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Erling Haaland sent a one-word message to Takumi Minamino on Instagram after the Liverpool ace scored the opening goal in the 7-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League away at Selhurst Park yesterday lunchtime.

As shared on Twitter by a fan of the Anfield faithful, the Borussia Dortmund star sent ‘Takuuuuumi’ followed by an emoji of praying hands after the Japan international scored very early on to put Jurgen Klopp’s team 1-0 up in the clash and thus put them on course for a very handsome victory, one which in turn elevated them to first spot in the top flight table leading up to Christmas.

Of course, both Haaland and Minamino were teammates together at RB Salzburg and although they have since gone in different paths in the beautiful game, they seem to still have a nice friendship going.

Haaland has been linked to Liverpool

Haaland has previously been linked with a move to the Merseyside club, and it is not difficult to see as to why he has been dubbed as such a ‘huge talent’.

The Norway international has netted no fewer than 17 times in just 14 games in all competitions so far in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), and at just 20 years of age, will surely only get better from this point in his footballing career.

The striker is currently valued at £90m, and if the Reds were to make a move for him either in the January transfer window or in the summer, he would surely be worth every penny.

In other news, find out what a journalist has revealed amid exit rumours concerning Mo Salah here!

This has been a testing period for Leeds United.

After being utterly dispatched by Manchester United at Old Trafford, they bounced back brilliantly versus Burnley.

They showed various qualities that were lacking against United, demonstrating desire, togetherness and most importantly, solidity.

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier kept a clean sheet, one they can take immense pride from given Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente were all out injured.

After winning, will Marcelo Bielsa make any changes? Given how much football they’re having to play at the moment it could be a distinct possibility. Here’s how we reckon Leeds should line-up when they face West Brom on Tuesday evening.

The first thing to note is that Leeds are likely to play a similar sort of formation to the one we saw at Elland Road a matter of days ago.

That means that Pascal Struijk, Kalvin Phillips and Luke Ayling make up a three-man backline once again. Llorente picked up an injury setback after returning to training last week and consequently, will miss this game.

That being said, we think that Bielsa should make as many as three changes for the clash with the Baggies. The first one to note is the return of Pablo Hernandez. Mateusz Klich was a source of frustration against the Clarets, hitting a number of attempts at goal off target. We know Hernandez can dominate against this type of opposition so he deserves a rare start.

We also think that Jack Harrison needs a rest. The Manchester City loanee has been playing at full throttle this term and after his poor day in front of goal a few days ago, needs to be taken out of the team in favour of Helder Costa.

The final change we’re tipping might be a bit of a stretch but we’ve been crying out for Leif Davis to play on the left-hand side for a few weeks. Against weaker opposition, now seems like the ideal chance to give him his first Premier League start.

Only time will tell whether Bielsa does opt for this XI.

AND in other news, Forget Traore: Leeds must swoop for “explosive” outcast who BULLIED Alioski this year…

Matt Crocker can seal Southampton’s push for European football with a January swoop for Vitoria Guimaraes defender Jorge Fernandes.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, a host of Premier League sides are beginning to show an interest in Fernandes ahead of the January window after becoming aware of Os Vimaranenses’ need to raise funds this winter.

Fernandes has played an instrumental role in Vitoria Guimaraes’ early-season form, having started all eight of his Liga Nos appearances, as manager Joao Henriques’ side sit fifth and in the Europa League positions with the division’s joint-best defensive record heading into Christmas.

Fernandes is under contract at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques through to the summer of 2024 in a deal which features a €50m (£45.5m) buyout clause, though Southampton could complete a deal for far less with Vitoria Guimaraes seemingly open to offers of around £16m in January.

Vitoria Guimaraes are willing to part with the highly-rated 23-year-old for far less than his release clause as Portuguese sides continue to feel the financial impact of the pandemic, which has made sales of their brighter prospects a necessary measure.

