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West Ham United may have to pay the price for an apparent blunder, after Olympique de Marseille walked away from a deal to sign Manuel Lanzini in January.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, Andre Villas-Boas had pushed the Ligue 1 outfit to sign Lanzini as part of a major revamp at the Orange Velodrome.

The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur head coach initially attempted to include Lanzini in a potential swap deal for Morgan Sanson, before later returning with a straight loan approach after OM sold the 26-year-old to Aston Villa for £15.5m.

Villas-Boas was keen for Lanzini to play a role in turning Les Phoceens’ fortunes around after a difficult campaign, but the Marseille hierarchy instead opted to sign Olivier Ntcham on a loan-to-buy deal from Celtic.

Villas-Boas had hit out at Marseille for signing Ntcham until the end of the season, noting via quotes by The Guardian: “I submitted my resignation saying that I did not agree with the sporting policy.

“We ended the transfer window with a new player [in Ntcham]. He is a player that I had said ‘no’ for.”

OM deemed his comments “unacceptable” and fired the 43-year-old following a season that saw Les Phoceens eliminated from the Champions League after the group stage.

A blunder by Sullivan?

West Ham failing to offload Lanzini to Marseille will go down as a blunder by the Irons’ co-owner and Chairman Sullivan, as the Argentine had seemingly been placed firmly in the shop window by head coach David Moyes ahead of the winter transfer market.

Lanzini was reportedly made available for a mid-season move in December but had failed to attract any interest before the window opened last month, when claims emerged that West Ham were valuing the five-cap international as highly as £15m.

It was no wonder Moyes was willing to sacrifice the midfielder given how infrequently he had featured over the first few months of the campaign, starting two of 11 Premier League appearances, and is unlikely to feature too often now than Jesse Lingard has joined on loan.

Lingard’s arrival from Manchester United has already seen the England international take a more prominent role in Moyes’ plans, starting both available games and scoring a brace on his debut, while Lanzini has been left an unused substitute in the Hammers’ last four top-flight fixtures.

Yet Villas-Boas clearly liked what Lanzini could have brought to the table at the Stade Velodrome. But he could not be united with the £70,000-per-week playmaker, potentially due to the Irons’ demands with Celtic sending Ntcham to France on loan with a £5.5m option to buy.

West Ham will now be left to rue pricing Lanzini out of a move to OM with his lucrative terms running to 2023. And with Lingard also now ahead of him in the pecking order, the Hammers will struggle to see the former Al-Jazira maestro maintain his market value until the summer and they may be forced to sell him for a cheaper fee when the season ends.

AND in other news, David Moyes can give a £3.5m-rated outcast a new lease of life at West Ham with one decision…

Speaking to Sky Sports News on Saturday (13.12), Clinton Morrison believes Gareth Bale will be questioning why he moved on loan to Tottenham.

Bale will be doubting his decision

Bale returned to his former club on a temporary basis from Real Madrid last summer, but he has so far started just two Premier League games (Transfermarkt).

Morrison has suggested he will be regretting moving back to north London. He said:

“He is sitting on the bench, 10 minutes to go, and you are not bringing him on. You have made only two substitutions. Gareth Bale must be sitting there thinking, ‘What I have come to this football club if I am not going to be given an opportunity?'”

Disappointment

All PollsBale’s first spell at Tottenham was a successful one – after all, Real paid a then-world record fee to sign him in 2013 (BBC). While he was not always allegedly the most popular player at the Santiago Bernabeu (The Sun), the £18m-valued forward (Transfermarkt) still managed over 100 goals for Los Merengues and scored in two Champions League finals.

However, while the fans may have been happy to have Bale back at the club, Jose Mourinho was reportedly against his signature (The Irish Independent), and that is clear when you see his reluctance to include him in the starting XI or bring him on from the bench. At 31, and with a number of injuries behind him, there is a worry that the Wales international’s best days are long gone.

In other news, a financial expert has dropped this claim on Sergio Reguilon.

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a devastating injury blow ahead of their Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee United.

What’s the word?

Steven Gerrard’s side take on the Tangerines at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

However, Rangers will be without their influential talisman James Tavernier after it was revealed the right-back had suffered a knee injury in Thursday’s Europa League win over Royal Antwerp.

Tavernier limped out of the seven-goal thriller with Antwerp in midweek, and it has now emerged he will have to wait for a scan to determine the full extent of the problem.

The 29-year-old attacking full-back has been an integral part of Gerrard’s side this season but is now facing a spell on the sidelines with his return currently unknown.

