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Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Paul Brown has provided an update on the contract situation of West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek. 

The lowdown: Instant hit

Signed for £19.1million from Slavia Prague on an initial four-year deal following a successful loan spell at the London Stadium in 2020 (BBC), the powerful midfield general has already been earmarked for new and improved terms.

However, recently it emerged in a report from 90min that the Hammers had placed negotiations over a new contract with the 26-year-old on hold until the summer at the earliest.

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As the end of the season comes into view, speculation as to whether those talks are forthcoming has begun…

The latest: Brown provides fresh update

In conversation with GMS, Brown has shared what he knows from the feeling inside the east London club, claiming they are ‘very relaxed’ over the Czech Republic international’s future.

“The club are very relaxed about it. They don’t seem to think there’s any prospect of him refusing and trying to go elsewhere.

“There’s obviously the question marks still over Declan Rice and there’s no way West Ham could afford to let both first-choice midfielders to leave in the same window. Whether they actually get a decent offer for Rice or not, they feel they could accept his future is up in the air anyway.

“I think all parties are basically being sensible at the moment and just seeing where they end up before agreeing the figures. I don’t think it’s likely that he leaves.”

The verdict: Sign him up

Whilst many would point towards the long-term future of Declan Rice as the highest priority for GSB this summer, securing the services of Soucek must not be far behind.

Since becoming an Iron, the 48-cap towering midfielder has scored 19 times in 99 appearances for the club, also missing just one game through injury in that time, the type of availability any manager would kill for.

Combative, powerful and with a knack for scoring important goals, whilst forging a stellar partnership alongside Rice at the heart of David Moyes’ side, Soucek has already attracted reported interest from German giants Bayern Munich and should therefore be regarded as a key man to get signed on the dotted line.

In other news: The Times: West Ham weighing ‘monster’ player move alongside three more potential signings! Find out more here.

Crystal Palace confirmed on Monday that stock for the 2021/22 Eagles home shirt will be arriving this week.

And a number of Selhurst Park supporters were quick to flock to the official news on social media.

Palace wore their home strip against Leicester City on Sunday, coming from two goals down to take a point thanks to second-half goals from Michael Olise and Jeffrey Schlupp.

There appears to have been a shortage of stock for fans to pick up a home shirt, with Palace providing an update in September regarding the delay.

However, that is now set to be resolved. Palace revealed on their official Twitter page that stock is arriving in-store this week and presumably sent out in the post for fans who pre-ordered the kit before October 3.

Palace fans react

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply to the official post, with many happy and one labelling it as ‘great news’.

“Finally I’ve been waiting months to get the home kit!”

Credit: @alex_westry

“Anyone excited”

Credit: @JoWillis28215

“Whayyyy finally”

Credit: @bradhcpfc

“Nice”

Credit: @englund_elias

“great news”

Credit: @busboy67

“Finally! Only ordered it at the start of august!!”

Credit: @JoeThompson95

In other news: ‘I was told’ – Sky Sports journalist makes huge claim about £18m-rated Crystal Palace gem. 

An eventful and largely successful transfer window is over for Leicester City, and now manager Brendan Rodgers must figure out the best way to utilise the new members of his first-team squad.

What’s the story?

The likes of Boubakary Soumare, Patson Daka and Jannik Vestergaard have added significant strength to the Foxes over the summer, but it’s the arrival of RB Leipzig loanee Ademola Lookman that arguably brings the most intrigue.

Highly rated as a teenage prodigy, the 23-year-old has spent the last few years enduring a series of short-term spells at various clubs with a wide-ranging degree of success.

Now the time has come for Lookman to showcase his true potential on a regular basis on the biggest of stages, and Rodgers’ influence could be crucial to the former England Under-21 international finally putting together a string of performances that his ability deserves.

Imagine him and Harvey Barnes

After rising through the ranks at boyhood club Charlton Athletic, the diminutive forward moved to the Premier League via an £11 million switch to Everton.

However, after finding chances in the senior setup hard to come by during his first year on Merseyside, Lookman joined Leipzig on a six-month loan deal and excelled at the Red Bull Arena, bagging five goals and providing four assists in just 11 Bundesliga outings.

His return to Goodison Park for the 2018/19 campaign didn’t go as planned, though. Just three goal contributions in 24 appearances in all competitions saw him return to Leipzig the following summer on a permanent deal, but it’s a move that the youngster has regretted ever since.

