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Steven Gerrard has been handed a big injury boost to Ryan Jack ahead of next season, with the Rangers midfielder undergoing successful surgery earlier this week, which should hopefully see him fit to return to the Ibrox pitch in the near future.

The former Aberdeen man has been sidelined since February with a calf injury which ended up ruling him out for the season and Euro 2020 this summer due to a number of complications.

He was sent to London to see a specialist, who recommended that an operation was required in order to fix the 29-year-old’s issue and have him back fit in time for next season.

Fortunately, Jack confirmed on Instagram earlier this week that the operation was a success, saying: “Just letting everyone know I had a successful operation yesterday morning and I’m now on the road to recovery. Can’t wait to be back for the start of next season and getting back doing what I love. Thanks to everyone for the messages it’s much appreciated. All focus now is on 56!

The midfielder was very impressive in Gerrard’s side earlier in the season and was one of the main pillars behind their incredible defensive record – in the 19 Premiership games in which he appeared, the Light Blues conceded just twice.

He averaged a solid 7.03 WhoScored rating for his performances, and whilst Rangers were able to seal the title without him, they have definitely looked more vulnerable defensively in his absence, conceding 11 goals in the 16 league matches he has missed this term.

Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister was full of praise for Jack back in 2019, saying: “For me, he has been unbelievable from day one.

“He has improved no-end, and you are seeing a midfield player gathering loads of information, experience and being given a bit of responsibility he’s maybe not had in the past.”

This has certainly continued to be the case this season, so to have him back in time for next term will be a huge boost for Gerrard and his hopes of securing another Premiership crown in 2022, whilst hopefully also impressing in the domestic and European cup competitions.

In other news… Gerrard handed major boost with 23 y/o dubbed “the best”, Wilson must deliver

Liam Kennedy has revealed that Newcastle United are now working behind the scenes on a potential plot to sign Axel Witsel.

The Lowdown: Glittering career

At 32 years of age, Witsel has had a glittering footballing career, winning many major trophies with the likes of Zenit St. Petersburg and his current club Borussia Dortmund (Transfermarkt).

He has also grown up as part of Belgium’s golden generation alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, and he even won the national team’s Footballer of the Year award in 2008 – he has an incredible 120 senior caps for his country, scoring 11 goals (Transfermarkt).

Given that Graeme Jones was assistant manager to Roberto Martinez at Belgium, Witsel is a player who he knows well, and so it will be interesting to see if he has any particular influence on his potential move to St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Witsel discussed

Writing in his latest piece for Newcastle World, Magpies journalist Kennedy has revealed that the North East club are now working to strengthen the squad ‘behind the scenes’, and Witsel is a player who has been discussed.

They are understood to be ‘weighing up a move’ for the central midfield player in the January transfer window, and he could be made available by Dortmund.

The Verdict: Valuable experience

Having played at the highest level throughout his career, Witsel would provide the squad with some valuable experience, and a winning mentality that will be needed if they are to avoid relegation from the Premier League down to the Championship.

He can still offer a lot on the pitch as well, as he is actually averaging more interceptions, clearances and passes at a higher success rate than Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

With a six-foot-one frame, Witsel should be able to cope with the physical demands of the top flight, and would also offer the Tyneside outfit a unique threat in both boxes.

Nonetheless, given his age and the fact that he is seemingly available, he should come relatively cheap, and so would be a smart buy for Eddie Howe’s team.

In other news, find out which Salah-like beast NUFC are eyeing here!

Tottenham Hotspur are considered the front-runners to secure coveted transfer target Stefan de Vrij, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Italian outlet Calciomercato claim Spurs are interested in a move to sign the Inter Milan centre-back and the Serie A champions could be open to selling him in the future.

His departure could raise finances to subsequently reinvest in a younger alternative, one that will be of more use to Simeone Inzaghi in the long term.

It remains to be seen how much de Vrij would command, though Transfermarkt currently value him at £45m, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2023.

Major coup

The Lilywhites may remain unbeaten in all three matches under Antonio Conte, but their defensive problems are bubbling beneath the surface and sooner or later, this will be a big problem for the 52-year-old.

It is no surprise that he is targeting the addition of two new centre-backs this winter, per Duncan Castles.

Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez played a big part in last season’s turmoil at the back, whilst Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon may not be considered ready, and even left-back Ben Davies has been filling in as the only left-footed option.

