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Newcastle United are set to have left-back Matt Targett available for their game away at West Ham United on Saturday afternoon after the Englishman missed the Magpies’ victory over Aston Villa last week.

What’s the latest?

Having been ineligible to face his parent side last weekend, Targett is set to be available for selection once again as Eddie Howe’s side look to extend their excellent form to four consecutive wins in the top-flight.

The left-back swapped Villa Park for St.James’ Park late in the January transfer window after Villa boss Steven Gerrard secured the signing of left-back Lucas Digne from Everton.

This week, the 26-year-old told TalkSport about his departure, having been voted the club’s Player’s Player of the Season last term.

“It was a difficult decision (to leave),” said Targett. “Last season, especially, I was the only left-back.

“I knew the club wanted to sign a left-back. But I was quite surprised when they signed someone like Lucas Digne. Obviously, he was out there, at the time. The club had to do what they had to do.

“It was quite hard to take to sign someone of that calibre. But if that’s where the club wants to go, then I completely respect that.

“At the same time, I am 26. I don’t want to be sitting on the bench. I want to look back on my career and I have played as many Premier League games as I can possible, so that’s one of the main reasons.”

Howe will be buzzing

With his side 17th, there is still plenty of work to be done for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle outfit. Although they’re out of the relegation zone, just four points separate the Magpies from 18th place Norwich City, although the Tyneside club have a game in hand.

Rock bottom Burnley, however, have two games in hand on the Geordies whilst being seven points behind them; the job at hand is far from over.

Therefore, the Englishman will be desperate to have as many players available as possible and to have Targett back, particularly with right-back Kieran Trippier set to miss weeks of action, will be a major relief.

AND in other news, ASM 2.0: NUFC must land deal for “beyond talented” flyer, he “impressed” Kylian Mbappe…

Newcastle United are facing a major injury worry over Joe Willock ahead of their Premier League clash against Wolves on Friday night.

What’s the story?

Writing on Twitter, journalist Craig Hope revealed: “Joe Willock a doubt for Friday’s visit of Wolves with a knee injury, opening door for Bruno’s first home start. Also understand Kieran Trippier will miss Wolves & Leicester but there remains hope he’ll be back this month.”

Worrying news for Howe

While seeing Willock complete the full 90 minutes against Spurs may have offered some hope that the injury he sustained was nothing too serious, Hope’s update is certainly a worrying one for the Magpies boss.

Speaking later in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Howe delivered a further update on Willock’s condition.

He said: “Joe Willock has had a slight knee problem for a couple of weeks. He’s become a bit more aware of it in training so it’s something we need to stay on top of. We’ll make a late call on him. We don’t think it’s anything serious.”

Despite not seeing Willock hit the heady heights of last season, when he scored eight goals in just 14 Premier League games for the club following his loan move to St James’ Park, the England youth international still offers that box-to-box presence and dynamism from midfield.

The 5-1 defeat to Spurs last time out just raised a sliver of doubt over whether the Magpies have well and truly escaped from the relegation battle this season, especially with Burnley’s seismic 3-2 victory over Everton on Wednesday night.

The result in Lancashire has meant both Burnley and Everton are just seven and six points behind the Magpies respectively, having also played a game less than the Tyneside club too.

Injuries at this stage of the season, and with so much on the line too, can be incredibly taxing for managers, and for Howe, being without one of his key first-team options in midfield in Willock is something that will worry him ahead of tomorrow night.

AND in other news, Wood upgrade: PIF will be having NUFC nightmares after missing out on £20m “cult hero”…

Leeds United are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers centre-back Darragh Lenihan, according to a fresh transfer rumour which emerged on Thursday.

The Lowdown: Lenihan shines for Blackburn

Tony Mowbray’s side are enjoying an excellent season currently, sitting second in the Championship and looking strong to seal promotion to the Premier League.

Lenihan has been an undisputed key man for Blackburn, starting 26 of 28 league games at the heart of the defence and being hailed as ‘special’ by his manager.