Premier League clubs are seemingly reluctant to spend much in the upcoming winter market, but Fulham, Southampton and Newcastle United are said to see Fernandes as a long-term option that would make a January splurge worthwhile.

Forget Stephens, sign Fernandes

Southampton will soon be facing a key decision over the future of Jack Stephens with his £48,000-per-week contract set to expire in 2022, but Saints Director of Football Crocker can better solidify the south coast side’s long-term future and immediate push for European football by getting Fernandes.

Stephens has rarely featured under Ralph Hasenhuttl this season whilst Jannik Vestergaard often shines at St. Mary’s, with the 26-year-old only starting three of his four Premier League appearances and only featuring twice since October – including a 90-minute run-out at left-back.

Fernandes, meanwhile, has been thriving for Vitoria Guimaraes having helped to claim six clean sheets in the Liga Nos to date with a staggering average haul of 1.6 successful tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 4.0 clearances a game while winning 3.9 duels, per SofaScore.

He’s safe on the ball, too, with 67.8 touches leading to 49.8 accurate passes with an 87% completion rate, which rises to 94% for attempts carried out in Os Vimaranenses’ territory.

Centre-back signings may not be an immediate concern for Hasenhuttl with surplus options already to hand, but a promising and young centre-half hitting the market should be enough for the Saints and their Director of Football Crocker to consider a move.

AND in other news: “Unless you’re going to Man United” – Exclusive: Pundit drops claim on £75k-p/w Southampton ace.

Carlo Ancelotti already has his next rival for Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Everton prospect Ellis Simms amid reports of talks to sell Moise Kean to Paris Saint-Germain.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, PSG are in negotiations with the Toffees over a potential deal to retain Kean’s services beyond his initial one-season loan deal after impressing in the French capital.

The Ligue 1 giants are believed to be discussing a fee of around £31m for the Italy forward, with Everton willing to sell on the provision they make a profit on the £27m paid to Juventus in 2019.

Kean struggled to live up to his price tag during his maiden campaign at Goodison Park, scoring just twice in 33 games across all competitions. The 20-year-old added a further two goals at the start of the current season before departing for Le Parc des Princes.

Thomas Tuchel saw Kean get his career back on track prior to his sacking last month, netting nine times over 16 games in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, while his successor Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be determined to enjoy a similar relationship following his arrival.

Let him leave

If Kean is favouring a permanent switch to PSG after an impressive start to life in the French capital, Everton can afford to strike a deal with Simms ready and waiting in the wings for his chance to prove his worth under Ancelotti in the first-team.

Simms has once again been in scintillating form with the Toffees’ Under 23s this season, netting eight goals in 11 Premier League 2 appearances, but has only featured in one senior matchday squad when named as a substitute in November’s 2-1 loss at Newcastle.

The 20-year-old hitman had appeared to edge closer to contention at the end of the 2019/20 campaign when listed on the bench for the final two matches against Sheffield United and AFC Bournemouth, yet returned to David Unsworth’s ranks this term.

Former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn firmly believes Simms has what it takes to make the grade at Goodison Park should he be given the chance, as the Blues product has all the ingredients of Calvert-Lewin, who has scored 14 goals in 19 games thus far this season.

“Ellis Simms, centre-forward, natural goalscorer, still learning his craft, but he doesn’t snatch at chances,” Martyn told HITC. “As happy scoring in the 90th minute, when you could snatch at it, for one so young – he’s a pretty cool finisher. He has all the attributes, he’s 6 ft 1, he’s got the attributes of a Calvert-Lewin, for instance.”

Ancelotti can test Simms’ credibility as a first-team option soon, too, with a visit of Championship strugglers Rotherham United to come this Saturday in the FA Cup.

AND in other news, Everton are showing a determination to sign a £13.5m titan for free.

Sunderland will be ‘lucky’ to collect over £10-12m in total income this season. 

That’s according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, who recently spoke to ChronicleLive, where he shared his projection on Sunderland’s income for the current financial year. 

