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Dropping an official announcement, West Ham United have confirmed that promising young defender Emmanuel Longelo has signed a new deal at the London Stadium till the summer of 2023 – with many Irons supporters erupting over the ‘excellent news’.

Having already made his first team debut for the Irons under manager David Moyes, playing the last 21 minutes of their Carabao Cup third round tie against Hull City at the beginning of 2020/2021 (whufc.com), he has also displayed great promise in the academy this season.

Indeed, he has been a regular for West Ham’s Under-23s in the Premier League 2, bagging four assists in 21 appearances from the left-back position (Transfermarkt).

The 20-year-old has also played more minutes than any member of that squad (whufc.com), with Irons fans now erupting over the news that their club have tied him down until 2023.

He also has the option to extend his stay for another year, and it’s safe to say West Ham supporters have raved – with one calling the announcement ‘excellent news’.

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Find a flavour of their best verdicts from social media down below.

West Ham fans erupt over new Longelo deal

“this is actually superb news”

Credit: @stephenlott

“Let’s goooo. This kid has a massive future”

Credit: @joelitt78828048

“Great news! Exciting prospect”

Credit: @supersonic_mark

“First team get him amongst it”

Credit: @TayMack1994

“Future is bright”

Credit: @whu_sam

“Excellent news”

Credit: @DazzaG77

“I love our academy”

Credit: @Tedinho7_

“Rate this lad highly”

Credit: @whukyle

In other news: West Ham fans flocked to this transfer claim, find out more here.

Lee Charnley must secure a new contract for Federico Fernandez after Steve Bruce stated that discussions will be held with the Newcastle United defender.

What’s the word?

Via quotes by The Shields Gazette, the Magpies boss has addressed Fernandez’s uncertain future with his current deal set to expire in the summer.

The Argentine is still on the same £47,000-per-week terms penned upon his last-ditch £6m arrival from Swansea City in 2018, having extended his stay by a further 12-months last March due to a one-year option in his deal.

Bruce was delighted to have gotten the clause activated and repaid Fernandez’s commitment by starting the 32-year-old in 16 of Newcastle’s initial 17 Premier League games, before he developed a calf injury a month after contracting coronavirus.

Fernandez returned to action in this month’s 2-1 win at Burnley, and Bruce now expects to see the North East giants open negotiations with their £2.5m-rated titan over extending his stay into at least a fourth campaign.

“There’s going to be discussions. To be fair, we’ve all concentrated on one thing at the moment, getting results,” the Toon boss said. “Feddy was another one badly, badly infected with Covid. Then got an awful calf strain, so you take Feddy, and how much he’s missed, the skipper [Jamaal Lascelles], Fab Schar, Callum [Wilson] … our big players, who you rely on.

“We’ve been without them too long. I’ve said time and time again, especially to you guys [the media], if we’re right, we’re fit, we’ve got our best players available, then we’ll be OK. Without them, it becomes a struggle. It’s good to see him [Fernandez] back playing.”

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Should Newcastle retain Fernandez?

Rafa Benitez courted Fernandez heavily in 2018 when he sought to be reunited with his former Napoli enforcer due to a shortage of centre-backs at St. James’ Park, and struck a deal with just hours remaining of the summer market.

Fernandez struggled with injuries and to regain his place in the Toon backline during his sole year under Benitez, despite the Spaniard considering him as his “best defender”, but proved to be a fixture of Bruce’s plans last season and again when fit this term.

He may not have been at his best on Saturday as Newcastle beat Champions League-chasing West Ham United, but Fernandez has been one of Bruce’s more consistent centre-back options across the Premier League campaign.

Of the four players that Bruce has fielded in the heart of his Magpies backline on more than four occasions in the top-flight this term, Fernandez has achieved the second-best average WhoScored match rating at 6.64 to Ciaran Clark’s 6.73 out of 10.

The 32-cap Argentina international – who has captained Newcastle five times this term – has also averaged the highest number of successful tackles per league game by United’s centre-halves with 1.6 from a unit-high 1.8 attempts, makes the most clearances (5.9) and puts his body on the line with the most shots blocked (1.3).

Bruce would no doubt rue the Tyneside outfit if Fernandez were to leave on a free transfer this summer, making it a necessity for their Managing Director Charnley to secure a new contract for the soon-to-be free agent before it is too late.

