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With not a lot to play for between now and the end of the season for Wolves, they can begin focusing on how they can improve ahead of the next campaign.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are one of a number of teams in the race to sign Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.

The 25-year-old has only been in the Premier League for the best part of 14 months but plenty of teams clearly like what they’re seeing from him.

Wolves have already made trips to scout Brownhill, but they have been joined by Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Aston Villa, per TEAMtalk.

The Clarets signed him for a price of £9m, so you’d imagine they’d want a similar sort of fee in order to sell. They may also need to improve on his £35k-per-week wages in order to tempt the midfield general elsewhere.

Moutinho heir in waiting

There are very few positives from Wolves’ arduous season. They are in the bottom half of the table and haven’t been able to build upon their accomplishments of being in Europe last term.

With Raul Jimenez missing through long-term injury, they’ve not been their usual selves and that’s all been encompassed in Joao Moutinho. The Portuguese midfielder oozes class but has been one of a number of Old Gold players to suffer. He has only scored once this term and has attracted criticism as such.

Wolves reporter Tim Spiers has even claimed that this could be his final campaign as a regular in the starting XI. At the age of 34, he is no spring chicken and his best days may well be numbered.

With that in mind, the Molineux outfit will need a replacement. Could Brownhill be that man? Quite possibly.

The midfielder played a starring role for Bristol City in the Championship where he was given a more advanced role. In doing so, he contributed to 15 goals and 12 assists during his final two-and-a-half seasons in that part of the world.

Brownhill was capable of cutting through opponents, producing 1.4 key passes per match during his final half-campaign in the second tier. For context, despite Moutinho’s one assist in 2020/21, he has provided 1.2 key passes per game.

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Crucial, however, is the added penetration and zip he could bring to Wolves’ midfield. Brownhill is a player who loves to run himself into the ground, something Sean Dyche was keen to stress last September. He said: “(He’s got) boundless energy, will and desire, and he’s a good footballer. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s come through.”

Since signing for the Clarets, he has added to the defensive side of his game too, playing in a deeper role when Dyche’s men don’t have possession. Indeed, that’s a similar position to the one in which Moutinho plays at Molineux.

He starts attacks from deep by winning the ball back and then laying it forward. That’s an attribute in which Brownhill has thrived since arriving in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has registered 1.4 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per match this term. In comparison to Moutinho, he is streets ahead in terms of his reading of the game. The Portugal international has only made 1.3 interceptions but importantly, wins two tackles per outing.

You can see why Brownhill would be a good replacement, though. He’s got an incisive pass but he’s also adept defensively. It might not be the most eye-catching of signings, but it would be smart business from Jeff Shi to bring in the 25-year-old.

AND in other news, Wolves must swoop for “dangerous” £37k-p/w beast with “really big potential”…

Sunderland are in a particularly good place right now. They sit third in League One and have just won their first trophy since the 1970s.

It’s timely that all of this is occurring with new owners at the helm. The Mackems have been full of negative distractions in recent years, primarily at board level.

However, those issues have now been eradicated. Unfortunately, they still have problems on the field of play.

That happens to be in terms of their injuries. Tom Flanagan suffered another blow in the EFL Trophy final but, speaking this week, Lee Johnson delivered further bad news ahead of their clash with Lincoln.

He told reporters: “First to return [from those injured] will probably be O’Brien, then Jordan.

“Bailey Wright is a bit of a frustrating one, we maybe pushed him a bit too early to try and make the final and that has just set him back a little I think.”

Sunderland have kept five clean sheets in a row, so being without Wright isn’t a huge blow. That being said, consistent setbacks and injuries to various members of the team should be incredibly worrying for Johnson.

When he first entered the club, he had to deal with a blow to Denver Hume while he was also without Luke O’Nien and then Josh Scowen.

The New Year period was also rough for the club. Hume suffered a further setback, and now Flanagan has too.

On a repeated basis, those who are on the treatment table seem to pick up more injuries that delay their return to the team.

Prior to his spell on the sidelines, Wright was crucial. The Australian had played in every single game in the league besides the 2-2 draw with Gillingham in January. Unfortunately, he has now missed seven straight league outings.

If Sunderland want a boost to their promotion chances, having Wright back will be crucial.

