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Fabrizio Romano claimed on Saturday that Poland are ready to approach Aston Villa’s Matty Cash over a possible switch of nationalities.

And a number of Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts to the update on social media.

Cash, who qualifies for Poland through family on his mother’s side, had been reluctant to turn away from England as he has hopes of turning out for England.

The 24-year-old hasn’t featured for The Three Lions at any level, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier all seemingly ahead of him in Gareth Southgate’s right-back ranks.

According to Romano, Cash is ‘open’ to the opportunity of playing for Poland and is waiting for a passport to go through.

Villa fans react

Romano posted the news regarding Cash on Twitter on Saturday afternoon, hours before he netted his first Villa goal in a 3-0 win over Everton.

This is what some Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘interesting’.

“I think he should accept it. I don’t see there is much of a chance he would get into the England squad as there are approximately 4178.9 RB that’s capable to be in the England squad right now.”

Credit: @rico_chong

“great move for him he’d be their starting rb”

Credit: @luke1874_

“Hope he goes for it. England are stacked in that position.”

Credit: @JayVtid

“interesting”

Credit: @Kim_UTV

“makes perfect sense really”

Credit: @avbiIly

“Looks like our all English back 4 is coming to an end. Understand why Cash has done it. England has so many good RB !”

Credit: @seanlangley94

In other news: Source says Lange wants 40-goal ace on £25k-p/w for Villa; he’s scoring a goal per game. 

Newcastle United hoped to insert a ‘punitive’ buyout clause into Joe Willock’s contract and it’s unclear if they were successful, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh writes. 

The lowdown

Willock sealed his permanent move to St James’ Park on Friday, signing a six-year contract. Newcastle have shelled out more than £20m to secure the services of the Arsenal man off the back of an impressive loan which saw him score in seven straight matches at the end of last season (via BBC Sport).

Steve Bruce says that the club had to ‘patient and persistent’ in their pursuit of their ‘number one target’. Even when an agreement was reached with Arsenal, personal terms ‘took time’ to be finalised.

The latest

Writing for The Athletic, Waugh explored the possible reasons for the ‘prolonged deliberations’. ‘Some sources’ claimed it was down to money, with Willock hopeful of becoming the club’s top earner, but others have dismissed that version of events.

It may have been down to Newcastle’s preference for a buyout clause, perceived as a safety mechanism after they lost Ayoze Perez to Leicester City for £30m in 2019.

Such an arrangement is ‘unlikely to have appealed’ to Willock, but it’s ‘not clear’ whether the clause was ultimately included in his six-year contract.

Indeed, the player compromised on the length of his deal – he wanted it to be ‘slightly shorter’ – and as a result Newcastle made ‘concessions’ in other areas.

The verdict

It may well have been the case that Newcastle were forced to scrap the buyout clause idea, but we can only speculate at this stage.

The good news for the club is that, even if Willock’s representatives successfully resisted that provision, the length of his contract should still ensure that his value is prohibitively high for the foreseeable future.

Privately, the youngster may well harbour long-term ambitions of another shot at one of the biggest clubs.

In other news, this player was particularly desperate to see Willock join Newcastle. 

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’ and club source John Wenham has made a claim involving in-form youngster Dilan Markanday.

The Lowdown: Markanday shining…

Over 2021/22, it’s safe to say that the 20-year-old forward has been in sublime form for Tottenham’s Under-23s.

Indeed, Markanday has been a constant threat for Wayne Burnett’s side this season, notching an incredible 10 goals and two assists in 10 Premier League 2 outings (Transfermarkt).

This academy run prompted Spurs to give him his first senior nod recently, with the player debuting against Vitesse in the Europa Conference League in late October.

Markanday’s form has prompted talks of another new deal after he put pen to paper on a contract extension earlier this year, one which keeps him at Spurs until the end of this season.

Sharing what he knows, Wenham has now made a claim on the starlet’s situation as things stand.

The Latest: Exit talks ‘ongoing’…

As per the insider, speaking to Football Insider, Spurs want to extend Markanday’s deal before potentially sending him out on loan in January, with those talks apparently ‘ongoing’ behind the scenes.

“There will certainly be loan enquiries in January,” Wenham explained.

“Actually, I’m told those talks are ongoing. Tottenham just want to extend that contract before he goes.

“I think if he doesn’t play between now and January, he will 100% leave in January.

“I’m certain League One clubs will already be asking about taking him on loan in January. That would be great for his development. I just want him to be playing.

