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Steve Bruce has dropped an injury blow for Newcastle United ahead of their game at home to West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against David Moyes’ team, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss confirmed: “Ryan’s not fit. He’s got a groin problem that he picked up when he was with Scotland. It’s been frustrating for him and we’ve never really got him up to speed. It’s been stop start and we’ve not seen the best of him with the problems he’s had.”

Newcastle will miss Fraser

The North East club will certainly miss Fraser when they take on the Hammers, who are chasing a spot in the UEFA Champions League for the 2021/22 term, at St. James’ Park.

The pace and directness that the former AFC Bournemouth ace possessed could have caused the East London club a lot of trouble down the wing, and with his former Cherries teammate Callum Wilson back from injury, he would have been able to feed off of Fraser’s supply.

The Scotland international has averaged more key passes per game (1.4) than any of his teammates in the top flight so far in the 2020/21 season (Whoscored).

With Allan Saint-Maximin back as well along with Miguel Almiron, the link-up play with Fraser could have caused the Irons lots of problems, especially on the counter attack.

Nonetheless, the Tyneside club will have to try and find a way to get something out of the match without the 27-year-old.

In other news, find out what definitive relegation claim Liam Kennedy has dropped on the potential takeover here!

Everton have landed a huge boost in the race to sign Kalidou Koulibaly, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that the Napoli defender “would be interested” in a reunion with Carlo Ancelotti.

What’s the word?

While speaking with Give Me Sport, transfer guru Romano has claimed that Koulibaly may consider a move to the Premier League this summer.

The Senegalese star has been widely linked with a switch from the Serie A, with Everton said to have marked Koulibaly as their top defensive target and that Ancelotti is willing to sell Yerry Mina to fund a deal.

Napoli are expected to hold out for €50m (£42.5m) to sell Koulibaly, who also has suitors in Bayern Munich and Manchester City, having lowered their £89m asking price from last summer to ward off interest from Manchester United.

Romano notes that Koulibaly was close to joining Manchester City in 2020, but adds that the opportunity to be reunited with Ancelotti may prove more attractive.

“I think he would be interested because he’s always had this attractive situation with the Premier League,” Romano said, when asked if Koulibaly would consider a reunion.

“He’s always been attracted by the Premier League clubs.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-everton-news-gossip-and-views” title=”The latest Everton news and views!”]

“Also, last summer, he was really close to Manchester City, so his agent is strong with Premier League clubs.”

Should Everton sign Koulibaly?

Romano claiming that Koulibaly would be interested in a move to Goodison Park and being reunited with Ancelotti will come as a huge boost for Everton, given the 29-year-old is noted to be the Toffees’ top defensive target for the summer market.

However, Everton still have a relative mountain to climb in order to obtain the 43-cap enforcer’s services in the off-season due to the rival competition, plus the Merseyside outfit’s need to first sell Mina in order to raise the necessary funds.

Finding a suitor for Mina should now become priority number one for Marcel Brands, so that the Blues’ Director of Football can limit the opportunities for the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City to strike a deal.

Ancelotti was a huge advocate of Koulibaly’s talents during his time in charge of Napoli, so it is no wonder that the Italian is now seemingly keen to acquire the £195,000-per-week titan amid questions over his best defensive pairing.

The Toffees manager described Koulibaly as “the best defender in the world” back in 2019, and strongly believes that the 6 ft 1 centre-back owns a place among the greats of the game.

“Koulibaly belongs to the category of [Paolo] Maldini, [Lilian] Thuram, Thiago Silva and Sergio Ramos. He’s very intelligent,” Ancelotti once told La Stampa, via quotes shared by Football-Italia.

“Usually those who are as strong and quick as him think nothing else is needed to resolve problems. I divide players into optimists and pessimists. He’s a pessimist, he knows that [pace and strength] isn’t enough, so he’s very attentive and he has a strong character.”

It remains to be seen if that character will be on show in the Premier League wearing royal or sky blue next season, but Romano’s comments will undoubtedly come as a boost for Everton.

Click here to see the full interview with Fabrizio Romano.

AND in other news, Everton can potentially save £13m by turning to this Max Aarons alternative…

A number of Liverpool fans have been left stunned by an incredible goal by promising Reds youngster Mateusz Musialowski, with some excitedly comparing him to the legendary Lionel Messi.

Jurgen Klopp’s side won 1-0 away to Wolves on Monday evening in what was their final game until next month, with almost three weeks without a match to endure.

Diogo Jota’s strike was enough to earn Liverpool a much-needed victory at Molineux, keeping their chances of a top four finish just about alive.

In many ways, it could be that the Reds will benefit from a rest in the coming weeks, as they look to be in prime condition for an assault on the Champions League.