A big drop-off for Sunderland

This highlights the extent of how badly the ongoing global pandemic has harmed the North East club’s finances. 

As explained by Maguire, the Black Cats collected £59m in total income back in the 2018/19 campaign – the last season that Sunderland managed to enjoy without being impacted by the pandemic, with the 2019/20 League One season concluding prematurely. 

Now, with fans unable to attend games, it seems like they are set to take in up to £49m less than that, per Maguire, which represents an almost 80% decrease in revenue. 

Transfer Tavern take

This is a mightily significant drop-off in Sunderland’s revenue as a result of the pandemic. So, perhaps it would be fair to say that this sheds some light on the importance of the North East club receiving a financial injection in the form of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ takeover, to boost their hopes of returning to the heights of England’s top-flight. 

Per ChronicleLive, Maguire certainly believes that this is the case and so, perhaps that gives Black Cats fans even more reason to count down the days to this impending takeover, which just has the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test to pass at this stage.

In other news, some Sunderland fans were fuming over Elliot Embleton’s performance versus AFC Wimbledon.

Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, former Premier League ace Rob Lee has slammed Arsenal star Willian.

The £220k-a-week earning star joined on a free transfer from London rivals Chelsea in the summer transfer window, and enjoyed a superb debut for Mikel Arteta’s side by assisting two goals in a opening day 3-0 win over Fulham.

Since then however, things have gone downhill for the Brazil international, with the 32-year-old still yet to score for the club and only adding one more assist to his total.

That has seen the winger drop out of the starting line-up in recent weeks, with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe firmly ahead of him in the pecking order on that right-hand side.

And when asked about how Willian has done this season for Arsenal, Lee delivered a scathing verdict on the Gunners’ summer signing.

He said: “Awful. For someone of his ability, you can see why Chelsea didn’t want to give him a long contract. Could have been Frank’s (Lampard) decision or could have been someone else’s decision, but you can see why they weren’t going to give him a longer contract.

“Willian has got so much talent and so much ability, but again, I don’t know, he just seems he’s not bothered. If he plays great, then great. But if he doesn’t, then not really bothered.”

The idea that Willian hasn’t been particularly bothered at Arsenal this season echoes the kind of problems the Gunners have had with Mesut Ozil, who also has that similar languid style – in fact, The Athletic recently claimed that “some feel that, not unlike Ozil, Willian is not helped by his relaxed body language”.

With the Gunners’ young guns like Saka and Emile Smith Rowe showing the way in recent weeks, Willian’s performances have just been scrutinised even more. And given he still has more than a couple of years left on his contract, it feels like a bad signing already.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could sign another Kieran Tierney in this starlet…

Jacob Murphy must seize on DeAndre Yedlin’s imminent move to Galatasaray and lock down the right-back spot in Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United squad.

What’s the word?

According to ESPN, Yedlin will travel to Istanbul to carry out his medical after agreeing to join the Super Lig giants on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Newcastle have agreed a fee with Galatasaray to part with the United States international ahead of Monday night’s deadline, as Yedlin had entered into the final six-months of his £30,000-per-week deal.

Yedlin’s original preference had been to stay at St. James’ Park and he was offered assurances that he would feature in the remainder of the season, but will depart after the Toon opted against tabling a new contract offer.

The fee Galatasaray will pay Newcastle for Yedlin is thought to be based on his performances and appearances for the Turk Telekom Stadium natives, who currently trail rivals Fenerbahce and Besiktas in a close-fought battle for the Super Lig title.

Yedlin had been made available for a transfer last summer amid interest from Turkish and Major League Soccer outfits, with Bruce open to the fact that he would face a battle to displace Javier Manquillo and Emil Krafth in the first-team picture.

The 27-year-old ultimately had to wait until December’s 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion to make his Premier League season debut, playing the final four minutes, before starting five of the Toon’ following seven top-flight fixtures. A visa issue meant he last featured on January 12th.

