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Nottingham Forest manager Martin O’Neill says that club-record signing Joao Carvalho needs to fight for his spot in the starting XI, according to quotes via The Nottingham Post, and Reds fans have been quick to react on Twitter.

The 66-year-old was speaking ahead of his side’s Championship clash against Wigan Athletic at The City Ground on Saturday, where he will be looking to pick up his first points in charge having been beaten 1-0 by Bristol City at home on his bow.

Carvalho joined Forest for £13.2m, as per BBC, during the summer transfer window, and had been a regular in the side under previous boss Aitor Karanka, but he was relegated to the substitutes’ bench against Reading and then in O’Neill’s first game at the helm.

The switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 formation certainly hasn’t helped the 21-year-old, who has primarily made an impact through the middle behind the striker so far this term, scoring three goals and providing a further six assists in 26 league outings, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking on Thursday, via The Nottingham Post, the former Republic of Ireland boss said: “I think he is a very talented footballer.

“I think that, despite some very early promise, he is still getting used to the real demands of this league.

“He has definite talent, no question of that and, like anything else, it is up to him to fight his way into the side, hopefully.

“It is up to him to hopefully believe he will get a chance to play. I am sure during the coming weeks that could easily happen.”

Nottingham Forest supporters took to Twitter to have their say on the quotes, and while one said “O’Neill hasn’t got a clue about his squad”, another labelled O’Neill as “absolutely deluded”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Martin O’Neill’s managerial return to Nottingham Forest didn’t go according to plan. Check out Matchday with Max’s gameday vlog in the video below…

We are about one third into the Premier League season, with the hectic December schedule fast approaching, and the situation regarding favourites for the title and relegation seems more clear than just a few weeks ago.

Of course, there are still many matches to be played, but the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool have not only accumulated the points but also shown displays that indicate they have what it takes to win the trophy.

Only one club can do so in the end, but the title contenders are now quite clear, with one team that was speculated as one of the title favourites in the early season now barely being talked about when spots in European competitions are concerned. That team, of course, is Manchester United.

After a solid start to the season that saw the Red Devils win four of their five opening games, things started turning around for the worse for the Manchester outfit. While the recent win against Tottenham brought some hope that United may be bouncing back, the abysmal performance against Watford exposed all the weaknesses of United’s back line, and in turn got Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finally sacked.

As things stand, the major PA betting sites are not ranking Manchester United among the title contenders and it would be a true upset if they were to turn the season around and close the gap that already stands at 12 points just 12 weeks into the season.

What Went Wrong for United?

Pinpointing the exact cause of Man United’s fall this season is quite difficult, as a number of factors were at play to put one of the most decorated teams in the whole world on the back heel.

Ronaldo’s arrival was greatly celebrated in Manchester back in early season, and his goals in the opening games made it seem like he would be a massive contribution to the team. Yet, something changed at United since he arrived and the lack of team cohesion is never a good thing in a league as competitive as the EPL.

Hailed by all as a true legend of a club both before his arrival and after his departure, Solskjaer was not blamed by the players, but the media put the majority of the blame on his shoulders as he was the one who should make sure that things work well both on and off the pitch.

Finally, brash behaviour of the likes of Paul Pogba and Harry Maguire to earn red cards in matches where such a thing was not necessary simply show the lack of team spirit and desire to succeed as a collective.

Can United Still Turn it Around?

From a sports betting point of view, Manchester United have all bust lost hopes of winning the title, with bookies not even looking at them as one of the real title contenders.

For the fans, of course, the hope is always there that whoever comes after Solskjaer will do miracles and change the team from the ground up to catch up with the title contenders and at least win a spot in the Champions League next year.

All of that, however, could be just wishful thinking as the likes of West Ham, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Wolves will all be trying to win those spots and with the exception of the Spurs have all shown a true desire to fight for it to their dying breath.

Perhaps the best United fans can hope for is that the new manager will put things in their place and prepare the team to fight from day one next year and perhaps manage to go a few rounds in the Champions League to save face in an otherwise poor season for the Red Devils.

Crystal Palace have received a potentially significant injury boost ahead of their Premier League encounter with Aston Villa at Selhurst Park this afternoon.

What’s the word?

In Friday’s press conference, Patrick Vieira revealed that midfielder Eberechi Eze has had a good week after returning to full training with the first-team squad, while Nathan Ferguson is also making good progress.

“Everybody trained this morning,” said the Frenchman. “Eze had a really good week, full session with the team. Nathan took part in some training this week, so everybody outside of Macca (James McArthur) are fit for the game.”

Vieira then went into more detail on McArthur, who picked up a hamstring tear a couple of weeks ago, providing another positive update.

