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Many Aston Villa fans have been left slamming some news involving changes to their fixture schedule.

As per the official website of the Villa Park faithful, no fewer than six of their games over the busy December and January period have been selected for live TV broadcast, which means that their kick-off times have all changed.

AVFC supporters are particularly unhappy with the new Boxing Day time, with which they will now host Chelsea at 5:30pm – travelling will be difficult around that time in the evening, likely leaving fans with a choice of being able to enjoy family time or attend the match.

Dean Smith’s side also host Manchester City at 8:15pm midweek, which is another awkward time, particularly for fans who have work the next day.

Aston Villa fans on fixture changes

These Villa fans were left slamming the news of the fixture changes as they were shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that they were ‘disappointing’:

“8:15pm on a weekday and 5:30pm on Boxing Day feels like an attack tbh”

Credit: @victoriaabigail

“Leeds change and Chelsea is a right inconvenience”

Credit: @turland080694

“The fans don’t matter anymore.”

Credit: @Dannybarker1981

“Disappointing changes looks like my seat will be empty for 2 games”

Credit: @spartan888

“Ignorance is bliss”

Credit: @Jannetts_

“Half 5 Boxing Day, getting home last time was crazy…this is going to be a long walk home!”

Credit: @Hotwheels_1978

In other news, find out which Villa talent is set for a new deal here!

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Joe Rothwell looks likely to join Rangers from Blackburn Rovers, acting as a blow for Victor Orta and co.

The Lowdown: Rothwell impresses for Blackburn

The 26-year-old is a key man for Blackburn, already chipping in with four assists in 12 Championship starts this season, as well as scoring once.

Manager Tony Mowbray has hailed Rothwell as a ‘super talent’ in the past and he has made a total of 131 appearances for the club to date.

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The Latest: Rangers to beat Leeds to signature

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are considered a potential suitor for the midfielder but the outlet claim that Rangers are in pole position to sign him.

Rothwell’s current deal expires at the end of this season, at which point midfield legend Steven Gerrard could snap him up on a free transfer.

As well as Leeds, fellow Premier League sides Newcastle United, Burnley, Southampton, Brighton and Crystal Palace have all shown an interest, too.

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The Verdict: Not a disaster

While Rothwell is clearly an influential player at Championship level, losing out to Rangers shouldn’t be considered a disaster for Leeds, even though it could be considered a disappointment.

Much like Lewis O’Brien, he could be an effective squad player for the Whites, improving the depth at Marcelo Bielsa’s disposal, but he is unlikely to be a game-changer.

Leeds needs to be looking at superior midfield options, especially with question marks still surrounding Kalvin Phillips’ future.

In other news, Gary Neville has mocked Leeds United – find out why here.

Leeds United are edging closer to an agreement with Club Brugge over a deal for Noa Lang, according to Voetbal Belgie.

The lowdown

Lang has played all but 12 minutes across Club Brugge’s first four games of the new season. He got off the mark with a goal in their 4-0 rout of Zulte Waregem last weekend, and already has three assists to his name (via WhoScored).

Belgian sports journalist Peter Vandenbempt rates Lang very highly indeed, labelling the 22-year-old Dutch winger a ‘phenomenon’.

Lang only moved to Brugge permanently this summer after joining on an initial loan from Ajax, and has three years to run on his contract. He’s valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt.

Leeds have already encountered frustration in their efforts to sign a winger, with Manchester United deciding that long-term target Dan James will remain at Old Trafford (via The Athletic).

The latest

The report states that after a lengthy period of ‘no movement’, Brugge fans now fear that Lang is headed for the exit door.

The player has apparently agreed personal terms with Leeds already, meaning the onus is on the two clubs to agree a fee. Those talks are said to be ‘progressing well’.

The verdict

Lang looks to be an excellent alternative to James and, if signed, will provide strong cover and competition for Raphinha and Jack Harrison.

He would represent an upgrade on Helder Costa and Ian Poveda, Leeds’ existing deputies, who have both been linked with exits.

Lang’s age, end product and contract situation could force the Whites into shelling out a significant sum, but it’s a long-term investment. If Raphinha was to be lured away by a Champions League club, for example, he could be the man to step up.

In other news, Leeds are planning to offload these three players.

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans have been blasting the performance of Barry Bannan in their 0-0 draw away at Portsmouth in League One on Tuesday night.

It was a game which very quickly turned into a ‘take a point and run’ scenario for Darren Moore and his men after Massimo Luongo was shown a straight red card just shy of the 70-minute mark at Fratton Park.

Nonetheless, Wednesday did well to hold out despite an unorthodox makeshift defence, although they could have done better in possession and when the ball was in the attacking third of the pitch.

Bannan was particularly guilty of giving the ball away far too often – 14 times in total, the fourth-most out of his teammates (SofaScore) – while some Owls supporters were critical of his set pieces.

Indeed, the midfielder misplaced six of his crosses, by far the most out of anyone on the pitch, as he also lost out on four of his duels, and failed to score with either of his shots on goal (SofaScore).

