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A number of Manchester City fans are fuming with La Liga president Javier Tebas after he suggested that the Citizens have lost €270m (£230.1m) during the global pandemic and could only sign Lionel Messi via financial doping.

The Citizens are preparing for a new season in which they will once again aim to win the Champions League after May’s final defeat to Chelsea in Porto. There is likely to be plenty of business done at the Etihad Stadium, and with Messi now a free agent after departing Barcelona following the end of his contract (Sky Sports), City may have him on their radar.

However, according to Tebas, it would be impossible for the Citizens to sign him. He even said it would be “incredible” if the Premier League champions are able to bring him to the Etihad.

The news was shared on Twitter by @CityXtra, and it did not go down well with the supporters – many believed Tebas was making up the figure, and given their financial backing, City are one of the few clubs who probably could afford the 34-year-old.

These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the matter.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the comments from Tebas

“This guy is obsessed”

Credit: @Leslley20

“Rent free”

Credit: @bdeanMCFC

“Tebas is getting nervous now, things I love to see.”

Credit: @Cityzen932

“This guy is obsessed, can’t we just sue him”

Credit: @DenisDuff8

“Pep owns you”

Credit: @baldyprop

“He’s deflecting so hard, using City as some sort of scapegoat as they are in serious danger of being wiped off the map financially.”

Credit: @Vhero

In other news, lots of Man City fans weren’t happy with these Kevin De Bruyne comments.

Leeds United are still eyeing up ‘three to four midfielders’ in the January transfer window, according to journalist David Anderson.

The Lowdown: Leeds desperate for a midfielder

The Whites have been plagued by injuries throughout this season and they currently look light in the middle of the park, in terms of options.

Kalvin Phillips’ hamstring injury has left a gaping void in that area of the pitch, while Adam Forshaw has to be managed carefully after a long absence of his own.

Leeds have been linked with signing a number of midfielders this month, including Cagliari’s Nahitan Nandez and Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien.

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The Latest: Journalist makes fresh claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Anderson claimed Victor Orta and co are looking at a move for a midfielder, even though money is hard to come by at present:

“What I’m being told is that they’re looking at three to four midfielders.

“They want to sign at least one. It’s a delicate one because they don’t have pots of cash because they don’t really plan to spend money in January. Normally they like to spend in summer.”

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The Verdict: At least one needed

It would be a huge surprise if January ticked by and no midfielder came in, with Phillips’ absence making it essential that more depth is added.

In fact, one signing should be the bare minimum, with a relegation battle potentially on the cards and another possible injury setback for Forshaw giving Marcelo Bielsa even fewer options.

The hope is that someone of Nandez or O’Brien’s ilk arrives in the coming weeks, in what would be a much-needed boost, with an injection of fresh blood required.

Both of those aforementioned players would add tenacity and quality, averaging two and 2.8 tackles per game in their respective leagues this season.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly ‘pressing’ to complete one piece of transfer business. Read more here.

Robin Koch could leave Leeds United in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Danny Mills, with the former Leeds United right-back claiming in a recent interview with Football Insider that, after struggling to impress when deployed at both centre-back and central midfield, Jesse Marsch could look to sign an upgrade on the 25-year-old this summer – something that could subsequently see the Germany international depart Elland Road.

Regarding Koch’s position in the Leeds squad, Mills said: “He hasn’t really found a position. He’s OK here, he’s OK there and he’s decent there. You don’t look at it and go, ‘he is playing centre-half’ or ‘he’s playing defensive midfield.’

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“That is difficult for a player and also for a manager. Where does he fit in? Can the manager get somebody to do a specific job in that position who is maybe a little bit better?

“Sometimes being a utility player is great but it often means you are on the fringes. You are often second-choice in six or seven different positions.”

“The new manager will be looking to bring in two or three of his own players, players that he wants. If that means you have to get a couple out then so be it.”

Marsch can axe Koch with Luiz Felipe

While Koch is undoubtedly a player who boasts a significant amount of potential, it is undeniable that the 25-year-old has so far failed to live up to initial expectations following his £13m move to Elland Road in August 2020.

This has been particularly evident over his 14 Premier League appearances this term, in which the £15.3m-rated centre-back has made an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, in addition to being dribbled past 1.2 times and winning 4.1 duels – at a success rate of just 46% – per outing.

These returns have seen the £46k-per-week defender who Beren Cross dubbed both “horrible to watch” and “not good enough” earlier this season average a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.56, ranking him as the Whites’ sixth-worst player in the league.

