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After enjoying a superb start to life at Aston Villa, it was particularly galling to see Ross Barkley having to limp off after the opening moments of the defeat to Brighton with a suspected injury.

Now, The Express and Star have revealed that the England international is set to miss the next two weeks of action with that hamstring issue, and that whilst it isn’t too serious, he is now expected to sit out the games against West Ham and Newcastle – at the moment, the Midlands derby against Wolves at Molineux on December 12 is penciled in as being Barkley’s earliest possible return date.

Until then, Smith will have to look within his squad for a potential replacement, and he’ll be scratching his head at the lack of true options he has in that number ten role.

He could move Jack Grealish inside as a stop-gap for now, and that would open up a role out wide. If so, if the Villa boss were to move Trezeguet to the left-hand side where he has played for the majority of his career, then it could give Bertrand Traore the chance to finally show his worth.

Since arriving from Lyon in the summer, the Burkina Faso international has struggled to get consistent game-time, and has only shown flashes of the “immense talent” that Smith hailed him for.

He did however pick up a beauty of an assist for Ezri Konsa’s goal at the weekend after coming on as Barkley’s replacement, and whilst Villa may have ended up slipping to a defeat, Traore on a more personal note may have seen his confidence restored.

That could be huge for a Villa side who are no doubt desperate to get back to winning ways as soon as possible. It could be the kind of game-changing introduction that gets the club’s summer signing firing on all cylinders.

Lille have had a pretty busy couple of weeks. Their 22-year-old defender Gabriel has been making headlines and it seems he’s destined to move to the Premier League in the ongoing summer transfer window. However, we still have no idea where he might go as multiple clubs like Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United have been linked in the last month.Not only that but there has reportedly been some interest from Serie A as well as Napoli look to scoop the defender and snatch him away in front of their English rivals. Still, progress has been made and according to the latest update from Get French Football News, Gabriel is set to make his decision this week.

Of course, the update doesn’t exactly tell us who is in the pole position to land his signature but whoever that ends up being, they will have to pay at least €30m (£27m) to Lille to get their man. And that doesn’t include the potential bonuses that are likely to be inserted into the contract as well.

While the price tag itself is not outrageous, it is quite worrying for Everton that they might go head to head with the likes of Arsenal – who are currently the most likely destination for the defender – and Man United, both of whom might have more financial firepower and a great pull overall.

Whatever ends up happening, at least the transfer saga will finally be over by the end of the week. But of course, that’s only under the assumption Get French Football News’ report is indeed true.

Verdict

The Brazilian defender looks set to leave Ligue 1 this summer and following a rather successful campaign for Lille, it doesn’t surprise that the queue for his signature is only getting bigger.

Standing at 6ft 3in, the towering defender made a total of 34 appearances throughout the 2019/20 campaign and even has Champions League experience under his belt, having played every minute of Lille’s European campaign as well.

Needless to say, he seems like a great scoop with a bidding war also be on the cards.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have had a big-money big for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare turned down.

What’s the word?

Reports back in the January transfer window suggested that the Magpies were interested in the France international, but a deal failed to materialise before the end of the deadline.

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Now, Romano has claimed that Steve Bruce’s side remain keen on Soumare, and lodged a €35m (£32.2m) bid including add-ons to Lille – an offer that was rejected by the Ligue 1 outfit.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle go back in with a new and improved bid for the 21-year-old in the closing weeks of this transfer window.

The next Paul Pogba

For all the ‘drama’ that may come with Manchester United star Paul Pogba, there’s no questioning that he is still a player with incredible talent.

A World Cup winner with France, the central midfielder has produced some impressive returns for the Red Devils, scoring 32 goals and providing 33 assists in 164 games.

In the 6 foot 2 Soumare, Newcastle could get their own Pogba, with Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill even claiming that a source had told him that the Lille starlet is like the United midfielder, but “without the baggage”.

It’s no surprise that Lille president Gerard Lopez has waxed lyrical about the French side’s prodigy, declaring: “He’s one of the very best at his job.He’s technical, with incredible physical power and wins a great deal of possession. He’s a modern No.6 or 8. We’ll see him in the France team very soon. He’s a clear vision of where he wants to go and he’s working very hard to get there.”

Just like Pogba, Soumare is at his best when he’s driving forward from the heart of the midfield, and was particularly impressive in Lille’s Champions League run last season. He averaged three dribbles per game in the group stages, which actually put him in the top ten amongst all players in the competition.

It may take big-money to bring him in, but Newcastle could land an absolute gem.

Divock Origi has declared he has no intentions of leaving Liverpool, even if it costs him a place at the European Championship with Belgium.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws (relayed via @AnfieldEdition), the striker is not prepared to embark upon a new challenge away from the Merseyside outfit. Origi has admitted he is quite happy to be viewed as a ‘super-sub’, despite receiving limited action on the pitch.