Their problems have evidently continued into the current campaign as Spurs have the worst goal difference of any team ranked 16th or better right now.

Whilst summer signing Cristian Romero is seemingly acing a pretty length stint on the sidelines with what has been described as a “serious” hamstring injury.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-news-updates-transfers-antonio-conte-thfc” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

The Netherlands international is someone Conte knows well from their time together at the San Siro, where last season, he not only contributed to their title triumph but also towards them having the best defensive record in the league.

He will know too well about the Italian’s demands and system, so he would need little time to settle in and that not to mention his obvious qualities as an experienced 54-cap colossus.

In 2020/21, de Vrij averaged an impressive 93.8% passing accuracy across 32 appearances, excelling with the ball at his feet, on top of two aerial duels won and 1.3 interceptions per league outing, via WhoScored.

“Stefan is a great defender and deserves to be at a big club. He’s very tall, he’s strong and fast, he runs a lot – he’s a monster!,” claimed ex-Lazio teammate Mauricio to ESPN (via Football Italia), before later adding: “He’s a calm defender who never gets agitated.”

Also dubbed a “world-beater” by former top-flight striker Noel Whelan to Football Insider, the Inter Milan beast could be exactly what Conte needs to kickstart his era in north London.

Given their issues defensively, he could quite easily become Spurs’ biggest and best signing since Heung-min Son, who has made a big impact over the years.

Lilywhites chief Fabio Paratici must look to seal a move for de Vrij as early as January.

AND in other news, Conte could have a secret weapon at Spurs in rarely-seen £18m-rated “big, big talent”…

A number of Manchester United supporters have been reacting positively to another rumour claiming Anthony Martial could leave the club.

The Frenchman has had a curious United career in many ways, enjoying some success but never quite matching the expectations many had when he arrived in 2015.

Martial has scored 79 goals in 268 appearances for the Red Devils but he has found himself increasingly out of favour at Old Trafford.

[freshpress-poll id=“378953″]

Only two Premier League starts have come his way this season, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Edinson Cavani all seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness and utdreport on Twitter], Martial will now do all he can to leave United in the January transfer window, assuming he is not in Ralf Rangnick’s plans.

Man United fans like Martial rumour

These United fans reacted to the news on Twitter, seeing it as a positive update due to the Frenchman’s lack of form recently…

“Please go”

Credit: @BigGruntz

“Thank God he wants to leave”

Credit: @_joromie

“Where does he want driving?”

Credit: @33georgejohnson

“On your bike then”

Credit: @alexkevans1992

“Who’s gonna miss a lazy striker???”

Credit: @Fabianhdw1

“He should have performed when he was given the chances…”

Credit: @lit08

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on one rumoured United target. Find out who it is here.

Sunderland have a rare opportunity to put the league on hold this weekend.

That’s because the Mackems are getting ready to face Tranmere in the final of the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley.

On the chalkboard

Heading into this weekend, Lee Johnson has plenty of selection dilemmas. Does he disrupt a defence which has kept five clean sheets in six or does he try to reintegrate some of the men who have been out injured?

There are also dilemmas in attack, an area of the field which has been dominated by Charlie Wyke and Aiden McGeady. They have contributed to 36 goals this term, a phenomenal return from two players from whom Phil Parkinson failed to get the best.

Wyke has 26 strikes this term compared to the six he scored in 2019/20, although Sunderland have also received help from the likes of Aiden O’Brien and Jordan Jones. The pair started last time out against Portsmouth but there are also cases for Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire to feature.

Who to unleash?

Maguire had been one of the biggest losers from Johnson’s appointment just a few weeks ago. He was, and still is, being mainly restricted to substitute appearances.

That being said, he has come to life to deliver some vitally important cameos in recent weeks.

The forward has already bounced back from his fair share of tough times at the Stadium of Light. He was reprimanded by Parkinson after being snapped alongside McGeady at a McDonald’s just hours after suffering a defeat to Gillingham in December 2019.

He became a pillar of Parkinson’s team from that moment onwards, however, contributing four goals and three assists in his next six outings.

The £4,400-per-week earner has responded to Johnson not picking him on a regular basis by starring from the bench. In the 32-year-old’s last five outings, he has been involved in three goals.

With the Scottish forward’s form improving all the time, Johnson has to consider unleashing him on Sunday. Maguire could just prove to be Sunderland’s secret weapon.