AND in other news, Forget Jones: Johnson must unleash rarely-seen SAFC gem with a “rare” trait…

Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to stop a run of seven straight defeats when they welcome their local rivals to Hillsborough Stadium this evening.

Darren Moore simply has to start picking up victories otherwise his new Owls side will be preparing for life in the English third division for the first time since the 2011/12 season.

The performance against Championship leaders Norwich City on Sunday afternoon was encouraging, but ultimately it was another match without any return, meaning the Yorkshire giants are now seven points adrift of safety with only 11 matches to play.

So, what sort of side will we see against Huddersfield Town tonight? Here’s our predicted XI…

There could be as many as three changes from the weekend as Moore could revert back to his usual 4-2-3-1 formation that worked so well at Doncaster Rovers.

Veteran goalkeeper Keiren Westwood made a shock return to the starting XI last time out, and he should remain between the sticks over Joe Wildsmith, whilst Moore is now able to welcome back Julian Borner from suspension.

The 30-year-old comes straight back in to partner Tom Lees at centre-back in a move that sees Osaze Uhoghide switch to right-back, with natural left-back Matt Penney returning to the line-up over the versatile Liam Palmer.

It also means that Sam Hutchinson goes back into his natural midfield position, alongside Barry Bannan as Joey Pelupessy makes way in Moore’s second change.

Adam Reach and Kadeem Harris should occupy the wide positions but there may be no place for Josh Windass, who is among WhoScored’s worst performers with an average rating of 6.44.

Instead, top goalscorer Calum Paterson will come in behind Jordan Rhodes. The 26-year-old has bagged six goals this season and should be starting for the Owls and could be the third and final change.

AND in other news, Darren Moore must drop “explosive” Owls star tonight…

Leeds United could clinch a transfer bargain this summer by making a move for Real Madrid star Lucas Vazquez.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are one of a number of sides interested in signing the 9-cap Spain international this summer, with the winger’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu set to expire come the end of the season.

Now, Spanish publication Sport (via Sport Witness), have delivered an update on his situation, revealing the nature of his summer demands.

It’s suggested that Vazquez is looking for €3m (£2.6m) a year – a number which will be after tax. It’s added that “the player is clear” with his demands and that if Madrid don’t offer that amount then he will have no problems looking elsewhere.

Bye-bye Helder Costa

Despite only signing on a permanent deal from Wolves last summer, it appears the writing is already on the wall for Helder Costa’s long-term future at Elland Road.

Reports recently have claimed that the Whites are willing to listen to offers for the Portuguese ace, and see him as someone who could be sold to raise some cash for reinforcements.

Selling Costa for a chunk of money would more than pay for the wages of Vazquez – there would obviously be no transfer fee involved given it the Spaniard would arrive as a free agent – and it would be absolute bargain for Victor Orta.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has waxed lyrical about the winger and what he brings to the table, and it’s surely music to the ears of Bielsa.

Speaking after a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo earlier this year, 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.”

Vazquez’s reliability and work-rate is something Bielsa will surely love given how he wants his teams to play with intensity, and add that to the fact he would arrive for virtually nothing, Leeds could strike gold with a move this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds must unleash this academy starlet who’s like Raphinha…

Celtic may be without a permanent first-team manager but that hasn’t stopped the Bhoys from preparing adequately for next season.

They have already agreed a pre-contract with Liam Shaw while similar moves could be sorted for the likes of Siriki Dembele and Kwadwo Baah.

On the chalkboard

Celtic will have a list of areas they need to improve in ahead of next season. If they are to usurp Rangers again then the defence will surely be their first port of call.

The Hoops have shipped 14 more goals than the league winners this term but they could also do with more fluidity in the final third.

Besides Odsonne Edouard who has 20 goals to his name, the Glaswegian outfit have missed a regular scorer.

It hasn’t helped that James Forrest has only just returned from an injury lay-off that has kept him out since September. The Scotsman scored 16 goals and provided 22 assists last season so has been missed considerably.

Add that to the fact that Ryan Christie’s numbers are significantly down and it hasn’t helped Celtic.

The winger has netted five times all season has just a solitary strike to his name in 2021. Christie has been linked with moves to Leeds and Arsenal but his form surely doesn’t warrant a switch of that calibre.

He has been particularly abject in recent months and thus, Celtic could do with an upgrade.

