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Leeds United have recalled goalkeeper Will Huffer from a loan spell at Barnet after an injury to Kamil Miazek, the Yorkshire Evening Post report.

Huffer played three times for the National League side during his spell, in draws with Solihull Moors, Sutton United and in an FA Cup stalemate with Brentford.

What’s the word?

Huffer only joined Barnet on January 25th but is already back at Elland Road.

The 20-year-old made his senior debut for Leeds earlier this season, playing 90 minutes and keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 Championship win over Bristol City.

Huffer is third in the club’s pecking order of goalkeepers, behind January signing Kiko Casilla and Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

However, an injury sustained by Miazek means that he is needed to play for the club’s Under-23 side.

As well as making his senior debut, Huffer has played for England at youth levels, winning nine caps for the Under-17s and one for the Under-18s.

Development accelerated

Huffer’s development is only going to be helped by training with the likes of Casilla.

He will play for the Under-23s regularly and is also on standby to move into the first-team for Marcelo Bielsa.

The youngster has already made his Championship bow and is clearly seen as a trustworthy deputy by his manager.

The signing of Casilla may well have pushed him down the queue but he has won three Champions League trophies, as well as La Liga and two UEFA Super Cups.

Huffer can only get better and merely working alongside the Spaniard could have a transformative effect on his growth.

Manchester United secured a crucial victory over Arsenal in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford, with Cristiano Ronaldo taking his career goals tally up to 801.

The visitors took the lead in bizarre circumstances in the 13th minute when Emile Smith Rowe fired the ball home with goalkeeper David De Gea laid stricken on the floor injured.

It was Fred who trod on the Spanish shot-stopper’s ankle in the build-up to the visitor’s opening goal, but the midfielder made amends on the stroke of half-time, teeing up Bruno Fernandes for the equaliser.

Ronaldo then expertly finished from Marcus Rashford’s cutback shortly after the interval before the game swung back in Arsenal’s favour.

Martin Odegaard’s near-identical strike levelled things up once again until the five-time Ballon d’Or winner smashed a winning penalty down the middle of the goal after VAR advised referee Martin Atkinson to go to the pitchside monitor.

Despite Ronaldo’s brace, though, it was perhaps his compatriot Fernandes who stole the show in this entertaining midweek encounter, proving to be Michael Carrick’s final Old Trafford hero.

As per SofaScore, the 27-year-old received a match rating of 7.8 out of 10 for his impressive exploits, the second-highest total awarded amongst his teammates to feature on Thursday night.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Fernandes made a whopping four key passes to his grateful teammates, made two tackles, and picked out a colleague with two of his three attempted long balls, highlighting his influence over proceedings.

And 90min journalist Craig Vickers was equally as impressed, writing: “A couple of gorgeous lofted balls in behind the Arsenal defence, taking his goal well,” after awarding him a seven out of 10.

With winnable fixtures against the likes of Crystal Palace, Young Boys and Norwich City up next, new manager Ralf Rangnick will be hoping Fernandes can maintain this sort of form in the weeks ahead.

And, in other news…Rangnick must end MUFC’s striker search by signing “special” £45m “incredible talent”

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming over some early team news that has emerged ahead of their game away at Hearts at Sunday lunchtime.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match in the Scottish Premiership, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that Kemar Roofe is now a ‘doubt’.

The Jamaica international has struggled at times with injury problems throughout his career at Ibrox, and has not always been available throughout this season so far.

It is a shame, because he has come up with 10 goals in 20 games so far this term (Transfermarkt), but injuries seem to be holding him back.

Nonetheless, it seems as if a lot of Light Blues supporters are losing patience with him as he struggles to keep himself fit for a sustained period of time.

Rangers fans on team news

These Teddy Bears were left fuming as the early team news involving Roofe was shared on Twitter:

“Roofe’s injuries becoming an issue again”

Credit: @BIBRSCShawlands

“Time to sell Roofe.”

Credit: @mendrinkmilk

“Convinced Roofe is made of glass.”

Credit: @jaayfc

“Roofe again”

Credit: @AyeReady87

“Don’t see where Roofe fits into a 4231 and he’s very injury prone… need to start looking at alternatives”

Credit: @Rfc1872I

“Roofe, Helander and Jack all important players for us but all seem to struggle injury wise. It’s gutting.”