“We don’t have a timeframe on the injury,” he revealed. “What we decided to do with the doctor is evaluate every week the progress he is making, and things are moving well. Obviously, it is still too early to start training with the first team.”

Patrick Vieira will be buzzing

The news that Eze has had another full week of training under his belt will leave Vieira buzzing with excitement, given the player’s importance to the team.

The highly-rated 23-year-old returned to the bench against Burnley last time out after being sidelined with an Achilles injury since May.

Last season, Eze established himself as a key player for the Eagles, scoring four goals and providing a further six assists in 34 top-flight fixtures and achieving the squad’s fifth-highest performance rating from WhoScored.

Since then, Palace have transformed their setup, replacing former manager Roy Hodgson with Vieira, who has overseen several exciting acquisitions.

The prospect of Eze lining up alongside the likes of summer signings Odsonne Edouard, Conor Gallagher and Michael Olise is a mouth-watering one, and it could occur for the first time against Villa today.

In other news… Vieira must brually axe “worrying” £32.5k-p/w Palace flop, it could be a game-changer

Leeds United could have a future star for many years to come in Lewis Bate.

The 19-year-old midfielder was snatched from Chelsea’s renowned academy in the summer for a seven-figure fee thought to be around £1.5m, though he is yet to make his senior bow under Marcelo Bielsa.

It could be time for the Argentinian head coach to unleash the shackles as the Yorkshire giants head into 2022, a year that could be defining for the club’s longevity in the big time.

A string of long-term injuries and inconsistencies on the pitch could see Bielsa and the club’s recruitment team, led by director of football Victor Orta, buck the trend of not spending in January.

Sat in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone, something has got to change.

But perhaps they needn’t look much further than their Thorp Arch training base for one solution in midfield.

For a long time in the Bielsa era, the engine room has been a crucial cog to their success, none more so than long-serving Pole, Mateusz Klich. Very rarely has he been absent from the starting XI, until now.

Of Leeds’ 17 games in the Premier League this season, he has started just ten. A stark contrast to him making 93 starts from 94 games in the league and the play-offs between 2018 and 2020.

He just hasn’t been good enough, so maybe it’s time to hand the baton to an up-and-comer in Bate.

The 5 foot 8 sensation has been likened to Clarence Seedorf due to his ability to control games from midfield, whilst he idolises the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

“Primarily, Bate is a No. 6, able to play either role in a double 6, or in a 3 with two 8s. Despite being quick and robust for his size, the question during his transition into senior football is how much and how early he’ll be able to play as a solo No. 6., especially at a Premier League level,” once claimed U18 and U23 recruitment analyst Connor Rowden to LeedsLive.

“His ability to take control of the tempo of a game from deep, dropping into spaces and probing with his mastery of the short and long passing game is where he excels.”

Elsewhere, The Athletic’s Phil Hay has dubbed him “very gifted”, so all the hallmarks are there for him to become a suggests at Elland Road.

From his 16 appearances for the U23s, Bate has primarily played as a no.8, so he could well be the perfect man to feature over someone like Klich in 2022.

As such, his involvement could save chairman Andrea Radrizzani several millions of pounds in the upcoming window.

AND in other news, “What I have been told..”: Journo reveals Leeds transfer blow, Bielsa will be furious…

Everton are set to offer Frank Lampard an interview regarding the vacant managerial position at Goodison Park.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports, who claim that the 43-year-old manager is one of the names on Farhad Moshiri’s shortlist of targets to replace Rafael Benitez in the Everton dugout following the Spaniard’s sacking last weekend.

The report goes on to state that the former Derby County and Chelsea manager is expected to be one of the first interviewed by the Everton board, who are also keen to speak with the likes of Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez and the former Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

However, Sky Sports News reporter Ben Ransom appeared to have reservations about the former England international’s suitability to the Toffees job, stating: “Lampard is an interesting one. I can understand why his name is mentioned because every time a Premier League job comes up, his name will be mentioned.

“He did well at Derby, he did pretty well at Chelsea. It’s a tricky one for Lampard. I don’t know if this is the right time for him but I can see why he would be interested because Everton is a really huge name in English football. They’re regarded as one of the sleeping giants.

“If you can go in and do well, there is a project there… and then you’re at a great football club, if you get the opportunity to be successful. But it’s such a tough job. It has to be the right fit.”

Moshiri may repeat Silva disaster

While it is true that Lampard did an impressive job at Derby – guiding the Rams to a sixth-place finish in the Championship, before beating Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side in the play-off semi-finals and narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League after falling to a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the play-off final – the 43-year-old enjoyed a rather less impressive spell in his following position as the Chelsea head coach.

Indeed, despite securing a respectable fourth-place finish in the league during his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, at the halfway stage of the 2020/21 campaign, the Blues found themselves languishing down in ninth place in the top-flight standings – having won eight, lost five and drawn six of their 19 league fixtures.

