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Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leicester City striker Brian Deane believes Brendan Rodgers could be in it for the long haul at the King Power.

Premier League rivals Tottenham recently sacked Jose Mourinho, who will take over at AS Roma in the summer, sending them on a search for a new manager.

That search seemed to have taken them to Rodgers, but the 48-year-old quickly put a stop to things by declaring his intention to remain in the East Midlands.

And now Deane is hoping to see Rodgers cement a legacy at the King Power, a legacy that could include Champions League football and an FA Cup trophy.

When asked by FFC if Rodgers’ long-term future is at Leicester having turned down a big club like Tottenham, the ex-Premier League forward said:

“I’d like to think that he’s going to stay there. He’s come in at Leicester and he’s put his mark on it.

“You don’t have to go to the biggest clubs to achieve massive things. It’s more of an achievement for him to achieve something at Leicester than it is at Tottenham, believe me.”

Speaking on the subject further, Deane also went on to add:

“He will go down as one of their best ever managers based on the fact that he’s come in, they play the kind of football that they do and they’ve got a chance of winning a cup now.

“If I was Brendan Rodgers, I’d just be happy to sort of like cement your legacy where he is and hopefully he does that.”

Indeed, Rodgers is on course to becoming a Leicester legend, something he could probably achieve this season with an FA Cup triumph at Wembley.

Former Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has spoken to Newcastle target Charles De Ketelaere following links of a move to St James’ Park.

The Lowdown: Newcastle links

Nicknamed ‘King Charles’, the creative 21-year-old midfielder appears to be on Newcastle’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

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Reports have linked the Magpies with a move for the Club Brugge star, suggesting that they were in the picture for a potential €40m (£33.3m) deal at the end of the season.

De Ketelaere has been in fine form in recent months, contributing to 26 goals in 41 games in all competitions in 2021/22, with Pep Guardiola impressed by the Belgian’s display against Manchester City in the Champions League during the autumn.

The Latest: Mignolet’s comments

Sport Witness relayed comments from De Ketelaere in a story on Saturday.

The 6 foot 3 midfielder was told by former Sunderland goalkeeper Mignolet that ‘there’s not much to do in Newcastle’, with the 34-year-old possibly trying to put him off a move to England.

The Verdict: Shrewd target

De Ketelaere appears to be a star of the future and has impressed in the Jupiler Pro League with plenty of goals and assists.

The Magpies will have the funds for a big-money transfer following their takeover, so it could be a realistic deal to pursue, so long as the player isn’t put off by a move to Tyneside after Mignolet’s comments.

Newcastle have just two attacking midfielders on the books at this moment in time, so bringing in a third could be a shrewd move in the long run.

In other news – Deal agreed: Lee Ryder drops big Newcastle update during international break on ‘hard-working’ gem

Many Wolves fans have been left fuming over some news on their game away to Manchester United in the Premier League on Monday evening.

As confirmed by the official website of the top flight, Mike Dean will now referee the match at Old Trafford, with Andre Marriner on VAR duty.

Incidentally, the 53-year-old has given far more penalty kicks to the Red Devils (21) than any other team over the course of his career, while he also gave them a controversial goal at Molineux earlier on this season to give them a 1-0 win, and that has not been the first time his decisions against the Midlands club have been questioned.

Nonetheless, it is not a surprise at all to see so many WWFC supporters raging over the decision to appoint him for their upcoming fixture.

Wolves fans on Dean appointment

These Wanderers fumed as the news of Dean’s appointment was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was a ‘joke’:

“Here we go again”

Credit: @moor_george

“You are kidding???”

Credit: @AlisonW91221347

“Hope it gets called off..”

Credit: @LondonishWolves

“May as well give them the points now”

Credit: @TheDowg

“God help us.”

Credit: @JohnGill27

“This has to be some joke!!!”

Credit: @ezzalodge

In other news, find out which ‘standout’ Wanderer has now been backed to join a Premier League club here!

After beating Watford 5-0 on Saturday at Vicarage Road in their latest Premier League outing, Liverpool are back in Champions League action on Tuesday evening with an away clash against Atletico Madrid.

A hat-trick from Roberto Firmino and additional goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah perfectly set up Jurgen Klopp’s side for their latest Champions League match in midweek after winning their opening two group games.

On the chalkboard

One player that wasn’t involved in the game against Watford, that we think should be in the starting XI to face Atletico is midfielder Fabinho, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £180k-per-week according to Spotrac.

The 27-year-old wasn’t in the squad to face Watford as he was involved with Brazil on international duty just a short period before the match against the Hornets, alongside Alisson Becker.

Given that Fabinho has now had time after returning from Brazil duty to get ready for the Atletico match, we feel he should be back in the team as he would presumably be fresher than the midfielders that played against Watford such as James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita.

Taking into account some of Fabinho’s numbers and it’s evident why he deserves to play.

