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Manchester United have suffered a potential injury blow ahead of their Premier League clash with Leicester City on Saturday after Raphael Varane was forced out of the UEFA Nations League final before half-time.

What’s the word?

The France defender limped off the pitch after appearing to pull up while running and was seen with ice on his right thigh following his substitution on the 43-minute mark.

Varane initially received treatment on the pitch from the national team’s medical staff, but it soon became clear that he couldn’t carry on, leaving Didier Deschamps with no choice but to replace him with Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano.

Although the true extent of the centre-back’s injury is still currently unknown, it’s possible that he won’t be able to feature for the Red Devils over the weekend, leaving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a real selection headache.

Solskjaer will be absolutely gutted

Club captain Harry Maguire was absent from United’s 1-1 draw with Everton last time out and has also played no part in England’s fixtures over the current international break.

It is currently unclear whether or not he will be available for United’s trip to the King Power Stadium, but if he is, Solskjaer may well be without both of his first-choice centre-back’s, leaving him absolutely gutted.

Varane has made seven appearances in all competitions for the 20-time English champions since arriving from Real Madrid over the summer, starting in each of their last five Premier League encounters.

Therefore, his possible enforced absence will come as a bitter blow to United, who will be aiming to get back to winning ways against the Foxes.

Solskjaer may be forced to turn to a duo of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly if Varane is unable to recover in time, something which may be of cause for concern for the Norwegian tactician.

Maguire and Varane are both genuine international stars so to lose them would be a colossal blow to their chances.

Leicester haven’t been in great form but they still have the Premier League’s top scorer, Jamie Vardy, to contend with.

And, in other news…100% dribble success rate, 13 duels won: Man Utd gem shone on the international stage 

An exciting behind-the-scenes claim has emerged over West Ham’s summer signing Kurt Zouma this week…

What’s the word?

According to ever-reliable Irons insider ExWHUemployee, the centre-back has slotted in seamlessly since his £29.8m move from Chelsea last month and has already become a hit with his teammates in training.

Speaking on this week’s episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, he said:

“Zouma was superb [against Manchester United]. Honestly, I thought that was such a good performance from him and it really excites me how well he played – 26 years of age, French international, Champions League and [Premier] League winner.

“I thought he’s settled in really well. I’ve asked around a little bit to see what the new guys are like and all of them seem to be quite popular, but he’s the one that everyone says, ‘oh what a lad, he’s so funny, he’s a top bloke’, so I think he’s got the right personality for the team.

“I just thought he was brilliant. I thought he was everywhere in the air, intercepting, strong. Bearing in mind he was playing against [Cristiano] Ronaldo, I thought he was brilliant.”

Huge impact already

This is the sort of thing that both manager David Moyes and the Hammers faithful will absolutely love hearing as it bodes well for the team’s chemistry and the Frenchman’s ability to fit right in despite a major change in his career.

Such a claim is surely echoed by Zouma’s own recent comments.

“I’m settling in very well,” the 26-year-old told West Ham’s official website.  “I’ve met some top guys here, top players too and I feel like I’ve been here for many years already.”

It certainly puts to bed one rumour that suggested some of Moyes’ squad were upset by the £120k-per-week wages the new signing received.

According to The Sun (via the Daily Mail), Zouma’s salary ‘has not gone down particularly well with his new team-mates’, who have become a ‘tight-knit’ group under the Scotsman.

Ex’s latest claim would say otherwise and that’ll surely leave many around the London Stadium delighted.

The Irons may have been defeated 2-1 by the Red Devils, who had last season’s loan star Jesse Lingard bag a late, and bitter, winner but Zouma did excel on his Premier League debut for the club.

He rated among their best performers (7.1) and also recorded a game-high 12 clearances, two interceptions and one tackle, via SofaScore. His experience and quality will be a major asset for the east Londoners throughout the season and already, he looks to have been an ideal addition.

The £28.8m-rated colossus may soon become a fan-favourite at the Hammers.

AND in other news, Moyes has played a blinder over “unplayable” West Ham gem, his value has increased 50%…

Crystal Palace confirmed seven new squad numbers ahead of the new season on Thursday.

One of which involved Eberechi Eze, and a number of Eagles supporters shared their positive thoughts about the change on the back of his shirt on social media.

Eze, who remains sidelined after rupturing his Achilles back in May, wore the number 25 shirt last season.

However, after Andros Townsend’s deal expired earlier in the summer, the club have now confirmed that the £37,000-a-week ace will inherit his number ten jersey.

