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It seems as if Southampton are already making transfer plans for next summer, with West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone reportedly on their shortlist.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s Southampton correspondent Dan Sheldon, the Saints are targeting a move for the Baggies shot-stopper next summer, as they look for a long-term solution in goal.

It has been suggested for some time now that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will add a new goalkeeper to their ranks next summer, with Fraser Forster looking likely to leave when his contract expires at the end of this season, and Johnstone could be a superb replacement.

As it stands, the England international is also set to become a free agent next summer, which suggests that he could be a very appealing option for the Saints in the transfer market.

Would Johnstone be a good signing for Southampton?

The 28-year-old produced some eye-catching saves last season despite West Brom’s relegation and deservedly earned himself a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships.

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It is no surprise that Southampton are looking for a new ‘keeper when you consider that they conceded 68 goals in the top-flight last season, whilst Alex McCarthy hasn’t covered himself in glory in his three appearances so far this season, conceding notably soft goals against Everton and Manchester United.

Former Baggies manager Sam Allardyce was full of praise for Johnstone last season, saying:

“He’s one of the best. I think that’s pleasing to see as he’s one of the two most important people in your team.

“The goalscorer is the first and your goalkeeper is the second.

“He’s right up there at the right level and he’d already saved more shots than anybody before yesterday.”

As a full England international, who is just 28-years-old and a player who has already proven himself in the Premier League, Johnstone could be a superb signing for Southampton, especially if he arrives on a free transfer, so Saints fans will surely be delighted with this update from Sheldon.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl may already have his next JWP in 17 y/o who is “getting stronger every day”

An update has emerged on Inter centre-forward Edin Dzeko, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the print edition of The Sun (19/12/21), via SempreInter, PIF are eyeing up a swoop for the Bosnian international.

The report claims that Eddie Howe wants to strengthen his attacking options and the former Manchester City man has been identified as a target.

World-class

Ex-Inter chief Walter Sabatini branded Dzeko as “world-class” last month and that is exactly what he could be for Howe at St. James’ Park if PIF are able to secure a deal for him in January or next summer.

He is a proven goalscorer who has been able to find the back of the net wherever he has played and his arrival could provide a major lift to the Newcastle squad. His experience and quality could aid the Magpies in the fight against relegation, with the forward still firing in the goals at the age of 35.

The Bosnian has scored a whopping 303 goals across his club career for the likes of Wolfsburg, Roma, Inter and Manchester City. He has also bagged himself 60 strikes for his country, which means that he is currently on 363 goals overall.

His former Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco once lauded his talents, saying:

“I must say, he’s an extraordinary player, and not just in terms of his finishing – he gets the team playing, brings the ball down and produces good service for his team-mates. He’s a fantastic professional, his pre-match preparations are always spot-on. When he has a bad game he might appear lethargic, but he does well when he’s determined.”

He has bagged 11 times this season for Inter, which shows that he still has the goalscoring touch despite his age, and he has previously proven that he can perform in the Premier League. The veteran netted 50 goals and provided 24 assists in 130 matches for Man City in the English top-flight, beating the goalkeeper on 72 occasions for the Cityzens in all competitions.

This shows why he could be world-class for Howe at Newcastle as he is a proven finisher who has adapted to several leagues, including the Premier League, and is still scoring at an impressive rate to this day with Inter. Therefore, PIF must ensure that they can secure a deal for his services in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Forget Clark: £44k-p/w NUFC liability who was dribbled past 3x was shocking v Man City…

Transfer insider Dean Jones has been reacting to some transfer news from Everton involving Jannik Vestergaard.

The Lowdown: Vestergaard swoop?

It has previously been reported from a Football Insider source that managing director Kevin Thelwell is now plotting a move to bring Vestergaard to Goodison Park in the summer.

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A senior scout from the Merseyside club watched the Leicester City central defender play for Denmark during the international break, and the recruitment team want to prioritise signing a ‘dominating’ centre-back like him.

The Latest: Jones reacts

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that the potential deal is ‘not one that’s been mentioned’ to him as being ‘likely’ to happen:

“It’s not one that I’ve heard. He’s not one that’s been mentioned to me as one that is likely.”

The Verdict: Needed

The Toffees certainly need a new presence in the backline, and Vestergaard could be just that.

