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West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini has been giving his verdict on midfielder Declan Rice, via whufc.com, and has suggested that he has been surprised about just how mature the 20-year-old is.

What’s the word, then?

Well, after a tough start to the season where he failed to make the squad against Bournemouth and was an unused substitute against Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the opening four Premier League matches, the youngster has since played the full 90 minutes in 19 consecutive top flight fixtures prior to the visit of Fulham on Friday night.

The player who has now pledged his international allegiance to England has been one of the standout performers for the east London outfit this term, and he continues to go from strength to strength despite his tender years.

When asked if he was the best youngster Pellegrini has worked with, the Chilean told whufc.com: “I worked with so many young players, it is difficult to compare 20 years of management and different players, but he is a very good player.

“I started with Javier Mascherano when he was 17 years old and he was similar to Declan Rice in his mentality – the mentality that when they are 17 or 19 years old it seemed that they have the mentality of 35 years old.”

How should his comments be interpreted?

By comparing him to Mascherano it is clear that Pellegrini feels that he has a special player on his hands, and one that he has surprised him with the mentality that he has despite only recently coming out of his teenage years.

To say that the London-born midfielder has the maturity of a 35-year-old is certainly a big compliment, and the Irons boss will want him to carry on listening and improving so his performance levels don’t drop anytime soon.

It is no secret that West Brom have every intention of taking advantage of the upcoming January transfer window, but there is now one reported target that the Baggies have been speculated to sign who could be off the cards, after Dwight Gayle’s new manager Eddie Howe spoke out about the player this week.

What’s the story?

The Newcastle United striker has been said to have “an important role” at the club according to Howe, which will likely flatten the chances of Valerien Ismael being able to tempt the 32-year-old away from Tyneside.

The Magpies boss spoke to Chronicle Live about Gayle’s future with the club, saying: “What I have seen is someone who can certainly score goals, is a brilliant finisher. So Dwight will have an important role.

“He’s very well respected by the group and a well-liked member of the team. I’m going to enjoy working with him, for sure.”

These kind of numbers are exactly what West Brom are looking to add to their side as they head into the second half of the season, as they have struggled to score and finish their many chances over the last few months in the Championship, leading to a seven-point gap from table toppers Fulham currently.

These comments from Howe come after Albion continue to be heavily linked with securing the signature of the £40k-p/w striker, who proved to be a prolific scorer in the Championship during the 2016/17 season, when he scored 23 goals and claimed four assists in just 34 appearances for Newcastle.

What are WBA’s chances of getting Gayle?

West Brom fans could be gutted to hear that Dwight Gayle may not make a return to the club, as many have taken to social media to discuss the highly-speculated move.

When The Baggies Podcast asked on Twitter if fans would like to see Gayle back at The Hawthorns, the response was unanimously positive. One fan replied; “Yep, don’t even have to think about it! Natural poacher who can’t get a game at Newcastle. Bring him home!!”

However, with Howe’s comments suggesting that he still sees the striker as an integral part of the squad on Tyneside, those Baggies fans wanting Gayle back in the Midlands could be left gutted as their hopes of a reunion appear dashed.

Despite the Magpies manager’s verdict on the 32-year-old, though, there is every chance that Newcastle could sign another striker in the January transfer window, thanks to their mega-money takeover.

Gayle doesn’t get much game-time for the Magpies, as Callum Wilson continues to thrive in the centre-forward role for the club, meaning that the temptation to get regular first team football with West Brom could actually be a way for Ismael to secure the 32-year-old’s signature in January.

Either way, the Baggies must find a reliable striker in the upcoming transfer window if Albion want to catch up with Bournemouth and Fulham to secure automatic promotion back into the Premier League next season.

In other news: Valerien Ismael drops transfer window hints

Aston Villa’s Premier League match at home to Burnley was postponed on Saturday due to a number of positive virus tests within the Villa squad.

As to be expected with just hours before kick-off, a number of Villa fans were quick to vent their frustration at the news on social media.

Villa posted the news regarding the postponement at 12:40pm on their official Twitter channel, just over two hours until the game was supposed to get underway. The club requested to call the game off at the earlier time of 10:30am, but Burnley only received confirmation at 12:15pm after a Premier League meeting.

Steven Gerrard admitted on Friday that the club were adapting ‘by the hour’ and more positive tests overnight ultimately led to the cancellation.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply to the match being postponed at late notice, with many understandably not happy and one describing it as ‘awful’.

“Gutted, was just about to leave with my son as it’s one of his birthday presents”

Credit: @stuiemoore_6

“It’s all turning into a big mess, isn’t it.”

Credit: @Bhangra_Machine

“Awful communication from the club this.. you’ve had since this morning to tell people the game won’t go ahead and you leave it 2 hours before kick off. I feel for anyone that has travelled to Villa Park today…”

Credit: @AVFCMidge

“What the hell?”