“I would rather that was in the leagues instead of just in our Under 23 setup. He’s at that stage where he needs proper competitive football on a regular basis.”

The Verdict: Next stage…,

Like Wenham, we believe that a potential loan to England’s third tier could be just what Markanday needs in the next stage of his development as a Spurs player.

Having already dazzled at academy level, as evident by his rip-roaring form, the 20-year-old could now do with more senior experience whilst trying to replicate his fellow N17 graduates.

Troy Parrott has been shining on a temporary spell at MK Dons so far this season (90min), while defender J’Neil Bennett has been a regular at Crewe, starting nine League one matches while getting on the scoresheet and providing one assist (Transfermarkt).

If Markanday can go out on loan and replicate the young duo’s performances, Tottenham could be about to nurture yet another promising talent.

In other news: Spurs now close to signing ‘monster’ as Conte seeks to solve severe problem, find out more here.

Many Wolves fans have been left slamming the display of Francisco Trincao in their game away at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The Portugal international was dragged off by Bruno Lage for Daniel Podence in the 68th minute of the match with the score still at 1-0 to the Eagles, summing up his lack of impact.

He lost out on three of his duels, and also failed to record a single shot on target, successful dribble, key pass or cross, while he lost possession of the ball on no fewer than on 14 separate occasions, one of the highest out of his teammates (SofaScore).

With the likes of Podence and Adama Traore left on the bench, Trincao will now feel as if his place in the starting eleven is under threat.

Wolves fans on Trincao display

These members of the Molineux faithful slammed his performance on Twitter, with one WWFC supporter even going as far as to claim that the winger was ‘worse than awful’:

“Trincao has been poor”

Credit: @craigthewolf

“Trincao makes Harry Maguire look like Usain Bolt”

Credit: @dtr2527

“Dreadful from Trincao”

Credit: @WolvesBoiWonder

“Painful watching Trincao in this sort of game”

Credit: @andrewhos

“Trincao has been worse than awful today”

Credit: @w2020plus1

“Trincao off for me offered nothing today”

Credit: @gaztivist18

In other news, find out what Lage comments had Wanderers buzzing here!

Celtic defender Jack Hendry is close to completing a move to Belgian outfit K.V. Oostende ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, Oostende have triggered their option to sign the 26-year-old following his successful season-long loan from the Hoops throughout 2020/21.

The report claims a £2 million fee was agreed between the two clubs for Hendry last summer, with Alexander Blessin’s side desperate to secure their man for such a small fee.

Fans will be buzzing

Hendry arrived at Celtic Park back in January 2018 after impressing with fellow Scottish Premiership side Dundee, but the 6 ft 3 centre-back has been unable to replicate his best form with the Glasgow giants.

In two-and-a-half years with the Hoops, the Scotland international made just 27 appearances, failing to establish himself as a first-team regular at any stage.

His underwhelming displays led to a loan move halfway through the 2019/20 campaign that saw Hendry briefly turnout for Melbourne City in Australia.

However, it’s a subsequent spell away from Celtic that appears to have propelled the towering defender back into the limelight.

Hendry made 30 appearances for Oostende as they finished fifth in the Belgian First Division, earning a place in Steve Clarke’s squad for Euro 2020 this summer.

While he’s clearly made progress and improvements during his time away from Scottish football, Hendry often came in for criticism throughout his time at Celtic, and it’s unlikely that the club’s supporters will be sad to see him go.

He routinely made fans feel nervous with the ball at his feet and looked overwhelmed by the pressure of playing for such a big club, often proving to be a liability when in the starting XI, so perhaps this proposed move will be best for all parties.

Hendry’s departure is the start of a summer rebuild for Celtic as they look to overhaul fierce rivals Rangers next season, and bringing in a replacement in the heart of defence is set to be a priority for whoever eventually succeeds Neil Lennon.

And, in other news…Huge claim emerges over Celtic’s managerial pursuit, fans will surely be delighted 

Nigel Adkins has provided a Charlton transfer update ahead of the deadline next week.

What’s the talk?

The 56-year-old has confirmed that work is going on behind the scenes to bring new signings to the club before the end of the transfer window. He has promised that the Addicks are trying to bolster their squad whilst working within their budget.

He told London News Online: “There have been things going on behind the scenes. We’ve got to make sure the budget that is being worked to, we can utilise it as best we can to help the group.”

Exciting times

This update from Adkins could provide some much-needed excitement for Charlton fans. The start to the season has been unquestionably poor from the Addicks, and fans may be desperate for some good news before the window slams shut next week to lift the mood by adding some fresh legs to the group.

