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Arsenal are plotting a late transfer move for Crystal Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt.

What’s the story?

Mikel Arteta’s side are short on cover at left-back having allowed Sead Kolasinac to join Bundesliga giants Schalke on loan earlier in this January transfer window.

It’s mean Scotland international Kieran Tierney is the Gunners’ only natural player in that role, with Cedric having to fill in for the former Celtic man’s absence in recent games.

Now, The Daily Mirror claim that Arsenal are considering a late move for Van Aanholt, and that with the 30-year-old being out of contract in the summer, “Palace could be tempted to let him leave now to avoid losing him for nothing in six months’ time”.

Edu masterclass

It was only twelve months ago of course that Edu landed Cedric from Southampton – another veteran full-back with plenty of Premier League experience and someone whose contract at the club was coming to an end.

£55,000-a-week man Van Aanholt is in a similar situation at Palace, and Edu could take advantage and deliver the Gunners another masterclass of a signing by bringing the Dutchman in on the cheap.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-arsenal-transfer-rumours-news-mikel-arteta-emirates-premier-league-news” title=”Read the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours here”]

His former manager at Sunderland, Gus Poyet said: “You need to be really on top of him for his defensive duties and maybe have people around who can help him to maintain the mentality you need to defend. He’s a very offensive full back. He has an explosive ability to go forward and help the team to create chances.

“I would say use him as much as you can on the offensive side, and convince him to help with his defensive duties. But that’s his character. It is what it is. We can’t change that and he can’t be a different player than he is.”

The £7.2m-rated ace has played over 200 times in the Premier League alone, so would be more of a guarantee in hitting the ground running. In terms of providing cover for Tierney, Edu surely must try to bring Van Aanholt in on deadline day.

Crystal Palace play host to Burnley on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after the 2-0 defeat to Leeds United on Monday night.

However, Roy Hodgson will be without at least seven players for the Eagles’ game against Burnley, including chief talisman Wilfried Zaha, which may throw a spanner in the works.

Zaha has been in superb form for Palace so far this season but he was forced off in last week’s 2-1 win at Newcastle United, limping off the pitch after suffering a hamstring injury and subsequently missed the defeat to Leeds.

Hodgson could make as many as four changes for this afternoon, and with that in mind, here is Football FanCast’s predicted starting XI.

Vicente Guaita is once again expected to start in goal ahead of Jack Butland as has become the norm.

Palace could make a couple of changes in defence with Patrick van Aanholt dropping back to left-back. Tyrick Mitchell has played a lot of football lately but struggled against Leeds so he could be given a rest against Burnley today.

Cheikhou Kouyate is also back in contention after being left on the bench for the trip to Elland Road. The 31-year-old could replace Scott Dann in the middle of the back four with Gary Cahill keeping his place while Nathaniel Clyne will once again start at right-back.

Club captain Luka Milivojevic offered little against Leeds, so switching Eberechi Eze to the left and bringing Andros Townsend in on the right shoulder of Jairo Riedewald should be a tempting option for Hodgson.

Upfront, things get a little more interesting, as new signing Jean-Philippe Mateta could be in contention with Christian Benteke still seeking to replicate the form that saw him score 17 goals in his first season at Selhurst Park, but the big Belgian is Hodgson’s trusted man for the big occasion.

Michy Batshuayi will form the rest of the strikeforce ahead of Jordan Ayew in the absence of the injured Zaha, having come off the bench to replace Mateta in the second half against Leeds.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace have struck gold with Eberechi Eze…

Lots of Sunderland fans have flocked to a tweet from Black Cats reporter Phil Smith which shares the news that the PFA’s decision to challenge salary caps for League One and League Two clubs has been successful. 

As Smith explained in an article that he has written for The Sunderland Echo, this is a ‘boost’ for the North East club, who had been ‘firmly against’ the implementation of salary caps at League One and League Two level as they have ‘affected’ the Black Cats’ activity in the last two transfer windows. 

The PFA challenged the EFL’s new salary cap rules and now, it has emerged that their objection was successful and the salary caps have been scrapped. 

After Smith relayed this news on Twitter, lots of Sunderland supporters replied to his post to react to this update. 

So, how have these Sunderland fans been reacting? 

