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Many Aston Villa fans have been left slamming the display of Emi Buendia in their game at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

The summer signing from Norwich City did not have the best game by his standards, and was subsequently subbed off for Ashley Young in the 74 minute when the score was still 0-0.

Buendia lost out on five of his duels, and also failed to record a single shot on target, dribble or key pass, as he was also unsuccessful with all of his attempted crosses and long balls (SofaScore).

The Argentine also lost possession of the ball on no fewer than on 11 different occasions in the match, in what summed up a frustrating afternoon for him personally, despite the 2-0 win in the end.

Aston Villa fans on Buendia display

These members of the AVFC faithful slammed the midfielder’s performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘lightweight’:

“Buendia is all wrong right now”

Credit: @SandbrookNick

“Buendia biggest waste of money”

Credit: @DG_Villa1

“Get that Buendia off and onto the transfer market please”

Credit: @harry79050597

“Buendia is way too lightweight for this league. The pretty flicks and tricks are lovely…. when they work, the hard yards are needed and the basics and he’s left wanting.”

Credit: @Racingfan211

“Buendia poor so far. Think Bailey could work better in this system”

Credit: @Jacko_AV

“New manager….Buendia still gone missing! So frustrating”

Credit: @Timtimmedia

In other news, find out what Steven Gerrard insight Gregg Evans has dropped here!

A claim has been made on Rangers forward Ryan Kent, regarding his future at Ibrox under Giovanni van Bronckhorst heading into 2022…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Stuart Hodge has suggested that the ex-Liverpool man could want to leave Ibrox unless he wins the treble this season with the club.

Aston Villa have been touted with interest in the attacker and Hodge believes he may want to try something new at the end of the campaign.

He told GIVEMESPORT when asked about Kent’s future:

“If he doesn’t win a treble or achieve something kind of ground-breaking, you know, then I think Kent’s kind of sampled most of the things that you can sample at Rangers. He’s won a league title, still to win a cup so maybe that.”

Worrying

This is a worrying claim from Hodge and could upset Rangers fans who want to see the club keep their best players in January. Supporters surely want the Gers to keep hold of their top performers, as losing Kent would leave Ross Wilson needing to find a quality replacement in the transfer market.

The English attacker has proven his class in Scotland and would be a difficult player to replace. Last season, the winger averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.23 in the Premiership as he produced an impressive ten goals and nine assists.

Earlier this year, Leon Balogun lauded him and admitted he has trouble dealing with him in training. He said:

“Who causes me real problems in training every now and then is Ryan Kent. He’s a wing wizard, my god, he’s a problem.

“There was this one goal, I think against Hamilton where he just turns the defender inside out, dropping the shoulder, dropping it again, and the guy doesn’t know where he is, so we have a few of them.”

This provides an insight into the exciting play he provides on the pitch that is capable of getting fans off their seats during games. He can spark something out of nothing with his excellent dribbling ability, with his goal contribution numbers from last season showing that he has the end product to make the most of it.

Therefore, fans will be upset at the prospect of him leaving the club, whether it comes in January or in the summer window next year. He is an important player to van Bronckhorst’s side and losing him would be a huge blow, which would leave supporters gutted and wondering how he will be replaced.

AND in other news, 129 appearances: Rangers secured dream deal with £0 gem who “embodies professionalism”…

As per Calciomercato, there has been a fresh update on the future of Cagliari star Nahitan Nandez and it involves Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Spurs make Nandez approach…

Over the summer window, the midfielder was earmarked as one of managing director Fabio Paratici’s transfer targets for Tottenham.

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Indeed, reliable sources like Sky Sports backed an approach from Spurs to sign the Uruguay international, with a summit between the club and player later confirmed.

Back in September, Cagliari’s sporting director Stefano Capozucca announced that Nandez had ‘meetings with Tottenham, Inter, Naples and Rome’, but the player couldn’t secure a move away (L’Unione Sarda via Calciomercato).

As the 25-year-old and his agent Pablo Betancur seek to finally seal an exit from the Sardegna Arena in January, there has been an update on Spurs’ pursuit.

The Latest: Spurs in the hunt…

As per Calciomercato, Tottenham are still very much in the race and pose as the most likely suitors outside of Serie A, with Napoli and Inter also remaining interested.

The Italian source also reiterates a message from Nandez’ representative in the form of a ‘discount’ for interested clubs.