Yedlin’s exit is Murphy’s chance

Bruce had persisted with Manquillo and Krafth rotating duties at right-back before offering Yedlin a recall over the festive period, while occasionally turning to Murphy to play out of position with Miguel Almiron frequently fielded on the wing.

Manquillo was the one favoured for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Everton as Newcastle snapped an 11-game winless run, but Murphy must now seize on Yedlin’s exit if he is to secure himself a regular starting role at St. James’ Park for the first time in his Magpies career.

Bruce had no place for Murphy in his matchday squad at Goodison Park, for only the third time all season and first since September, and has chosen to start the 25-year-old in just eight of his 13 Premier League outings this term. Only during the 2017/18 campaign when Rafa Benitez handed the £3m-rated maestro 13 starts in 25 games, has he opened more fixtures.

Of those starts under Bruce, half have come at right-back and three of which have returned Murphy’s best match ratings from WhoScored, having impressed enough to warrant a 7.74 at Wolves, a 7.08 against Leeds and a 7.01 at home to Everton.

For comparison, three of his four starts at right-midfield have returned scores below 6.3, including a 6.05 when beaten by Chelsea.

Manquillo earned a 6.99 rating during Saturday’s win over Everton for his third-best score of the season – a term-high 7.38 was achieved at West Ham on the opening day – while Krafth enjoyed his campaign-best showing at home to Burnley in October when awarded a 6.9.

Murphy has further offered a higher interceptions per game (1.5) score than Krafth (1.3) and Manquillo (0.7), and has shown that he is able to drive play up the field more successfully after snatching possession with 3.5 out of 5.5 dribbles to the Sweden international’s 0.3/0.5 and Spaniard’s 0/0.9, per WhoScored.

The 25-year-old is additionally more productive at the top of the pitch with 0.8 accurate crosses from 3.1 deliveries a game to Krafth’s 0.3/2.8 and Manquillo’s 0.7/3.1, for a higher rate of key passes with 0.8 to 0.5 and 0.6 respectively.

So, if Murphy is to establish himself anywhere in Bruce’s plans, it is likely to be at right-back, and thus he must seize on Yedlin’s departure to prove himself as more than just occasional cover.

AND in other news – Exclusive: Rob Lee slams “laughable” Newcastle and Steve Bruce decision…

Mike Ashley should sanction a Newcastle United swoop for Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham to join Steve Bruce’s side before Monday’s transfer deadline.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, the Toon have lodged an enquiry to sound out Ntcham’s availability as Bruce eyes the completion of a loan deal before the January window slams shut on Monday night.

The Hoops would favour a deal that carries an option to purchase the 24-year-old at the end of the season, as Ntcham is now inside the final 18-months of his £14,000-per-week contract.

Ntcham is said to have made it clear to Celtic that he wishes to leave Parkhead after being denied a move to Ligue 1 outfit Stade Brest on Deadline Day in the last transfer window, after the Hoops demanded £12m to part with the alleged former Southampton target.

Newcastle seemingly face competition from West Bromwich Albion in the race to sign the Frenchman, while a number of sides in the midfielder’s native country are also thought to be keen, with Celtic now said to value him at £7m.

Ntcham has only started 29% of the Hoops’ Premiership fixtures this term, with the former U21 international opening just seven of his 14 outings and not taking to the field at all since before Christmas.

Should Newcastle sign Ntcham?

A deal to sign Ntcham on loan with a view to a potential permanent deal at the end of the season is something Newcastle owner Ashley should very much consider sanctioning, as the 24-year-old is nowhere near his prime, yet he can offer Bruce an instant impact in the engine room.

Ntcham, lauded as an “excellent player” by Celtic icon John Collins, has been questioned for his inconsistency at times but has earned an array of interest over the years for being excellent on his day.

It was only last season that the Frenchman scored eight goals and provided four assists across all competitions, with strikes to his name in the Premiership, Europa League and both domestic cups.

