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Lots of West Brom fans have been left blasting the display of Grady Diangana in their 0-0 draw away at Blackpool in the Championship on Tuesday night.

The attacking players for the away team failed to deliver for Valerien Ismael, and Diangana was no exception as they could only manage to take one point away.

The former West Ham United man lost out on five of his duels, and failed to record a single shot on target, dribble or long ball, while he was also guilty of losing possession of the ball on no fewer than on 16 separate occasions in the game (SofaScore).

It was no surprise that he was hauled off after just 61 minutes for Callum Robinson with the score still level, in what was a frustrating night for the 23-year-old.

West Brom fans on Diangana performance

These Baggies blasted his display on Twitter, with one WBA supporter even going as far as to claim that he was ‘awful’:

“Diangana terrible, Grant not much better.”

Credit: @jonesy68

“Finally waste of space Diangana”

Credit: @ColbertFitz

“Diangana is very poor. Needs to come off and take a look at himself.”

Credit: @pwilletts1950

“How poor is Diangana. Absolutely awful.”

Credit: @GrahamCroom

“Look better in midfield without Livermore, I’d take Diangana off at half time he’s been appalling”

Credit: @BradSmith_24

“I did think Hugill was our worst ever signing but Diangana is running him a close 2nd lately”

Credit: @Digforgold1

In other news, find out whose display against Blackpool was also slammed here!

After managing to win just one of their five Championship games in November, West Brom will undoubtedly be hoping to get their December off to a good start by securing a win in their next league game against Coventry City at the weekend.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Baggies boss Valerien Ismael could select in his starting XI to take on Coventry after securing two consecutive 0-0 draws against Blackpool and Nottingham Forest, one figure that started in the game against Forest that should not be in the team at the weekend is £18k-per-week Callum Robinson.

Before being replaced by Adam Reach in the 72nd minute against Forest, Robinson failed to have a big impact from an attacking point of view.

During his time on the pitch, Robinson only managed to have 32 touches of the ball, fewer than Baggies goalkeeper Sam Johnstone (37).

Robinson also only tested the Forest goalkeeper on one occasion and failed to complete any of the two dribbles he attempted, losing possession 13 times.

Previously labelled as an “intelligent” player by Baggies journalist Steve Madeley, Robinson had very little impact off the ball as well against Forest by losing 11 of the 14 duels he was involved in and getting dribbled past twice.

This performance earned Robinson a rather uninspiring overall match rating of 6.5/10, making him the lowest-rated West Brom player that started the game according to SofaScore, even lower than Grady Diangana who racked up very similar statistics to Robinson in the same match.

Also, with the Birmingham Mail claiming that Robinson “looked lost in the centre forward position” against Forest, this suggests that he was a passenger for the Baggies on this occasion.

Combine that with the fact that Robinson hasn’t managed to score a league goal since West Brom’s 4-0 win over Sheffield United back in August, it’s safe to say that the forward is becoming a bit of a liability for the team and is scuppering their chances of securing promotion back to the Premier League.

With the Coventry match on the horizon, it could be Ismael’s best option to drop him altogether or perhaps use him in a different role this time out to see if he can get his season back on track and push the team on.

In other news: “Industrious” WBA monster with 12 key passes was Ismael’s shining light in November – opinion

Everton can form a scary duo in the January transfer window after being linked with a move for Derby County midfielder Jason Knight.

With the Rams currently in financial turmoil, it’s highly likely that Rafael Benitez’s charges could seal a bargain deal for the £5.4m-rated maestro if they can convince him to move to Merseyside.

Derby’s administrators recently revealed that they’re hoping to have completed the sale of the club by late January, although they’ve refused to rule out selling some of the most talented players in Wayne Rooney’s first-team squad over the winter window.

That raises the prospect of Knight departing Pride Park over the coming weeks, with the 20-year-old being one of Derby’s most promising prospects.

As a result, a host of Premier League clubs are believed to be circling for the Republic of Ireland international, including West Ham United, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Leeds United, Burnley and Newcastle United, according to Football League World.

Benitez can form a scary duo

If Benitez can convince the highly-rated Knight to join his revolution at Everton, beating off the extensive competition for his signature, then the 61-year-old could form a scary duo in midfield.

Earlier this year, Manchester United legend Rooney dubbed the Derby academy graduate a “manager’s dream” who “gives everything,” and his presence in the Toffees’ engine room would be warmly welcomed.