The Englishman was granted just 377 minutes of first-team action on his return to German football as Lookman started just two games all season in all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, another move occurred following the conclusion of 2019/20, this time taking him back to the English top-flight with Fulham.

A respectable total of four goals and four assists in 34 Premier League games for the relegated Cottagers put Lookman back at the forefront of many clubs’ minds, and it’s Leicester who have taken a punt on the talented if frustrating prospect.

His outstanding performances saw former Fulham manager Scott Parker label him as “unbelievable,” and as a result, Rodgers must now help Lookman reach his ceiling, as much for Leicester’s Champions League ambitions as the player’s own career.

With Harvey Barnes currently occupying the left-wing position, the Northern Irish tactician may be forced to field his new acquisition on his less-favoured right-hand side, but it’s a tactic that could prove rather beneficial.

Like most modern-day wingers, Lookman has predominantly featured on the left-wing due to being right-footed, allowing him to cut inside and shoot at goal with ease, but restricting his ability to get to the opposition byline.

By converting Lookman, Rodgers will be able to field two pacey, tricky wide men capable of wreaking havoc on any Premier League defence this season, providing Leicester with the attacking force they need to finally break into the top four.

And, in other news…Barnes 2.0: Leicester must seal deal for gem Fabregas tipped to be a “terrific player” 

Aston Villa journalist Luke Hatfield believes Dean Smith could struggle to find a place for Leon Bailey if he decides to stick with a back three this season.

Villa have used a back three in their last couple of league fixtures in order to accommodate two strikers, Ollie Watkins and new signing Danny Ings.

Such a tactic leaves little room for wingers like Bailey who like to play extremely high up the pitch, with Smith so far preferring more defensive options like full-backs Matt Targett and Matty Cash for those wide positions in the system.

Bailey, however, was given a chance in the recent 3-0 win over Everton when he came off the bench and did not disappoint after managing to grab a goal. For Hatfield, though, in this current set-up, things are not going to be straightforward for the 24-year-old.

“It’s not to say we won’t see Leon Bailey starting regularly,” the Express & Star reporter said to FFC. “I think we could well do because he signed for big money and he’s obviously a very talented player.

“But it’s interesting when you’re playing three at the back because it’s going to be hard to find a place for him. It’s a real task for Dean Smith.”

With Bailey set to be out of action for the next three weeks due to injury, it is not something Smith currently has to worry about. But later down the line, it will be interesting to see how the former Brentford boss does fit in all these attacking options.

A number of Aston Villa supporters have laid into Tyrone Mings’ erratic performance in the first half away to Arsenal.

Dean Smith’s side have had a week to reflect on their shock 3-2 defeat at home to Wolves last Saturday, on a day when it looked as though three points were in the bag.

Instead, Villa suffered one of their most disappointing Premier League losses in recent memory.

Smith’s men are back in league action this evening, making the trip to north London to face an Arsenal side still flattering to deceive under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners were the better team from the off however, and one player who struggled to impress in the opening 45 minutes at the Emirates was Mings.

The England international was diving into tackles, completed a poor 71 per cent of his passes and was eventually booked for a mistimed challenge on Alexandre Lacazette.

Aston Villa fans react to Mings’ first half

These Villa supporters gave their thoughts on Mings’ display on Twitter.

“Mings carries on just like he finished last week”

Credit: @brian_seadon

“Mings try not to hoof the ball challenge!”

Credit: @YoungArevalo

“Mings is struggling”

Credit: @jimmydoris1986

“I love Tyrone Mings but he is TRASH in a back 3”

Credit: @avfcPJR

“Omg Mings no”

Credit: @JamieeAVFC

“Mings is so reckless. Incredibly naive at times “

Credit: @SandbrookNick

In other news, some Villa fans have slammed a piece of Premier League news that has emerged. Read more here.

Graham Roberts has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he expects both Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier to remain at Tottenham.

The centre-back pairing, worth £48.6m combined, according to Transfermarkt, have both been linked away from the club at various points this summer – with the Colombian a certainty to leave at one stage.