Credit: @Stuart1872Rfc

In other news, find out whose display against Lyon was slammed here!

An exciting update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Burnley striker Chris Wood…

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has dropped an intriguing claim on the forward’s availability for a transfer this month, whilst confirming that the Magpies are pursuing the Clarets centre-forward.

He tweeted: “Oooooohhh hearing Chris Wood might have a release clause in his contract. Haven’t had it confirmed yet but that would explain why #nufc have pursued it when it didn’t immediately make much sense given Burnley would be selling to a relegation rival. More to follow? Perhaps.”

Fans will be delighted

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this news, as it seemingly puts the power in the club’s hands to complete a deal for Wood.

Burnley are one place above them in the Premier League table and could be reluctant to sell to Eddie Howe’s side, as it would weaken them and strengthen a direct rival. This means that a transfer on their terms would be extremely unlikely, and one not worth pursuing for the Magpies.

However, this claim from Edwards suggests that Burnley might have no say on the matter. If Newcastle trigger his release clause, they would simply need to convince Wood to make the switch, rather than needing to negotiate a fee with their rivals for his services.

This is why fans will be delighted with the update, and they will also be buzzing as the striker could be an excellent addition to their squad. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer, netting 50 times at that level, and Newcastle are desperately lacking players who can find the net regularly.

Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are the only Magpies players who have scored more than once in the league this season, whilst Wood has scored 10 or more goals in four separate seasons for Burnley. He has also won 5.5 aerial battles per game this term, which shows that he could offer Howe a physical presence at the top end of the pitch from which team-mates could benefit.

Therefore, he could be a great signing, as he could come in and provide an additional goal threat in the second half of the campaign. If he can come in and reproduce the level of goalscoring he has shown at this level for Burnley, he could win some valuable points for the Magpies and be adored by the Toon Army if he is able to help keep the team in the Premier League.

AND in other news, “We understand”: Keith Downie drops big NUFC transfer claim that’ll leave fans gutted…

Taking to Twitter, reliable reporter Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic has relayed some exit news out of Tottenham Hotspur involving midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lowdown: Tottenham eye sales…

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been making evaluations on his squad as he decides who to sell and who to sign this transfer window.

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A handful of Tottenham players have been linked with a move away from north London, including the likes of Dele Alli, Matt Doherty and Ndombele (Sky Sports).

So far, the Lilywhites have confirmed just one outgoing with promising youngster Dilan Markanday completing a permanent move to Blackburn Rovers.

Sharing some exit news for Spurs fans, The Athletic reporter Eccleshare has dropped a social media update involving Ndombele.

The Latest: The Athletic share news…

According to Eccleshare and Jack Pitt-Brooke, a deal to offload Spurs’ club record signing to Paris-Saint Germain is still a ‘long way off’ completion.

“THFC and PSG in talks over loan move for Tanguy Ndombele,” Eccleshare explained on Twitter.

“Still a long way off completion, understand from sources close to situation that expectation is still only around 50-50 that it’ll go through.”

The Verdict: Time to leave?

PSG apparently want to take Tottenham’s £200,000-per-week ace on loan for the rest of the season and we believe this could be a good move for all involved, if both clubs can find an agreement.

Ndombele himself is from the Parisian suburbs and the Ligue 1 side’s financial power indicates that, if they wished to, they could lodge a permanent move for the player after his temporary spell depending on his performances.

It will be difficult to find an outright buyer before January 31 so this could be Tottenham’s chance to get the ball rolling over a potential permanent exit in future.

In other news: Spurs allegedly ‘edging closer’ to signing ‘massive’ £15m defender, find out more here.

Celtic and West Ham United have both been linked with a move for Northern Ireland defender Paddy McNair, The Northern Echo report.  

The Lowdown: McNair profiled

McNair is 26 years of age and is primarily a centre-back who can also turn out as a holding midfielder. A 49-cap international, McNair has been with Championship side Middlesbrough since 2018, making 133 appearances for the club.

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He appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation of £5.4m and has contributed to five Championship goals this season.

Celtic are after three Japanese January signings in Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda, while they are also expected to make Jota’s loan permeant. Football Scotland believes that could be all of their January business, but it seems as if the Hoops may have room to swoop for McNair as well.

The Latest: Hoops keen

The Northern Echo shared a story on Wednesday regarding McNair and his future ahead of the January window.