Current Everton midfielder Allan has racked up more than 400 appearances throughout his career for club and country, with the 30-year-old enjoying success with Udinese, Napoli and Vasco da Gama before his switch to England.

The Brazil international has become renowned for his dribbling skills, tough tackling and positional intelligence throughout his career, assets which would compliment Knight perfectly.

After making his senior debut back in 2019, the 5 foot 6 dynamo has gone to score 11 goals and provide three assists in 94 appearances for the Midlands outfit, firmly establishing himself in the starting XI.

Knight’s surprising ability in the air, leadership qualities, ability to retain possession and youthful energy could see him strike up a formidable partnership alongside the experienced Allan.

Whether Everton follow up their apparent interest with a formal offer remains to be seen, but it’s a move that Benitez should carefully consider in the weeks ahead.

In other news… Benitez can seal big Everton coup by signing “unbeatable” £27m-rated gem, he’s “incredible” 

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been reacting to Aston Villa’s reported interest in Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.

The Lowdown: Gomez links

Steven Gerrard is preparing his Villa side for a return to his former employers at Anfield this weekend, and it seems as if he could look for help from the Reds when the January transfer window opens.

The Mirror have linked Villa with a winter loan move for Gomez, with the 24-year-old falling down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp.

Gomez, who is known for his searing pace, has started just three games in all competitions this season, and Gerrard is hoping to convince Klopp and the £85,000-a-week defender of a move to the Midlands.

The Latest: Robinson reacts

Robinson, who regularly features as a pundit on Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider about Gomez and the links to Villa. He labelled it as an ‘optimistic’ move but described it as ‘massive’ if they could get it over the line, saying:

“That is an optimistic one from Aston Villa.

“Given the amount of fixtures Liverpool have coming up, I think it would be a surprise if they let Gomez go.

“It would be a massive coup for Villa if they could get him.

“The only way I can see that deal going through is if the player pushes for a move. Gomez might drive a move himself given that the World Cup is coming up next year.

“Klopp is not going to want to lose one of his centre-halves after what happened last year. They were in crisis. A club with the resources of Liverpool does not have to shift on players to lessen the wage bill.

“I can only see Gomez joining Villa if he pushes for a move to get in that England squad.”

The Verdict: Needed?

Gerrard is thought to be after a centre-back and a defensive midfielder in the New Year, so the links to Gomez would appear to make sense.

However, Villa already have four senior central defenders on the books after bringing in Axel Tuanzebe on loan over the summer, so they seem fairly well-stocked in that department as things stand.

Gerrard also wants to offload two wingers in January, so an attacking addition could be more of a priority, while a defensive midfielder could also be of more importance with Marvelous Nakamba set to play in the Africa Cup of Nations in the New Year.

In other news: ‘Here we go’ – Many Villa fans erupt over ‘dream’ news

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of mooted transfer target Andrea Belotti this week…

What’s the word?

During the summer transfer window, the north London outfit were reportedly ‘observing’ the 27-year-old’s situation as he entered the final year of his current contract at Serie A outfit Torino, as per Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

They were once again linked ahead of January and now it seems as if they have been gifted their biggest boost yet, should sporting director Fabio Paratici still retain such interest.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Bulls have offered him a new deal but nothing has been agreed, as he also relayed comments from club president Urbano Cairo, who said: “I don’t see big chances to extend his contract, but we’ll see.”

Should they swoop?

It would not be a surprise to see Spurs make a move for a striker in the near future, considering an out-of-form Harry Kane is their only senior option. He’s scored just once in the Premier League all season and that has to be a cause for concern to manager Antonio Conte.

Belotti is increasingly likely to be available for nothing in the summer, and that means foreign clubs like Tottenham can submit pre-contract offers to the Torino talisman as early as January.

Valued at a whopping £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the Italy international would be quite the steal, especially fresh off the back of winning Euro 2020. He has proven to be a very prolific goalscorer over recent times.

The forward has bagged double figures in every season since 2015/16, including a career-best tally of 28 goals in the 2016/17 campaign, via Transfermarkt.

Ex-Spurs shot-stopper Joe Hart briefly played with Belotti at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino and described the frontman as a unique talent, different to the big names we usually see mentioned across Europe.

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not. It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special,” he lauded to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. “He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has [an] instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

Things have not gone to plan for him this campaign, managing only two goals and five starts, but injuries have somewhat hampered his season so far and that doesn’t take away from his impressive and consistent goalscoring record over the years; not to mention his role as captain, either.