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Away from first team action, there has been some absolute magic on show in recent days, with Musialowski highlighting why he is so highly-rated at the academy.

The 17-year-old Pole has been earning rave reviews after some influential performances and he was at his brilliant best at the weekend as Liverpool’s under-18s won 3-0 away to Newcastle United’s youngsters.

Musialowski’s wonderful slaloming run and finish was the standout moment of the game and one of the best goals by any Reds player this season.

Liverpool fans laud sensational Musialowski goal

Here’s how some Liverpool fans reacted to Musialowski’s “special” piece of individual brilliance on Twitter, with many left gobsmacked by its quality.

“The Polish Pele”

Credit: @lfcfdan_

“Wow, he might just be a bit special”

Credit: @RleEllis

“You love to see it!!! YNWA”

Credit: @darrenjaxon77

“Messi regen”

Credit: @Nicoroskifte10

“Special”

Credit: @ben_LFC6

“Baller”

Credit: @ftblbeard

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been responding to a shock transfer rumour that has emerged. Read about it here.

Crystal Palace are reportedly lining up a sensational swoop for former Arsenal and current Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, the Eagles have enquired about the Welsh international, requesting information about a potential switch to Selhurst Park.

His arrival at the club would certainly be a statement of intent and one which Steve Parish might follow through on.

Owing to his huge Premier League and European experience, Ramsey would almost certainly be one of the first names on the team sheet at Selhurst Park.

The 30-year-old has made 262 appearances in the top flight of English football, scoring 40 goals and providing 51 assists.

Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery praised the midfielder in his final season at the Emirates Stadium, highlighting his “amazing” attitude and performances.

Even though Ramsey has not had the best time of things in Turin, only starting 32 matches in his year-and-a-half with the club, his statistics would still see him rank above any current Crystal Palace midfielder, including captain Luka Milivojevic.

According to WhoScored, the Welshman is averaging 1.3 shots, 1.3 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per match. This is considerably higher than the Serbian’s 0.6, 0.6 and 0.3 respectively for those metrics. Ramsey also keeps the ball far better than his opposite number, averaging an 85.8% pass completion rate to Milivojevic’s 82.5%.

It makes a lot of sense, therefore, for the Welsh ace to replace the former Olympiakos man in the heart of the Crystal Palace midfield. With James McArthur and James McCarthy also set to depart Selhurst Park come the end of their deals this summer, the arrival of Ramsey would certainly compensate for their losses and more.

Rated at just £18m and with only two years remaining on the big-money deal he signed at the Juventus Stadium, Palace might well be able to afford bringing the midfielder back to London.

It would certainly be a sensational move from Parish and the Eagles, and one which they must prioritise.

AND in more news, read why Palace must avoid signing an alternative midfielder currently plying his trade in Serie A…

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak recently, and he could be a serious upgrade on Gabriel Jesus in Pep Guardiola’s squad if he were to join.

What’s the word?

According to the Mirror, City are keeping close tabs on the 21-year-old forward after his impressive run of form with the Spanish side, and they could make a move for him in the summer.

Whilst Borussia Dortmund have an option to re-sign him for just £25 million, it is suggested that he doesn’t want to return to Signal Iduna Park anytime soon, which could open the door for City to bring him to the Premier League.

More clinical than Gabriel Jesus?

Whilst City have been unbelievably good at times this season, winning their last 20 fixtures in all competitions, there have been times where you feel they could have been a lot more comfortable if they possessed a quality finisher up front.

Sergio Aguero made his return from injury against West Ham at the weekend but struggled to have any real impact on the game, and with his contract up in the summer, it is still up in the air as to whether he will still be a City player next season.

Despite City’s dominance in league and cup competitions this season, Jesus has just nine goals and three assists in 26 appearances and has been guilty of being wasteful in front of goal on a number of occasions.

Isak, meanwhile, has 12 goals and two assists in just 20 La Liga appearances this season and has averaged an impressive 7.22 rating for his performances in the Spanish top-flight.

The Swedish forward, who is valued at £19.8 million by Transfermarkt, also averages more shots per game than Jesus (2.5 compared to 1.7), suggesting that he is more goal-hungry than the Brazilian, which is a trait City arguably lack, as sometimes it is better for a striker to be greedy and shoot rather than looking for the pass.

The football scouting website FBref suggests that Isak has scored more goals than his expected goals rate, and is expected to score 0.51 goals per game, whereas Jesus has scored fewer goals than expected, and is expected to score 0.48 goals per game.

Therefore, you could definitely argue that Isak is much more clinical than the 24-year-old, despite being just 21-years-old, and therefore, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely consider him as an option for the summer transfer window.