As such, it is perhaps no surprise that Victor Orta was reported to have made a €30m (£25m) bid for Lazio centre-back Luiz Felipe in the January transfer window, nor would it be surprising for the sporting director to make a second approach for the 25-year-old at the end of the season – as he is set to leave the Stadio Olimpico upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

And, considering how impressive the defender has been in Italy in the current campaign, Luiz Felipe would very much appear to be something of a perfect candidate to replace Koch in Marsch’s side.

Indeed, over his 27 Serie A appearances this season, the £16.2m-rated Brazilian has helped his side keep five clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 3.4 clearances per fixture, as well as being dribbled past just 0.5 times and winning 3.8 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per game.

These returns have seen the £24k-per-week defender who Jerry Mancini claimed possesses “significant pace” and labelled “quality” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating 7.01, ranking him as Maurizio Sarri’s seventh-best player in the Italian top flight.

As such, if a deal for Luiz Felipe is there to be done this summer, it would indeed appear a wise move for Orta to launch an offensive for the Lazio centre-back – something which would subsequently allow the sporting director to move Koch onto pastures new.

AND in other news: Sold at £13m, now worth £100m: Leeds had a mare on 20 y/o “everyone is talking about”

An update has emerged on Giovanni van Bronckhorst, regarding the possibility of him replacing Steven Gerrard at Rangers.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Dutchman is set for talks with Rangers over the vacant managerial position this weekend.

He Tweeted: “Rangers have shortlist ready to replace Gerrard. The board will start official contacts during the weekend – talk scheduled also with Gio van Bronckhorst #RangersFC Former Rangers and Barça player, he’s in the list together with other 2 managers. He’s interested in the job.”

Delight

Rangers fans will surely be left delighted by this update from Romano for multiple reasons. Firstly, he is a familiar face who understands the club.

The retired Netherlands international played over 100 times for the Gers during his playing career in Scotland before his £12.15m transfer to Arsenal in 2001, which remains the most expensive departure from Ibrox in the club’s history to this day.

This shows that he is familiar with the club and will have a connection with the fanbase, through memory or the memories of their parents, and could form an instant bond if he gets the job.

Van Bronckhorst being, according to Romano, interested in the role could also leave fans delighted as it shows that he is keen to make the move and still has an affection for the club. He wants to take over from Rangers, rather than Ross Wilson needing to convince him to take the job.

They could also be buzzing due to the Dutchman’s impressive record as a manager. In four full seasons at Feyenoord, he averaged 2.03 points per game in the Eredivisie as his side finished third, first, fourth and third.

He also won the Dutch Cup and the Dutch Super Cup twice each, taking his tally to five trophies in four years at Feyenoord, showing that he has the quality as a coach to piece together a team capable of winning games on a regular basis.

Van Bronckhorst is also currently out of work, which means that Rangers would not need to pay any compensation to snap him up.

He could come straight in without any baggage from a job he just left and that could appeal to Wilson, as it would save money ahead of the January window.

AND in other news, Wilson could land Rangers an “exceptional” Gerrard replacement in “modern” 48 y/o boss…

According to a report from GhanaWeb, Celtic are closing in on the signing of Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Christopher Scott. 

The lowdown: Scott interest

The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Glasgow giants in recent months and it would appear that interest is only going to grow stronger in the coming weeks.

Previously a rising star at Bayer Leverkusen, Scott made the switch to Bundesliga powerhouses Bayern Munich in 2020, where he has featured just twice for their first-team.

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Now as the German youngster’s contract heads towards a July expiry (Transfermarkt), Celtic could be set to swoop…

The latest: Fresh update emerges

As per GhanaWeb, the Hoops are believed to be ‘pushing to sign’ Scott, who has even been compared to Chelsea star Kai Havertz by the Bundesliga’s official website.

The report states that Celtic are hoping to ‘strike’ a £250,000 deal to bring the 18 time-capped Germany youth international to Parkhead at the end of the season.

Bayern are apparently willing to let the player leave, who has the option to pursue international football for either Germany or Ghana.

The verdict: Back the boss

Having already blessed the Hoops’ squad with an array of high-quality players since arriving, supporters can be excited by the prospect of any player coming to Lennoxtown to work with Ange Postecoglou.