He has managed to rack up an average of 2.5 interceptions per game and 4.5 tackles per game from the two previous Champions League outings he’s played in for Liverpool this season. On top of that, he’s won 73% of all duels he’s been involved in so he could definitely prove himself to be a tough and possibly even terrifying opponent for Atletico’s attacking players. That’s given how Diego Simeone’s side have only managed to score 11 goals in eight La Liga games so far this season.

One in, one out

In terms of who Fabinho could replace in the team, we feel that Klopp should take Keita out of the team given he played 90 minutes against Watford and has struggled with his fitness and numerous injuries in the past. It might be a risk to play him again in midweek, even though he played well against Watford, earning himself an overall match rating of 7.2/10 according to SofaScore.

Looking ahead to the match, whether Klopp decides to start Fabinho, who has been described as “outstanding” by the Reds manager in the past, they will definitely be looking to keep their winning streak in the Champions League going ahead of their big Premier League clash against Manchester United at the weekend.

In other news: Klopp could land perfect Mane heir at Liverpool in “pure class” £22.5m-rated star – opinion

According to Football Insider, Southampton are one of a number of clubs said to be interested in signing Jan Kuchta this summer.

Saints want Kuchta

Kuchta was in action for Slavia Prague in the Europa League on Thursday as his side took on Rangers.

As per Football Insider, the Saints are one of several Premier League clubs looking at the 24-year-old. The other teams mentioned are West Ham United, Newcastle United and Brighton.

Interesting

This has been Kuchta’s best season by far as a professional footballer. He has amassed 13 goals and and seven assists in 25 games in all competitions – he has only scored 36 goals throughout his career (Transfermarkt). As Slavia have reached the round of 16 in European competition, Kuchta has played his part in getting them there, scoring twice in that run.

Currently valued at just £900,000 (Transfermarkt), he could well be a bargain for any club trying to sign him. He is also still quite young, meaning he has plenty of time to improve as a player. With Danny Ings’ future at St Mary’s still uncertain (The Telegraph), Ralph Hasenhuttl may be in need of a new striker very soon. It remains to be seen whether Kuchta moves to the Premier League in the summer.

In other news, some Southampton fans react to news on this defender.

Alex McLeish has urged Everton to start playing Josh King more following his move from AFC Bournemouth in the January transfer window.

The Merseyside club’s next game is against Manchester City at Goodison Park in the FA Cup on Saturday evening, but King will not be able to play as he is cup-tied having already featured in the competition for the Cherries earlier on in the 2020/21 term.

Nonetheless, McLeish has claimed that now is the time for the former Manchester United man to show what he can do for Carlo Ancelotti’s team:

“If there’s problems for Everton and he hasn’t quite got into the rhythm of the Everton way, now’s the time.

“When he signed, I thought he was a good signing. He knows his way around the Premier League, Premier League defences and the opposition boxes.

“This is the time for Josh to make the mark.

“It’s quite simple, there’s no need to elaborate on it. He should be at the peak of his powers now.

“There are sliding doors for people in every walk of life. It could be that he ignites with Everton if he gets this opportunity to be a first-team pick.”

King barely used by Everton

King, who is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, has barely been used by the Toffees since his move, with just eight matches played in total over all competitions so far, and no starts (Transfermarkt).

The Norway international clearly has ability, with his former manager Jason Tindall describing him as a ‘real handful’ back in January, but has perhaps been the victim of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fine form up top.

However, given the latest injury to James Rodriguez, maybe there is a place for him to get a run in the side in the front line for the Blues, an opportunity that the 29-year-old striker would surely be looking to relish.

In other news, find out what potential injury boost EFC have received before Manchester City here!

Tottenham are reportedly willing to sell Leeds-linked defender Joe Rodon this summer.

The Lowdown: Leeds interest

Rodon, labelled as ‘flawless’ and ‘special’ in a Wales shirt by journalist Ian Mitchelmore, was linked with a move to Elland Road in the January window.

Victor Orta and co. were keen on his services in a potential loan deal alongside Newcastle, however, the Wales international remained in north London.

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Antonio Conte is yet to use the 24-year-old in the Premier League, and it looks as if a Spurs exit will be discussed once again over the coming months given he is so far down the pecking order.

The Latest: Rodon update

TEAMtalk relayed an update from The Telegraph, suggesting that Conte is willing to green-light an exit for the centre-back this summer.

Their report claims that Leeds and Newcastle are once again on alert regarding the Wales centre-back and both could be interested in a summer swoop.

The Verdict: Orta target?

Jesse Marsch currently has five centre-back options, however, he has taken over the league’s leakiest defence and is thought to be planning a defensive overhaul.

Robin Koch has been linked with an exit in recent weeks, so should he depart this summer, a new centre-back would more than likely be on his radar.

Orta clearly wants Rodon at Elland Road given the interest under two different managers, so a move could be one to keep a close eye on, providing Leeds remain in the Premier League.

In other news: Approach made: 49ers and Radz now in exit talks with club for ‘awful’ Leeds defender. 