Credit: @minxnicki

“Damn!!!! Damn, damn, damn, damn damn.”

Credit: @B6Utfv

“We’ve flown in from Northern Ireland for my son’s 6th birthday, to call the game off so close to kick off is a disgrace”

Credit: @villanni

In other news: ‘A wind up?’ – Many Villa fans flock to ’embarrassing’ FA Cup news

This is part of The Transfer Tavern’s Talking Tactics series, where we analyse two changes the manager should make in their upcoming fixture.

Glasgow Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst simply must get a reaction out of his players after the embarrassing 3-0 loss at the hands of their bitter rivals, and that may even mean making bold calls that could upset both players and some fans.

They face another test at home to third-placed Hearts on Sunday afternoon, and the Dutchman cannot afford to leave Ibrox with anything less than three points.

Injury updates

The talk of the town in Glasgow ever since Transfer Deadline Day has been the arrival of Aaron Ramsey on loan from Juventus, a player who has won numerous big titles with both the Juventus and Arsenal.

He could potentially make his debut against Hearts, with Gio confirming in his pre-game press conference that his fitness will be assessed.

Alfredo Morelos is also available after coming back from international duty with Colombia, and so the manager needs to decide whether to throw him in straight away as well.

Barisic out

Barisic quite frankly endured a first-half nightmare against Celtic, so much so that he was hauled off at half-time.

The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell claimed that he was ‘fast asleep’ for the Hoops’ third goal, for which Liel Abada managed to sneak in past him unmarked and unchallenged.

BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer, Tom English, even went as far as to claim that he looked ‘punch-drunk’, testament to a player who gave the ball away a total of nine times in just 45 minutes.

Leon Balogun, who replaced the Croatia international at half-time, would be the obvious choice to come in, with Calvin Bassey moving to his more natural position at left-back.

Jack in

Speaking after the match, Gio claimed that Jack was ‘the best man on the pitch in the second half’, saying that he ‘changed’ the game and ‘made a big difference’ (Rangers TV via Yahoo).

Indeed, the 29-year-old was ranked as the Teddy Bears’ joint-best (7.1) player on SofaScore despite only playing the second half, as he recorded 55 touches of the ball from the middle of the park, more than starters Scott Arfield (52) and Glen Kamara (34), and achieved an impressive 90% pass accuracy, the fifth-highest in the team.

He has not yet started a game for the Light Blues so far this season, and Hearts would offer the perfect opportunity for Gio to rectify that, despite the arrival of fellow midfielder Ramsey.

With only a 6.4 SofaScore rating, and having just come back from African Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty with Nigeria, Aribo would perhaps be the unlucky one to drop out, but would at least offer Gio some quality from the bench if things are going wrong on the pitch again.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ magician Gers are front of the queue to sign in the summer here!

Celtic pundit Frank McAvennie has been reacting to injury updates on Kyogo Furuhashi and David Turnbull, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Sky Sports post

Both Furuhashi and Turnbull haven’t featured since the Hoops returned to action from the winter break due to hamstring issues.

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Turnbull has been missing since the Scottish League Cup Final, whereas Furuhashi suffered a reoccurrence of his issue against St Johnstone at the end of December.

However, returns could be around the corner, after Sky Sports shared comments from Ange Postecoglou on Twitter.

Postecoglou decided to include the pair in the club’s Europa Conference League squad but refused to give timescales on their reruns, although he did admit Turnbull was two to three weeks closer than Furuhashi.

The Latest: McAvennie’s comments

Celtic pundit McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding the updates on Furuhashi and Turnbull.

He labelled their Europa Conference League squad inclusions as ‘brilliant news’ and believes they aren’t a million miles away.

“The fact they have both been included, this is brilliant news for Celtic.

“They would not have been included if there was no chance of them playing.

“We know what Postecoglou is like as well, it’s all mind games. He said there was no way McGregor would play in the Old Firm and he started.

“I’m not saying we will see these players next week or anything, I just think they might not be a million miles away.

“I would love a good run in Europe, we have the squad to do it now.

“Once our injured players return we will be even stronger as well. I can’t wait to see David and Kyogo back.

“They have both had brilliant seasons so far.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Celtic take on Bodo/Glimt in a two-legged tie on February 17 and 24, and with Turnbull ahead of Furuhashi in regards to a return, perhaps we may see the Scot in the second leg over in Norway.

Reports at the end of December suggested the attacking midfielder could be sidelined for at least two months, so returning before the end of February would be good news and in line with the timescale.

Postecoglou may well think there’s a chance after including both in the squad 25-man squad, so it will be interesting to see what he says on the pair with the first leg just seven days away.