However, the duo have started the opening two Premier League games, plus the final pre-season friendly against Arsenal and have helped Spurs keep clean sheets in each of those.

talkSPORT reported last month that sporting director Fabio Paratici was set to listen to offers for the two defenders, who were both guilty of making costly errors under Jose Mourinho last season, but appear to have turned over a new leaf and are now firmly in the plans of Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Spurs boss has only managed to add one centre-back to his squad in Cristian Romero, which means both Dier and Sanchez will definitely be needed should he fail to bring in another before the window closes on Tuesday.

And Roberts told The Transfer Tavern that he doesn’t expect either to leave:

“They’re not going to go anywhere. You need three or four centre-halves for the season anyway. It’s up to the manager to keep them happy and keep them working hard.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is interested in a deal to appoint Jose Mourinho as the Toffees’ next manager.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Kaveh Solhekol, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing on The Transfer Show that the AS Roma boss is one of the names under consideration for the vacant managerial position at Goodison Park following the sacking of Rafael Benitez last weekend.

Speaking about Everton’s shortlist of candidates, the transfer insider said: “This is a story that has just come in from our North West office. They are saying that Jose Mourinho is now under consideration to become the next Everton manager.

“An official approach has yet to be made to Mourinho’s current club Roma by the Everton owner Farhad Moshiri, but he is contemplating the prospect of bringing the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs manager to Goodison Park.”

Fans will be livid

Considering the fact that Everton have just parted with a manager whose best days are quite clearly behind him, the prospect of appointing a new head coach in exactly the same mould is undoubtedly something that will leave the Goodison Park faithful livid.

Indeed, while Mourinho has enjoyed a remarkable amount of success in the game, winning a plethora of trophies throughout his career – including two Champions Leagues, one UEFA Cup, one Europa League, three Premier League titles, three LaLiga titles and two Serie A titles – it is an unavoidable fact that the last trophy the 58-year-old lifted was back in 2017, five years ago.

Furthermore, while the Portuguese manager has always had something of a reputation for rubbing people up the wrong way, this trait appears to have been exacerbated in recent years – with Tottenham Hotspur sacking Mourinho just 17 months into the job after reports of a players’ revolt against the management style of the former FC Porto boss.

This also appears to have been reflected on the pitch, with Jose only being able to guide Spurs to sixth in his first season in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as well as leaving the club languishing down in seventh place after 32 fixtures in 2020/21 – prior to his sacking.

Yet still, another reason against the appointment of Mourinho is the fact he would more than likely demand an extremely hefty wage to take the job at Goodison Park, with the 58-year-old earning around £10m-per-year during his time in North London – a figure which is just shy of £200k-per-week.

As such, while the legendary Portuguese coach may well be a “heavyweight” name, as Hayley McQueen suggests, should Everton wish to build towards a brighter future at Goodison Park, they should not be considering the appointment of a manager whose best days are in the past.

In other news: Everton urged to appoint “unbelievable” Big Dunc alternative, fans would surely fume

Aston Villa look set to formally approach Rangers this week regarding a move for Steven Gerrard, according to The Daily Mail.

As to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to the big managerial update on social media.

The Daily Mail suggest that Gerrard is Villa’s number one target, with owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens and chief executive Christian Purslow keen to have him in charge for the first game back following the international break. The latter knows him well from their mutual time at Liverpool just over a decade ago.

Gerrard himself is thought to be interested in the Villa Park vacancy, but the Premier League club will need to agree on terms regarding compensation before a deal can go through.

Should the 41-year-old make the move to the Midlands, it is expected that he would bring his Ibrox backroom staff with him, including assistants Gary McAllister and Tommy Culshaw.

Villa fans react to Gerrard latest

@villareport shared The Daily Mail’s claim regarding an approach for Gerrard on Twitter.

However, these Villa supporters weren’t exactly keen on him, possibly due to the fact that he has only had one senior managerial position, along with Rangers’ struggles in Europe this season.

“If this is true I will never forgive Purslow for unfairly sacking Smith and hiring his mate Stevie G to use us as a stepping stone for the Liverpool job”

Credit: @AstonDrilla

“madness”

Credit: @JackHaylor

“Awful decision”

Credit: @JamesFair04

“Wow. We really sacked Smith to get Gerrard huh?”

Credit: @tmavfc

“If this is true then I’m seriously losing faith in the club. That isn’t a step up from Smith and if anything is a massive risk. Gerrard isn’t proven and if (somehow) he does well for us he’ll go as soon as Liverpool come calling.”