Described as a ‘real threat‘ in both boxes by journalist Luke Hatfield, the 29-year-old stands at a mammoth six-foot-six-inches tall, winning 2.1 of his aerial duels per match on average this season.

Jamie Carragher previously called the Blues’ defence a ‘Championship back four’ just last month, and given his Premier League experience, Vestergaard could be an ideal signing should they avoid relegation.

Nonetheless, Frank Lampard will have to make-do with what he has got for now, and could look to the big Dane this summer.

In other news, find out the latest on Lampard’s future here!

Paddy Kenny has given his reaction to some transfer news involving Newcastle United and Kieran Trippier.

The Lowdown: Trippier targeted

As per AS, the Atletico Madrid right-back is now a transfer target for the St James’ Park club following the completed takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

Journalist and La Liga expert Guillem Balague revealed earlier this month that the Tyneside club have already ‘started negotiations’ with Tripper’s representatives over a potential move, as they are ‘really interested’ in signing him.

It is unclear whether the new owners will target the 31-year-old in the January transfer window or whether they will wait until the end of the season, depending on what their fate is in terms of potential relegation from the Premier League.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League goalkeeper Kenny has since given his reaction to the transfer news, claiming that it would be ‘big’ for Newcastle if they were to sign Trippier. The 43-year-old said:

“This is big for Newcastle if they can get away with it.

“He has been linked with a move back to England a couple of times now. He’s been away for a couple of seasons and he’s done really well in Spain.

“Obviously, he won the title and he seems to have impressed a lot of the fans over there. It’s no surprise really because he’s a top talent.

“I really like him, always have. His crossing is top-drawer, and his free kicks are amazing too. He’s a proper specialist when it comes to those two.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

There is little doubt that Trippier would elevate the quality of the squad that Eddie Howe currently has at his disposal at St James’ Park, given that he helped win the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid ahead of the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona last season.

As Kenny mentions, the defender also offers a threat from crosses and free kicks, which would be a very handy weapon to have in Howe’s armoury.

The Newcastle boss is fond of the England international from his time managing him at Burnley and claimed that the 31-year-old is ‘one of the best crossers of the ball’ that he has ever worked with (The Bournemouth Echo).

Trippier had a great relationship with Howe back then too, expressing his admiration for his former boss by claiming that he is a ‘great manager’ who helped him personally (The Burnley Express).

This relationship could work wonders on the pitch if the Magpies bring him in, so it seems a bit of a no-brainer to get a deal done.

In other news, NUFC are ‘keeping a close eye’ on this Champions League gem ahead of a potential transfer

Arsenal may have felt very aggrieved to have lost 2-1 at home to Manchester City in Saturday’s Premier League encounter.

They were playing so well against the reigning champions at the Emirates Stadium – going a goal up through Bukayo Saka before Granit Xhaka gave away a penalty for Riyad Mahrez to equalise – until Gabriel found himself sent off for two quick yellow cards which turned the game on its head, as Rodri bundled in the winner in injury time.

Using statistical experts SofaScore, The Transfer Tavern have now analysed who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) for the Gunners were on the day:

Aaron Ramsdale (6.0)

Perhaps unlucky to come in third-worst, as he could do nothing really for both goals, Ramsdale was given a overall rating of 6.0 by SofaScore.

Admittedly, the goalkeeper failed to make any saves and also gave the ball away on 22 separate occasions from his 38 touches, the most out of any player on the pitch.

Granit Xhaka (5.8)

While given the joint-worst rating (5.8) among the Arsenal line-up by SofaScore, Xhaka is second on our list through other factors.

Although he gave away the penalty for a foul on Bernardo Silva, he looked fairly solid up until that point.

However, the Switzerland international lost out on seven of his duels in total and failed to register a shot, successful dribble, key pass, cross or accurate long ball. He actually recorded fewer touches than Ramsdale (35) and also lost possession twice.

Gabriel (5.8)

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gabriel was rated as the Gunners’ joint-worst player as SofaScore gave him a 5.8 rating along with Xhaka.

His two yellow cards were silly to say the least, and it ended up swinging the match in City’s favour. The 24-year-old also lost two duels and failed to block any shots or make any interceptions, losing the ball three times.

In addition, he only had 19 touches in total, the fewest out of any Arsenal player to have started the match.