Sheff Wed fans on Bannan display

These Wednesday supporters blasted the Scot’s performance on Twitter, with one going as far as to claim that he was a ‘liability’ against Pompey:

“Bannan is a liability.”

Credit: @electricgiblets

“Barry Bannan’s set pieces are on par with mine on a Sunday. Shocking.”

Credit: @bnewton99

“Bannan has been absolutely abysmal”

Credit: @Ellsjr1992

“Bannan is genuinely the worst corner-kick taker on this planet”

Credit: @JosephO__

“Bannan is just a passenger at the moment. Terrible”

Credit: @_oswfc

“Can someone else please take the Sheffield Wednesday corners. Even the tea lady must be better than Bannan for God’s sake”

Credit: @intelligenceme2

In other news, find out whose display against Pompey was also slammed by many Owls fans

Celtic were in discussions over a deal for Royal Antwerp right-back Aurelio Buta on Tuesday, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Buta links

Romano was the man who shared the initial links to Buta back in July. Since then, reports have suggested that the 24-year-old was closing in on a £3m move to Glasgow, but as we know, a move is yet to be confirmed.

Buta, who is on £4,500 per week with his current employers, has just 12 months left on his Antwerp deal, and it seems as if the Hoops are still chasing him after they announced the signings of Joe Hart and James McCarthy on Tuesday.

The Latest: Update emerges

Romano posted on Twitter on Tuesday evening, confirming Hart’s move to Scotland before adding that negotiations have been ‘ongoing in the last hours’ between Celtic and Antwerp for Buta.

Another reliable reporter, Scott Burns, also took to Twitter on Tuesday, with his morning post suggesting that the Hoops have actually agreed on a deal with the Belgian club for the 24-year-old.

Burns added that personal terms have actually been the main issue, even though the right-back is not looking for ‘bank-breaking money’.

The Verdict: Contrasting reports

Even though Romano and Burns’ posts were different, one thing we know for sure now is that Celtic’s interest in Buta is well and truly alive.

A new right-back appears to be next on the agenda following the confirmation of Hart and McCarthy’s moves, as Ange Postecoglou has just Anthony Ralston and Lee O’Connor as options on the right-hand side of defence at this moment in time.

Should a move for Buta go through, Celtic will be getting themselves a right-back who has Europa League experience and can play further forward if required, so it may turn out to be a shrewd piece of business in the long run.

In other news: Celtic now ‘in talks’ for ‘really, really good’ 6ft 3 ace; may cost ‘significant’ fee. 

American investor John Textor is leading a consortium who are interested in buying Crystal Palace, as reported by The Sun.

Known for his pioneering role in hologram technology, Textor is interested in initiating a takeover deal which could be worth around £220m to acquire the south London club [The Sun].

Current co-owners David Blitzer and Josh Harris are reportedly open to selling their shares and have been for quite some time [talkSPORT].

Previous rumours of Crystal Palace switching hands have failed to properly materialise for a multitude of different reasons [GiveMeSport]. As a result, their supporters will need a lot of convincing that their club is headed in the right direction for the long-term if Blitzer and Harris relinquish their control.

Anxiety is likely to be multiplied by the fact that current bidder Textor is not a billionaire and would most likely require financial support from elsewhere. He has also had previous troubles with administration following his failed business model with visual effects firm Digital Domain in 2012 [The Sun].

As you can imagine, many Crystal Palace supporters took to social media to vent their frustration at these latest developments.

Palace fans react:

Replying to popular Crystal Palace fan outlet Palace Xtra, here is what some fans had to say upon hearing the “terrible” news:

“I stopped at the word administration. As you were Steve.”

Credit: @shave_stuart”Massive concerns with this”Credit: @StewFuller82″Typical Sun rubbish!”Credit: @Paul06179713″I want to puke. Guy’s dodgy. Isn’t like Bezos coming in because he loves the Prem and wants to make Palace like City. Weird timing as well needing and manager and roster overall.”Credit: @CHSCPFC”Who would wanna buy a club without a manager and with an ageing squad. And with a stadium that’s in a terrible condition?”Credit: @jari_litmanen_1″He only has a net worth of £230m”Credit: @SaucyZahaIn other news, a La Liga expert has had his say on a reported Crystal Palace target.

Many Wolves fans have been left fuming as some transfer news emerged on Sven Botman.

Speaking to AD, the central defender admitted that he was ‘open’ to leaving Lille before the summer window shut, as the Midlands club had a bid turned down for him.

Sevilla were also interested in his signature, but he is now happy to stay in France and is looking forward to playing in the UEFA Champions League.

Botman was such a key player for Lille on their way to winning the Ligue 1 title in the 2020/21 term, playing in all but one match and helping his side keep no fewer than 20 clean sheets in the process, while he himself won an impressive 4.9 of his duels per game and also averaged 3.2 clearances and 1.5 interceptions per appearance (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, it looks as if the Molineux faithful have now missed their chance.

Wolves fans on Botman transfer news

These WWFC supporters fumed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“Bed”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“Pain.”

Credit: @StephenPotts96_

“And we bottled it”

Credit: @WolvesNumber37

“Man alive”

Credit: @Sandhurstwolf

“I refuse to like this tweet, is there a hate button instead Dave?”