In other news: BBC Radio 5 Live man ‘pretty sure’ Celtic have had ‘conversations’ with one player over new deal. 

Some Manchester City fans have slammed the news that Newcastle United will make a formal complaint about refereeing standards.

The Telegraph are reporting that Newcastle are set to submit a formal complaint questioning the quality of refereeing from their last three games.

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Eddie Howe’s side will ask for clarity over controversial decisions that the Magpies suffered in their recent defeats to Leicester, Liverpool and the Sky Blues.

Howe has become increasingly frustrated by these decisions and has asked staff at the club to package together a set of clips to illustrate how these controversies have contributed to their recent defeats.

However, one single controversial decision, namely when Ederson clattered into Ryan Fraser in the penalty area at 2-0, would not have greatly affected the result on Sunday as Pep Guardiola’s side beat Newcastle 4-0 away from home, after the stellar performances of goalscorers Rúben Dias, Joāo Cancelo, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling lit up St James’ Park.

These Man City fans react to Newcastle’s complaint

Twitter fan feed City Xtra relayed the news of the complaint on social media. Lots of City fans met this with disdain, while others responded with sarcastic comments and one called it “weird behaviour” from the Magpies.

Here’s what these fans had to say regarding Newcastle’s intentions to make a formal complaint over refereeing:

“Richest club in the world complaining”

Credit: @SxrgioSZN

“4-1 loss wouldn’t have made any difference in their standing lol”

Credit: @kunsologist

“I’ve always found it a bit weird when all managers talk about in their post match interview after a 0-4 thrashing is a penalty that they should have got. If Pep did that I’d be absolutely furious. There’s a time and a place, you need to apologise for your own performance first”

Credit: @mcfcIeo_

“City should make these types of complaints almost every game. We just trying to be as perfect as we can be, not to give the referees much to do us over.”

Credit: @jgedeon1717

“Maybe they should make a formal complaint to their defence about the standard of defending in their last three games vs Leicester, Liverpool and Man City.”

Credit: @RCorless33

“Weird behaviour”

Credit: @Kafkaesque_10

In other news: Man City lead race for ‘outstanding’ predator; Guardiola is ‘in love’ with him

Newcastle United have reportedly now made an ‘indispensable proposal’ to sign Axel Witsel in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Work behind the scenes

Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy recently revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful are already working to strengthen the squad ‘behind the scenes’, and Witsel is a player who has been talked about.

They are understood to be ‘weighing up a move’ for the Borussia Dortmund midfield player in the January transfer window, and he could be made available by the Bundesliga club.

The Latest: Proposal

As per Tutto Juve, the North East club have now made an ‘indispensable proposal’ to Witsel in order to try and persuade him to sign in January, despite the fact that he can leave on a free transfer in the summer.

They have offered the Belgium international a deal worth almost €10m (£8.4m) a season, much more than the €7m (£5.9m) a campaign that he currently earns, which would price Juventus out of a potential move.

The Verdict: Get it done

Given that he is 32 years of age, and seemingly unwanted by Dortmund, Witsel should not cost too much money, meaning that the Tyneside outfit could get themselves a potential bargain in January.

Lauded as a ‘top professional’ by footballing legend Fabio Cannavaro, he can lead by example both off of the pitch as well as on it, given the glittering career that he has had.

Nonetheless, he would be an upgrade to Eddie Howe’s current options in the middle of the park, averaging more interceptions, clearances and passes at a higher success rate than Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in their respective domestic leagues so far this term (WhoScored).

Given his previous work as assistant manager at Belgium, Graeme Jones will also have a good understanding with the player, and so he can aid Howe in helping to get the best out of him on the field, providing that he signs of course.

In other news, find out which three January signings PIF are plotting here!

Newcastle United have added two players to their ranks this month as PIF begin to flex their financial muscles at St James’ Park.

Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have become the first acquisitions of the new era but there is still plenty of work to be done before the window closes on January 31st.

What’s the word?

Newcastle are facing difficulties in their bid to bring Diego Carlos to the northeast of England with Fabrizio Romano claiming on Thursday evening that a bid had been knocked back.

However, some early morning transfer news from West Ham insider – ExWHUEmployee – was a little more encouraging.

He provided an update on Jesse Lingard from West Ham’s point of view with the Irons interested in re-signing the England international this month.

His update came amid Newcastle’s bid to sign the attacking midfielder. However, after Craig Hope revealed that a move had been rebuffed, Ex seemed to be more upbeat about the Magpies’ hopes.

Indeed, he went as far as to suggest he was already on his way to link up with Eddie Howe’s men.

He said: “I have tried to get a clear answer on the Jesse Lingard situation. Rumours are that he is set to join Newcastle on loan after they agreed to match his £100k a week salary (and more) as well as paying a fee. Whereas Manchester United will not agree a deal with us due to being in competition with them for a Champions League spot.”