He needed just two minutes on the field at Motherwell to score his only goal of the current campaign, too, having come on to replace Tom Rogic in the closing stages and soon tapping Odsonne Edouard’s pass into Aaron Chapman’s net. Only to then face exile at Parkhead.

Jonjo Shelvey was Bruce’s top-scorer in the Premier League last season, with the midfielder scoring eight goals. But Newcastle have only seen 10-goal forward Callum Wilson find the net more than Jeff Hendrick and Miguel Almiron this term, who are the only ones to have also hit home more than once.

Despite featuring little in the Premiership this season, Ntcham can additionally offer Bruce a creative output, as the 24-year-old has delivered 23 crosses into the box and directs 36.4% of his shots on target, per FBref. Only Jamal Lewis (28) and Ryan Fraser (25) have registered a greater number of crosses for the Toon in the Premier League this term.

So, if Celtic are receptive to a loan-to-buy deal, Ashley should absolutely be on the phone to get a deal across the line before Monday’s deadline passes, as the upsides far outweigh the negatives at the price Newcastle would likely have to pay.

AND in other news – Exclusive: Rob Lee slams “laughable” Newcastle and Steve Bruce decision…

Manchester City will be looking to continue their winning run when they take on Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

As a result of travel restrictions, the first leg will take place in Hungary rather than Germany, with the second leg set to take place at the Etihad next month.

Pep Guardiola’s side have now won 18 games in a row in all competitions, so will be in a confident mood ahead of the game against Marco Rose’s side, who are currently eighth in the Bundesliga.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the Spanish manager to line his side up on Wednesday evening, with four changes from the side that started against Arsenal…

Ederson keeps his place in goal despite Zack Steffen appearing earlier in the competition, as the Brazilian is obviously first-choice under Guardiola.

There are two changes in defence, as Kyle Walker comes in at right-back, which allows Joao Cancelo to move back to left-back as we saw earlier in the season, as we feel that Guardiola should go with his two best full-backs for this fixture.

Aymeric Laporte also comes in for John Stones at the back, as we feel that the Spanish manager is likely to rotate between his three quality centre-back options throughout the season.

Rodri is also likely to return in place of Fernandinho, despite the Brazilian’s impressive display last time out, as the 35-year-old is perhaps no longer able to feature in two games in such quick succession.

Finally, Phil Foden returns to the side in place of Bernardo Silva, and he makes up a front three which also includes Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, with City having arguably looked at their best in a strikerless formation in recent months.

And, in other news… Txiki must hand new deal to £150k-p/w beast Pep dubbed “the best”; even if he rarely plays

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans are reacting to the latest news provided by Dom Howson on Osaze Urhoghide, whose future has looked uncertain.

The 20-year-old defender started to emerge from the academy at the end of last season and has featured 12 times for the club since making his debut in January 2020 (Transfermarkt). Ten of these appearances have been in the Championship.

According to Howson, Wednesday have offered a new contract to Urhoghide, tweeting that he understands ‘talks are ongoing’. Meanwhile, the arrival of Darren Moore as manager is expected to accelerate things over the coming weeks.

This is very exciting news for fans of the club, especially since they are losing fellow academy star Liam Shaw, with the young striker heading to Scottish giants Celtic at the end of the campaign. One Owls fan even called it a “cracking” update about Urhoghide.

With the arrival of a new manager and a young player looking likely to commit his future to the club, it looks like things are starting to turn around at Hillsborough.

Here is how fans reacted to the news:

“I hope so he deserves a deal. Long way from the finished article but definitely showing big potential”

Credit: @Wednesdayite4

“Alexa play Saturday Night”

Credit: @willfowler1867

“The messiah”

Credit: @LewisNixon06

“Cracking news”

Credit: @75HagueSWFC

“Well he’s a better talent then Liam shaw”

Credit: @CameronWraith

“I’m sure it’s up to DM to access his squad first before offering contracts , Chansiri seems to over ride his own managers”

Credit: @OwlSheffield

In other news, these Sheffield Wednesday fans have reacted to Chansiri’s latest comments!