There are also new numbers for Tyrick Mitchell (three) and Vicente Guaita (13), whereas new signings Marc Guehi (six), Michael Olise (seven), Joachim Andersen (16) and Conor Gallagher (23) were also assigned numbers.

However, it was Eze’s switch that got plenty of Palace fans talking on Thursday.

Palace fans react

The club posted the news on all seven players on their official Twitter page. This is what these Eagles supporters had to say regarding Eze’s change in number.

“AHHHHH EZE 10″Credit: @SWPalace”EZE 10 yesssss”Credit: @WestgateElliot”Eze 10. Glorious.”Credit: @ohjoewalker”Eze10 we moveee”Credit: @cpfcbailey”YESSSS EZE 10″Credit: @KB_EAGLES”Best number 10 in the league”Credit: @20SterlingDual

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Oh boy’ – Lots of Palace fans go wild as ‘massive’ news is confirmed. 

Journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast that Wolves are the likeliest of the Midlands clubs to be involved in some Transfer Deadline Day drama.

Aston Villa have already splashed out on Emiliano Buendia, Danny Ings and Leon Bailey following Jack Grealish’s £100m move to Manchester City, whilst West Brom have made some shrewd signings under Valerien Ismael, although three loan deals and free transfers apiece mean the Baggies are yet to spend a penny.

Meanwhile, Wolves have made seven additions under Bruno Lage, but have started the season with three straight Premier league defeats following 1-0 losses to Leicester, Tottenham and Manchester United respectively, and are in desperate need of some firepower in attack.

Adama Traore now looks set to stay despite recent links with Tottenham with Wolves keen to keep him according to Spurs journalist Alasdair Gold, but Hatfield still reckons that the Midlands club could be busy before the window closes at 11pm on Tuesday, with a loan move for Renato Sanches of Lille mooted.

When asked what he expects from the Molineux outfit on deadline day, Hatfield told FFC:

“I think Wolves are the most likely to make a big signing or a player leave for big money, that’s the most likely because Wolves need to get some business done. But Wolves are most likely to make a splash.”

James Tavernier joined Rangers from Wigan in 2015 for a reported fee of just £225,000 and has gone on to enjoy a sublime career in Scotland to date.

The right-back began his career in England with Newcastle and spent time with Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan, amongst others, before finally settling down and finding a home at Ibrox.

As of today (2 October), Tavernier has amassed 301 appearances for Rangers, scoring 66 goals and setting up a further 94.

Players experience peaks and troughs throughout their careers and Tavernier was no exception. His market value on Transfermarkt rose from £360k in 2015 to £5.4m in February 2020, steadily climbing over the five years in between as he became a regular at Rangers.

He then experienced a low point as his form dipped and his value followed. In April 2020, his price dropped down to £4.35m – the lowest it had been since January 2019 (£1.80m).

In the 2019/20 campaign, Tavernier played 10 games in the Europa League for Rangers and was only able to provide one assist, with zero goals, from right-back. He was also dribbled past once per game, whilst only making 0.5 interceptions per match, and lost 50% of his duels. This suggests that he was not strong enough to dominate opposition players, whilst he also gave the ball away 240 times in those 10 matches, which may have contributed to his value dropping to £4.35m that season.

His form in the competition improved in the following season. He played seven times in the 2020/21 Europa League and provided two goals and one assist. Tavernier won 54% of his duels and made 1.3 interceptions per game, whilst only being dribbled past 0.6 times per match, losing the ball 17.6 times per game instead of 24.

Meanwhile, Tavernier’s Premiership form was outstanding in the 2020/21 campaign. He averaged a sensational SofaScore rating of 7.70 as he managed 12 goals and nine assists from right-back, showcasing the quality he can provide from defence.

Steven Gerrard was able to use his man management skills and coaching to improve Tavernier’s game and get him playing his best football after a difficult period. It could have been easy for the head coach to discard the defender after that rough patch in 2020 and sign a replacement in the summer transfer window to take his spot.

Instead, he kept faith in Tavernier and now he is being rewarded by the 29-year-old. As of the start of October, Transfermarkt value him at £7.2m. This is a 33.3% increase from February 2020, showing how Gerrard has been able to help the right-back soar in the space of less than two years, bouncing back quickly from his poor form. It has been a masterclass in management from Gerrard, and hopefully Tavernier will continue to perform on the pitch.