AND in other news, Newcastle United passed on a £10m transfer for Manchester City’s potential Sergio Aguero replacement…

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that Tammy Abraham would be a great signing for West Ham.

Abraham has slipped down the pecking order at Chelsea following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, starting just two Premier League games since January, and was hauled off at half-time in both of those against Burnley and Southampton.

Despite his lack of opportunities, the striker is still Chelsea’s top scorer having netted 12 times in all competitions, but his Stamford Bridge career appears to be drawing to a close.

Meanwhile, West Ham desperately need to bolster their striking options following the January departure of Sebastien Haller and ongoing injuries to Michail Antonio, leaving them with just one first-team frontman.

West Ham are reportedly keen on Abraham, who’s considering his Chelsea future after being left out of their squad for last Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City.

And Windass believes that should Abraham make the move across London, it would be a good deal for both parties.

He told Football FanCast:

“I think that’s a great fit. West Ham have always had a Carlton Cole, tall, aggressive number nine. You wouldn’t write that off because Antonio has always struggled with his hamstring problems.

“Tammy Abraham has had his nose pushed out at Chelsea, you can see that happening.

“And West Ham fans would be delighted if they got someone like Tammy Abraham to replace Antonio.”

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that his old side must go out and buy a new winger following Trezeguet’s injury.

The Egyptian could be out for some time after damaging his ACL in a recent 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, which could leave Villa light as they wait for him to recover and build up his fitness again over what is likely to be a very long period.

Bearing that in mind, Hendrie is convinced that the Villans need to add another wide player to their squad in the summer, an area he feels needed strengthening anyway.

Speaking exclusively to TT about the matter, the ex-Villa star said:

“They’re going to have to strengthen that area because I feel that’s been an area where they haven’t supplied enough to Ollie Watkins at times. He’s created and been amongst his own goals at times.

“So, yeah, not only the ACL, which is so disappointing for Trezeguet, the last thing you want to see is a player getting injured and such a bad injury in that sense, but the build to get back to your full fitness. You’re possibly talking minimum 12 months, so they’re going to have to go and strengthen that area.”

In the meantime, manager Dean Smith will have to rely on the likes of Anwar El Ghazi and Bertrand Traore as Villa continue to battle for a top-half finish and possibly even a European spot, with eight games left to play.

Lots of West Ham United fans have been fuming at Craig Dawson and they are demanding him to be dropped by David Moyes.

Dawson featured for the Hammers in their 3-2 win over Wolves in the Premier League last night. He was partnered by Issa Diop and the former West Brom man picked up a WhoScored rating of 6.62 for his performance.

The centre-back was the second-lowest rated player for the Irons out of all those who had started and only Aaron Cresswell picked up a worse rating than him. Only two of the starters registered fewer than his 23 passes – one of whom was Michail Antonio, whose match lasted just 35 minutes.

This performance came after Dawson had scored two own goals in as many games, putting the ball into his own net against Arsenal and Manchester United.

Before the own goals, though, the defender had impressed at the back in appearances against the likes of Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace. He had also done well against Southampton earlier in the season (as per WhoScored).

Back in March, it was stated that Dawson would seal a permanent West Ham move if he played three more games. It now seems as though that condition has been met.

However, some Hammers fans aren’t happy with his recent performances and have called for the “liability” to be dropped in forthcoming fixtures.

What did West Ham fans make of Dawson’s performance?

“Dawson has been such a liability last 3 games, I think Balbuena and Diop is a shout.”

Credit: @ReeceEnever_

“Dawson don’t look like the same player the last 3 or 4 games . I think he maybe the one that needs taking out.”

Credit: @IANL80s

“Dawson was more of a liability yesterday than Diop.”Credit: @MJ_Jeffries”Dawson literally scored 2 own goals in 3 games and has been more of a liability then Diop. I honestly don’t get the agenda. Haller and Diop you both have agendas against, i wonder why….”Credit: @ThatGuyChichar”Hard to know, Balbuena is slower than Diop, so having Dawson and Balbuena v Vardy isn’t a good idea, he’d tear them apart with his pace, Diop is faster but switches off at times!!”Credit: @LiamHammer7″I think without Ogbonna we look suspect. Dawson being found out for not being a good footballer and Diop switches off too much. I’d rather neither didn’t play.”Credit: @FlawsdrawIn other news, one journalist has dropped a worrying claim about Jesse Lingard – read more here.