Celtic have been handed a major boost in the race to sign QPR winger Bright Osayi-Samuel, as reports claim the Championship side are ready to sell him in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports back in December suggested that Neil Lennon had made the 23-year-old his priority target, and that whilst the winger’s contract is coming to an end when the season finishes, he is keen on bringing him in before then.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that QPR are ready to sell Osayi-Samuel after failing to tie him down to a new contract, and that they are willing to move him on in January in order to at least receive some kind of transfer fee for him.

Lawwell masterclass

Make no mistake about it, Peter Lawwell has got the perfect chance to deliver an absolute bargain for Celtic by signing Osayi-Samuel this month.

The 23-year-old has got tonnes of ability, and whilst his record of just three goals and three assists in the Championship this season doesn’t exactly reflect that, his manager at QPR knows exactly what he brings to the table.

Speaking after a 6-1 win over Cardiff, Mark Warburton said: “I’m not sure many teams have that blistering pace. As long as he knows how to use it and that’s the key for him learning the game. He’s working so hard. He’s got that sheer pace which terrifies defenders and when he uses it wisely like he did today he looks a real handful. I’m delighted for him and it’s good for the crowd to see a player who gets them off their seats which is what you want.”

With the fact his contract is running down, Lawwell should be confident of clinching a cut-price deal for Osayi-Samuel, and it’s one Lennon will be absolutely buzzing with given that he identified him as a major target for the club.

Aston Villa have joined the race for former Chelsea youngster Matthew Cox, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Heaton set for exit

According to The Telegraph, Villa shot-stopper Tom Heaton is set to join Manchester United on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old’s Villa Park deal expires this summer, and it is believed he will return to Old Trafford to provide competition to Dean Henderson and David de Gea.

Should Heaton’s move go through, that will leave Dean Smith with Emiliano Martinez and Jed Steer as senior options.

The Latest: Villa and Everton watch Cox in action

According to Football Insider, who have been informed by a recruitment source, both Villa and Everton are now in the hunt for Cox, currently on the books of AFC Wimbledon.

The 18-year-old, also linked with Manchester United, has been watched by Villa at youth level, with the club leaving impressed with the shot-stopper.

Cox, who only just turned 18, was on the books at Chelsea as a youngster before moving to Wimbledon as a teenager.

He’s yet to make his senior debut, but it seems as if Villa like what they see in the goalkeeper.

The Verdict: Future competition for Martinez?

Villa have European teenagers Viljami Sinisalo and Akos Onodi as options in goal for the club’s Under-23 side.

However, with Villa looking at Cox, that may spell trouble for the pair in their hopes of breaking into Smith’s first-team squad.

Cox, should he move to the Midlands and continue to flourish, could end up providing competition for Martinez over years to come. It’s a long shot, but it’s good to see Villa looking at adding to their youth ranks.

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to club’s interest in Premier League midfielder, find out more here. 

Former Scotland defender Alan Hutton admits Tyler Roberts’ future will ultimately be decided by how much first-team football he is playing.

The Lowdown: Up-and-down season for Roberts

Leeds United have enjoyed a superb season back in the Premier League, picking up some memorable wins and playing scintillating football along the way.

While Marcelo Bielsa has had some undoubted key performers, someone who has been on the periphery a little is Roberts.

The 13-time capped Wales international has only managed 14 starts in the league, scoring once and registering two assists in that time.

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The Latest: Pundit admits Roberts could leave

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton believes Roberts’ future is up in the air because of a lack of playing time, following rumoured interest from Newcastle United and suggestion that he has rejected a new deal:

“The contract is such a big thing. The club have obviously made an offer. Does he see that as the right one for him?

“Is he going to get enough game time? I think a lot of it comes down to that as a player at that age. You want to play football.

“If you’re going to be in and out, or they can’t guarantee you’re going to be a starter next season, it doesn’t surprise me that you’re looking at your options.

“It’s only natural as a football player, you want to play football. You don’t want to sit on the bench and play 12 games a season. You want to play 30-plus games a season.

“If Newcastle can offer him that then it will be something that he’ll be thinking very, very hard about. They’re obviously in the Premier League, It will be a difficult decision for him.

“I think it’ll come down to the games because I’m sure Leeds and Newcastle will offer him a decent contract. It comes down to where you’re going to play the most.”

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The Verdict: Keep hold of him

While Roberts may not be one of Bielsa’s undisputed key players at the moment, it would be a huge shame to move him on at this stage in his career.

At 22, the attacking midfielder has so much potential, already making 81 appearances for the Whites, showcasing that Bielsa clearly sees a player in there.

It would be understandable if Roberts sees his future elsewhere, however – in many ways, it is admirable if he wants to play more football, rather than be a squad player for the foreseeable future.

Leeds fans could find it hard to begrudge him a move, but he is someone who still has so much to offer at Elland Road.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly scheduled talks with one player over a summer move. Find out who it is here.