In other news: Concerning claim made on “lightning-quick” Rangers gem, fans would be worried

Fulham winger Fabio Carvalho is being targeted by a number of Premier League teams heading into the new season, according to the Daily Mail. 

What’s the story?

Carvalho has made six appearances in all competitions for Fulham’s first-team, where he’s evidently caught the eye with some strong performances.

The 18-year-old scored his first senior goal against Southampton, and it’ll be interesting to see whether he features in Marco Silva’s plans for the senior squad this season.

The Daily Mail have recently reported that Leeds United, West Ham, Norwich City and FC Porto are keen on signing Carvalho this summer, with that report claiming that Fulham are struggling to keep hold of the winger.

Shahid and Tony Khan reportedly are facing a difficult decision as to whether to cash in on Carvalho this summer or not, if they fail in their negotiations with the winger over a new contract.

‘Really bright’

Carvalho is only 18, and has shown real promise in the early stages of his senior career, which got underway towards the end of the 2020/21 season, where Fulham were already relegated from the Premier League.

He’s shown that he’s a player that isn’t shy on the big stage of senior football, and that’ll be pleasing to see for the Craven Cottage faithful, who will be keen to see Carvalho play his part in the club’s bid for promotion back into the top-flight this season.

Former Fulham boss Scott Parker previously labelled Carvalho as ‘really bright’, and was pleased to see him impress at senior level for the Cottagers, after scoring in the defeat to Southampton last term.

“Massive positive for us because he’s the one who’s going to be here, he’s a player that is really bright and can bring something to this team and you saw that today.

“We’ve seen his quality today, we’ve seen him scoring and assisting at an under-23 level but now he’s been around first-team players, he’s pushed on and done that as well.”

A move to Leeds United or West Ham could tempt Carvalho though, with both teams showing that there is a pathway through from their Under-23s team through to the senior squad, with Pascal Struijk (Leeds) and Ben Johnson (West Ham) being a class example of this.

But if Fulham are to have ambitions of returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking this season, then they’ll be doing all they can to keep Carvalho at Craven Cottage for the foreseeable future moving forwards.

AND in other news…Fulham have been dealt a transfer blow

Many Sunderland fans have been left slamming the display of Callum Doyle in their 5-1 loss away at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

The central defender, who is currently on loan from Manchester City, endured a very difficult night against Premier League opposition, as an Eddie Nketiah hat-trick, with further goals from Nicolas Pepe and debutant Charlie Patino, was more than enough to send Mikel Arteta’s team through into the semi-final stage of the competition.

It was a learning curve for the 18-year-old, who lost out on two of his duels, and failed to block any shots or make any interceptions throughout the game (SofaScore).

He also lost possession of the ball on no fewer than 14 separate occasions in the match, the most out of any player in Lee Johnson’s side, and his yellow card late on pretty much summed up how it went for him.

Sunderland fans slam Doyle

These members of the Stadium of Light faithful slammed his performance on Twitter, with one Black Cats supporter even going as far as to claim that he was ‘awful’:

“Callum Doyle has been awful since like September”

Credit: @JamieSAFC_

“Callum Doyle young or not simply isn’t good enough to play for Sunderland”

Credit: @GeorgeSmally

“Callum Doyle is so poor”

Credit: @Jake_3456

“Doyle having an absolute shocker so far”

Credit: @redman_aiden

“Doyle being exposed all over”

Credit: @KrisCoxon

“I’d call Sunderland unlucky. Should be 3-1. Doyle and Hume should be ashamed of that performance.”

Credit: @stustuy

In other news, find out who SAFC’s three worst players were against Ipswich Town here!

Leeds United players have taken extremely well to Jesse Marsch, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: 10 points from 12

Marsch began his tenure as Whites boss with back-to-back defeats against Leicester City and Aston Villa.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-41/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-04-02T155252Z_391313781_UP1EI421841M9_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-SOU-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, Leeds have now picked up ten points over their last four games, with the 3-0 win at Watford the latest league victory.

The Whites now find themselves nine points clear of the drop with six games remaining, and it looks as if the decision to bring in Marsch for Marcelo Bielsa is paying off.

The Latest: Source reveal

The Daily Mail shared a story on Sunday evening, looking at Leeds’ recent transformation under Marsch.

A source close to the Leeds dressing room had this to say on the American and the overall feeling they’ve heard from whispers around Thorp Arch.

“It’s just a much better atmosphere at the club.

“Jesse has a more holistic approach. So everyone feels happier.”