MatériaMais Notícias

A vitória por 3 a 2 contra o Figueirense iniciou uma série de quatro jogos do Fluminense no Rio de Janeiro. Agora, o Tricolor encara o Botafogo na quarta-feira, na Arena Botafogo, e depois faz mais duas partidas em Edson Passos, contra Atlético-MG e Chapecoense. O meia Gustavo Scarpa exaltou a sequência de duelos próximo da torcida. Segundo ele, atuar mais perto dos torcedores tem sido um diferencial para o Flu nesta temporada.

– O pensamento é conseguirmos o maior número de pontos possíveis. Vamos ter uma sequência de jogos no Rio de Janeiro, o que tem sido pouco comum para nós nessa temporada. É excelente poder atuarmos mais perto da nossa torcida. Isso está refletido nos números, no nosso aproveitamento dentro de casa desde que passamos a jogar em Edson Passos. Mas ainda há muito o que melhorarmos ainda – disse o meia.

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Na partida contra o Figueira, Scarpa abriu o placar para o Fluminense de cabeça, uma forma que não é muito comum para ele. O meia brincou com o feito, lembrou que o gol de falta é mais bonito, mas que o importante é colocar a bola dentro da rede.

– É até estranho, mas muito legal marcar um gol de cabeça (risos). O gol de falta geralmente é mais bonito, mas fico feliz em poder deixar a minha marca mais uma vez. Não importa a maneira, importante é o Fluminense sair com as vitórias, assim como aconteceu diante do Figueirense – disse o jogador.

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed footage of Gers’ centre-back, Connor Goldson, looking ahead to the club’s Europa League tie on Thursday evening.

In the footage, Goldson discussed Rangers’ recent Scottish Premiership title win, suggesting that celebrating a championship in March is a strange feeling as there is still a great deal of the season left to play.

On a related note, when asked whether it was difficult to focus on the fixture against SK Slavia Prague this Thursday following the euphoria of celebrating the title last weekend, the defender admitted that he and his side did enjoy the celebrations, but claimed that they are now fully focused on the upcoming European tie.

However, after Rangers relayed the footage on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many stating their worries about the team’s performance on Thursday, while others commented on Goldson’s rather tired-looking demeanour.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to the footage of Connor Goldson?

“Squad are looking absolutely knackered. If we win on Thursday that is the result of the season.”

@NYCRFC

“Not sure the team is going to be fit for Thursday.”

@ross_acg_gibson

“He’s going to be playing half-cut.”

@RFCBenB

“Wow man, tomorrow will be some watch. Big man’s still plastered.”

@cammyashwood_

“Not holding out much hope for Thursday. Him and Gerrard sound done in.”

@Dotsy1978

“Big man looks like he’s only just come off it. Thursday is going to be some watch.”

@rhysmgale

In other news: some Rangers fans slammed this politician’s comments – find out more here!

This has been a rather troubled January for Leeds United. They have won just once and have failed to strengthen their ranks in the transfer window.

Though, despite Marcelo Bielsa insisting he’s happy with his squad, rumours of potential incomings are swirling around.

On the chalkboard

One of the names linked with Leeds in recent days has been Nottingham Forest youngster Brennan Johnson.

The winger is currently on loan at Lincoln City where he’s been tearing League One to shreds with five goals and six assists in 20 outings.

It’s an impressive record for a 19-year-old who is doing all the right things in terms of his personal development.

The Whites haven’t been afraid to strengthen their youth ranks in recent years and that was evident last summer. Victor Orta brought in the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Cody Drameh and Crysencio Summerville.

Though, with a host of young attackers in their midst, signing another even if they are talented, fails to make much sense.

Unleash Poveda

There is no doubting the supreme talents of Johnson. However, rather than spending on new recruits this month, Leeds must look at unleashing someone already in their ranks.

That happens to be Ian Poveda. The 20-year-old signed from Manchester City a year ago but has only made one senior start since.

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He has appeared ten times as a substitute in the Premier League this term but is yet to play from the off. Poveda’s only chance to shine from kick-off was against Crawley in the FA Cup.

Of course, that was a dismal affair for the Whites as they lost 3-0. However, the English winger was a ball of energy and if anyone could come away from the game with credit, it was him.

