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When Barry Douglas comes back to Leeds United this summer, Marcelo Bielsa must finally make a ruthless call and offload him.

The Scotland international is currently out on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers, and has been a permanent fixture at Ewood Park, making 30 appearances in the league alone.

But, former Leeds man David Norris has insisted that while Douglas may be playing week-in and week-out at Blackburn, he expects Bielsa to move him on when the summer transfer window opens.

He said: “Bielsa never trusted him in the back four so I don’t see how him going out on loan will have changed anything. If I’m being honest, I expect him to move on.

“He looked pretty sharp when he came back from injury and looked like he might start playing regularly, but I think after being out on loan this season I would expect to see Douglas moved on.”

Given how Douglas has only made 44 appearances for Leeds since joining from Wolves in the summer of 2018, the time has surely come for Bielsa to wave goodbye to the left-back this summer.

Speaking earlier this campaign, The Athletic’s Phil Hay seemed to hint that the writing seemed to be on the wall for the £40k-a-week earning forgotten man at Elland Road, saying: “It tells its own story that Stuart Dallas is currently the best left-back at the club. There is interest, Watford are very keen, Blackburn have spoken about him.

“On the basis that he didn’t make the 18 against City, when Jack Harrison was unavailable, if, in those circumstances, Douglas isn’t in the 18 you know he’s on his way.”

And while Gjanni Alioski also looks set to depart, the Whites would simply be better off investing in a new first-choice left-back, and then potentially even promoting young Niall Huggins into the first-team set-up too – that’s not to mention the versatile Dallas being able to play there too as Hay notes.

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Whatever the case, Douglas’ time at Leeds has run its course, and Bielsa must offload him this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds must reignite their interest in this Premier League star…

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!

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira will believe his squad is relatively light on numbers as the January transfer window approaches, according to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge.

What’s the story?

The 45-year-old oversaw an extensive squad rebuild over the summer, with several young, exciting acquisitions replacing multiple experienced campaigners.

However, Bridge stated in a recent interview that Vieira is likely to want further reinforcements over the coming months despite their strong start to the season.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “How much they do in January, I don’t know. I think Palace look pretty settled at the moment, but if Patrick Vieira was on this call, he’d say he was probably a bit light.”

Crystal Palace fans will be intrigued

Although it’s unlikely that the Eagles will add extensively in January, Bridge’s latest revelation will be an intriguing one for the club’s supporters.

Gaps at right-wing, central midfield and right-back are evident throughout Vieira’s first-team squad, especially with Conor Gallagher expected to return to parent club Chelsea at the end of the campaign and age to finally catch up with the likes of Joel Ward and James McArthur.

Therefore, the capital club’s fanbase are likely to be eager for additional acquisitions over the next couple of transfer windows as they look to continue their recent progression.

Although Palace have only won three of their 12 Premier League fixtures to date, their performances have been extremely promising, and famous victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have illustrated their potential.

Securing the signatures of two or three more talented stars would have the potential to propel Vieira’s charges even further up the top-flight table and provide hope of a top-half finish for the first time since 2014/15.

It remains to be seen whether chairman Steve Parish can find enough room in Palace’s budget to dip back into the transfer market over the winter, but the fanbase will be eagerly anticipating their next move. The club’s chairman and Vieira simply have to act to propel them to the next level.

And, in other news…Forget Kouyate: Palace’s “clever” £6.3m-rated maestro must be unleashed amid big blow

Newcastle United face the unenviable task of playing against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Premier League today in the club’s last match before Christmas.

The Magpies are 19th in the table as it stands, on 10 points, whilst the Citizens are flying high at the summit with 41 points to their name.

Eddie Howe’s men come into the game off the back of a 3-1 defeat away to Liverpool in midweek, losing to Jurgen Klopp’s side after taking the lead early on through Jonjo Shelvey.