This news has gone down very well with many fans of the North East club, who seem to think that this is a big boost for their side.

“Gerrin! #SAFC”

Credit: @lewy_g01

“Love to see it”

Credit: @TNixonnn

“We’ve been saved”

Credit: @KW_safc1

“Huge news. Means we can offer some of our most important higher earning players a new contract”

Credit: @SpeakSAFC

“Massive news!”

Credit: @mattsmith2707

“Good news”

Credit: @bamgboyeolu

In other news, some Sunderland fans were raging at Lee Johnson after the Black Cats drew 2-2 with MK Dons.

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a fresh blow with Ryan Jack after he suffered a calf injury during the 4-1 win over Dundee United.

What’s the word?

Jack picked up a minor knock, which Gerrard said will keep him out potentially for up to two weeks, thus ruling him out of the return fixture against Royal Antwerp at Ibrox in the Europa League on Thursday night.

“Nothing has changed on Kemar Roofe and James Tavernier, we will work closely with our medical team to get them back as soon as possible,” said Gerrard in quotes reported by Glasgow Live.

“Ryan Jack is more positive, not any muscle damage but he is likely to be a couple of weeks but nothing long-term.”

Devastating blow for Steven Gerrard

After signing from Aberdeen in 2017, Rangers fans have become well accustomed to seeing Jack ruled out for a considerable amount of time in recent years.

Of course, Gerrard has since confirmed there isn’t any muscular damage, but it’s easy to see why the Ibrox boss is understandably being so cautious, especially considering his recent track record.

With plenty of time left between now and the end of the season, rushing Jack back from injury too quickly could have a detrimental effect on their hopes of both domestic and European success.

But there’s no doubting it will be a bitter pill to swallow for Gerrard, who will once again be without one of his key men when Antwerp make the trip to Ibrox tonight.

Despite their fine run of form, Rangers have still lost one game and drawn three that Jack has missed, while ex-Ibrox striker Jonatan Johansson has recently heaped praise on his former charge.

He said: “Ryan’s always available to receive the ball. He takes on that responsibility.

“He understands the game really well. Remember, he’s also played at right-back before for Scotland so he understands different positions and his positional sense on the pitch is excellent.

“He’s obviously very good on the ball and I think something Steven has brought out in him is getting forward.

“He gets in the box now, he shoots and scores goals. So his all-round game is getting better and better.

“I can’t stress the importance of him being in the team. He got a new contract recently and with stats like this, that’s no surprise.”

Jack, who is currently valued at £2.7m via Transfermarkt, has established himself as an ever-present under Gerrard, having made 109 appearances for the manager, and earning 10 caps for his country in the process.

His absence, therefore, will be a bitter blow for Gerrard, as he will no doubt be concerned about their chances without one of his star midfielders having conceded three against Antwerp last time out.

AND in other news, Rangers given double injury boost but Steven Gerrard will have to wait…

Some Wolves fans have been left to slam the display of Nelson Semedo in their 1-1 away draw at Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday night.

Ruben Neves spared the blushes of the Molineux faithful in the second half to earn them a point after Jamaal Lascelles had given Steve Bruce’s men the lead fairly early on in the second half.

While there were some decent performances for the Midlands club, Semedo’s flattered to deceive some Wanderers supporters.

The former FC Barcelona man lost out on four of his duels and also failed to record a single interception, key pass or accurate cross in the game (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball no fewer than 11 times in the match, earning him a quite measly 6.5 overall rating on Sofascore, the joint-second lowest out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch.

Wolves fan reaction to Semedo display

These WWFC fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one fan even going as far to say that the 27-year-old was ‘dreadful’:

“Neves brilliant again. Involved in everything. Semedo dreadful again! Jose not doing much. Jonny reliable. Dendoncker definitely not a CB. Moutinho struggling in the centre of the park. #wolves #wwfc”

Credit: @DullAmigo

“£30m for Semedo… Wouldn’t give you a fiver!! #wwfc”

Credit: @tictacsir22

“Another stupid decision by Semedo. Needless free kick considering how well we defend crosses.”

Credit: @NicTeeGolf

“Not seen Semedo have a good game since he joined, need to stop playing Neves and Moutinho together, Jose needs to score to get some confidence and Neto not really in it much tonight either.”