“We will see what the scan shows to see what he’s going to miss (Tavernier), he’s obviously going to miss the next few games,” Gerrard said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“Leon Balogun played well in that position. Ryan Jack can also do a job, so we do have options if required at right-back.

“We are showing the strength & depth of the squad, I would love to play Jack every minute, but I have to protect & look after him, so he is ready and fresh going into the weekend.”

Colossal setback for Steven Gerrard

Whilst Gerrard tried to hide his disappointment, there’s no glossing over the fact that this will be a colossal setback for the 54-time Scottish champions.

Nathan Patterson is the only other out and out right-back but has been removed from the first team as he has been forced to self-isolate after breaching coronavirus protocols.

The 19-year-old, who signed a new long-term contract at the club earlier this season, now faces an uncertain future at Ibrox amid an ongoing investigation by the Scottish FA.

Tavernier was voted the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for September, while a return of 11 goals in 29 top-flight appearances this season sees him top the goal-scoring charts out of the entire Rangers squad, ahead of the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe.

By the numbers, he ranks fifth for shots taken (1.9 per 90), second for key passes (2) and third for dribbles completed (1.3), which shows he will be incredibly difficult to replace.

For context, neither Patterson nor Balogun have completed more than 0.5 shots per game in the Premiership this season, via WhoScored, suggesting that Tavernier is almost a different animal in attack altogether.

And in addition to that, he currently ranks as WhoScored’s top player, both at Ibrox and in the entire SPFL, with an average rating of 7.76 – only reinforcing the idea that the right-back is arguably Gers’ most vital cog.

Therefore, Gerrard will be hard-pressed to find a contributor on both sides of the ball who can better his terrific form from this term and thus, this latest development comes as a crushing and devastating blow.

AND in other news, Balogun and Wright start, Kent rested: Rangers Predicted XI vs Dundee…

Glasgow Rangers legend Brian Laudrup believes Ryan Kent could be the difference for the Gers in their Europa League clash with Slavia Prague.

Laudrup backs Kent

The Ibrox outfit progressed to the round of 16 after beating Royal Antwerp 9-5 on aggregate and will now face the Czech champions.

Writing in his Daily Mail column (via HITC), Laudrup has backed the £7.2m-valued former Liverpool man (Transfermarkt) to be the difference for Steven Gerrard and co. He explained:

“I covered Slavia’s win over Leicester City for Danish television last week. There’s actually quite a lot of interest in them over here because a young Danish international player, Alexander Bah, has moved out to Prague.

“They have a good unit that will press high and run hard. Defensively, they are sound. Leicester barely managed to create a couple of chances against them as they were denied the space to use their counter-attacking prowess.

“But I think Rangers have different qualities – players who can take people on and create. Look at how Ryan Kent played against Antwerp, for one example.

“I still see Gerrard’s team as slight favourites. Maybe 60-40. That’s all.”

More consistency

Kent was in top form against Antwerp – he scored twice across the two matches and provided an assist despite not starting either game (Transfermarkt). However, he has proven to be inconsistent across the campaign – he was on fire earlier on in the term, scoring five times in the first nine matches, but it has taken him 32 games since to double that tally.

The 24-year-old’s ability is clear for all to see, but given that the Gers parted with £7.5m to capture his services in 2019 (Sky Sports), many will no doubt be expecting more. Gerrard and co will be hoping he is at his best in the next round of the Europa League as the 54-time Scottish champions aim to reach to the quarter-finals.

In other news, many Rangers fans slammed this journalist’s latest article.

Former Sheffield United Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he thinks Ivan Toney would be a great signing for West Ham.

Toney has taken the Championship by storm this season, and is just five goals short of matching Glenn Murray’s record of 30 goals in a single campaign set back in 2012-2013.

The 24-year-old only signed from Peterborough United last summer, but is already six clear of former Newcastle United teammate Adam Armstrong in the race for the Golden Boot after notching an impressive 25 times in 33 appearances.

And following the January departure of record-signing Sebastien Haller to Ajax, the Hammers don’t have a recognised senior frontman in their squad – with the versatile Michail Antonio currently playing as their number nine.

Antonio has done an excellent job for West Ham this season, netting seven Premier League goals, including the equaliser at Manchester City last Saturday and opener against Tottenham, but has a history of injuries, and has already missed 10 games this term.

With the East Londoners also facing the possibility of being in Europe next season, adding a striker to their squad would appear a priority for David Moyes.