Unleash him

One change to the team from that loss could be the reintroduction of Callum Wilson after he was left on the bench at Anfield. The former Bournemouth striker must be unleashed against Man City and placed back in the starting XI after he was given a rest against the Reds.

He has had his chance to sit and watch on from the sidelines for the majority of the game to catch his breath back after a busy schedule of late. This, hopefully, means that he will now be fresh and 100% ready to take on City in tip-top shape.

Wilson has scored six goals in 12 Premier League starts this season and is the biggest goal threat in the Newcastle squad. Allan Saint-Maximin’s tally of three is the next highest, whilst the ex-Cherries attacker’s return of 12 league strikes last term also topped the goalscoring charts for the club.

Howe previously said of the 29-year-old: “He is an outstanding player with unique attributes for us. He has that ability to run in behind and he’s got the work ethic off the ball and, of course, he knows where the goal is.”

The Magpies head coach, who once dubbed Wilson’s passing as “hugely impressive”, must now unleash him from the start against Man City.

Wilson could provide a focal point at the top end of the pitch whilst harbouring the potential to be the match-winner for the club. The £92k-per-week dynamo’s goalscoring record for Newcastle shows that he has the quality to find the back of the net at this level

That is why he should be starting as the number nine today, whether that comes in place of Allan Saint-Maximin – after his injury against Liverpool – or anyone else. He has proven himself to be the most effective goalscorer at St. James’ Park and that is why he is deserving of a place in the XI.

AND in other news, Journo drops transfer news that’ll leave NUFC fans buzzing, he can be the next Shearer…

West Ham United manager David Moyes has emerged as a contender to become Celtic’s next manager.

That’s according to an exclusive report from Give Me Sport, who claim that the Hoops are ‘keen’ on a potential move for the Scot.

Moyes hasn’t stopped Celtic interest

The 57-year-old has led the Hammers to an unlikely push for Champions League football next season, with West Ham currently sitting fifth in the Premier League.

There have been suggestions Moyes, who is out of contract at the end of June, would be keen to extend his deal at the London Stadium. However, he hasn’t stopped Celtic from sounding him out as Neil Lennon’s potential long-term successor.

Transfer Tavern take

Appointing Moyes could well be a solid piece of business by Celtic, who will be looking to claim a 10th league title in 11 years next season.

Moyes has proven he has what it takes to lead transform a club over the last 15 months, averaging 1.51 points per game with the Hammers. However, his seven managerial stints average out to a somewhat disparaging 1.34 points per game.

West Ham were just a point off the relegation zone when Moyes arrived in the capital and he’s successfully rebuilt the Hammers with the help of several shrewd acquisitions.

Jesse Lingard and Tomas Soucek have been recent transfer masterstroke examples, and a rebuild at Parkhead seems likely after their disappointing campaign.

Several players will more than likely come and go over the summer, and having an experienced manager at the helm to help the squad gel could be vital.

Lukasz Fabianski was one of West Ham’s better performers in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday night.

The Polish international made four saves on the night, including two fine stops to deny Mason Greenwood and Bruno Fernandes. There was nothing he could do to prevent the home side’s winning goal, however, as the ball struck Craig Dawson at the near post following a corner and rolled into the net.

SofaScore awarded him a rating of 7.3, bettered only by Declan Rice (7.6) in the Hammers’ ranks. The ‘keeper’s display was a positive on a night where West Ham carried little attacking threat, ending the game without a shot on target.

They remain in fifth place, but they have allowed Chelsea to gain a point over the weekend in the race for the top four. The tricky run of fixtures continues next Sunday when they meet Arsenal.

After the game, Fabianski tweeted ‘United take all three points’, accompanied by an image of a fist-bump with Fernandes.

The mood in the replies was split, with some praising the goalkeeper’s performance and others unimpressed with his relatively upbeat reflection on a defeat for West Ham.