Charlton have one point after four League One matches and have only scored twice, with their solitary point coming on the opening day of the season against Sheffield Wednesday in a 0-0 draw. They followed that up with losses against Oxford United, MK Dons and Wigan, with Crewe at home this weekend their last match before the transfer window closes.

Seven players have joined the club so far this summer – Akin Famewo, Craig MacGillivray, George Dobson, Corey Blackett-Taylor, Sean Clare, Jayden Stockley and Charlie Kirk. Three arrived on free transfers, three for undisclosed fees and Famewo is on loan from Premier League side Norwich, with an option to sign on a permanent basis next summer.

However, Stockley is the only player who has averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.00 or higher in League One so far this season. This suggests that Charlton are still in need of new additions to bolster their squad to put them in a position to be able to challenge for promotion.

Therefore, Addicks fans could be excited to hear that work is going on behind the scenes to bring in reinforcements. Adkins seems confident enough that deals will be done, given that he has spoken publicly about their need for signings, and that should give supporters hope that things will happen.

It’s now it’s time for the club to get negotiating and ensure that new signings are over the line ahead of the deadline next Tuesday.

Mark Warburton’s Queens Park Rangers head into Wednesday evening’s Championship clash in decent form, having picked up four points from their opening two fixtures of the season.

However, their opponents, Middlesbrough, are also unbeaten in the league so far this term, with Neil Warnock’s side having secured an impressive draw away at Fulham on the opening day of the 2021/22 campaign, as well as dispatching Bristol City 2-1 at the Riverside Stadium last weekend.

As such, the Rs will undoubtedly have to be at their best if they are to get anything from Wednesday’s fixture, with Warburton having to make a couple of tough calls as to who he will choose to start the game.

So, here’s how we think QPR could line up against Middlesbrough, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Warburton recently revealing that he is optimistic Charlie Austin, who missed the victory over Hull City due to a slight knee injury, will be fit enough to return to the side, as well as confirming that Sam McCallum will not be included in his matchday squad due to illness, we predict that the 58-year-old will make just one change to the side who comfortably saw off the Tigers last weekend.

Indeed, this change is Austin coming in for Christopher Willock, who is unfortunate to drop to the bench after impressing in both the Millwall draw and in the win over Hull, with the forward getting himself on the scoresheet at the weekend.

However, it is undeniable that the £1.8m-rated Austin, who scored eight goals over 21 Championship appearances for QPR last season, poses far greater attacking threat than Willock, meaning if the 32-year-old is indeed deemed fit enough to start, he will surely take the 23-year-old’s place in the XI.

Furthermore, Wallace retains his spot at left wing-back as a result of McCallum’s continued absence, while the likes of Jimmy Dunne, Andre Dozzell and George Thomas have to make to with spots on the bench.

Other than McCallum, Warburton has a clean bill of health at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, and will undoubtedly be hoping that his side continue their early-season form with another impressive performance and result at Riverside.

In other news: QPR handed big injury boost ahead of Middlesbrough clash, fans will be buzzing

Brandon Barker’s loan spell at Oxford United ended in disappointment after they crashed out of the play-offs, and his performances there did little to suggest that he will make it at Rangers next season, so Steven Gerrard should axe the winger from Ibrox this summer.

The former Manchester City man joined the English League One outfit on loan in the winter transfer window and has been a regular in Karl Robinson’s side for the second half of the season as they reached the play-offs.

The 24-year-old made 21 appearances in total for the U’s, contributing three goals and four assists and averaging a solid 7.01 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, he failed to impress when it mattered most, earning disappointing 6.29/10 and 6.3/10 ratings in the recent play-off games against Blackpool, which saw Oxford lose 6-3 on aggregate and fail to reach Wembley, where they could have earned the chance to earn promotion to the Championship.

Perhaps Barker was always likely to struggle to reclaim a starting space in Gerrard’s side next season, considering the manager will have the likes of Ryan Kent, Scott Wright and new signing Fashion Sakala available to him as options on the left wing, and this latest setback could be the nail in the coffin for the 24-year-old’s time at Ibrox.

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Since signing from Manchester City in the summer of 2019, the Englishman has made only 26 appearances for the Gers, in which he has managed just three goals and no assists.

His contract at Ibrox is set to expire at the end of next season, which suggests that a summer exit could well be on the cards if Rangers are to recoup any money for him rather than potentially losing him for nothing in 2022.