Eurosport reported last month that Toney is on West Ham’s radar, with Football Insider reporting that the could cost more than £30m, and Windass believes that the London Stadium would be a good destination for Brentford man.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“Ivan Toney has taken the baton from Ollie Watkins at Brentford. When you play in the Premier League, you do play with better players, you do get more chances. Ivan Toney would be a great fit for West Ham, would be a great buy. I don’t think that Brentford will keep him.”

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans are reacting to a tweet from Dom Howson in which he discusses midfielder Sam Hutchinson.

The journalist tweeted: “Why I think Sam Hutchinson could solve Darren Moore’s key defensive problem”, with an accompanying link to a Yorkshire Live article explaining his stance, and this caused many to start debating the Hillsborough ace.

The Englishman left the Owls in September and moved to Cypriot side Pafos FC (The Star). However, he was soon released and this has opened the door to him coming back to Hillsborough. The 31-year-old had a successful career at Wednesday as he made 165 appearances over seven seasons for the Yorkshire outfit.

The Owls are suffering in the Championship and need a miracle to reduce the seven-point gap to 21st before the end of the season. Since re-signing for the club, Sam Hutchinson has featured 11 times and has contributed much defensively as he has averaged 1.9 tackles, 2.4 interceptions and three clearances per game (WhoScored).

Therefore, it is easy to see why Howson believes he could solve the defensive issues and hopefully he can help turn things around for the club. However, the 31-year-old seems to be a divisive figure, judging by these replies from Wednesday fans on Twitter:

Here is how Wednesday fans reacted to Howson’s tweet:

“Are you on his payroll mate”

Credit: @kanewhelan2

“I was so excited listening to the early interviews with the new Boss. He came across as being positive, dynamic and passionate. Sadly, that hasn’t yet seemed to have transferred over to the players. Sam is a player who usually embodies those things, so you could be right.”

Credit: @NelsPalmerur

“Do you ‘think’ this could do it as it already has? when he was first re-signed he was next to Lee’s and they were solid”

Credit: @chrisma50n

“Got to be better than he is in midfield, not as good as Joey, he’s either not fit, trying not to get hurt /sent off or his legs have gone. He’s been poor.”

Credit: @SteveAuntsVan

“If we’re going to play it out from the back Hutchinson and Dunkley should be our centre-backs”

Credit: @DeLudoScribo

“Agree; hutch is a centre half not a holding midfielder player anymore.”

Credit: @hirsty9

In other news, these SWFC fans discussed one player that got away!

Fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the club shared a post concerning the Hammers centre-back, Craig Dawson.

Having joined West Ham on a season-long loan deal last October, Dawson’s life in east London got off to a rather slow start, with the 30-year-old making just one league appearance for the Hammers in 2020.

However, since then, the £3.6 million-rated defender has become a stalwart in David Moyes’ starting XI, having not missed a minute of Premier League action since his league debut in December, with one supporter calling him an ‘unreal’ find by the manager.

And, following yet another impressive performance in West Ham’s 2-0 victory over Leeds United – in which Dawson scored one goal, made one interception and three clearances – on Monday evening, the West Ham Twitter account singled out the centre-back for praise, simply posting “CRAIG DAWSON” accompanied by two praying hands emojis.

In reaction, fans of West Ham flocked to have their say on the man who has gone from a seemingly pointless singing into an absolute bargain, with many taking the opportunity to call for the club to make Dawson’s loan deal a permanent move this summer.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to the club’s post regarding Craig Dawson?

“Better than Ramos.”

@JOHNSMITHH66

“Craig Dawson superb yet again against Leeds tonight – very solid as always. Seems to be improving and proves the initial doubters wrong every game he plays. He’s the kind of player West Ham fans love – old school CB who plays for shirt every time wears it. Needs to be permanent.”

@WestHamJoshV

“£3 million in the summer! That’s criminal!”

@Nobby_1977

“What a find from Moyes, he looks unreal.”

@conko97

“VIRGIL VAN DAWSON.”

@joelitt78828048

“Sign him up and be done with it.”

@bianchibully

“Get him on the plane.”

@Westhamfan987

“Break the bank for this man! He is massive!”

@TCootie

“Please just please buy him.”

@stoffer_charlie

“Absolute rock at the back!”

@Josephsimon007

“Sign him now pls.”

@mike_deas

In other news: Many West Ham fans responded to this club update, find out more here!

Former Ballon d’Or winner Ruud Gullit has suggested that the planned Champions League revamp could provide a boost for clubs outside of Europe’s top five leagues – perhaps including Glasgow Rangers.