How West Ham fans reacted to Fabianski tweet

“Well played LF, shame the manager let the team down tonight with his negative tactics”

Credit: @ScottVenn

“Great from you today mate. Shame we weren’t allowed to play our football until after they scored”

Credit: @jack_lipscombe

“You were brilliant again. Moyes team selection and tactics were very poor”

Credit: @artblockmusic

“Our MOTM”

Credit: @TiggerWHU

“Well played Fab, but we have to get rid of the small team mentality and giving the so called big teams too much respect they don’t deserve with a negative set up. We are better than last night.”

Credit: @darrell210474

“No, we lost Fabs.”

Credit: @Mozzer2015

“Awful team selection. Players let down by Moyes”

Credit: @Irons85858585

In other news, many Hammers weren’t happy with this journalist’s post-match transfer claim.

Leeds United will target a new centre-back this summer, according to fresh claims…

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire giants appear to have narrowly avoided the drop this campaign after they replaced the iconic Marcelo Bielsa with Jesse Marsch back in February but their defensive problems still remain as one of the Premier League’s leakiest backlines.

However, come the off-season, it appears that a new central option will sit high on the agenda, as per journalist Pete O’Rourke, who told GIVEMESPORT:

“It’s definitely a position Leeds will be looking to strengthen this summer. We all know how many goals they’ve conceded this season, it’s been way too many.

“That’s not just down to injuries, they’ve been way too open as well, so they’ll be looking to bolster their defensive options in the summer transfer window.”

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Good news for Marsch

Indeed, the Whites’ struggles defensively this campaign have been no secret.

With four games left to play, Leeds sit five points clear of the relegation zone and prior to the weekend’s games, no team had conceded more goals (68) than Marsch’s side.

Even rock-bottom Norwich City had kept out more goals before their defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

Things have started to improve recently, coinciding with the return of club captain Liam Cooper, who had missed the bulk of their matches from November through to March.

Diego Llorente’s form has also somewhat transformed in recent outings, whilst the American’s only other options in the role are Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch – the latter has been something of a sicknote ever since his arrival.

At times, their injury list has been so severe that vice-skipper Luke Ayling has gone into the middle to help out the team.

Therefore, it is certainly great news to see the Yorkshire side mooted with a move for a new option as Marsch is certainly going to need further quality in the area heading into next season, where they absolutely cannot flirt with the drop once again.

Leeds have already been linked with some interesting names, including the manager’s former Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol and fellow Bundesliga colossus Timo Hubers.

It’s a sign of encouragement heading into what should be a busy summer of business for Victor Orta and co.

AND in other news, Orta must launch Leeds bid for “complete” £72k-p/w gem, he could be their Luis Suarez…

Rangers are susceptible to some of the most surprising and downright bizarre transfer rumours, aren’t they?

The January transfer window is in full swing as clubs up and down the country seek to strengthen their squad with new additions.

Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard has shown he isn’t afraid to dip his toes into the transfer market. Not content with signing Bongani Zungu on loan from French Ligue 2 side Amiens last summer – and it’s fair to say that the results have been a mixed bag – the 54-time Scottish champions are now interested in signing Nigeria midfielder Fatai Gbadamosi from Shooting Stars, if recent reports are to be believed.

That’s according to 90min, who claimed earlier this week that Rangers and Celtic are set to go head to head for Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi by the end of January.

Awoniyi has five goals in 13 Bundesliga appearances for Union Berlin. His current contract with his parent club runs until 2023.

The report adds the Old Firm rivals are reportedly interested in Gbadamosi and are ready to battle each other for their respective transfer targets.

Gerrard’s side is already well stocked in the midfield with Steven Davis, Ryan Jack and Zungu.

And we must admit that the thought of adding a virtual unknown in Gbadamosi to that mix does little to whet the appetite and reeks of sheer desperation from Ross Wilson. Either that or sheer baloney – take your pick.

Apart from the fact the 22-year-old currently plies his trade in the Nigerian league, there is very little information or statistics about him. He has previously played in Europe with Turkish side Kepezspor and has represented Nigeria at under-23 level.