In other news, find out whose display against City was slammed by many Gooners

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani must avoid making a massive mistake by selling Raphinha amid a recent transfer claim.

What’s the story?

The Brazil star has been in scintillating form for his country during the international break, including a game-changing performance against Venezuela when he came on as a substitute and helped set up two goals in a 3-1 win.

That has since seen former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor drop a major claim that Marcelo Bielsa’s side will find it difficult to keep hold of Raphinha in the long-term, and that he could look to push for a move away sooner rather than later.

He said: “I think it’s going to be very hard. Leeds need more investment in their squad, they need to start buying players that can keep them fighting even further up the table.

“Over the next year, year and a half, people like Raphinha will leave, his head will get turned by other clubs. Raphinha is getting into Brazil squads, he’s playing for Brazil now. He’s not going to want to play for Leeds, he’s going to want to move and play for a bigger club that’s playing in the Champions League. Someone of Raphinha’s quality should be playing in the Champions League.

“It’s just the reality of football. If Leeds can’t invest and get a better squad that’s challenging to get into Europe he will want to leave. That’s just normal.”

Time for Radrizzani to act

After embarking on a spending spree in their first transfer window after clinching promotion to the Premier League – the club broke their transfer record to sign Rodrigo and also snapped up the likes of Robin Koch and Diego Llorente among others for decent amounts too – they were far quieter this summer.

The Whites spent almost half of what they did last year, bringing in Jack Harrison on a permanent basis from Manchester City, signing Barcelona ace Junior Firpo, and clinching a late deal for Manchester United’s Dan James.

With The Athletic’s Phil Hay already admitting that some of European football’s heavyweights could make a big bid for Kalvin Phillips sometime soon, losing him and/or Raphinha would be a monumental blow for Leeds.

If the Yorkshire club are intent on making progress and eventually closing the gap to the Premier League’s ‘big six’, and pushing for a potential European spot too, then continuing to spend money on reinforcing the squad is key to convincing the likes of Raphinha and Phillips that they can achieve their goals here at Elland Road.

It’s now become imperative for Radrizzani to put his money where his mouth is over these next couple of transfer windows, and show his star players and the fans as a whole that he wants this club to take that all important next step.

Selling Raphinha would leave fans absolutely fuming. It would be an unforgivable mistake on the part of the Leeds supremo to do so. He is too good a player to lose.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered his take on Kalvin Phillips’ future…

Reliable Arsenal reporter Charles Watts shared a post on midfielder Matteo Guendouzi on Tuesday lunchtime.

And a number of Gunners fans have been interacting with the news that the 22-year-old could make his France debut this week.

Guendouzi sealed a move to Marseille during the recent transfer window, joining on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy next summer.

That means the midfielder is still technically a Gunners player until the end of the campaign. Guendouzi has been a regular for Marseille in a number of different positions, captaining the Ligue 1 side prior to the international break.

He’s now away with France ahead of a UEFA Nations League semi-final against Belgium on Thursday evening.

Arsenal fans react

Watts quoted a tweet from Guendouzi, claiming he could make his senior debut for his country this week.

This is what these Arsenal supporters had to say in reply, with one believing it is ‘criminal’ the midfielder didn’t remain in north London.

“Wow finally some positive Guendouzi news from Charles”

Credit: @hawt_red

“His what? Hmm”

Credit: @Matteo_Olie

“Cue meltdown in 3…2…1….”

Credit: @therealemjaypea

“Criminal that he isn’t at Arsenal”

Credit: @John3attersby

“Guendouzi is far better than Elneny. And right now he is obviously better than Lokonga. So we gave away a player for almost nothing just because Arteta’s ego can’t stand him. In 2-3 years time Marseille will sell Guendouzi for 50-60mil”

Credit: @luisbunuel3

“Arsenal is cursed I swear as soon as players leave us they’ll get the best for their career”

Credit: @FiliusIllyrico

In other news: ‘What’s wrong with this club?’ – Many Arsenal fans erupt at Ornstein news.

Former Premier League striker Nigel Jemson, a Liverpool fan, insists that the Reds need to aim higher with their new signings than Nat Phillips.

The 24-year-old defender has been linked with a move away from the club this summer as the Reds restructure their squad.

Phillips has been seen as a potential option for both Southampton and Newcastle United, along with West Ham United.