Credit: @CalFergie

“No no no. This is not an upgrade. It’s would be a huge gamble with a fledgling manager with no PL management experience. He’s not who we need. We need an elite proven manager – like Brendan Rodgers”

Credit: @dean_orme

In other news: ‘Thank god’ – Lots of Villa fans buzzing as more exit news emerges

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has shared his view on Robin Koch following the 3-0 win over Watford.

The Lowdown: Leeds ready to sell Koch

The 25-year-old made just his 15th appearance of the season at Vicarage Road on Saturday and his 11th in a defensive midfield role.

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The German partnered Mateusz Klich in a crucial victory but struggled throughout, losing possession 23 times and coming off second best in 12 duels, as per SofaScore.

Koch was also dribbled past five times and failed to complete any of his six attempted long balls, with this performance coming just a few days after reports suggested that Leeds are happy to move the 25-year-old on in the summer.

The Latest: Hay reacts

Hay shared a story on The Athletic on Sunday, with one fan in the comment section believing that Adam Forshaw’s presence was missed. This is what Hay had to say in reply, admitting that he ‘is not sold on Koch’ in midfield:

“Agreed, and the sooner Phillips can start the better. I’m not sold on Koch at CDM and Klich is always better further up the pitch. Cooper the stand out player yesterday. Genuinely excellent.”

The Verdict: Unfortunate

Koch has played in his natural centre-back position on just two occasions this season, so it isn’t a surprise that he is one of the club’s worst-performing players in the current campaign, as per WhoScored.

Labelled as ‘horrible’ to watch by Beren Cross in the opening day defeat to Manchester United, the German could be the one to make way over the summer, with the club planning a defensive overhaul.

The Whites have conceded 68 league goals this season, so you could argue that Koch being offloaded is unfortunate due to starting at the back just twice, but it looks as if that may well be the case.

In other news: ‘Outstanding…’ – Sky Sports man stunned at confirmed Leeds news regarding Radrizzani and 49ers 

Tottenham Hotspur announced the loan departure of club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele on deadline day and now further details have emerged surrounding his exit…

What’s the word?

The French midfielder, who cost a whopping £55m back in the summer of 2019, has returned to his former club Lyon on a short-term loan until the end of the season.

According to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Ligue 1 outfit have an option to buy for €65m (£54m), which could see Spurs recoup a substantial amount back in the summer, whilst they will also pay part of his £200k-per-week salary.

“Official and confirmed. Tanguy Ndombele joins OL on loan from Tottenham, including buy option not mandatory for €65m,” he tweeted. “OL will also cover part of the salary of Ndombele.”

Levy masterclass

This will be something of a masterclass from chairman Daniel Levy, who is known for his tough negotiating ability in the boardroom. To be able to garner much of what they paid for the midfield flop would be pretty remarkable indeed.

You’d just have to hope that the 25-year-old impresses enough at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais for them to sanction such a deal.

Over the past two and a half years, Ndombele has struggled to cement a regular place down in the starting XI. Four different managers ranging from Mauricio Pochettino, who signed him, to Antonio Conte now failed to get a tune out of Tottenham’s most expensive player ever.

As per Transfermarkt, the Frenchman provided only ten goals and nine assists across 91 appearances, which works out to be around one direct contribution every 271.5 minutes (or one every three games).

That’s an awfully disappointing return for someone who has often been dubbed a creative influence within this Spurs squad.

His time at the club will probably be most remembered for the way in which it ended. After two or three reports suggesting that he had demanded an exit, his final appearance for Spurs came during their FA Cup third-round win over Morecambe.

During the encounter with the north Londoners behind by one goal, Ndombele was substituted to a chorus of boos. He trudged off the pitch at a snail’s pace and as the jeers got louder, his walk got slower. Luckily, Spurs went on to win in his absence as he shot straight down the tunnel.

He was never seen again after that. He was even forced to train alone.

Once dubbed “unplayable” by ex-goalkeeper Joe Hart, the £34.2m-rated flop’s nightmare at Spurs has finally come to an end. Levy and co have done very well to shift him on this month and it could be even sweeter if they manage to secure 98% of their initial investment back despite his poor form.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops huge behind-the-scenes Conte claim at Spurs, fans will be ecstatic…