Credit: @jlparsons13

“Nuno must be embarrassed this is pathetic. Jose, Neves, Semedo, Coady, Saiss & Dendoncker all poor”

Credit: @AtkissRichard

“Poor from Semedo”

Credit: @shaun12134316

In other news, find out what Tim Spiers update has left Wolves fans buzzing here!

Lots of Everton fans have been left in awe of Ben Godfrey after his comments ahead of their away trip to Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the former Norwich City man said: “The character we have is unbelievable – we’ve got a great dressing room. Long may that continue. Especially in these final stages of the season, we’re going to go to some tough places – that character and bond we’ve got has to be there.”

The comments made are encouraging to hear from a player that only joined the Merseyside club in the summer transfer window, as he has clearly gelled in very well with new teammates and has the determination to finish the 2020/21 term strongly.

The central defender has been nothing short of a revelation since he signed for the Toffees, winning no fewer than 4.4 of his duels a game in the Premier League as well as averaging 3.2 clearances, 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per match, helping his team on the way to six clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

A win against Chelsea would turn the Toffees into serious candidates for a top four finish come the end of the campaign, and that will no doubt be thanks in part to the former Norwich youngster.

Everton fan reaction to Godfrey comments

These Blues hailed Godfrey on Twitter after reading his comments, with one EFC supporter even going as far to claim that the 23-year-old Englishman is a ‘future captain’:

“Future Captain”

Credit: @davemc45

“God Benfrey. Absolute steal of a signing!”

Credit: @Gillsta1878

“Okay. I’m officially in love.”

Credit: @jvas1878

“Announce new 10 year contract.”

Credit: @Kian0201

“Music to my ears.. especially him saying “our” about us…”

Credit: @Earlofbootle

“Next on my kid’s shirt this lad”

Credit: @paulwallace1efc

In other news, find out whose display against West Brom was blasted here!

Fans of Wolverhampton Wanderers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Tim Spiers shared an article of his concerning Wolves centre-forward, Willian Jose.

In his article for The Athletic, Spiers discussed the fact that, since joining Wolves from Real Sociedad on a five-month loan deal back in January, the 29-year-old has now played 11 hours of football for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side without finding the net once, taking a total of 10 shots and having 19 touches in the opposition box to no avail.

The journalist goes on to claim that the chances of Wolves making the Brazilian’s loan deal an £18 million permanent move this summer – with the club having the option to buy the striker at this figure – appear to be increasingly slim.

And, after Spiers relayed his report on Twitter, fans of Wolves flocked to have their say on the matter, with many stating their belief that the £34,000 per week forward is simply not good enough for Premier League football.

So, what exactly did these Wolverhampton Wanderers fans have to say in reaction to Tim Spiers’ article regarding Willian Jose?

“Didn’t see it last night personally, just think he’s way off the pace at times.”

@Jandersonn94

“No pace, no quality, no goals, no good. Get rid.”

@Curly34008700

“Put him back on the plane now, one of the worst signings we’ve ever made. Looks like a National League player.”

@WolfgarRichie

“Not the level we are looking for at all. If we sign him it shows where our ambition levels are at.”

@casmalta

“No goals, no effort, no chance – send him back in the summer and get someone who can actually score goals.”

@TheAdmiral2153e

“Fabio is so clear of this fraud, send him back to Sociedad.”

@nj_401

“Dire.”

@FW90

“Lazy. Disinterested.”

@Gus2fur

In other news: This well-rounded midfielder is reportedly on Wolves’ radar – find out more here!

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League forward Marlon Harewood has suggested that Frank Lampard would be a good fit for Crystal Palace.

With Roy Hodgson’s contract set to expire in the summer, the Eagles could be in the market for a new manager, and Lampard is one name that would be available. The 42-year-old was, of course, recently dismissed as Chelsea boss after overseeing a run of poor results and is now without a job.

It is not yet clear what Lampard’s future plans are, but if he were to end up in the Selhurst Park dugout, Harewood is confident the ex-Chelsea and England midfielder would fit in well. On Lampard, Harewood told FFC:

“It’d be a decent thing for Lamps to come into if he’s ready to come back into management. That’d be a very good club to come into, got some great players there. I think he’d go and complement it well.