It’s evident that Spurs are in desperate need of alternatives to the misfiring Kane and Belotti could be a bargain solution, even more so after the door has seemingly opened for them to strike a deal at the turn of the year.

Paratici and Conte should act after this latest development from Romano. They have been gifted a massive boost, so it would be foolish to not at least try and lure the Italian to north London.

AND in other news, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge drops Spurs update on Joe Rodon…

A number of Southampton supporters have slammed Mohammed Salisu’s performance in his side’s Premier League clash with Tottenham on Tuesday.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men returned to action against Spurs at St Mary’s, following their excellent 3-2 win away to West Ham on Boxing Day.

It was a tough assignment for Saints, however, with Antonio Conte coming in and making an immediate impression in north London, remaining unbeaten in the league as Lilywhites boss.

After James Ward-Prowse gave the hosts the lead with a brilliant strike, the game turned on its head when Salisu received a second yellow card, fouling Son Heung-min clumsily to concede a penalty.

It was a hugely disappointing moment for the defender, who had few complaints, as he failed to even make it to half-time at St. Mary’s.

Southampton fans slam Salisu’s display

These Southampton fans took to Twitter to criticise Salisu’s performance, having had such a negative impact on proceedings.

“Well that’s marvellous, isn’t? Give away a penalty and the ref won’t dish out a red. However, they can hand out a yellow which is a second, so equivalent to giving a red anyway. Although, Salisu was a walking red card today”

Credit: @scottie_clark

“Rejects a call up for AFCON to focus on his club career. He can focus on his club career elsewhere. He shouldn’t play for Southampton again”

Credit: @ByrneDick

“What was Salisu thinking?”

Credit: @spmooney68

“As much as I rate Salisu he is always prone to a ill timed tackle away from a second yellow which could now cost us in a game we were well on top of “

Credit: @BIDDS83

“Standard of refereeing is so bad atm. That said, Salisu was a red card waiting to happen today”

Credit: @jdavies913

“Game over, Salisu has looked awful today”

Credit: @FPLDisasterClas

In other news, Saints have been linked with a January move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa may make a move for Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu in January, according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans.

And a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Villa are looking at bolstering their centre-back and central midfield ranks over the next two windows, according to Evans. He revealed in his transfer mailbag last week that Johan Lange will present a number of midfield options to Steven Gerrard, with a move for Romeu possibly being looked at after Villa tracked him in the summer.

The defensive midfielder has been with The Saints since 2015 and is under contract for a further 18 months. He’s made 17 Premier League appearances this season, however, Villa midfielders John McGinn and Douglas Luiz have outperformed Romeu, as per WhoScored.

Romeu, who has racked up 59 Premier League yellow cards throughout his career, also turned 30 in September, and it seems as if a number of Villa fans don’t want to see the Southampton man make the move to the Midlands.

Villa fans react

Total Villa shared Evans’ claim regarding Romeu on Twitter on Wednesday lunchtime. This is what these supporters had to say in reply, with many not exactly thrilled at the links and one describing the Spaniard as a ‘liability’.

“Too old, there’s younger alternatives. We picked up a 29 year old in the summer from there on 100k per week. The epitome of stupidity is to repeat the same mistake twice.”

Credit: @WanyeAVFC

“We can do so much better”

Credit: @KishinJay

“He’s a liability. Gets too many cards and gives away too many fouls.”

Credit: @LoseLbsMakePar

“Not for me”

Credit: @NathanCotterill

“Doesn’t fit what the club want, doesn’t fit the age profile and isn’t an improvement on what we have. Nonsense rumour”

Credit: @AVFCLancelot

“Overrated”

Credit: @vizzy9

In other news: ‘Even worse’ – Many AVFC fans flock to Preece’s January transfer update.

Craig Hope has now dropped an insider claim on reported Newcastle United transfer target Lloyd Kelly.

The Lowdown: Kelly targeted

It has already been widely reported that the St. James’ Park faithful are interested in a move for Kelly in the January transfer window.

With Kieran Trippier being officially announced by the club on Friday morning, it now looks as if the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium will concentrate on strengthening their defence further, given their poor defensive record in the Premier League so far this season.

The reliable Mark Douglas has confirmed the Magpies want a centre-back and a striker after the capture of Trippier.