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Although Barker has shown glimpses of his ability, with Gerrard lauding his “dangerous” style of play in 2020, he has been far too inconsistent and has done little to show that he would be capable of playing in the Champions League next season.

Therefore, after this unfortunate setback for the winger, it seems likely that his time at Rangers could well be up.

In other news… Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “brilliant” beast who will “only get better”

Newcastle United enjoyed a fantastic January transfer window as they made a number of key additions to Eddie Howe’s squad.

PIF brought in Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Chris Wood and they have all played a part in the club’s revival in the second half of the season.

The Magpies are now 14 points clear of the bottom three and look set for another campaign in the Premier League, with central defender Burn playing a huge role in their recent success.

He joined from Brighton in January and has averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 7.01 in the top-flight this season for the Toon and the Seagulls combined.

Forget Dan Burn

Whilst the giant Englishman has been an excellent addition to the team, the Magpies now have the chance to sign a player who will make the fans quickly forget about him.

German outlet Bild recently reported that Newcastle are interested in signing Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka, who is valued at £24m (€28m).

The French tank can be the club’s new defensive leader and be an upgrade on Burn or play alongside him as he has proven his quality in Germany this year.

Frankfurt boss Adi Hutter previously showered the gem with praise, saying: “I honestly have to say that I was surprised by his development. Evan has developed phenomenally. He’s very attentive in the analysis of his own game. He’s very modest and always takes a lot on board.”

The centre-back has also received applause from former Frankfurt player Alexander Schur as he claimed the Frenchman “shows no nerves” and “plays with great authority.” 

In the Bundesliga this season, Ndicka has averaged a fantastic SofaScore rating of 7.14. He has made an impressive 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game and won 60% of his duels, showing that he has been putting in consistent performances and dominating opposition attackers throughout the campaign.

Ndicka also ranks higher than Burn for progressive passes, progressive carries, dribbles completed and pass completion per 90 mins over the last 365 days. This means that the Frankfurt man would be an upgrade on the current Toon star in terms of what he offers in possession, whilst his statistics in the Bundesliga in comparison to Burn’s in the Premier League suggest that his all-round displays would also be better.

Therefore, Howe can land a new defensive leader for Newcastle by bringing him to the club this summer. He has shown that he has the quality to be a major player at St. James’ Park and he has the potential to improve further at the age of 22, which means that he would be a sublime signing for now and for the future.

AND in other news, Bid planned: Howe must seal NUFC deal for £30m “monster” whose “simplicity is genius”…

As per club insider Claret & Hugh, West Ham United may have been given a possible boost in the hunt to sign Jesse Lingard permanently as news emerges on his personal terms.

The Lowdown: Lingard after pay rise?

It is known that making Lingard a Hammers player indefinitely is one of West Ham’s top priorities for this summer transfer window.

Alongside the signing of a top class centre-half and prolific striking option, manager David Moyes is eager to secure the Englishman on a permanent deal at the London Stadium (C&H).

However, Football Insider recently claimed that the Irons may have to make the 28-year-old their top earner if they wish to land him this summer – coming amid difficult financial circumstances caused by coronavirus.

The report indicated that West Ham are likely to have to offer Lingard a ‘big’ pay rise in order to tempt him away from Manchester United.

The Latest: Insider shares news involving Lingard…

According to Claret & Hugh, though, this claim is some way wide of the mark.

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The club insider understands that these mooted high wage expectations on Lingard’s end are in fact false with agents apparently making that clear to the outlet.

Indeed, those close to the deal even found it ‘refreshing’ when the midfielder was happy to remain on the same salary when he signed for West Ham on loan in January.

C&H believe that Lingard won’t in fact be looking for a £30,000-per-week bumper pay rise needed to make him West Ham’s top earner – with the player currently on around £80,000-per-week.

For now, while formal negotiations between both clubs are yet to commence over a permanent deal for Lingard, agents are currently discussing the ‘nuts and bolts’ of a potential move.

The Verdict: Boost for the Hammers?

News that Lingard won’t be demanding such a lucrative salary after all arguably comes as a boost for Moyes and the Hammers.

Indeed, amid a challenging financial climate, complications may have arisen for West Ham in regards to offering such high wages.

Scoring nine goals and assisting four others over 16 Premier League starts for the club during his temporary spell (WhoScored), Irons fans could be relieved that Lingard’s personal terms may not become such an issue this summer, which surely opens the door for the club to push for his permanent signature.

In other news: West Ham now willing to pay for 24 y/o ace as club seeks summer sale, find out more here.