As per agent Betancur, Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini has ‘promised’ to do ‘everything possible’ to facilitate Nandez’ mid-season exit, apparently ‘giving his word’ that he will ‘lower the price’ on his €36m (£30m) release clause.

The Verdict: Time to take advantage…

After Tottenham announced pre-tax losses of £80.2m for the latest financial year, with club debt now increasing to £706m (The Guardian), the club must take advantage of any bargain deals available.

Nandez certainly represents value for money if Spurs can secure him for a discounted fee, especially going by his versatility and ability to plug many gaping holes in Antonio Conte’s squad.

The South American can play as a central midfielder, right wing-back and as a traditional winger (Sky Sports), while there has been no shortage of praise for him.

Serie A journalist Mina Rzouki called Nandez ‘unstoppable’ for his performances over the back end of last campaign, whilst fellow Italian top-flight expert Conor Clancy dubbed him a ‘machine’ (This Is Futbol).

The 25-year-old could be a more than ideal signing for Spurs as Conte seeks to usher in a brand new era.

In other news: ‘Coming from Tottenham’ – Journalist makes exciting transfer claim with big offer on the table, find out more here.

Lots of Wolves fans have been flocking to transfer news on Dion Sanderson.

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Tim Spiers has revealed that the Midlands club are giving serious consideration to recalling the defender from his loan spell at Birmingham City, at least as cover in January. They would then potentially send him out on loan again if they can get their other centre-backs fit.

Sanderson has done well in the Championship so far this season, ranking highly among his Blues teammates in terms of average interceptions (1.5), clearances (four) and blocks (0.4) per game (WhoScored). Indeed, with Willy Boly’s injury, he could be useful cover at centre-back for Bruno Lage.

However, some Wolves supporters feel as if his good loan spell should not be disrupted, and that they should look to sign central defenders instead.

Wolves fans on Sanderson transfer news

These Wolves fans flocked to the transfer news was it was shared on Twitter:

“I’d be happy to see him given a chance.”

Credit: @dougan_the

“So mess with his development because the board as usual isn’t backing the manager. Shock”

Credit: @ChriWoodward

“Just keep him there and back Lage to bring in some CB’s, because or else we mess with his development. Same happened last season with Morgan Gibbs-White”

Credit: @Wolvoryan04

“Instead of buying a first team CB we are going to stunt the progress of one of our own by making him sit on the bench. Can see the same happening with Gibbs-White and maybe even Giles”

Credit: @WolvesNumber37

“Buy a defender that we’ve needed for years anyway? No mate, let’s recall a settling defender at a Championship club, a penny saved is a penny earned!”

Credit: @SJwolvs

“I’d love this tbh”

Credit: @wwfcbilly

In other news, find out whose display against Burnley was slammed by numerous Wolves fans

Manchester United have a number of attacking threats in their team, including homegrown talent Marcus Rashford, but could his time be coming to an end at Old Trafford under Ralf Rangnick?

What’s the story?

According to El Nacional, Barcelona have reignited their interests in the forward, with Rangnick apparently said to be interested in offers of more than £70m as he plans to nurture the development of Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho instead.

Reports suggest that Barca are said to be interested in tempting the 24-year-old to lead the line for the cash-strapped La Liga club.

Rashford has struggled to cement his place in the United team through injury and positional competition in the squad, with the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer only pushing Rashford further back in the pecking order.

However, with Greenwood playing well, scoring the only goal in the game against Young Boys on Wednesday, and Sancho starting to find his form, Rashford may feel that it is time to take on a new challenge with Barcelona tempting him away.

Despite the reports linking the 24-year-old with an Old Trafford exit, Rangnick hasn’t hinted with his selections so far that Rashford is not in his future plans at Manchester United, as he started the England international in the Champions League this week.

Rangnick has a decision to make

The £180k-p/w Mancunian is understandably a fan favourite on and off pitch, with his work in the communities helping those in poverty during the pandemic and being a product of the Manchester United system, it would definitely be a tough call to let go of such an asset to the club and the fans.

It could leave fans fuming if the decision was made to sell the 24-year-old to Barcelona, as Rashford has delivered many clinical performances in his time at Manchester United, with 91 goals and 57 assists for the Red Devils despite his relatively young age.