And, in other news… Fewer passes than Ederson: £45m-rated City ace failed to seize rare opportunity vs WHU

West Ham United have confirmed on their official Twitter channel that they will freeze 2021/22 season ticket prices for both the men and women’s campaigns among other initiatives – prompting many Irons fans to have their say.

This comes after the government announced a four-step plan to progressively ease England’s national lockdown with the goal of removing all legal limits on contact by late June 2021.

As a result, the return of football fans in stadia nationwide looks set for next season – with it being around a year since maximum capacity crowds have been allowed to watch their side in action.

West Ham have now announced that, for the 2021/22 campaign, season ticket prices for both the men and women’s sides will be frozen in a bid to aid the return of supporters to the London Stadium.

Flocking to this update by the club, it’s safe to say many Hammers fans praised the “excellent” decision from owners GSB – find some of their verdicts down below.

West Ham fans delighted by 2021/2022 season ticket announcement

“Absolutely cannot contain my excitement at the Block 103 Row 1 Reunion!”

Credit: @brendontschurch

“Very clear and concise and fair. I’ve often criticised the club for the way they do things, but this is excellent.”

Credit: @andyaustin67

“Let’s ensure we all get behind the team, we now know the team we have is capable of some big things, I would love to see the London Stadium become atmospheric, and West Ham push on even further, COYI.”

Credit: @darrenallix

“BRINGGG ME TO THE BOWL”

Credit: @JackkWHU

“Thank you GSB, more excellent work”

Credit: @JimmyMundee

“OMG”

Credit: @whugrace

“Can’t wait to get back next season roll on August”

Credit: @jackcwhufc21

In other news: West Ham are eyeing this £10.8m-valued starlet, find out more here.

Leeds were, unsurprisingly, rather quiet during the January transfer window.

However, their efforts ahead of the summer are seemingly being ramped up as each week passes by.

What’s the word?

Leeds are reportedly eyeing a switch for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

That’s according to Football Insider sources, who suggest that the Whites are ready to join the race for a player that turned down Newcastle after a £35m bid in January 2020.

The player is now valued at around £20.7m via Transfermarkt but it wouldn’t be a shock to see a similar bid to Newcastle’s required in order to prise him away in a few months time.

After all, Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that Leicester were also stepping up their pursuit of Soumare, someone he claims might be worth around £30.3m.

Struijk upgrade

When Kalvin Phillips doesn’t play at the base of Marcelo Bielsa’s midfield, his team tends to struggle. Of the four games that Pascal Struijk has played in that part of the pitch as his replacement, Leeds have failed to win a single one of them.

In fact, in nearly every one of those games, they’ve been utterly demoralised, losing those outings by an aggregate scoreline of 15-6.

Even if the young Dutchman scored at the Emirates when playing in that role, he clearly doesn’t offer the same sort of presence and composure that Phillips does.

With that in mind, finding someone externally that’s capable of playing in that role has to be among Victor Orta’s priorities for the summer. Fortunately, they’d find a perfect remedy in Soumare, a player hotly tipped as one of the next big things in French football.

Compared to Paul Pogba, the 21-year-old is improving by the day and his enormous range of qualities make for eye-catching reading.

Speaking about the midfield general in 2020, Lille president Gerard Lopez commented: “He’s one of the very best at his job. He’s technical, with incredible physical power and wins a great deal of possession. He’s a modern No.6 or 8. We’ll see him in the France team very soon.”

Soumare is yet to be capped by his country but a quick look at the statistics tells you it might not be long before France come knocking. Certainly, a move to the illustrious Premier League will help his cause.

If we use Soccerment’s comparison tool, we can easily compare Soumare and Phillips. Above, the Leeds target’s statistics appear in blue while Phillips’ are in green. That means the French prodigy has a greater success rate when it comes to aerial duels, tackles, passing and dribbling.

It may come as a surprise to see a defensive midfield usurping someone as busy as Phillips, but it only goes to show why he’d also be an upgrade on Struijk.

It is imperative that Leeds sign someone like this in the summer. It could be the difference between finishing in the top half and languishing in the bottom section of the table.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Raphinha: Leeds target who made 5 key passes should have Orta salivating…

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano in the summer transfer window and based on his performance against Union Berlin earlier this week, he would be a superb addition to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The French defender has been a key player with Julian Nagelsmann’s side in recent seasons and helped them to the Champions League semi-finals last season.

Liverpool have struggled this season in the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez and whilst a January move for Upamecano doesn’t look to be on the cards, he could prove to be a superb signing ahead of next season, if his latest performance is anything to go by.

As per SofaScore, the French international would earn a 7.9 match rating for his performance against Union Berlin, which was the highest of any player on the pitch.