The Verdict: Looking up

It was certainly a gamble bringing in Marsch for such a beloved figure in Bielsa, but it looks as if it has paid off following a crucial victory at the weekend.

Plenty of credit has to go to the American, especially after starting his time in charge with two defeats, worrying results which could have badly hit a coach with less confidence. He appears to be a more approachable manager to the players too, with a 20-minute discussion on the pitch with Adam Forshaw at Watford highlighting that.

It appears to be a much happier camp following some woeful form at the beginning of 2022, and hopefully, the club can build on the foundations set ahead of the summer window.

In other news: ‘Outstanding…’ – Sky Sports man stunned at confirmed Leeds news regarding Radrizzani and 49ers 

Everton are reportedly lining up potential replacements for Rafa Benitez after a poor run of form, with Nuno Espirito Santo believed to be at the top of their wishlist.

What’s the story?

According to CaughtOffside reporter Colin Walker, the Toffees have identified the 47-year-old as a possible successor to their struggling Spanish tactician.

He tweeted: “As reported earlier this month – Everton are already lining up potential replacements for Rafael Benitez – Nuno Espírito Santo a name I have been quickly informed with.”

The former Real Madrid and Inter boss only arrived at Goodison Park over the summer, signing a three-year deal after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, but his tenure has already hit several stumbling blocks.

Everton fans will surely be worried

Benitez’s appointment back in June was greeted with some hostility amongst the Everton faithful due to his previous connections with fierce rivals Liverpool.

A fast start saw the Blues lose just one of their opening seven Premier League games under the 61-year-old, though, sparking hope that a push for European football was on the cards.

However, injuries to several key players have seen a huge drop-off in form in recent weeks, with Everton picking up just one point from a possible 15.

The Merseyside outfit’s underwhelming showings have provoked speculation over Benitez’s future, but the club’s supporters will surely be worried to learn that Nuno is the current frontrunner to take over the reins.

Despite enjoying a successful four-year spell with Wolves, guiding them to the Championship title, consecutive seventh-place finishes in the top-flight, the FA Cup semi-finals and Europa League quarter-finals, his failed stint at Tottenham Hotspurs has tarnished his reputation somewhat.

After just 17 matches at the helm, the Portuguese was dismissed by the Spurs hierarchy after a string of disappointing displays.

Defeats to Crystal Palace, Arsenal and a hapless Manchester United saw the former goalkeeper’s position in north London become untenable, and his ability to guide Everton up the division would understandably be questioned.

Benitez is likely to get a few more weeks to turn things around on Merseyside, but with Nuno waiting in the wings, he will need to pick up a positive result sooner rather than later.

And, in other news…Signed for £0m, sold for £8m: Everton struck gold over departure of £50k-p/w dud

Sunderland fans were delighted with the performance of Lee Burge during their League Cup round of 16 tie with Queen’s Park Rangers.

The Black Cats travelled to Loftus Road on Tuesday evening in the Cup already as the lowest-ranked team left in the competition. The clash in London ended as a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes, and the north-east outfit progressed to the quarter-finals after prevailing 3-1 in the penalty shoot-out.

Burge was selected by Lee Johnson ahead of usual first choice Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, and the back-up choice put in a strong performance. He made three saves (via SofaScore) and was a rock between the sticks for his side, which is quite the turnaround given the criticism he has previously suffered from the supporters.

After the final whistle, the supporters were quick to praise Burge for helping them progress. They took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on his impressive showing.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Burge below

“Get in boys ¼ finals here we come Burge outstanding tonight. Great battling team performance.”

Credit: @johne113

“Really enjoyed that game. Held out own against QPR. Well played to Lee Burge. His best performance in a Sunderland shirt. Hope we are rewarded with a home draw.”

Credit: @Tony_young78

“Burge’s best game for us (even before penalties). It seems we sign Germans made of Weetabix. Especially made up for the 2,800 down there tonight. They deserve it.”

Credit: @kingsway79

“A big shout out to Lee Burge tonight. He was confident & got every decision to come for the ball right & made some top saves & justified his managers decision to play him. That should do wonders for his confidence”

Credit: @Hag_SAFC

“A very good all-round performance this evening and delighted we beat higher league opposition in QPR to make it through to the Quarter Finals. Lee Burge’s best game in a Sunderland shirt…?”

Credit: @haymansafc

“Brilliant save from Lee Burge. What a game he had”

Credit: @LimbsSunderland

In other news, Sunderland fans were far from happy with this League One update.