The Latest: Kelly latest

As per The Daily Mail’s Hope, it ‘sounds like’ it could now be ‘difficult’ for the North East club to do a deal for Kelly this month, as Bournemouth are reluctant to sell him while they are going for promotion.

Eddie Howe ‘likes’ the player, but it looks like he may now have to look elsewhere for other targets.

The Verdict: Shame

It would certainly be a shame if the Tyneside outfit miss out on signing Kelly.

Of course, he is a player that Howe knows well, having signed him for the Cherries while he was the manager there, and he then went on to play nine games under him in an injury-hit campaign.

Nonetheless, Howe would know how to get the best out of him, and his ability to play anywhere across the backline would have been a real asset to have, adding depth in multiple positions.

However, it looks like the new owners will now have to look at other targets in what promises to be a very busy next few weeks ahead.

In other news, find out who is now on NUFC’s ‘radar’ here!

The rumours linking Celtic with a move for Shabab Al Ahli forward Mehdi Ghayedi are not true, according to GolBezan’s Arya Allahverdi.  

The Lowdown: Ghayedi links

The Hoops have already added to their attacking ranks this month by bringing in Daizen Maeda. They are also working on making Jota’s loan spell permanent, with sources suggesting Celtic now want a third attacking addition.

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Reports earlier in the week claimed that Celtic have had a bid rejected for Ghayedi but plan to return with an improved offer, while they are also linked with Martin Boyle in the search for a third forward signing.

Ghayedi, who can operate anywhere across the front three, is 23 years of age and has scored four goals in 2021/22.

The Latest: Allahverdi’s update

Allahverdi took to Twitter on Monday evening to provide an update on the Iran international.

Following reports of Celtic having an offer turned down, Allahverdi claimed that the rumours are not true.

“Mehdi Ghayedi to Celtic rumours are not true. Confirmed this with his intermediaries.”

The Verdict: Swoop for Boyle?

Ange Postecoglou revealed last month that he is happy to scout the Iranian market when it comes to transfer targets, but it seems as if the links to Ghayedi may simply be the media putting two and two together from the manager’s revelation.

Celtic look keen to sign another wide forward, though, with another player linked being Hibernian’s Boyle. Hibs are braced for offers from the Hoops for the Aussie, so perhaps he could be a smarter target.

Boyle, like Ghayedi, can also play anywhere across the front three and has contributed to 60 Scottish Premiership goals at Easter Road – the Hoops would surely have a proven quantity in the division.

Celtic are yet to make a Scottish Premiership addition under Postecoglou, so now may be the right opportunity with Boyle to strike a nice balance within their summer and winter arrivals.

In other news: Celtic now close to another signing; may be finalised in the coming days. 

Leeds United are still interested in signing Lazio striker Vedat Muriqi in the January transfer window, with the Serie A side now desperate to get rid.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Muriqi move

The Whites are still waiting to conduct any business this month, with new signings potentially needed in order to stave off the threat of relegation.

Muriqi has been linked with a move to Elland Road a number of times, with Leeds seemingly seeing him as a good option to bring in and bolster the attack.

The 27-year-old has fallen out of favour at Lazio this season, making just one solitary start in Serie A and none in the Europa League, so a January exit may be on the cards.

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The Latest: Lazio desperate to get rid

According to Corriere della Sera [via Sport Witness], Leeds are looking at signing the Kosovo international on loan, and they are hoping to add a €10m (£8.3m) option to buy him in the summer.

While that information had already been reported in the week, this fresh report adds that Muqiri is seen as a ‘problem’ for Lazio, saying that the Biancocelesti supporters ‘mock him’ and Maurizio Sarri needs to sell in order to unlock funds to spend in the market.

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The Verdict: Bamford’s ideal deputy?

Muriqi hasn’t registered a single goal or assist in 14 appearances this season, which suggests he wouldn’t be a particularly exciting signing for Leeds.

However, a loan move has less of a risk element to it and his international record speaks for itself, with 18 goals coming his way for Kosovo in 37 caps.

Depth is key for Marcelo Bielsa in the coming months, and with Patrick Bamford hopefully back soon, Muriqi could be a strong backup option, taking the burden off the Leeds star and offering a different type of centre-forward, standing at 6 foot 4.

The key factor may well be whether Victor Orta and co will be able to convince Lazio to allow the player to leave on a temporary basis, rather than for an immediate fee.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly ‘pressing’ to sign another player this month. Find out who it is here.