After all, the majority of Tranmere’s pre-game preparation could well be on how to stop Wyke and McGeady.

With Jones a major doubt, it only adds further appeal to playing Maguire on Sunday. He may be the difference.

AND in other news, Dreyfus may be on the verge of repeating one of Donald’s biggest SAFC mistakes already…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has hailed Aston Villa assistant head coach Craig Shakespeare for the impact he has had at the club.

Shakespeare, who has spent time working with Leicester City and the England national team, was added to Villa’s backroom staff by manager Dean Smith in August 2020 as the 49-year-old looked to add more experience to his coaching team.

That coaching team, of course, also includes former Chelsea and England captain John Terry, and Palmer believes the ex-central defender and Shakespeare have played a massive part in Villa’s defensive improvement this season. He told FFC:

“Conceding goals was a major thing that they had to address. I think he’s [Smith] done a fantastic job, he really has. I think his recruitment of Craig Shakespeare… been number two to Nigel Pearson, number two to Sam Allardyce at Everton, fantastic. He really is a fantastic coach.

“So he’s done well recruiting that and, of course, he’s got an ex-England international centre-back there. So obviously that will help with the defensive side of things.”

Without a doubt, the Villans have been exceptional in defence this term. In 27 league games, Smith’s men have conceded just 28 goals (per WhoScored). Only Chelsea (25) and title favourites Manchester City (21) have managed to register better records in that department.

It is quite the shift from last season, with Villa conceding 67 goals by the end of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign, the second-worst record in the division.

The Midlands club have also managed to keep 14 clean sheets this term, a number that only Chelsea (15) and Manchester City (16) can once again beat, really putting into perspective how solid they have been since last September.

Sunderland have been issued a huge injury lift over attacking midfielder Alex Pritchard after he was absent on Monday…

What’s the latest?

Black Cats boss Alex Neil has explained why he was not in the squad for the clash with Plymouth and provided hope for the final three matches of the campaign.

He told the Sunderland Echo: “What we couldn’t do is risk him, the last thing I want to do is put him on for 20 minutes, he breaks back down and we then miss him for the next week.”We’re at a stage now where if you are out for any period of time, you miss all the remaining games.”I’m very, very hopeful that if we get a good week, well three days under his belt [before Saturday], then let’s see how he goes for the next week.” Supporters will be delighted

Supporters will be delighted with this news as Pritchard’s return will be a major boost for the club ahead of a crucial set of games.

The Black Cats are one point above Sheffield Wednesday, having played one match more, in the race for a play-off position and are two points off fourth with a game in hand on fifth and fourth. This means that they have a big chance to land in the top six by the end of the campaign and their clashes with Cambridge, Rotherham and Morecambe.

Therefore, Pritchard coming back is vital for Neil as he has the quality to unlock defences. Sunderland struggled badly in the final third without him against Plymouth on Monday as they failed to create any clear-cut chances to score, managing two shots on target in the 0-0 draw.

In League One this season, the Englishman has created 2.1 chances per game and provided eight ‘big chances’ in 33 outings. This shows that he has regularly been delivering in the final third in terms of being able to create openings for his teammates, which would have helped the likes of Nathan Broadhead and Ross Stewart earlier this week.

The 28-year-old has the magic touch on the ball, with four goals and seven assists this term, and can be the difference-maker as Sunderland fight for a play-off position. This is why the fans will be buzzing to read Neil’s ‘hopeful’ comments regarding his current injury situation as he can play a huge role in the team in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Patterson: £2.7k-p/w SAFC gem with 87.5% duels lost flopped today…

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be keen on bringing another Real Madrid star to north London…

What’s the word?

According to El Chiringuito TV, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is eyeing up a swoop for versatile right-winger Lucas Vazquez. However, he’ll have to battle old rivals Atletico Madrid to secure his signature.

“Mourinho & Simeone are fighting over a player who has been singled out for his performance in the Super Cup. Tottenham & Atletico love Lucas Vazquez,” said transfer expert Eduardo Inda to the Spanish football show.

Another Moura

It would be a surprise to see Spurs bolster their squad with a winger this window, though the summer opens up far greater possibilities as the futures of Erik Lamela, Lucas Moura and on-loan Gareth Bale are by no means certain.

Eurosport’s Dean Jones reported earlier in the month that the north Londoners would be willing to listen to offers for either of the former two, whilst The Times claim a second season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium seems unlikely for the Welsh superstar.