The captain’s performances appear to have alerted a host of clubs, however, with a potential move to the top flight now on the cards.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Leeds in the mix

According to a report from TEAMtalk (27/01/22), Leeds are one of numerous Premier League teams eyeing up a move for Lenihan, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Wolves and Everton also mentioned.

The 27-year-old’s current Blackburn deal expires at the end of the season, meaning the Whites could snap him up on a free transfer if he doesn’t extend his stay at Ewood Park.

Promotion could be a determining factor in convincing the Republic of Ireland international to stay put.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-33/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Good squad acquisition

While the step up to the Premier League from the Championship is admittedly great, Lenihan’s performances this season suggest he could be a shrewd signing by Leeds.

The Irishman has won an impressive average of 5.1 aerial duels per match in the league this season, not to mention 4.9 clearances each game too.

To put that into context, Liam Cooper leads the way for the Whites in aerial duels with 3.6, highlighting the Blackburn skipper’s prowess in both boxes, while no Leeds player with more than one appearance boasts more clearances than Lenihan.

The fact that he would be available on a free takes out the financial risk element, too, so there is a little about the move that feels negative.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly considering another bid for one player. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur’s new signing Dejan Kulusevski could become a better version of one of Antonio Conte’s former stars…

January swoop

The Sweden international signed from Juventus on deadline day, joining in an 18-month initial loan for an £8.3m fee, which has an option to buy set around £29.2m, as per the BBC.

He arrives in north London alongside fellow teammate Rodrigo Bentancur, who joins in a £15.9m permanent deal, which could rise by £5m before the end of his contract in 2026.

The pair would be Spurs’ only two arrivals this winter.

Shades of Eden Hazard

Kulusevski is hardly the sort of player that the Lilywhites were crying out for but he’s still a very exciting young talent who will offer Conte supreme versatility in the final third.

It’s that sort of ‘plug-and-play’ style that the Italian loves to have at his disposal – as we’ve already seen, he considers Steven Bergwijn to be a back-up option to Harry Kane up top, whilst there could be some similarities to Eden Hazard, an out-and-out winger who thrived in the half-spaces as one of two no.10s.

The 21-year-old is certainly capable of playing both roles as displayed during his maiden campaign at the Old Lady. Kulusevski was deployed in as many as seven different positions and he still provided 14 direct goal contributions across all competitions, which is remarkable for his age at a club of Juve’s stature.

Perhaps what is more astonishing was the way in which he dropped down the pecking order under Massimiliano Allegri but his loss is certainly Spurs’ gain.

“He has incredible physical strength. He reminds me of a young [Mo] Salah for the way he shakes off opponents in the first ten metres,” once claimed Italian coach Pierpaolo Bisoli, whilst former Aston Villa and Sweden striker Marcus Allback dubbed Tottenham’s new man “explosive” and “direct” to The Sun.

According to  Italian Football expert Nima Tavallaey Roodsari, Kulusevski will become an “absolute monster” under the stewardship of Conte.

Hazard provided 34 goals and 21 assists in 94 appearances under the Conte at Stamford Bridge, and the 52-year-old will be hoping that the £27m-rated dynamo can be a similar sort of attacking threat at Spurs this season.

Given the way in which the Belgian has fallen off in his career and the age that Kulusevski has arrived in N17, the Lilywhites’ new man could well emerge as an even better talent than the former Chelsea star in the future.

AND in other news, Antonio Conte concerns emerge at Spurs amid huge transfer claim…

MatériaMais Notícias

Aston Villa confirmed on Thursday evening that defender Kortney Hause has signed a new deal at Villa Park.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters were quick to give their thoughts to the update on social media.

Hause was set to be out of contract in the summer, however, he has now put pen to paper on a new deal through to 2025.

The 26-year-old has made eight appearances this season and is one of three centre-backs available to Steven Gerrard alongside Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa.