The centre-back performed his defensive duties well, winning three tackles and making one interception during the 90 minutes. For comparison, Liverpool’s only currently fit centre-back Joel Matip, has averaged 1.3 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game in the Premier League, suggesting the Leipzig defender has the edge.

Upamecano would also impressively win all five of his ground duels during the game, which emphasises his excellent physicality, which could make him a good fit in the Premier League.

However, it was perhaps his passing that was the stand out attribute of an all-round superb display, as he would complete a remarkable 128/136 passes during his time on the pitch, resulting in a pass accuracy of 94%.

This is comfortably more than the 56.9 passes and 87.1% accuracy averaged by Matip, which again suggests that he would be an excellent fit at Liverpool.

Whilst this was a standout display from the Leipzig man, it was not a one-off, as he has scored higher than Matip when it comes to defending and passing stats throughout the season so far.

Something the Reds have missed in recent weeks is Van Dijk’s long passing ability, and considering Upamecano would complete 11/12 long balls against Union Berlin, he could be a great partner, and perhaps replacement, for the Dutch international in the future.

Therefore, when considering that Upamecano’s latest performance suggests he would be a better fit than the injury-prone Matip at Liverpool, Michael Edwards should pay the Frenchman’s £40 million release clause in the summer in an attempt to bring him to Anfield.

And, in other news… “He’s decent” – Exclusive: Pundit claims 6 ft 4 “unit” could fix Klopp issue

Many Liverpool fans were left stunned by reports regarding Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.

According to the Mirror, the 28-year-old is beyond the Reds’ reach as far as finances are concerned despite the Austrian centre-back due to be out of contract in the summer, news which some fans found ’embarrassing’.

Alaba is deemed to be too expensive for Liverpool due to his wages, while Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano are also out of reach.

The nine-time Bundesliga champion has scored 32 goals from 405 appearances for Bayern over the course of 10 seasons, which included a brief loan spell at Hoffenheim in 2011 (TransferMarkt).

With the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out for the season due to knee injuries, supporters were livid with this update. With Joel Matip unable to stay fit, some supporters felt humiliated about the fact their side couldn’t afford a player of Alaba’s calibre.

Fans in shock by Alaba update

“That’s literally not possible. We are one of the wealthiest clubs in the world. I could understand if he wanted £1m a week but he is not out of reach at all.”

Credit: @ronakricky

“embarrassing if true.. getting him in a free, wages should not be a problem!”

Credit: @RyanKeyo

“Wow. Financially out of reach in signing or wages, I don’t get.”

Credit: @Alexand36742345

“Embarrassing owners how are we so poor when we are champions”

Credit: @jmwLFC2000

“This is where FSG let themselves down and invite scrutiny on themselves. We clearly aren’t poor but they make out like they are so they don’t have to spend money.”

Credit: @Braden_Simmonds

“FSG out”

Credit: @SeanMG_

In other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer provides viewpoint on potential Georginio Wojnaldum replacements.

West Brom’s miserable form continued as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by League One outfit Blackpool on Saturday afternoon.

The home side led twice, leaving the Baggies having to come from behind to force the game into extra-time and then penalties, but Seasiders stopper Chris Maxwell denied three spot-kicks to embarrassingly send the Premier League giants out the competition.

It means Sam Allardyce was compounded to further woe at the Midlands club.

Although his Albion stars hardly did him any favours at Bloomfield Road, in fact, he was badly betrayed by several players who were handed a rare opportunity to start – just like Lee Peltier.

A lot of criticism came in for skipper Jake Livermore from fans on social media – one supporter claimed he was an “average Championship player, nothing more” whilst another suggested that the midfielder “offered nothing.”

But the figures showed otherwise as per SofaScore, the 31-year-old made 84% of his passes, put in two successful tackles and was one of just two visiting players to actually convert a spot-kick.

Indeed, Peltier was far worse having been initially deployed at right-back before being forced onto the other flank later in the second half.

It was only the fourth time he was trusted to start a match this season, and it’s now easy to see why as the 34-year-old veteran looked completely out of his depth.

Peltier lost the ball 26 times, more than any other Baggies player, and despite being heavily involved with 88 touches, failed to provide an accurate cross and made only two of 13 long balls, via SofaScore.

The former Cardiff ace could only make 66% of his 58 passing attempts too, which is hugely wasteful and rather shocking.

BirminghamLive’s Joseph Chapman graded him a 5/10, and said: “[He was] caught out of position as Blackpool attacked Albion down their right before the break and took the lead.”

Big Sam is surely going to think twice about starting the lightweight defender again in the future after that absolute betrayal of a performance.

AND in other news, Forget Snodgrass: West Brom can bolster survival bid by landing “explosive” speedster…