They claimed that both the Hoops and the Hammers are monitoring his situation at The Riverside, with Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder keen to keep hold of McNair in the New Year.

The Verdict: Avoid?

Ange Postecoglou already has plenty of centre-backs on the books at this moment in time, so a move for McNair doesn’t appear to be desperately needed.

Christopher Jullien will be Postecoglou’s sixth option at the back when he returns from injury, and the Hoops boss also has a number of defensive and central midfield options, especially with Hatate and Ideguchi on the radar.

McNair was also pictured wearing a Rangers scarf outside Ibrox back in 2019, so his name may not exactly be a popular one with Celtic supporters, so it could be wise to allow West Ham to win the race for his services.

In other news: ‘Could be a long time’ – Devlin shares worrying injury update on Celtic ace after bone ‘break’. 

Writing for 90min, reporter Graeme Bailey has shared an update on Declan Rice and his future at West Ham United as clubs eye a move for the 22-year-old.

The Lowdown: Rice thriving…

After an impressive Euro 2020 campaign with England, the Irons midfielder has continued to thrive at club level under David Moyes.

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Indeed, according to WhoScored, no West Ham regular with more than one start has averaged a higher passing accuracy than the 22-year-old (92%), with Rice also making the joint-highest interceptions per 90 in midfield.

This has prompted clubs to sit up and take notice, especially after he rejected two offers of a new deal at the London Stadium over the summer transfer window (The Guardian).

Rice has been a key part of Moyes’ high-flying West Ham side, who currently sit in the top four and are well in contention for a Champions League place, but news has now emerged on his future in the capital.

The Latest: Bailey drops Rice exit claim…

Writing for 90min, Bailey has now claimed that the Three Lions ace is ‘prepared to leave West Ham’ in the ‘summer of 2022’ – regardless of whether they seal a place in the European Cup next season.

Indeed, as written in their headline, West Ham and Moyes ‘could lose’ the player, with their report going on to mention that Premier League champions Manchester City are currently frontrunners for his signature.

Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested and it is believed that GSB ‘will not stand in Rice’s way’ if their £120m valuation is met.

The Verdict: Crunch time?

This news could come as a blow for Moyes and West Ham supporters given Rice’s importance to the team, but much will hinder on the east London club, who are still in full control.

Rice’s current contract runs until 2024 and the Hammers have an option to extend his stay by a further year (Transfermarkt), so GSB have no urgent need to accept an incoming bid for his services.

However, if an interested party comes in with a £120m offer, it would be difficult for West Ham not to at least contemplate selling if the player’s desire to leave escalates between now and then.

Young, homegrown and a standout Premier League performer – the Irons have plenty of reason to demand as much money as possible for their prize asset.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel, as transcribed by The Boot Room, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins even called Rice ‘massively underrated’ and ‘like a Rolls-Royce’, highlighting his obvious quality.

In other news: ‘Talks have taken place’…Journalist shares news as powerhouse now open to joining West Ham, find out more here.

Aston Villa are close to signing goalkeeper Robin Olsen on loan until the end of the season.

That’s according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, which, as to be expected, has had plenty of Villa fans talking.

Johan Lange has made no secret of his hunt for a new back-up goalkeeper this month, as the club have been linked with West Ham’s Darren Randolph and PSG’s Sergio Rico as well as Olsen.

He has finally made a breakthrough, and it appears Olsen will now be the man to come in alongside Emiliano Martinez and Jed Steer, with a medical booked for Tuesday.

Olsen, who has won seven trophies during his career, is currently on loan at Sheffield United where he has made 11 Championship appearances. The Blades have agreed to cut that short, though, with Villa now agreeing on a temporary deal with parent club AS Roma.

Villa fans react

@villareport relayed Romano’s claim on Villa’s next January swoop. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with a mixture of responses available to view below.

“We’re massive!”

Credit: @MattSmith1874

“Robin Olsen wooaahhhh. Olsen woaaaah”

Credit: @AVFCFaithful_

“We needed a good experienced keeper as cover for Emi he’ll do nicely, now just Bissouma and Pau Torres and we’re sorted”

Credit: @STAUNT0N

“Pointless.”

Credit: @StevieGsVilla

“We need a centre half”

Credit: @N1X0

“No analysis needed. Someone to take the furthest right seat on the bench.”