Credit: @DannyPowers82

“This is why Jeff Shi’s comment on ‘budget was not an issue’ does not sit right with me.”

Credit: @jaffajub

In other news, find out what revelation has Wanderers fuming here!

Juventus are willing to sell Weston McKennie to Tottenham Hotspur in January after breaching safety protocols whilst on international duty.

The Lowdown: Spurs keen on USA international

During the transfer window, it was reported that Spurs had held talks with the Italian side about signing McKennie for around £40million.

However, the move never happened and McKennie stayed at Juventus, where he has only started one league game this season,  in which he was dragged off at half-time and replaced by Alvaro Morata.

The Italian club are said to be furious with the midfielder for violating Covid protocols whilst away on international duty with the United States.

The Latest: What next?

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Juventus still consider the American an important player for Max Allegri’s squad, but his personality is not suitable for them.

As per outlets in Italy, via the Mail’s report, Spurs will now get the chance to rival Aston Villa for his services with a starting price of £25million, 37.5 per cent cheaper than the £40m reported earlier in the summer when Fabio Paratici held talks with his former side.

McKennie was previously in trouble for hosting a party during lockdown on the eve of a derby against Torino and has now hindered his relationship with the club even more.

The Verdict: Second chance for Paratici

Tottenham reporter Alasdair Gold has spoken in the past about Paratici’s never-ending phone calls, spending ’95 per cent’ of a pre-season clash against Colchester wheeling and dealing, and the Managing Director has already been in contact with Juventus.

Whilst Paratici didn’t manage to conclude a deal to bring the former Schalke midfielder in, the reported 37.5 per cent slash on the fee quoted in the summer will surely be very tempting, and perhaps he will be on the phone to Turin again before long.

The future of Tanguy Ndombele could have an influence on whether McKennie arrives at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as it frees up the wages to pay McKennie’s wages – he currently earns £2.5million annually.

In other news, Spurs defender rejected move to Serie A and moved elsewhere. Find out more here. 

Aston Villa have agreed a deal for the acquisition of Norwich City talisman Emiliano Buendia, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The Argentine enjoyed a wonderful season in the 2020/21 Championship which saw the Canaries win the title as he contributed a hefty 32 goal contributions, with 15 goals and 17 assists [Transfermarkt].

Arsenal were initial front-runners for his signature, making offers of £30m firstly followed by £35m, both of which were subsequently rejected [Sky Sports].

Having now agreed to move to the Midlands over London, the Villans have agreed to fork out a whopping £40m in order to get their man [Daily Mail]. As you’d expect, this news has been greeted with jubilation by the Villa Park faithful.

Celebrating their successful pursuit of Buendia, loads of Villa diehards took to Twitter to revel in these latest developments.

Villa fans react:

Here is what some of the Aston Villa fans had to say following an official club announcement on Twitter:

“Happy Monday! #AVFC #UTV”

Credit: @garyjbelcher

“A huge addition to our squad, already excited to see you play! #WelcomeEmi”Credit: @AndrewAshburn”The Grealish /Buendia/ watkins link up is going to be a thing of sheer beauty next season. Well done Villa for getting this one done so quickly “Credit: @Villa_Ad83″It’s official! Can’t wait to see him smash one in the top bins in front of the Holte!”Credit: @viewsfromb6″What a signing!!! Emi + JG = Top 6 #AVFC”Credit: @aaronss94″Announcing this like it’s nothing special, big club behaviour. Arsenal have well and truly been put in their place. A warm welcome to the best Argentine RW”Credit: @avfc4_alexIn other news, these Aston Villa fans react to the club’s interest in this midfielder.

Everton are reportedly now ‘keen’ on signing Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi in the summer.

The Lowdown: Chelsea woes

Batshuayi has not always been the happiest at Chelsea, as he has been sent out on loan five times since signing from Marseille for a whopping £35.1m back in 2016.

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Called ‘top class’ by Frank Lampard when he was manager at Stamford Bridge, and a ‘hero’ by Football Vlogger and Blues supporter George Benson, the striker has contributed to Premier League and FA Cup titles for Chelsea, but the summer could well be the time that he finally moves on permanently.

The Latest: Everton ‘keen’

Writing in his latest piece for TEAMtalk, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Goodison Park faithful, as well as Leeds United, are now ‘keen’ on signing Batshuayi this summer.

Chelsea have given the ‘green light’ for his exit, and should the Merseyside club avoid relegation from the Premier League, they could take advantage of the situation.

The Verdict: Risky

Of course, given his troubles at Chelsea, signing Batshuayi would be a risk.

However, that is not to say that it could not be a shrewd move, as he has scored a total of 165 goals for club and country combined over the course of his senior career, and at 28 years of age, still has room left to grow and really hit his prime.

It would mean that the Toffees would probably have to get rid of at least one of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison to make room for the Belgium international though, and if they do get relegated down to the Championship, any deal is likely to be cut off.

In other news, find out which Lewis Hamilton-like speedster EFC are now targeting here!