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and after rejecting a recent extension to his current £115k-per-week terms he seems destined to leave the La Liga giants, meaning Daniel Levy may not even need to pay a transfer fee for his services.

But is he worth pursuing? Probably not.

Vazquez could merely be another Moura – a player that can spark glimpses of sheer quality at times but ultimately lacks that proper end product.

That much has been seen this term as Zinedine Zidane has surprisingly deployed him in a right-back role in 52% of his appearances this term.

Indeed, over the course of 227 appearances for Los Galacticos, the nine-time Spanish international has only contributed 26 goals and 49 assists, meaning the £13.5m-rated wide man provides or scores one goal every three outings, per Transfermarkt.

Similarly, this is an issue for the Brazilian attacker over in N17.

He’s scored just once in the Premier League since December 2019, and over the duration of his 134 games for Spurs, he’s contributed only 43 goals, meaning he delivers one goal every 3.1 appearances.

That’s practically mirroring the Madrid star to a tee.

Zidane claims Vazquez is a “reliable” player who “gives everything” while in the past Spanish papers such as Marca have dubbed him “fearless,” though, in terms of attacking output, that just does not appear to be the case.

Whether he’s a player who Mourinho wants truly remains to be seen, but on the above evidence, it would seem a pretty pointless move. They’d be better off keeping Moura.

AND in other news, Shades of Klinsmann: Spurs must seal “ruthless” £31.5m-rated gem for one big reason…

Newcastle United have suffered a major body blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Manchester City on Friday night.

Steve Bruce’s side will be without star striker Callum Wilson after news emerged that the summer signing had injured his hamstring in the Magpies’ 4-2 victory over Leicester last week.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “Newcastle United can confirm that striker Callum Wilson will miss the remaining two weeks of the season after injuring his hamstring during Friday’s win at Leicester City.

“The striker scored twice in an impressive 4-2 victory at the King Power Stadium, but picked up the injury in the closing stages of the match.”

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s game against the newly-crowned champions, Bruce admitted that he felt like he could have perhaps prevented Wilson from getting injured.

He said: “I kick myself, really. In hindsight, I should’ve taken him off before that. It’s his other side. We’d expect it to be two or three weeks.”

The 29-year-old missed seven games earlier on in the season with a hamstring injury, and it’s been the only negative about the forward’s debut campaign on Tyneside.

Since making the move from Bournemouth last summer, Wilson has bagged an impressive 12 goals and provided another five assists in 26 Premier League games, firing the Magpies away from relegation danger. Their next-highest scorers have just five goals each in all competitions, illustrating just how priceless the 29-year-old’s contribution has been.

With the England international out of action for now, Bruce will now have to rely upon the likes of Joelinton and Dwight Gayle as his team’s striking options, and neither have really convinced at all during their time at the club – this season alone has seen them score just four goals in 44 Premier League games combined.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/newcastle-steve-bruce-premier-league-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-st-james-park-joelinton-shelvey-max-aarons” title=”Read the latest Newcastle transfer rumours and news!”]

It’s exactly why the news that not only will Wilson miss tonight’s game against City, but also the remainder of the season, will leave Bruce devastated.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce must drop this underperforming player tonight…

Daniel James was signed as a 21-year old from Swansea City in 2019 but he has seen first-team opportunities severely limited this season and former Man United midfielder, Keith Gillespie, has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern, that the winger must step up his game.

James enjoyed a run of four starts in six games in February and March, but since the emergence of Amad Diallo and Mason Greenwood’s upturn in form, the Wales international has made one appearance since April 4th.

There were reports back in January that the winger was set to leave Old Trafford but with no form of deal materialising, he remains on the outskirts of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s regular starting lineup.

Speaking on how James has a big summer ahead of him as he has failed to perform on a consistent basis for Man United, Gillespie spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s nowhere near the starting XI at the minute so he needs to really step up because he’s been very disappointing for me.

“I liked him when he first arrived but he doesn’t perform often enough so he’s got a big summer coming up.”

Back in 2019, James expected to be signing for Leeds United but after Swansea did not trust Leeds to pay the full amount for James, the Welsh club pulled the plug on a potential deal and the winger ended up signing for Man United the following summer.

The £45,000 per week attacked has failed to nail down a regular spot at Old Trafford as he has been handed just 14 appearances in the Premier League this season with 10 of them being starts.