Credit: @jmhart1

In other news: Shares agent with Gerrard – Villa now after midfield ace ‘like’ Gascoigne.  

Nottingham Forest have a potential plan in mind if they cannot stop Joe Worrall from departing this summer.

What’s the news?

According to Claret and Hugh, Forest boss Steve Cooper has scouted West Ham’s Emmanuel Longelo on “several occasions” and he could be used as a “makeweight” in a deal that would see centre-back Worrall head the other way.

The report also claimed that the East Midlands club had a “ridiculously low” bid for the 21-year-old rejected back in January, but the Championship outfit remain keen on bringing him to the City Ground.

Time to replace Colback

Jack Colback has been filling in for Nottingham Forest at left-back, with Max Lowe currently out with a groin injury, and unlikely to return until late April.

The 32-year-old Sunderland youth academy graduate has earned praise for stepping in for the ex-Derby prospect, living up to the “bulldog” comparison made by teammate Phillip Zinckernagel earlier on in the season, averaging a 6.89 match rating according to SofaScore, in the second tier – playing in an unfamiliar position.

However, he may not have to fill in on the left side of defence for much longer, as the club eye up a transfer for Longelo.

Valued at £135k by Transfermarkt, the youngster could potentially prove to be excellent value for money – particularly if he is included as a sweetener in the Worrall deal.

A rapid full-back who loves to attack, in many ways he is similar to fan-favourite loaned-in Djed Spence – just operating on the opposite flank.

Described as “very impressive” by London Evening Standard journalist Jack Rosser, Longelo has made 14 Premier League 2 appearances this season, grabbing three assists and earning a start in the Hammers’ 1-0 home loss in the Europa League to Croatian outfit Dinamo Zagreb.

Having also been named as one of three players set for breakthrough years at West Ham by the Evening Standard in late December, alongside Sonny Perkins and Ben Johnson, it’s clear that the East London club rate him highly.

But, the promise of first-team football, even if Forest earn promotion to the top flight, could prove enough to persuade him to become a part of the Cooper project and East Midlands revolution.

In other news: Nottingham Forest plot bid for 23 y/o “real leader”, he’s an ideal Worrall replacement

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has shared the latest information on the progress of winger Leon Bailey, with the Jamaica international close to a return to action after two months out.

What’s the latest?

According to Birmingham Live, Bailey could be back for Villa’s next game against Leeds United on Wednesday evening. A thigh injury has kept the 24-year-old out of action since 1 December, meaning that the winger has only played three times under Gerrard.

On the Jamaican, the 41-year-old last said: “In terms of Leon Bailey, he’s not too far away from returning to training.

“We hope to have him back in the group in the next two weeks. That will benefit Leon having no games and he won’t miss many more games and, hopefully, in two weeks’ time, he’ll be ready to train with the group.”

Villa are out of action this weekend having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United earlier this month, meaning that their Premier League match against Leeds on Wednesday will be their first taste of action for 18 days having beaten Everton 1-0 last time out two weeks ago.

Gerrard will be buzzing

Having hardly been able to work with Bailey yet, Gerrard will be particularly buzzing to see what the 24-year-old can offer him, meaning this fresh boost will be music to his ears.

The winger’s Villa tenure has certainly gotten off to a frustrating start after his £25m move from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

Having made his debut off of the bench in the opening day defeat to Watford, the Jamaican suffered a knock that kept him out for the following two matches before coming off of the bench against Chelsea and Everton, scoring against the Toffees.

Another brief spell on the sidelines interrupted Bailey’s progress before he had a run of six games before suffering the thigh injury that has kept him out for two months in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Whilst the former Leverkusen man has been absent, the West Midlands outfit have certainly turned a corner under Gerrard, winning five of the ten Premier League matches he’s been in charge of.

Moreover, Philippe Coutinho has joined on loan from Barcelona for the rest of the season whilst Emi Buendia is starting to discover form; regaining his place in the team won’t be straightforward for Bailey.

However, the skill and trickery of the wide man will certainly offer Gerrard an exciting alternative, with the Englishman’s preferred 4-3-3 set up perfect for the 24-year-old to demonstrate his ability on the flank.

Villa are currently sat in 11th with 26 points but are ten points off of the top six whilst being 11 off of the relegation zone, meaning that their upcoming matches could make a major impact on how the remainder of their campaign plays out.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops behind-the-scenes Villa claim