Although he is not Liverpool’s first choice striker, the Belgian has contributed to some memorable moments for the club. The Reds arguably would not have lifted their sixth European Cup last year without Origi. The 25-year-old scored a brace against Barcelona in the semi-final to help overturn a 3-0 deficit and his goal at the death in the final sealed Liverpool’s Champions League glory.

However, since earning his cult hero status last season, he has struggled to make much of an impact this time round. Origi has made 25 Premier League appearances this term and has found the back of the net just three times (via Transfermarkt).

It seems a lot of Liverpool supporters aren’t a fan of his attitude towards not being in competition with Roberto Firmino. One fan has slammed him for having an ‘absolutely shocking mentality’ whilst another thinks it’s ‘time to go’ based off his unproductive season.

Read more replies from some of the Anfield faithful here:

Do you think Liverpool should keep or sell Divock Origi? Have your say in the comments below…

According to Football Insider, West Ham have joined the race to sign former Chelsea starlet Bertrand Traore.

What’s the word?

The Burkina Faso international left Stamford Bridge three years ago to join French giants Lyon, and has enjoyed a fairly successful time with the club – he has scored 33 goals and provided 17 assists in total.

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However, Football Insider claim that Lyon are now ready to sell the 24-year-old this summer, and that along with the Hammers, the likes of Burnley, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are all in the running to bring him back to the Premier League.

The report adds that “Scottish agent and intermediary Paul Tait has been given the UK mandate by Lyon to find buyers for the 52-cap star”.

Shades of Dimitri Payet

Things may have ended on a sour note, but there’s no doubting that Dimitri Payet was one of the biggest transfer success stories at West Ham in recent years.

The Frenchman produced moments of magic that had supporters absolutely adoring him, and whilst Traore may not be a classic play-maker like the former Hammers hero, he does possess some of the same kind of technical skills that made Payet an instant fans favourite.

Last season in the Champions League, the 24-year-old averaged 2.2 dribbles and 1.8 shots per game, scoring against Benfica too. Payet was known for his ability to beat players and leave them flummoxed with a piece of skill, and Traore is in that same mould.

His former teammate at Chelsea, Papy Djilobodji said: “Bertrand (Traore), whom I knew in Chelsea, technically he is very, very good: with his feints, he is very hard to stop.”

Predominantly a right-winger and cutting onto his stronger left foot, West Ham could land a player who could add that element of unpredictability to their attack. If the Hammers are looking for someone too bring some more thrust going forward, then Traore could be that man.

Sky Sports is reporting that Southampton are interested in signing Marin Pongracic from RB Salzburg.

What’s the story?

Apparently, Ralph Hasenhuttl is said to be open to signing another centre-back, and the 22-year-old is one player he is believed to have his eye on.

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The report adds that he is a long-term target for the Saints.

Not the right signing

It makes sense that Hasenhuttl would be after a new centre-back. After all, his side has conceded 36 goals so far in the Premier League this campaign, which is more than any team in the division. If he plans on keeping them in the top tier, is it an area in which they will need to improve dramatically.

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However, the Croatia U21 international does not look like he is the man they need. He has spent a significant portion of the season out injured, for starters, which suggests that he is has some issues that need clearing up. When he has made it on to the pitch, though, he has been far from impressive.

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He has made seven appearances in all competitions, and RB Salzburg do not have the best record when he is at the heart of their defence. In the five league games he has taken part in, they have conceded seven goals. They have shipped 11 in 11 without him, which works out at a better ratio.

In the Champions League, he played just one match, against Napoli. Whilst that ended in a 1-1 draw, he was pulled off at half-time after managing a WhoScored rating of just 6.02. That is not the kind of solidity that Southampton are crying out for.

Currently valued at just £5.4m by Transfermarkt, his arrival would not break the bank. However, that does not mean that the St Mary’s Stadium outfit should be tempted into a move. They would be better served spending a little more on someone with a bigger wealth of experience. That may set them back more in the short-term, but in the long-term it could earn them the big bucks.

In other news, Southampton are doing far worse then they should according to the stats.

Tottenham Hotspur have offered Jan Vertonghen a new contract extension, according to Het Nieuwsblad via @Daily_Hotspur.

The Belgian outlet claims Spurs have offered Vertonghen a one-month-extension until the end of July. His current contract is set to expire in June, but the new terms would allow him to finish the season.

BBC Sport reported last month that clubs have agreed to finish the campaign by July 25. However, there is room for manoeuvre, in light of the unprecedented circumstances.

The Belgium international was a favourite of former boss Mauricio Pochettino, although he has fallen out of favour with his successor Jose Mourinho, and it seems he is ready to leave north London in the summer.

Despite initial reports suggesting Mourinho has ended talks with Vertonghen’s representatives, it appears the Lilywhites are prepared to extend the Belgian’s deal.