The centre-back has come through the ranks at Anfield and has made a total of 21 appearances for the club.

Phillips stepped into the breach after both Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk were struck down with injuries last season and made 17 Premier League appearances, even scoring in the 3-0 win over Burnley at the back-end of the campaign.

And Jemson believes that Liverpool likely need to move him on in this transfer window, and expects the Reds to include a buy-back clause in any deal.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “I’m sure if they do let him go, there’ll be a buy-back clause or something like that if it progresses.

“If I’m being perfectly honest, if Liverpool want to win Premier Leagues or Champions Leagues, then we’re going to look a little bit higher than Nat Phillips.”

Southampton have yet another away clash on their hands today against Liverpool after losing 2-1 to Norwich City at Carrow Road last weekend.

Speaking ahead of the clash against Jurgen Klopp’s side in his latest press conference, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed that Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond will be available for the match at Anfield after missing the Norwich defeat. The Austrian added that Jack Stephens and Stuart Armstrong will be unavailable through injury.

With this in mind, here’s how we feel the Saints could line up against Liverpool this afternoon, with two changes from the loss to the Canaries.

Having played in every league game so far this season, we can see Hasenhuttl sticking with Alex McCarthy in goal, despite conceding twice to a struggling Norwich side.

Similarly to McCarthy, even though he had a shaky performance last weekend, we think the Austrian will keep Valentino Livramento in the team at right-back given how he’s played in every league game for Southampton so far.

As for the two centre-backs, we think Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu will partner each other again to see if they can stop Liverpool’s attacking players from running riot.

In the left-back position, we reckon Hasenhuttl could axe Kyle Walker-Peters – who is currently earning a  wage of £50k-per-week according to Salary Sport – after he failed to impress against Norwich, to see if Romain Perraud would have a better chance of keeping Mohamed Salah quiet.

In midfield, we think the Saints boss will stick with his trusty duo of Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse in the central roles and keep Ibrahima Diallo in on the right-hand side to see if he can give some extra defensive stability to the team.

On the left, however, we can see Hasenhuttl putting Redmond back in the starting XI ahead of Mohamed Elyounoussi to see if he can pose more of an attacking threat. Worryingly, the Norwegian has gone nine league matches with a goal contribution, while the English winger comes back into contention following the birth of his child a few days ago.

Up top, we think Che Adams and Adam Armstrong will start together once again to try and cause some issues for Liverpool’s defence.

Whatever team Hasenhuttl picks today, Southampton will need to ensure they stay strong defensively if they are to have any chance of coming away with a positive result, given how Liverpool have scored more league goals (35) than any other team in the league.

In other news: Hasenhuttl can unearth Southampton’s new Van Dijk in £9m-rated tank, he’s a “big talent”

Celtic have been linked with a move for former Leeds striker Jean-Kevin Augustin by French outlet Homme du Match.

The Lowdown: Augustin’s last 18 months

Augustin has had a rather bizarre 18 months after Marcelo Bielsa brought him to Leeds back in January 2020.

The 24-year-old was signed by the Whites on loan from RB Leipzig with a reported obligation to buy for £18m, should they earn promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds did just that but went back on their agreement to sign the Frenchman on a permanent basis.

Augustin has since joined Nantes but has been at the centre of a legal dispute between Leeds and Leipzig, a case the Whites lost last month.

The Latest: Celtic links

Homme du Match, who linked Diego Costa with a move to Parkhead last week, have suggested that Celtic are closely interested in Augustin.

They claim that the Hoops want to relaunch Augustin’s career and he is viewed as a potential replacement for Odsonne Edouard.

Turkish side Fenerbahce are also in the running for Augustin, who has been sent to Nantes’ reserves by manager Antoine Kombouare.

The Verdict: Avoid

Augustin is on £21,000-a-week with Nantes and would be a huge gamble by Celtic to replace Edouard.

Over the last 18 months, he has made just six appearances, three for Leeds and three for Nantes.

He didn’t score in any of those games and Celtic may have to make him their top earner ahead of Callum McGregor on £20,000-a-week.

His wages, lack of game time and lack of goals in recent years all show warning signs over a possible move, so hopefully, the Hoops avoid this one.

In other news: Offer made: Celtic launch bid for 147-goal ace on £53k-p/w; selling club need the cash.