Villa are still keen to bring in another centre-back before the month is out as well as a defensive midfielder, however, it is Hause who is line to start against Everton tomorrow due to Konsa’s injury.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to the club’s official Twitter post, with one labelling it as ‘great news’ and another hailing Hause as a ‘class act’.

“Gwarn big dog! What a signing”

Credit: @1153Simon

“Great move!”

Credit: @Jelly31807434

“Delighted. Great news. One of the best deals of the transfer window.”

Credit: @pgjf1

“Top man Kortney. Great player and a class act . VTWD”

Credit: @GuestRod

“An important deal for the club that won’t get headlines. Hause has always been a guy who steps up well when called upon. Glad he’ll be here a while longer.”

Credit: @TheTGF4

“Excellent news for all concerned, every club needs a Kortney House”

Credit: @JUSTIN_AVFC_

In other news: ‘Give them what they want’ – Many Villa fans flock to transfer update on potential ‘superstar’. 

These are the five performances that have made the ESPNcricinfo awards shortlist for ODI bowling performances of 2009

Cricinfo staff18-Feb-2010Three series-winning performances, and two inspired efforts that derailed Australia comprise the ODI bowling shortlist of 2009 for the ESPNcricinfo awards. Pace and spin both feature prominently in the nominations, four of which are hauls of five wickets or more and also include a hat-trick.Shahid Afridi bagged the second best figures in 2009, taking 6 for 38 in Dubai in an uncharacteristic Australian collapse, where eight wickets fell for 27. The display won Pakistan the game, though the series was eventually lost. Harbhajan Singh’s 5 for 56 in the Compaq Cup in Colombo, in the wake of a blistering reply by Sri Lanka’s batsmen in their chase, ended India’s long struggle in tournament finals.The fast bowlers had three representatives, leading with Andrew Flintoff, whose hat-trick against West Indies, part of his career-best 5 for 19, won England their first ODI series in the Caribbean. Doug Bollinger had made a mark in only his second ODI, grabbing a five-for against Pakistan, but his 5 for 35 in Guwahati against India sealed a memorable series victory for Australia after they had been 1-2 down. And finally, Kyle Mills inflicted on Australia what they rarely experience at home, bowling them out for 181, their lowest in the country that year, while taking 4 for 35 in conditions favourable for batting.The top five were drawn on basis of votes from a 14-member jury that includes some of the leading cricket experts in the world and Cricinfo’s senior editors.A departure from the usual year-end awards looking at overall performances, ESPNCricinfo’s honours are in two categories: a jury-based award looking at the year’s best batting and bowling performances and a stats-based award using numbers from Cricinfo’s extensive database. The winners for all the awards will be announced on February 19.

Crystal Palace shared details on Thursday regarding their FA Cup third-round tie with south London rivals Millwall in the New Year.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

The two sides were paired together in Monday’s draw and are set to face off for the first time since 2013.

It has now been confirmed that Patrick Vieira’s side will travel to The Den on Saturday, January 8, with a 12:45pm kick-off. The match will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and ticket details for the game will be announced shortly.

The Eagles first need to navigate a busy festive period in the Premier League, though, with six fixtures prior to the trip to the Championship side.

Palace fans react

Palace shared the details on their official Twitter page on Thursday. This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘inevitable’.

“No way I can’t go”

Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_

“You beauty”

Credit: @jwgribbin_

“C’mon the boys”

Credit: @BMCPFC

“Can’t make it and won’t even be able to watch it on TV at this time”

Credit: @eagle7ian

“Early kick off ewww”

Credit: @SWPalace

“It was inevitable”

Credit: @palacedan00

In other news: ‘I will flip’ – Many Palace fans react as ‘class’ transfer news emerges. 