“He’s had a good experience of what he needs to do and what he didn’t do and [the chance to] reflect on how he can better himself because you always do that [after being sacked.”

The former West Ham striker concluded by saying: “Yeah, it would be a good fit.”

Hodgson has done well since arriving at Selhurst Park back in 2017, keeping Palace away from any sort of real relegation trouble. Under the former England manager, the south London club have managed to earn 11th, 12th and 14th-placed finishes, firmly retaining their status as a Premier League outfit.

However, change could be on the horizon, with the 73-year-old’s contract almost up, and Lampard could be a name worth exploring for Palace should he still be available.

Plenty of Southampton fans have been reacting to the FA Cup final semi-final draw, which had them matched up with either Leicester City or Manchester United.

The Saints made it through to the last four after defeating fellow south coast club Bournemouth 3-0 on Saturday – Nathan Redmond netted twice while Moussa Djenepo bagged the other. After what has been a difficult campaign in parts for Ralph Hasenhuttl, they have the chance to win what would be just the second major trophy in the history of the club.

The draw for the semi-finals was made on Sunday. On one side, Chelsea will face Manchester City, while the Saints were drawn with the winner of the Leicester v Manchester United clash. In the end, it was the Foxes who progressed after beating the Red Devils 3-1.

Of course, Southampton have lost 9-0 to both those teams across the last two seasons. As such, when the draw result was shared on the Saints’ official Twitter account, it attracted plenty of attention from these Saints supporters.

Let’s see what the Saints fans had to say below

“I like this draw. It will be 9 nil double heaven for lazy journalists etc. It’s the perfect narrative for us as huge underdogs. If I was a player this would be huge motivation”

Credit: @paulscallylgl

“The best we could have hoped for at this stage of the competition. On our day, we can beat anyone.”

Credit: @NodNolan

“Guaranteed 9-0”

Credit: @TomBeresford8

“Either way big chance for redemption. Narrative time.”

Credit: @benscott81

“Wow a team who thumped us 9-0 or a team who thumped us 9-0. Journalists will have a field day”

Credit: @tpottage03

“Thought 9 nil might get mentioned, took the BBC about 18 seconds!”

Credit: @Shaunsaint1976

In other news, Sevilla eye a move for this Saints star.

Sunderland’s summer transfer plans will largely depend on whether they stay in League One or achieve promotion.End up in the Championship, and they will improve their chances of signing better talent.

What’s the word?

A remarkable return for Jermain Defoe has been touted in recent weeks but it’s another striker now at the centre of Sunderland’s attentions.

According to Football Insider, they are in a three-way tussle to sign St Johnstone’s Guy Melamed.

The Israeli only signed for the Scottish outfit back in October but his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. As a result, the Mackems could sign him on a free transfer.

They will face competition from Portsmouth and Ipswich as they battle to bring him south of the border.

Melamed currently earns just £1.2k-per-week in Scotland so his salary shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

A predatory force

There are plenty of uncertainties at Sunderland right now. Charlie Wyke is out of contract in the summer and if they fail to go up, he could be one of a number of players who choose to flee the nest.

Though, irrespective of whether Wyke leaves, the addition of Melamed would be a valuable one.

The 28-year-old is a tricky forward and has scored five goals and registered three assists in 15 outings this term, proving to be a real handful for defences.

Speaking about the striker after he netted a sensational goal against Hamilton, his manager Callum Davidson said: “You saw all game he was a danger in the box. It was an unbelievable touch and finish and we got what we deserved.â€

That was before the strike was compared to a certain Premier League legend by his teammate Craig Bryson: “I think people are maybe getting carried away when you compare players to Dennis Bergkamp. It was an incredible ball through from Liam Gordon, and just the way he controlled it and finished it was world-class.â€

Sunderland currently have Wyke to aim for aerially, but Melamed would give them something different. He is a more athletic forward, one that’s also capable of playing in wide areas.

With a player like Chris Maguire getting no younger and Jordan Jones heading back to Rangers, signing another attacking player makes sense. Melamed could just be that man.

AND in other news, Rarely-seen “local lad” could rival Diamond for a place at SAFC, Dickman loves him…