Rangers could receive Champions League boost

Plans to revamp Europe’s premier club competition are being pushed through – the chances are set to be in place from 2024 if they are confirmed. The plans would see the number of teams being increased to 36 from 32, with each side guaranteed to play a higher number of games (Sky Sports).

Speaking to beIN Sports, Gullit believes it could provide a boost to teams outside the biggest divisions. He explained, using the example of PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie:

“When teams earn money they can buy better players.

“We (Holland) are giving players to other countries.

“If there are more teams who had the same possibilities, I don’t see why France has four (teams), Italy has to have four teams, why Germany has four.

“That is, for me, is the biggest issue. I want for my country – if PSV Eindhoven has the opportunity to play in the tournament and earn that money then they have the possibility to become better.

“We don’t have it because we don’t earn the money, PSV has to play four matches before they get qualified into the Champions League, that’s the problem.”

Boost for Rangers?

As of yet, the plans are still in their formative stage – there has been no confirmation as to how this new format would work, or how the qualification process would work. One thing is for sure, though – more games would bring in more money to the teams playing in the tournament.

The Gers are set to be in the Champions League next season, although it is unsure as to whether they will need to qualify or whether they will go straight into the group stages. An appearance in the competition from 2024, though, could well give them a huge financial boost.

In other news, some Rangers fans are angry with this Old Firm news.

As West Ham United shared news that defender Arthur Masuaku started for their Under-23s side yesterday evening, enjoying competitive match action for the first time since his knee surgery, plenty of Irons have buzzed over his return to the pitch and cannot wait for him to be selected once again by David Moyes for the first team.

The Congolese ace, who was a regular under Moyes before announcing his decision to go under the knife, rectifying troublesome knee issues, is now edging back into his plans as Masuaku takes a significant step.

Masuaku was gifted the opportunity to turn out for the Hammers youngsters at Rush Green, with plenty of supporters now eagerly anticipating his first team return as they flock to this ‘huge’ news.

Given he was arguably crucial for Moyes as a wing back, completing more dribbles than any West Ham United player this season on average (WhoScored), it’s little wonder why Irons are ecstatic at his taste of minutes.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Masuaku news

“Im actually buzzing

So happy to have him back”

Credit: @LukaSkaric2

“The king returns!”

Credit: @Chaz_B_Cole

“Arthur is huge for us. So excited for him to come back into the squad”

Credit: @westhamhour

“Masuaku back is huge – 5 at the back formation lacks so much in attack with Johnson starting over him”

Credit: @SamWhite1998

“Yay masuaku”

Credit: @gvomikez17

“MASSSSS OMG”

Credit: @Jaxkxc

“Masuaku happy days”

Credit: @bioniclilz

“The king is nearly back. The rest of the Barclays is terrified”

Credit: @billy_grimmel

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

Many fans of Aston Villa have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relayed a report regarding recent comments made by on-loan Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane.

Since making his loan move to Swansea City back in January, the Irishman has highly impressed in his 13 Championship appearances for Steve Cooper’s side, with the 30-year-old scoring five goals and providing one assist, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.86, ranking him as the Swans’ 10th-best performer in the second tier.

In recent comments, as cited by Birmingham Live, Hourihane claimed that Swansea’s push for promotion is an “exciting” thing to be a part of, before going on to state that he knows what it is like to experience promotion to the top flight, as he achieved the feat with Villa back in 2019.

However, after Aston Villa News relayed the report on Twitter, questioning whether Villa fans would welcome Hourihane back to Villa Park this summer, many stated their belief that the £42,000-per-week midfielder’s time with Dean Smith’s side is up. That stance could be based on the 30-year-old making just four Premier League appearances this season before his loan move to south Wales.

So, what did these Aston Villa fans have to say in reaction to the tweet regarding Conor Hourihane?

“Loved his contribution during his time with us. I think, though, his days are done with Villa. Wish him all the success.”

@irvines02

“Nope, a summer recruitment drive will put an end to Hourihane’s Villa career.”

@Captain__C00k_

“Sad to say but no – a great player at Championship level but not in the Prem.”

@hilly53

“Nope, Championship player at best. Great for a goal or set-piece but overall not good or mobile enough for the Prem.”

@Seancallowbrady

“No. Has served us well but if we’re moving forward then it’s time to move on.”

@shang1308

“No, not good enough.”

@paulhughes2016

In other news: These Villa fans reacted as this ‘stupid’ club news emerged – find out more here!