So far this season Scott – who was described as ‘quick, strong and an excellent dribbler’ by ex-boss Hansi Flick – has scored six times and registered four assists in 14 appearances in the German fourth tier for Bayern’s second string.

Predominantly a central attacking midfielder, the talented teenager can also operate from wide and deeper positions and would therefore add exciting versatility to the Celtic squad.

In other news, pundit urges Celtic manager to recall attacking threat. Find out more here.

As West Ham United breezed past Genk at the London Stadium this evening, taking yet more control of Group H, many Irons supporters were blown away by the performance and contribution of defender Craig Dawson.

David Moyes’ men took a giant leap towards finishing top by beating the Belgian giants this evening.

Indeed, they have gone six points clear with their victory and, as per the new Europa League format, potentially finishing as group victors will guarantee West Ham a spot straight into the last 16.

Moyes rested a fair few first teamers tonight with the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Andriy Yarmolenko, Nikola Vlasic, Alphonse Areola and Dawson all coming in after the weekend victory at Everton.

Among all of these fresh faces, it was the latter man who garnered real praise on Twitter for his display – especially considering he opened the floodgates with his towering first half header.

He was also among the highest-rated West Ham players on SofaScore and it’s safe to say his ‘massive’ display didn’t go unnoticed.

Find all the reaction to his outing down below.

West Ham fans blown away by Dawson…

“Dawson you beast”

Credit: @RyanG33A

“Dawson!!!!! What a player”

Credit: @WestHamNews24hr

“Craig Dawson is the hero we never knew we needed”

Credit: @_Sam_Chaplin

“We are absolutely massive and Craig Dawson is absolutely massive”

Credit: @Lew_Fountain

“DAWSON YOU MAGNIFICENT SET PIECE ROBOT”

Credit: @chojinzoku

“can we just bring dawson on in games to attack corners because he’s disgustingly good at it”

Credit: @whuemma

“Craig Dawson!!! Fisted hand Guys so dangerous at set pieces so good in the air”

Credit: @JJ_Hannaway

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘No brainer’…West Ham fans buzz as contact made to sign ‘big’ striker, find out more here.

Serie A expert Conor Clancy insists that reported Tottenham Hotspur target Joaquin Correa could frustrate supporters in England if he makes the move to the Premier League.

Reports in Italy have claimed that Spurs are interested in a swoop for the Lazio attacker in this transfer window, as new Director of Football Fabio Paratici looks to strengthen the squad of Nuno Espirito Santo.

He has already secured deals to sign Bryan Gil, Pierluigi Gollini, and Cristian Romero, and it seems that Correa would be an expensive acquisition.

Tuttomercatoweb has reported that he would cost £43m in this window, a large figure for a player who can play in a variety of positions.

The 27-year-old has the ability to play on either flank, as a striker, or as a No.10, and he has made a total of 117 appearances for Lazio, scoring 30 goals and registering 18 assists.

Clancy, though, believes that he can be a frustrating presence because he often has the tendency to play below himself.

The editor-in-chief of Forza Italian Football said: “Correa, he’s going to be the type of player that, whichever team he plays for, he might drive the fans a little bit mad at times because he’s not the most reliable, he doesn’t make the best decisions all of the time.

“He’s not always playing at the level that he should play at but there’s a lot of talent there and working under the right coach, as he showed under Inzaghi, he’s definitely a player who can make a difference.”

Crystal Palace could continue their overhaul of the first-team squad in January after being linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Aït Nouri.

What’s the story?

According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness), both the Eagles and fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle United are eager to prise the promising 20-year-old away from Molineux over the coming months.

The report claims that it’s Palace who are ‘especially’ interested, though, with manager Patrick Vieira keen to bring in some cover and competition for Tyrick Mitchell at left-back.

It’s claimed that the French tactician has already informed his recruitment team that he wants to land Aït Nouri, although chairman Steve Parish will need to open his chequebook, with Wolves set to demand in the region of €25-30m (£21-26m) for their young star.

Crystal Palace must make their move

Following the departure of Patrick van Aanholt in the summer, Palace have been left with only one natural left-sided full-back in their first-team squad.

As a result, academy graduate Mitchell has played every minute of their Premier League campaign to date, something which is not sustainable in the long term.

Therefore, the capital club’s hierarchy must make their move for Aït Nouri over the winter window, and the £33,000-per-week ace could prove to be an exceptional piece of business.

The France U21 international arrived at Wolves on an initial season-long loan from Ligue 1 side SCO Angers in October 2020 before making the move permanent 12 months later.