Would the unknown quantity get game time at Rangers? Probably not. Steven Davis is playing arguably some of the best football we’ve seen in recent years from the big Northern Irishman, while Jack and Zungu are also options for Gerrard.

In fact, it’s fair to say that Zungu’s start to life at Ibrox has been rather underwhelming as he has struggled to break his way into Gerrard’s side, such is their strength in depth.

The Light Blues boss is on the hunt for a central midfielder, although he seems to have earmarked Sheffield United’s John Lundstram to fill the void.

We just can’t see the point in taking a punt on an unproven inexperienced youngster who is yet to hit the big time, it just doesn’t make any sense, and we can’t see it happening.

AND in other news, Ross Wilson must sanction Rangers swoop for on-loan Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi…

Former Everton striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that a central midfielder and a winger are priorities for the Toffees in the transfer window this summer.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team boosted their hopes of playing European football by winning at West Ham on Sunday thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s first-half strike.

The Toffees are now just one point behind seventh place, which would be good enough for a place in Europe, although a strong end to the campaign could see Everton qualify for the Europa League or possibly even the Champions League.

But should Everton secure European football for the first time in three seasons, reinforcements are going to be needed, with Ancelotti already short on numbers.

The likes of Muhamed Besic, Bernard, and Josh King could all leave Goodison Park this summer, whilst several loanees might also depart.

Everton bought in six players over the course of the season and having already been linked to the likes of Gareth Bale, Philippe Coutinho and other high-profile names, Bent is expecting another busy summer on Merseyside.

He told Football FanCast when asked exactly where he expects the Toffees to strengthen: “Speaking to people at the club, they’re not going to be changing anything at the back or the goalkeeper. The main source and direction they’re going in is a pacy central midfielder and a pacy winger.”

Crystal Palace must make a considerable effort to extend Christian Benteke’s contract after the striker’s impressive recent form, pleasing the club’s supporters in the process.

The Belgium international has enjoyed his most productive season since 2016/17, bagging nine Premier League goals in 29 appearances alongside his solitary assist.

Benteke burst onto the scene when he arrived on English soil with Aston Villa back in 2012, notching up an incredible 19 goals in his maiden campaign with the Villans.

His incredible displays combined power and technique to devastating effect and earned some flattering praise from his then manager, Paul Lambert.

“Benteke has been colossal for us, he’s been unplayable in certain games,” claimed the Scotsman. But it’s been several years since the 30-year-old has reached those dizzy heights.

Three fruitful years at Villa earned Benteke a big-money move to Premier League giants Liverpool, although his inability to adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing style meant he lasted just 12 months at Anfield.

A move to Palace then materialised, and 15 goals in his first campaign at Selhurst Park appeared to suggest it was a match made in heaven, but things quickly turned sour for the 6 ft 2 target man.

Just six league goals followed between 2017/18 and 2019/20 as the Genk academy graduate become a pillar of ridicule in the English top-flight.

However, in one of the most surreal Premier League campaigns, Benteke has only added to the intrigue. A return to form has seen the Belgian start Palace’s last 11 league games, scoring in his last three outings for the south London side.

The capital club are approaching a crossroads with several first-team players out of contract over the summer, including Benteke, and many tough decisions need to be made by the hierarchy over the coming weeks and months.

Match of the Day 2 used a graphic over the weekend to show all of the stars who are currently set to become free agents, and it’s clear from these fans responses that Benteke is amongst the group that they wanted to be given a new deal.

“Clyne, Ward, Benteke, Cahill and maybe McCarthy and that’s it”

@cpfc_sean

“Benteke, Clyne, Townsend, Cahill McCarthy…”@RICHPM14″Clyney, Ward, Andros, Benteke and Cahill. That’s all for me”@FPTW_Benteke is Palace’s second-top goalscorer this season, so tying the forward down to a new deal would represent a smart bit of business by the club’s board.And, in other news…Forget Eze & Zaha: £9m-rated Palace beast who won 100% duels was Hodgson’s unsung hero – opinion