, English talents of late.

Palace must axe Kirby

Although there is still time to offer Kirby a new contract, the south London outfit must stick with their decision and allow the Englishman to depart.

Having worked his way up the youth ranks at Crystal Palace, the 22-year-old has made just one first team appearance for Patrick Vieira’s side, coming under former manager Roy Hodgson last season in an EFL Cup defeat against Bournemouth.

However, the midfielder has impressed for the U23s in Premier League 2 this term, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 20 appearances.

Besides his one first-team appearance for the Eagles, Kirby has played regular senior football with loan spells at both Blackpool in 2018/19 and Tranmere Rovers last campaign, although he didn’t make an impression at either outfit.

Having been limited to just eight appearances for a League Two side in Tranmere certainly wouldn’t have convinced Vieira that the 22-year-old is ready for Premier League football and therefore the only logical step is to release him.

There is an argument for the Frenchman to give the youngster a chance with numerous midfielders set to depart Selhurst Park this summer.

Conor Gallagher will return to Chelsea upon the conclusion of his loan spell whilst both James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate are set to be released.

It will be a ruthless move, with the midfielder labelled as “terrific” by former Blackpool boss Terry McPhillips whilst on loan with the Tangerines.

However, there is little evidence to suggest that the £6.9k-per-week Englishman has what it takes to succeed in the Premier League, at least currently.

AND in other news: Vieira now heading for 1st summer transfer disaster, Palace supporters will be gutted

Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Reb Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, according to reliable journalist and MLS insider Tom Bogert. 

The lowdown: Rising star

Born in New Jersey, the 21-year-old made the grade for MLS outfit Philidelphia Union before heading to Europe in 2021.

Since arriving in Austria, the USA international has provided 28 direct goal contributions in 65 outings for Salzburg, lifting two Austrian Bundesliga titles and two Austrian Cups in the process.

Having been on the radar at Elland Road for some time, a move for the player now appears to be closer than ever to completion as Jesse Marsch gets to work in the market…

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The latest: ‘Signed & done’

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday evening, Bogert confirmed that the deal was on the brink of being completed as the 18-cap American heads to Thorp Arch.

He stated: “Sources: Brenden Aaronson has arrived in England to do his medical (tomorrow) and officially complete his $30 million transfer to Leeds United from RB Salzburg. Getting deal signed & done before Aaronson joins USMNT for friendlies against Morocco & Uruguay then Nations League.”

The verdict: Superb start

Whilst there has been much speculation about possible outgoings from the Whites squad, it’s crucial that Marsch and Victor Orta get their own incomings in order swiftly.

Holding a market value of £18m (Transfermarkt), signing Aaronson for the mooted $30m (£23.8m) fee has to be regarded as an excellent piece of business for a fully-fledged 21-year-old international talent.

During the recently completed 2021/22 campaign the attacking midfielder scored six times and provided 10 assists in 41 appearances, including five direct goal contributions as Salzburg went on a Champions League adventure through qualifying and the group stage.

Predominantly operating as a number 10, Aaronson’s imminent arrival at Elland Road may see Marsch implement a formation switch next term as the 48-year-old looks to successfully integrate his compatriot into the Premier League and guide Leeds to a more promising campaign.

In other news, Leeds are eyeing up another signing after Aaronson. Find out who it is here

Everton are one of several Premier League sides to be linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon, but the potential signing could prove to be a disastrous repeat of the deal that saw Bernard join the Toffees in 2018.

What’s the word?

According to Italian news outlet TuttoSport, Frank Lampard’s side are set to battle it out with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Aston Villa to sign the 22-year-old.

The Israel international, who is currently valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, has established himself as a regular for the Ukrainian side since joining in 2019, making 106 appearances, in which he has contributed 22 goals and nine assists.

Although this represents a decent return for a winger, the step-up in quality from the Ukrainian league to the Premier League is a significant one, with Bernard perhaps the obvious example.

Bernard 2.0

During his time in Ukraine, Bernard would contribute an impressive 28 goals and 35 assists in 157 appearances for Donetsk and, as a Brazil international, there was an air of excitement among Everton fans when he arrived at Goodison Park on a free transfer in 2018.

However, he would manage just 15 goal contributions in 84 appearances for the Toffees in his three years at the club and was swiftly moved on to UAE side Sharjah FC for a minimal fee last summer.

There was no doubt that Bernard had ability, but at just 5 foot 4, it was clear that the winger lacked the necessary physicality to compete in the Premier League, as he consistently averaged less than one duel and one shot per game in the English top-flight.