He was devastating in the final third and a wonderful piece of trickery in the first-half summed up his game. Poveda attempted four dribbles – two of which were successful – and also provided a key pass all within 58 minutes.

For various reasons, he hasn’t been given a regular chance in the Premier League but we reckon that should change in the back half of the campaign. After all, he possesses qualities that can frighten defenders.

Discussing the youngster earlier this season, Noel Whelan said: “You can see now when you talk about people changing games and bringing a different dimension, he’s very, very quick, got great feet, very tricky, likes to run at players. Very much like Raphinha as well.”

If Leeds really do have another Raphinha in their clutches, it can only be a good thing. The Brazilian has been a radiant ball of attacking quality since signing from Rennes and with three goals and three assists, is improving all the time.

It’s time Poveda was given a similar platform to try and do the same. Leeds would only harm his development further by bringing a player like Johnson to the club.

They must ignore him and unleash their own young players.

AND in other news, 3 new signings, Bielsa favourite axed: How Leeds’ XI could look after deadline day…

With Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League an unquestionable success, attentions may already be turning towards how Marcelo Bielsa’s side can improve for the next campaign.

The Whites are still in the hunt for European football, so the Leeds boss will no doubt be fully focused on that, but the club’s hierarchy should already be drawing up plans on how to potentially reinforce this squad.

And, according to Spanish publication Deportes Cuatro, the Yorkshire club are one of a number of sides interested in signing Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez on a free transfer.

The 9-cap Spain international has established himself as a cornerstone of Madrid’s first-team squad this season, playing 25 games in all competitions, including playing the full 90 minutes in five out of the six Champions League group stage games Los Blancos were involved in.

With two goals and five assists, Vazquez is more of a creative wide-man than someone who’s going to bag ten goals a season – from the 2015/2016 campaign to the 2018/2019 one, the Spaniard broke double figures for assists in each year, including an impressive 16 assists during Madrid’s Champions League winning year in 2017.

His boss at Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane, has waxed lyrical about the kind of team player that he is, and that should surely be further music to Bielsa’s ears.

Speaking after a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo just last month, the French icon said: “What he’s doing right now doesn’t surprise us. Not only do I like him, we all like him because he is always on the job and reliable. He always gives everything on the pitch and we appreciate that. I congratulate him.”

And when you look at his defensive numbers from this season, it’s clear to see why he’d be perfect for Bielsa. He averages a hugely impressive 2.4 tackles per game in La Liga, which would actually rank him fourth in the entire Leeds squad – only Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Luke Ayling have averaged more than him.

He also shows that doggedness and intensity when it comes to the 50/50 challenges, winning 5.6 duels per match – a stat that’s better than any of Leeds’ current wide players.

Vazquez sticks to his defensive task diligently, and given Zidane’s comments on how he “gives everything” for the cause, seems tailor made to be another stand-out Bielsa player at Elland Road.

Many Everton fans have been left reacting to the news that Ali Daei may be joining the Goodison Park faithful.

As per German magazine Kicker (via The Toffee Blues), the Iran football legend has said: “I’m probably going to be a member of the Everton club and it’s a great honour for me.”

It was reported last month that the Merseyside club are interested in working with Daei, although it still remains unclear as to what kind of role he would be playing for the Toffees.

There is also a connection to Farhad Moshiri, who is Iranian himself, which could be a reason as to how and why Daei has been recruited by the Blues.

Nonetheless, the comments that he has made on the possibility of working with EFC should please supporters if he were to join the Everton family.

However, it has also left fans questioning as to why exactly he has been recruited and for what type of role.

Everton fan reaction to Daei news

These Everton fans gave some fairly mixed reaction to the news on Twitter, with one Toffee claiming that it ‘could be massive for the club’ if he joins:

“He’s massive over in Iran, could be massive for the club and grow a fan base over there”

Credit: @jonefc2

“Brands still not offered a new deal, could this be the reason why?”

Credit: @MrBashe

“Moshiri connection I guess”

Credit: @Johnny_Murnane_

“Would be good as a finishing coach. Like Dunc helps out with the physical side of a striker, and he does the actual finishing ability part”

Credit: @lewisbelle3

“I’m confused.”

Credit: @exiledtoffee

“Moshiri’s getting the dough out and bringing in an experienced goal scorer and a legend to teach the young.”

Credit: @EvertonFourIG

In other news, find out what transfer update Blues have been hailing here!