In that time, Aït Nouri has racked up 34 appearances for the Midlands outfit, putting in several eye-catching displays along the way.

Following a particularly impressive performance last term – ironically against Palace – The Athletic’s Tim Spiers lauded his ‘phenomenal’ showing.

“Ait-Nouri was phenomenal,” said Spiers (as relayed by This is Futbol). “I know it’s only one game and he’s a kid, and he got a lot of space at times, but he played with such enthusiasm and really helped stretch that game out on the left.”

And The Express & Stars journalist Liam Keen was also effusive in his praise for Aït Nouri as Wolves saw off Everton in the opening weeks of the current campaign.

“I thought he was very good today, defensively good; going forward, he offers something very, very different to Marcal, who’s not great going forward, let’s be honest. He gets the crowd on their feet, and that’s what you need,” Keen said.

With Palace in need of defensive cover and Aït Nouri showing bags of potential, it’s a deal that makes sense for many reasons for the south London side.

And, in other news…Palace must seal bargain deal for “intelligent” £5.4m-rated maestro who has “no fear”

While Celtic have seen their league form drastically improve under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou in recent months, with the Bhoys remaining undefeated over the last eight Premiership fixtures, the 56-year-old Hoops manager will nevertheless be aware that his side will face one of their sterner tests of the season at Parkhead this evening.

Indeed, Robbie Neilson’s Heart of Midlothian side have also been incredibly impressive in the current campaign, sitting just two points behind Celtic in the league, as well as having already taken three points off of the Bhoys on the opening day of the season.

As such, Postecoglou will know that he must get his team selection spot on against Hearts if he is to have any hope of his side reducing the gap between them the current Premiership leaders, with one player who the Greek-Australian coach simply must call upon tonight being Nir Bitton.

Game-changer

With Tom Rogic’s hamstring injury leaving Celtic somewhat short in the middle of the park, Postecoglou opted to slightly change his setup in the middle of the park, playing the more defensively-minded Bitton in place of the 28-year-old attacking midfielder.

And, while this change would, on the surface, appear to make the Bhoys more defensive, Bitton has in fact flourished in the absence of Rogic, with the 30-year-old being one of the Hoops’ most impressive players over the last four fixtures.

Indeed, in this period, the £720k-rated Israel international has enjoyed 353 touches of the ball, completed 269 passes, made 15 tackles and won a whopping 31 duels, with these metrics seeing the £14k-per-week midfielder average a SofaScore match rating of 7.33.

As such, while both Bitton and Rogic look as if they will be available for selection against Hearts this evening, Postecoglou simply must unleash Bitton ahead of the Australia international.

Not only would he help to solidify Celtic against a side who have already scored 25 goals in the league, the man the 56-year-old manager himself dubbed “influential” has also proven to be something of a game-changer in the middle of the park in the absence of Rogic.

In other news: Celtic handed big transfer boost ahead of January, fans will be elated

Many Everton fans have been slamming the performance of Alex Iwobi in their 4-0 pre-season defeat at Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

The Nigeria international missed a good chance to bring the Toffees back into the game midway through the first half, as they were already 2-0 down at that point to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.

Iwobi did not have a great game in general as Twitter fan page The Everton End voiced their frustrations with the winger during the match, which prompted a lot of negative reaction.

With the new Premier League season starting on Friday night, Rafa Benitez would have not been convinced by the Nigerian’s performance, and so the 25-year-old could well face being dropped to the bench for their opener.

He has played 65 times for Everton competitively but scored a paltry four goals in that time and has set up just four more (Transfermarkt) – centre-back Michael Keane netted three league goals last season alone – while he has drawn the ire of some Toffees fans in the past.

Everton fans hammer Iwobi

These Everton supporters slammed Iwobi’s performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he was a ‘disgrace’:

“I’m really struggling with having to watch him this season”

Credit: @BrunsypPB

“Got to be the worst ever buy”

Credit: @kevdano

“Worst £40 mill we’ve spent!”

Credit: @_Sumz

“I mean this literally. He is the worst signing Everton have ever made. There has not been a worse signing, I won’t be convinced otherwise”

Credit: @BradleyHilditch

“Iwobi you are a disgrace”

Credit: @RobertS91163055

“Niasse was genuinely a better signing than Iwobi”

Credit: @efcdylan_

In other news, find out what confirmed news has had these Toffees buzzing!