Unfortunately for Everton, Solomon stands at just 5 foot 7, so it is difficult to not draw similarities between him and Bernard, given their previous clubs, positions and stature.

The Toffees’ transfer business in recent years has been less than impressive and despite significant fees being spent, Lampard’s side came far too close to relegation from the top-flight last season.

Considering the Goodison Park outfit are already well-stocked in terms of wingers, with the likes of Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend, Anthony Gordon and Alex Iwobi all capable of playing out wide, it would be strange to see them splashing the cash on Solomon this summer.

Certainly, if he did make the switch to Merseyside and turned out performances similar to Bernard, then his signing would surely feel like a case of deja vu for Toffees fans, in what could down as yet another disaster by chairman Farhad Moshiri.

And, in other news… Moshiri can sign Lukaku 2.0 with Prem wonderkid…

According to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, West Ham transfer target Keane Lewis-Potter views Jarrod Bowen as his ‘inspiration’ and the Hull City starlet could make the move to the Premier League this summer.

The Lowdown: Lewis-Potter profiled

The 21-year-old joined the Tigers academy at the age of just 14 and has worked his way up through the ranks at the MKM Stadium, having been fast-tracked into the U18s and U23s sides before earning his first professional contract four years ago, as per the club’s official website.

Despite still having 12 months remaining on his current agreement with the Championship outfit after penning a new deal last summer, the Daily Mail have recently claimed that the Irons have ‘expressed interest’ in signing the youngster, but are set to face competition from the likes of Bournemouth, Brentford, and Southampton.

The Latest: Lewis-Potter’s praise for Bowen

Barclay confirmed that he has spoken to Lewis-Potter whilst on media duty for the young England side, telling GiveMeSport:

“We spoke to Keane Lewis-Potter on Under-21 duty, and he talked about Jarrod Bowen and how much of an inspiration he was because he actually played with him briefly at Hull before he moved to West Ham, and it’s quite an obvious link.

“If he were to move to West Ham, the comparisons would easily be drawn, just because of the route but also the fact that Lewis-Potter also cut his teeth in non-league, albeit on loan compared to Bowen’s story of playing for Hereford permanently and his rise up the leagues. But, I think there are similarities on that front.”

The Verdict: Following in his footsteps?

The duo briefly played together at Hull before Bowen made the switch to the London Stadium two years ago, so it’s no surprise to see that the Hammers target has been full of glowing praise for his former teammate.

The striker would be a great addition to David Moyes’ squad if they managed to get a deal over the line considering his brilliant run of form this season, having scored 13 goals and registered four assists for the Tigers across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

Lewis-Potter, whose playing style was once compared to that of Real Madrid sensation Eden Hazard by City youth coach Craig Fagan, would certainly be one for the future but his goal record last season suggests he also could make an immediate impact just like Bowen.

In other news… a reliable journalist has reacted to West Ham’s links with one of their reported summer transfer targets.

Celtic are ‘in the market’ to bring in a new striker during the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Crucial summer for Celtic

This feels like a crucial summer in the transfer market at Parkhead, with the Hoops at a point where they could go on to assert long-term superiority in Scotland.

This year’s Premiership title win was memorable but it is now vital that Ange Postecoglou stays put and builds a lasting legacy at the club.

There are some areas of the pitch where Celtic could do with strengthening in the long-term, with attacking reinforcements certainly not going amiss.

The Latest: Joseph makes Celtic transfer claim

Taking to Twitter, Joseph delivered a ‘transfer state of play’ at Celtic, outlining the various positions being targeted and the current scenario regarding each one.

Addressing Celtic’s pursuit of a striker over the summer, he gave a succinct three-word verdict that the Hoops are “in the market” for a new centre-forward.

The Verdict: Makes perfect sense

While Celtic scored their fair share of goals last season, with 92 in the Premiership, they lacked a truly prolific figure leading the line, which occasionally held them back.

Kyogo Furuhashi ended up leading the way with 17 goals, and while that is a decent tally, it does highlight how the Hoops are missing a truly prolific predator at the apex of their attack. For instance, Odsonne Edouard broke the 20-goal barrier in the league alone in the recent past.

If Postecoglou can acquire the services of a top-class striker, it could take Celtic up another level again,  something which may be needed with Champions League football returning to Parkhead in 2022/23.

In other news, Joseph has also confirmed Celtic’s interest in one player. Find out who it is here.