Dazzling Lovric

Last summer, Celtic were linked with a move for Croatian winger Kristijan Lovric. It was reported that his current team, Gorica, turned down a bid in the region of £4.5m for his services the previous winter.

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The Hoops revived their interest but ultimately couldn’t conclude a deal. Clearly, there is a longstanding interest in the 25-year-old and with Celtic needing attacking recruits; they should turn to him again.

Lovric is yet to be capped by his country but has been one of the best players in the Croatian top-flight this term. The left-winger has scored on 16 occasions, taking his tally for Gorica to 42 in 88 outings.

He is a free-scoring forward with plenty of eye-catching abilities, picking up 21 assists in his Gorica career to date.

What really stands out, however, are his dribbling abilities and sprint speed. Speaking about Lovric last season, HNTV commentator Damir Petravic said: “He dribbles and scores in the style of Robben, shoots free throws like Pirlo or Pjanic, and knows how to sprint like Mbappe.”

That quote is about as glistening as they come. The statistics also paint the attacker as an incredibly dangerous player.

So far this season, Lovric has managed five dribbles and five shots per 90 minutes. On top of that, the Croat has produced 5.37 successful attacking actions over the same metric.

Those numbers are incredibly eye-catching. Take Christie, for instance; he has only produced 2.5 dribbles and two shots per game for Celtic this term in comparison.

Lovric would be a brilliant addition if the Hoops can finally conclude a deal.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Edouard: Celtic must swoop for 28-goal “sensation” who’ll “go to the very top”…

Leicester City look set to reignite their interest in Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor this summer.

According to The Sun, ‘Brendan Rodgers looks set to try his luck with a bid’ in the summer window.

Leicester’s previous McGregor interest

The Foxes made enquiries for the central midfielder in 2019 and 2020 and it seems as if they haven’t given up hope in signing the Scotland international at the third time of asking.

McGregor, who is on £20,000-a-week at Parkhead, has started every Premiership fixture for the Hoops this season, taking the armband whenever Scott Brown has been absent.

He has made more than 300 appearances for the club, with his current contract set to expire in 2024.

Transfer Tavern take

Reports back in February suggested that McGregor was in line to become Celtic’s new full-time captain and commit the rest of his career to the Hoops in the process.

That may well still be the case, but it seems as if Rodgers will once again look to take the 27-year-old to the King Power Stadium.

Hopefully McGregor won’t have his head turned to play in the Premier League, as in our view, he could be crucial under likely new manager Eddie Howe.

He will be one of the most experienced members of the squad alongside James Forrest when Brown departs, and should McGregor leave, the middle of midfield may need strengthening considerably.

In other news: Celtic knock back offer for 26 y/o following Friday development, find out who it is here. 

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has confirmed a major boost for Leeds United ahead of their Premier League clash against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side visit the league leaders at the Etihad Stadium after beating Sheffield United 2-1 last weekend, and they have been given some welcome pre-match news going into the contest.

Hay confirmed that there were “no fresh injuries for Leeds” as Pep Guardiola’s men come to town, and that is no doubt a major boost to a team which has suffered from niggling injuries and issues over the past few weeks.

The likes of Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo, among others, have all had issues which have either forced them off early in a game or seen them miss out on the matchday squad completely.

For Bielsa, who has stuck to his tried-and-trusted players week in, week out, having key players miss out surely puts a major dent in his gameplan.

It’s a welcome relief, then, that the Argentine can head into arguably the Premier League’s most difficult game right now against City with a squad not completely decimated by injuries or doubts over their fitness.

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The Whites will have to be at the top of their game to stop the City juggernaut, with Pep Guardiola’s men in good spirits after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in their Champions League clash at the Etihad in midweek.

Hay’s pre-match injury boost just gives Leeds that little kick to try cause an upset against the league leaders.

Meanwhile, Bielsa must unleash this rarely-seen gem vs Man City…

Many Arsenal fans have been left to slam an update from Fabrizio Romano on Mikel Arteta.

As per the Italian football journalist and transfer guru (via ZRAFC), the North London club are ‘really happy’ with the Spanish manager and are ‘planning for transfers’ with him in charge, suggesting that there is no plan whatsoever to let him go before the end of the 2020/21 term.