However, Rangnick does have a dilemma as the forward line is already overcrowded, and unless he intends to rotate every single week, that might not be enough to make Rashford stay at his hometown club. Not only could it hinder his development at club level, but could ruin his chances to prove to Gareth Southgate that he is worthy of a place on the plane to the World Cup in Qatar this time next year.

The England forward might possibly be tempted by a move to Barcelona, especially if he fails to get regular game-time at Old Trafford, but don’t expect him to go without some backlash from the fanbase. Also, given Rashford’s proven track record, letting him leave could turn out to be a howler from the club’s new interim manager.

In other news: Time is up at Old Trafford for this man despite Rangnick’s arrival

West Brom confirmed on Tuesday morning that fans attending Friday’s match away to Barnsley will need to present an NHS Covid-19 passport.  

As to be expected, a number of Baggies fans were quick to react to the news on social media.

Valerien Ismael’s side had to deal with a viral outbreak over the weekend, with three senior defenders absent after returning positive tests.

West Brom were refused permission by the EFL to postpone the fixture, but they still managed to grind out a 1-0 win over Reading at The Hawthorns, extending their unbeaten home run to 11 games.

The Baggies have now shared details that supporters attending Oakwell on Friday will need to provide proof of double vaccination or a negative lateral flow test when entering the stadium. Those rules will also apply at The Hawthorns, with West Brom set to host Preston North End before the New Year.

Baggies fans react

Here is what these Albion supporters had to say in reply to the club’s official Twitter post, with many quite unhappy and one labelling it as ‘ridiculous’.

“Shocking”

Credit: @WeAreWBA_

“Awful”

Credit: @jakeliversauce

“Shameful”

Credit: @LukeWoz

“BOOOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @jpriv78982

“I won’t be attending any games at all if this becomes the norm, ridiculous”

Credit: @darrenmchale4

“Bit harsh on the fans that have paid money before Boris spoke and haven’t had the jabs isn’t it?”

Credit: @WBADyl

In other news: ‘End up at Villa’ – Many West Brom fans erupt at club’s post on ‘joke’ talent

As per The Telegraph, an encouraging West Ham United transfer update has come to light involving West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye Johnstone…

Despite signing Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan deal from Paris-Saint Germain, with the option to make his move permanent (whufc.com), West Ham are continuing to be linked with a move for the Baggies ace.

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The Hammers actually did attempt to sign Johnstone in the summer window, with The Athletic claiming that they had a bid rejected for his services before opting for Areola as an alternative.

West Brom’s number one, as it stands, could leave as a free agent at the end of this season with his contract looking to set to expire in 2022. Now, an update has surfaced on West Ham’s involvement, and it could be encouraging.

The Latest: West Ham in pole position…

As per The Telegraph and reliable reporter Mike McGrath, the Hammers are ‘at the front of the queue’ to sign Johnstone as they enter pole position.

Indeed, he is expected to be among the most in-demand free transfer signings of next year as manager David Moyes personally weighs the player as competition for his number one Lukasz Fabianski.

The Verdict: Priority?

Given the presence of Areola and just how much the Frenchman has been solid when given the opportunity, we believe a swoop for Johnstone arguably shouldn’t come as a necessity.

Moyes could seal a capable heir to Fabianski by triggering the buy-option for Areola, saving a lot of time in attempting to beat other clubs in the race for West Brom’s star man.

Even on a free deal, West Ham are far better prioritising a new striker signing if they haven’t already signed one by next summer, especially given the lack of a natural alternative to Michail Antonio.

Despite being lauded as a ‘world class’ shot-stopper by former Wolves favourite Steve Bull, head of recruitment Rob Newman must surely have other positions in mind.

In other news: ‘Can’t wait’, ‘Best news today’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘amazing’ update has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.

Calling Newcastle United’s 2021 a rollercoaster of emotions would be underplaying the 12 months the club has gone through this year.

From achieving survival in the Premier League thanks to Joe Willock’s sublime form on loan from Arsenal last season under Steve Bruce to PIF taking over from Mike Ashley and Eddie Howe becoming the new manager, Magpies fans have had a lot to deal with.

Newcastle are currently 19th in the Premier League table and appear on course to head down to the Championship next year, although the January transfer window is on the way and the prospect of PIF splashing the cash may be one that excites the fans.