However, the wantaway veteran is weighing up his options, and he has recieved a lucrative offer from Real Betis, amid interest from ex-Chelsea and now Inter manager Antonio Conte, who is keen to bring the defender to the San Siro.

Although the 33-year-old has been a loyal servant of the club over the years, it is fair to say he has struggled for form this season, as he was hauled off early on in the second half during the 3-2 win over Southampton in the FA Cup after making several major mistakes.

It is clear he is below the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga in the pecking order, and he is widely expected to depart Tottenham in the summer.

Moreover, Vertonghen will certainly want to protect his own interests, and he may want to avoid picking up an injury that could ward off potential suitors.

Tottenham fans, do you think Jan Vertonghen should be allowed to leave for free? Let us know down below!

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Tottenham Hotspur fans have hailed Moussa Sissoko after he scored his first goal of the season on Saturday.

The France international hooked a volley into the bottom corner against AFC Bournemouth, the first time he has hit the back of the net at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Indeed, Sissoko has not scored since the 2017/18 season, going through the entirety of the last campaign without getting his name on the scoresheet.

Of course, the Frenchman has become something of a figure of fun for his profligacy, missing a sitter against Liverpool at Anfield last term.

Fans regularly implore him to “shoot” as he picks up the ball from range and he finally took their advice earlier this weekend, bursting into the box to reach Son Heung-Min’s cross and volley home.

And fans have expressed their joy and admiration for the 30-year-old as he opened his account for the campaign.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below!

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Steve Potts and Kevin Keen may be handed the reigns at West Ham United if Manuel Pellegrini is sacked, according to Football Insider.

The Chilean is likely to be dismissed if West Ham lose against Southampton on the weekend, having won just one of his last 10 games in all competitions.

This would mean that there will be an opportunity to take temporary charge while a long-term alternative is found.

It is suggested in the report that the two coaches, who are currently with the U23s and U18s respectively, will be the men to take up that role.

This may seem like a fairly small thing to do given that it shouldn’t last too long, but the pair could play a substantial part in the resurrection of West Ham’s form.

The duo and indeed the club, should look to Everton for their inspiration, more specifically, the impact Duncan Ferguson has had since Marco Silva was sacked.

Whether he will get the job full-time is a completely different question, but he has definitely played his part in changing the mood at Goodison Park against Chelsea.

Images of the Scotsman running down the touchline and hugging ballboys, alongside the three points, will have helped to bring the feel-good factor back to the club as they beat the Blues on Merseyside last weekend.

He also had an impact on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who scored a brace, as the striker told Everton’s official channels: “[Personally] it was about repaying the work Duncan has done with me over the past three years.

“I have worked closely with Duncan, we have a good relationship and that’s why I ran to him when I scored my second goal.”

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This means that even if he doesn’t end up getting the role, Ferguson has definitely made his impact on Everton during his time as interim manager.

Potts and Keen should be looking at this as proof that they can make their own impact at West Ham if they are given the chance.

They will have to buy into the club’s ethos to ensure it happens.

In other news, Pellegrini looked like a man on the edge after West Ham lost against Arsenal.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

With fans beginning to grow impatient it is important that Sunderland get back to winning ways against Gillingham in the FA Cup.

Phil Parkinson may have lost four of his first six games but he has enjoyed managing at home, in the main, and if the Black Cats can replicate the dominance they showed against Tranmere and Southend previously – with 17 and 18 shots against those teams respectively, they should progress.

Although they had a similar amount of shots in the two games, the scorelines reflected a much different story, and Parkinson’s side will have to get back to the clinical display they showed against Rovers if they are to pick up their form.

Those matches show that it is not really a question of creating chances, but finishing them. That’s where Will Grigg comes into play.

The Northern Ireland international has been a disappointment since his £4m January move with only seven goals in 41 games, and therefore he may have to start performing soon if he wants to retain his place in the side, starting on Sunday.

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Coming up against Max Ehmer promises to be a tough challenge, though, considering the defender’s form this season.

As per WhoScored, he has a good command of the defensive final third, with 5.3 aerial duels won per game and 4.6 clearances.

He will attempt to make life difficult for Grigg by marking him out of the game, and since the Northern Irishman feeds off the service from his teammates, he may struggle to get scoring opportunities.

The striker’s rate of key passes and successful dribbles underline that fact he is unable to create chances for himself, and shows he hasn’t been of much use to his team in terms of general play.

That means when he isn’t scoring – which he hasn’t been – he is arguably a bit of a hindrance to the attack, and Parkinson may consider dropping him and playing Chris Maguire further forward, as he has scored five goals and made 1.7 key passes per game.

Gillingham have conceded 20 league goals this term as well, so are shaky at the back, and if Grigg can escape the grasp of Ehmer he may be able to get back on the scoresheet.