Fans buzzing

Newcastle have found life incredibly tricky in the transfer market this month and thus, the idea of a player being on the verge of joining will surely leave supporters elated.

However, when it’s someone of Lingard’s quality, they will only be more delighted.

The Toon Army saw the benefits of adding well in January last year when they welcomed Joe Willock to St James who was a roaring success.

He eventually became a permanent signing last summer after scoring a mightily impressive eight goals.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Lingard was also lighting up proceedings during a temporary stint at the Hammers.

His form in east London was immense, racking up nine goals and five assists in just 16 outings. It’s that type of form that has seen his stock and reputation increase with plenty of eyes now cast in his direction with the January window ongoing.

Lingard has only found the net on two occasions this term but has found regular minutes hard to come by. Therefore, a move elsewhere makes sense and Newcastle will be hoping he chooses them this winter.

If the rumours are true and he really is on his way to join the Magpies, supporters will be extremely pleased. This is a player who will add more vibrancy, personality and style to their forward line.

AND in other news, “From sources” – Fabrizio Romano drops big NUFC transfer update that’ll delight fans…

Celtic have the chance to add some more points to their tally for the season and take a step closer to the Premiership title this afternoon. 

Their latest league outing sees them take on St Johnstone at Parkhead after securing a 2-1 victory in the Old Firm derby last weekend. 

However, it seems as though Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou will have to do without one of his main attacking options today.

What’s the news?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday (via 67 Hail Hail), the 56-year-old revealed that James Forrest is the only player not available to him for selection this afternoon. 

Having missed Celtic’s two previous league games as a result of a knock he picked up during the club’s Scottish Cup win against Dundee United last month, it will be a huge blow for Postecoglou to still have the winger sidelined. 

A product of the Parkhead club’s youth academy, Forrest has made 440 senior appearances in a Celtic shirt across all competitions. In that time, the 30-year-old has scored 97 goals and provided 97 assists, showing how significant figure a he has been across such a long period. 

Postecoglou will be fuming

Even though the Hoops are in a good position in the league following on from their victory over Rangers last week, Postecoglou will still surely be furious that Forrest hasn’t yet managed to recover from this latest injury, despite playing it down at the time.

An even bigger worry for the winger, the manager and the Celtic fans is that he has a reputation for picking up injuries and missing a lot of games over the years.

With Postecoglou saying that the Scotland international should be a week away from making a recovery, the Celtic manager will undoubtedly be hoping that this will indeed be the case and that he can have Forrest fit and available to see out the remainder of the season and hopefully drive his team to the title.

For the time being, it seems as though the Hoops boss will have to rely on the likes of Jota, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada to provide an adequate attacking force for the team while Forrest is out.

Having scored a combined total of 20 league goals between them, at least it’s safe to say that the trio have what it takes to be a suitable threat for the Bhoys in the 30-year-old’s continued absence.

In other news: Ange must unleash “phenomenal” £5.85m-rated Celtic ace, he could fire them to glory

When Dele Alli joined Tottenham Hotspur in what was a £5m deal back in 2015, Daniel Levy looked to have secured one of the most exciting young midfielders in the English game.

And, following three seasons in which Dele scored a quite astonishing 46 goals and registered 41 assists over £89m move to Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain back in 2017.

However, over the following three and a half seasons, Dele’s form rather drastically dropped off, with the midfielder making 149 appearances in all competitions, over which he scored just 21 goals and provided a mere 20 assists.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old’s commitment to the Tottenham cause was also called into question, with Jose Mourinho dubbing the playmaker “lazy” and reportedly being more than happy to move the former MK Dons starlet on in the summer of 2020 – only for Levy to block his exit.

However, just a year and a half later, Dele would be packing his bags, with Everton agreeing a deal worth up to £40m in order to take the midfielder to Goodison Park in the January transfer window.

And, despite the opportunity of a fresh start under Frank Lampard, it seems as if Dele’s problems have continued in Liverpool, with the £6m-rated man having so far failed to be given the nod from the off in a single game for the Toffees, with all six of his appearances coming from the bench.

This has led to more questioning regarding the £100k-per-week midfielder’s application, with Harry Redknapp dubbing Dele’s return to Tottenham in a 5-0 defeat earlier this month as “embarrassing,” while Paddy Kenny stated his belief that the 25-year-old “hasn’t been training well enough” to get into Lampard’s starting XI.

Indeed, so poor has Dele been for Everton that the midfielder is already being linked with an exit from the club this summer, something that, considering the size of the fee Levy received from the sale of the Englishman, proves the Tottenham chairman played a blinder when sanctioning the attacker’s sale earlier this year.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Alasdair Gold drops 5-word Spurs update that will have Conte buzzing