Alastair Cook believes England can draw on recent experiences to haul themselves to safety in the third Test at Newlands

Andrew McGlashan in Cape Town06-Jan-2010Alastair Cook believes England can draw on recent experiences to haul themselves to safety in the third Test at Newlands and retain their series lead. The tourists go into the final day on 132 for 3 after three late wickets undid the strong start laid down by Cook and Andrew Strauss who added 101 for the first wicket.On 55, Cook gave his wicket away to Friedel de Wet with a loose pull and Strauss was caught at short leg off Paul Harris three overs later. However, the real hammer blow to England’s hopes came when the out-of-form Kevin Pietersen was trapped lbw by Dale Steyn, having been earlier offered a reprieve via the review system after Daryl Harper missed a huge inside-edge.But already in this series England have battled to a draw after seeing out the final day at Centurion with nine wickets down, despite a late collapse against de Wet, while last year’s Ashes escape at Cardiff is still used as inspiration.”We’re going to have to be realistic about it and would settle for the draw,” Cook said. “We’ve got to take a lot of confidence from the situations we’ve been in – at Cardiff and the first Test here – where we’ve managed to scrape out a draw. We’ve got the fighters to do that, in the right positions – so we hope we can do it one more time.”The manner in which both England’s openers fell continued a pattern for the match where the top order have played a hand in their own demise. “It was pretty disappointing. We’re probably one wicket behind where we’d have liked to have been,” Cook said. “Obviously, you’d like to be nought down but realistically, we’ve just lost a couple more than we’d have liked.”In England’s favour, though, is the fact that the wicket has seemingly become easier to bat on as the match has developed. The new ball continues to be a threat, especially against Morne Morkel and Steyn, but England’s opening partnership showed that it was possible to prosper.”The wicket has held together quite well. The wickets so far have been lost in clumps, and we’ve got to try to avoid that tomorrow,” Cook said. “Yesterday and today have probably been the best two days to bat on it, and I don’t see a drastic change tomorrow.”There’s a little bit more rough for Harris to the left-handers. But apart from that, there’s just a little bit of variable bounce we hope we can get through and fight like we have done in previous times.”AB de Villiers said it had been a surprise the pitch hadn’t broken up more, particularly after the 40-degree heat of the third day, but remained confident there was enough on offer for the South Africa attack.”We all expected the cracks to open up a bit more, but there is still enough for the seamers to gain out of the wicket,” he said. “We are trying to get it to reverse – not by stepping on the ball, but by shining it – and we have Paul Harris looking good as well so hopefully we’ll hit those cracks that open up a bit.”

Leeds United may have to battle La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to sign Agustin Alvarez in January, according to Mundo Deportivo, translated by Sports Witness.

The Lowdown: Alvarez profiled

Alvarez is a 20-year-old centre-forward who currently plies his trade for Uruguayan side Penarol.

He’s scored 33 goals for his current employers and one for Uruguay, with his Transfermarkt valuation rocketing in 2021 from £270,000 to £4.05m.

Leeds currently have Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo out injured, and it appears as if Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani could spend in the New Year as a result.

The Latest: Update emerges

Sports Witness relayed claims from Mundo Deportivo’s print newspaper in a story on Monday regarding Alvarez.

They suggested that both Barcelona and Real Madrid are keen on the forward, with a €12m (£10.2m) fee thought to be enough for Penarol to sell. Leeds, led by Orta of course, have reportedly already made contact for Alvarez and could make an offer in 2022.

The Verdict: Time to swoop?

Marcelo Bielsa’s attacking options are limited at this moment in time with Bamford and Rodrigo sidelined, with winger Dan James the latest to occupy a centre-forward role in the 7-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Tyler Roberts and teenager Joe Gelhardt have also been used, but bolstering the club’s attacking ranks with Alvarez could prove to be a shrewd move in both the short and long term.

A £10.2m fee should be in Leeds’ reach as well, compared to a £25m figure Blackburn want for Ben Brereton Diaz, and a few winter window additions could prove to be the difference in the club’s battle to avoid relegation in what could prove to be Bielsa’s final season.

In other news: Leeds now back in for summer target who is ‘like a beast’ – reliable journalist.