This form ultimately led to Roman Abramovich calling time on the Chelsea legend’s spell at the club, with Blues midfielder Jorginho stating his belief after Lampard’s sacking that the coach did not possess the experience required to take on such a big job.

The Italian said: “Look, I’ll be really sincere here on Lampard. I believe, given he was a legend at the club, he skipped some steps necessary for learning before moving to a big club.”

“He came to a club where he is a legend, without having experience at other clubs. I think he came too soon, skipped a few steps ahead and wasn’t ready for a job at this level, to be honest.”

For fans of Everton, this assessment will be extremely worrying, as there is a very clear line that can be drawn between the potential appointment of Lampard and Moshiri’s previous appointment of Marco Silva.

Indeed, the now-44-year-old manager fought bravely against relegation with Hull City back in 2016/17, and, as a result of his impressive spell at the MKM Stadium, subsequently secured a move to Watford for the 2017/18 campaign.

However, the Portuguese coach would go on to last just 24 games at Vicarage Road, being sacked in January 2018 after a poor run of results, before Moshiri made a shock move to appoint Silva the following summer.

The now-Fulham manager went on to secure a semi-respectable eighth-place finish in the league during his debut campaign, however, with the Toffees sitting in the relegation zone after 15 games played in 2019/20, Silva was given his marching orders.

As such, considering their similar levels of experience and failure at a so-called big club, it would appear a very wise move for the Everton owner to do all he can to avoid a repeat of his disaster on Silva and swerve a move to appoint Lampard as the next Blues boss.

In other news: Sky reveal new “heavyweight” manager “under consideration” at EFC, fans surely livid

As per The Evening Standard, an update has emerged involving Manchester City defender Nathan Ake and West Ham’s plans for January.

The Lowdown: West Ham in defensive crisis…

After injuries to both Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma, the Irons have been left short of options at the back, with manager David Moyes having just Issa Diop and Craig Dawson at his disposal.

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This has prompted the club to look at their options in the transfer market, with the likes of James Tarkowski and Nathaniel Phillips already linked.

The Championship could also be a source for Moyes as West Ham have reportedly sent scouts to watch QPR defender Rob Dickie, Middlesbrough mainstay Dael Fry and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly (90min).

The Latest: West Ham weigh Ake loan bid…

As per The Evening Standard, Moyes is personally keen on signing a left-footed centre-half as West Ham weigh up a January loan bid for Ake.

The Netherlands international, who has been featuring more often for City this season, is now on the Irons’ agenda amid their injury woes, and Moyes wants a player of the 26-year-old’s ilk to bring balance to the back four.

The Verdict: Right move?

Described as ‘underrated’ by international teammate and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, bypassing Ake’s £28.8m valuation (Transfermarkt) and bringing him in on a temporary basis would be an astute bit of business from West Ham’s perspective.

However, City boss Pep Guardiola could arguably wish to keep the 26-year-old at Eastlands for the time being, with his squad having suffered from player availability emergencies as of late. For instance, centre-back Aymeric Laporte missed the trip to RB Leipzig on Tuesday night with a minor knock, so Guardiola may want Ake around for cover.

While it would be a hard move to pull off, especially mid-season, there is little arguing that Ake would improve West Ham’s defence, with Guardiola himself recently calling the Dutchman ‘focused’, ‘intelligent’ and a ‘joy to have’ (mancity.com).

In other news: West Ham could now back Moyes with £17.1m bid to sign 6 foot 3 powerhouse in January, find out more here.

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Gavi looks set to commit his long-term future to Barcelona, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Gavi linked with Reds move

The 17-year-old has burst onto the scene and looks like the next great player to have emerged from Barca’s ranks, making his Spain debut already and winning three caps.

Liverpool were linked with a move for Gavi last month in what was an exciting rumour, considering the potential that the midfielder appears to have.

With Blaugrana legend Xavi taking charge at the Nou Camp, however, the situation surrounding the teenager’s future now looks more clear.

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The Latest: Romano shuts down transfer

According to Romano on Twitter, a long-term contract offer is on the table for Gavi, with the player himself wanting to stay put at Barcelona. The journalist posted:

“Barcelona are prepared to enter in the final stages of Gavi’s new contract negotiation. The long-term proposal [salary increasing from year to year] will be on the table soon… and Gavi wants to stay.

“Xavi also approved Barça board plan to keep Gavi for the next years.”

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The Verdict: Always unlikely

While the idea of Gavi trading Barca for Liverpool was an exciting one, there was always a feeling that he would end up remaining at the club where he has come through the ranks.

At 17, it would have been a shock if the Spaniard had upped sticks and moved on so soon. However, should the Catalan giants continue to struggle as they have been this season, his mindset could change eventually.