It remains to be seen what will happen in the market next month or whether or not they will avoid the drop down to the second division, so why don’t we focus on what has already happened?

Take our huge, bumper, Newcastle quiz of 2021 and see if you can get 100% – only real fans will!

Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis is set to join Championship club Nottingham Forest on loan with the January transfer window now open.

What’s the story?

According to Birmingham Live, Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has confirmed that the 23-year-old is on his way for a medical at the City Ground ahead of a loan move to Steve Cooper’s side.

Davis has only managed one Premier League appearance for the Villans this term, coming off of the bench for 11 minutes against Southampton in what proved to be Dean Smith’s final game in charge of the West Midlands side.

The Englishman is yet to feature under new boss Gerrard, having been an unused substitute in four of the seven games the former Rangers boss has taken charge of, who stated that the loan is what Davis ‘needs.’

Moreover, the former-Villa youth player has been demoted to the U-23s on occasion this term, making three appearances, in which he scored three goals.

Last month, the 23-year-old spoke to The Beautiful Game Podcast about a loan move, saying: “Obviously, it depends what the club wants to do but I’d want to play a more consistent run of games.

“For a player like me, still quite young and finding ways to play… Going back down to the Championship, I don’t see that as a backwards step at all.

“Me and my agent will go around to the different clubs to meet them and I will choose. It’s not like you’re getting pushed anywhere or something like that. You do have a say.”

It appears that the club Davis has chosen is Nottingham Forest who sit ninth in the Championship after a revival under manager Steve Cooper, who replaced Chris Hughton in September.

Villa fans will be buzzing

Aston Villa fans will be glad to see the striker get a loan move to the Championship which will hopefully see him get a run of games and pick up some form to restore confidence.

The move makes sense for both parties. Davis isn’t getting a look in and still needs to develop by playing games as he is still just 23-years-old, he’ll get games at Forest.

Moreover, if the loan is a success, Villa will either get a better striker back in the summer that they can use or they’ll be able to cash in and receive an increased transfer fee should Gerrard decide to move Davis on permanently.

Tottenham Hotspur have edged one step closer to signing Adama Traore this month…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law, Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici has opened talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers to bring the 25-year-old to north London.

He delivered an update in a series of tweets.

“Daniel Levy travels to the Bahamas for Joe Lewis meeting that could prove key to Conte’s plans/Paratici opens talks over deal to sign Adama Traore from Wolves,” he said.

Before adding: “I’ve never been that fussed about Adama Traore. But I do look at him and think Conte could make him into a really top player. I’d be quite excited if I was a Spurs fan and they manage to get him, as they hope to do.”

Wolves could let the Spain international leave for as little as £20m.

Wing-back monster

As Law suggests, there is plenty for Spurs fans to be excited about amid this major development.

There will be concerns over Traore’s end product, having failed to contribute a goal or assist from 20 appearances this season. However, his fit for Antonio Conte’s system and the Italian’s proven track record in improving players should provide further encouragement.

The Athletic reported earlier in the week that the Spaniard would be viewed as an attacking right wing-back – a role in which he has played before at Molineux – as he can offer more in the final third than Emerson Royal.

There aren’t many players capable of fulfilling that role, so Traore could be transitioned easier than most. Conte did a similar thing at Chelsea with Victor Moses, converting the winger into a wing-back and then winning the Premier League in 2017 and FA Cup in 2018.

Traore leads the division for dribbles (4.5 per game) and has also averaged one key pass per outing, via WhoScored. By comparison, Emerson only manages 0.8 successful dribbles per match in the English top-flight.

Standing at 5 foot 10, the wide man is built like a brick wall – something Rio Ferdinand once referenced on BT Sport (as relayed by Birmingham Live), saying: “He’s a machine. I was watching him pre-game and he could be a powerlifter or a cruiser-weight boxer – he’s huge.”

The praise doesn’t stop there for the Wolves man. It’s never-ending.

Southampton forward Che Adams dubbed him a “monster”, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp deemed him to be “unplayable”, whilst football.london reporter Alasdair Gold believes he “scares defences with his running and strength.”

The £25.2m-rated powerhouse must be doing something right.

On the above evidence, Traore would surely be a fantastic signing for Spurs to make. He would fit right in with Conte’s system and has plenty of experience in the Premier League.

For just £20m, it is surely a no-brainer.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold issues exciting Spurs transfer update…