Football legend Lionel Messi has hailed Gavi as ‘very good’, which speaks volumes about the teenager’s potential, and it will be intriguing to see if the Reds keep an eye on his progress.

In other news, Liverpool are believed to be lining up a move for one player in January. Find out who it is here.

Celtic are closing in on the signing of midfielder Riley McGree from MLS outfit Charlotte FC, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: McGree profiled

McGree is a 23-year-old Australia international who can play in a defensive, central or attacking midfield role. [Transfermarkt]

He recently returned to Charlotte following a second loan spell with Birmingham City, where he made 15 appearances under Lee Bowyer during the first half of the season.

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Valued at £540,000 by Transfermarkt, McGree appears to be a player of interest to Ange Postecoglou, despite the Celtic manager already bringing in two midfielders this month in Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi.

The Latest: In the coming days…

The Daily Mail shared a story early on Sunday morning, claiming that the Hoops are closing in on a move for McGree.

The report suggests that Celtic could win the race for the playmaker in the coming days, with Postecoglou adamant that the 23-year-old can make a big impact at Parkhead.

The Verdict: A shock target…

With the Hoops already bolstering their midfield ranks with the acquisitions of Hatate and Ideguchi, this update has perhaps come as a bit of a shock.

It seemed as if permanent moves for loanees Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota were next on the agenda, but instead McGree could well become the club’s fifth addition of 2022.

Should a move to Glasgow materialise, it could turn out to be a shrewd one, especially with the likes of Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough also interested. McGree would be able to turn out in a variety of roles, and who knows, he could be viewed as an attacking midfielder signing to cover for the injured David Turnbull at Parkhead.

In other news: ‘Big’ – Pundit buzzing after hearing ‘massive’ transfer news from Celtic Park

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has made a ‘£70 million’ transfer claim on club chief Fabio Paratici’s summer plans.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyeing summer moves?

Tasked with backing Antonio Conte in the summer market, Lilywhites transfer official Paratici is reportedly eyeing moves already ahead of what will be a pivotal 2022/23 campaign for Spurs.

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Regardless of where they finish this season, with Tottenham still well in contention for a top-four place, Conte will need proof that the club are serious about building a winning team and getting back among the Premier League’s elite.

Bearing that in mind, big decisions will have to be made, with Gold now sharing an update on one of the club’s first intentions of the summer market.

The Latest: Gold makes ‘£70 million’ Spurs claim…

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, the reliable journalist backs that Spurs will make both Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski’s loan deals permanent.

When asked about Tottenham’s transfer budget, he explained: “Making both Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski’s moves permanent will have to be taken into account of course. That’s almost £70million that Spurs will have to pay out this summer and they will do so because every penny is absolutely worth it.

“However, it’s clear chairman Daniel Levy will have to find more money because there is plenty more work to be done and both Antonio Conte and Harry Kane will need to be convinced that next season will be something special.”

The Verdict: First things first…

Tying both players down to permanent deals is arguably the first and foremost priority for Spurs, especially Kulusevski, who has become a key player for Conte since signing on an 18-month loan deal from Juventus in January.

However, as Gold explained, the worry for Spurs supporters may be the leftover finances to seal other transfer targets.

The free agent market may well be pivotal, with Paratici and co already having been linked with a few out-of-contract stars ahead of the summer.

In other news: Tottenham could strike ‘imminent agreement’ for ‘magical’ £25m striker this summer! Find out more here.

Newcastle correspondent Lee Ryder has stated that the club have agreed a deal with young forward Dylan Stephenson.

The Lowdown: ‘Big news’

Labelled as ‘hard-working’ by academy manager Neil Winskill, the teenager has impressed playing for the club’s youth teams over recent years.

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The 19-year-old has scored 32 times in total for Newcastle’s under-18s and under-23s, with 11 of those coming in 2021/22.

Reports emerged in the week that the centre-forward was set to pen a new deal at St James’ Park, something that Liam Kennedy described as ‘big news’.

The Latest: Ryder’s claim on Stephenson

Ryder shared a Newcastle notebook on The Chronicle on Saturday morning, addressing multiple Magpies updates.

One of those focused on discussions over new deals, with the journalist admitting that a deal for Stephenson has been agreed. The youngster looks set for a loan deal away from the club next season, with Hartlepool a destination already mentioned.

The Verdict: Exciting

Stephenson is clearly an exciting young talent, so knowing that he is going to commit his future to Newcastle is good news.

While the club now have the option to splash the cash in the summer transfer window following a change of ownership, it is positive that they still want to keep hold of their best young assets.

Hopefully Stephenson will continue to score goals for fun next season, which could result in a first-team breakthrough at St James’ Park.

In other news, find out which three positions NUFC will now ‘target’ this summer