That is despite the Emirates Stadium faithful currently sitting in 10th spot in the table in the Premier League and coming off the back of very disappointing recent results against Liverpool and Slavia Prague.

There is certainly a divide among Gunners supporters over whether he is the right man to take them forward, and some have expressed their anger at the update.

Arsenal fans on Romano’s Arteta update

These Gooners slammed the update on Arteta after it was shared on Twitter, with one AFC fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘outrageous’:

“Blind backing is delusion”

Credit: @JarvisSBrantley

“If they truly are happy with him result wise, fact is even darker days are coming”

Credit: @hearmeoutW

“We are so finished…happy with a man who has us 10th in the league and no European competition??”

Credit: @scarface300_

“This club’s dusted at the top level”

Credit: @arsenal_truths

“I give up with this team. We’ll forever be mid-table”

Credit: @ChrisTheGooner

“This is outrageous. This club is in for a very bad ride.”

Credit: @nnaemekn

In other news, find out who was slammed for his display versus Slavia here!

After falling to a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at the weekend, Aston Villa have suffered yet another blow from their Premier League clash at Anfield.

Trezeguet was forced off deep into the second-half at Anfield, and Dean Smith was quick to acknowledge that things didn’t look good for the Egypt international.

He said after the match: “He tried to carry on but, unfortunately, didn’t feel great so had to come off and was naturally upset and worried at what extent the injury is but only time will tell us.”

And now, Villa have confirmed that Trezeguet “will now have an operation before starting his rehabilitation”, with Sky Sports revealing that the winger is likely to miss the rest of the season because of it.

With the Egyptian out, Smith will no doubt be looking to the likes of Anwar El Ghazi and Bertrand Traore in particular to make sure Trezeguet’s absence isn’t too keenly felt.

But if the Villa boss is looking for a far more exciting option to unleash on the Premier League, then he absolutely has to look at giving a chance to 19-year-old academy starlet, Jaden Philogene-Bidace.

The teenager has been in fine form this season for the club’s U23s, scoring five goals in just 13 games at Premier League 2 level, including providing another three assists too.

That’s not to mention the superb hat-trick he scored on his England U19 debut back in November.

His former coach, Ahmed Abdulla, meanwhile, raved about his ability as an almost old-fashioned winger, and judging by his comments, someone who seems perfectly ready to grab his chance in the top-flight.

He said: “He can come inside or go on the outside. The model winger.

“He hugs the touchline and can beat his man. (He’s) Very confident and very light on his feet and skips past tackles, not one of them that gets hit and goes down. He bounces off tackles. He’s very strong and outstanding in one-v-ones.”

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The likes of El Ghazi and Traore have been Smith’s tried-and-trusted options in the top-flight, but the introduction of Philogene-Bidace would go a long way to adding that extra bit of dynamism and unpredictability about Villa going forward.

The 19-year-old’s ability to go on both sides of the full-back makes him a very dangerous customer for opposition defences and will leave them guessing all the time, making him that much more difficult to mark.

Now that Trezeguet is confirmed to be out, Smith must seriously take a look at one of the club’s brightest young talents.

Meanwhile, Villa should move for this Premier League striker…

Manchester United have once again been linked to another centre-back and could be returning to Leicester City for a transfer swoop.

After signing former Foxes defender Harry Maguire for a record fee for a defender in 2019, the Red Devils are now reportedly interested in Wesley Fofana.

According to Foot Mercato, the club have already made “first contacts” over a potential deal for the Frenchman, and it is certainly easy to see why. Since arriving in the East Midlands only last summer from Saint-Etienne, the 20-year-old has hugely impressed in his debut Premier League campaign.

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The £27m-rated centre-back has already made 29 appearances for the Foxes in all competitions, keeping 11 clean sheets in the process and turning in a series of performances which would usually be beyond a player so young.

In fact, his displays have drawn praise from all quarters, not least Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who has labelled Fofana as “absolutely colossal”. That is certainly the type of defender that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils need.

Despite having found the net with regularity this season, it is their defence which has hampered them having shipped 34 in the league alone, just one fewer than Arsenal and only three less than Liverpool, who themselves have had an extremely inconsistent campaign defensively.

Fofana’s personal statistics would likely go a long way in rectifying those problems. According to WhoScored, the Frenchman racks up two tackles, 2.4 interceptions and 3.8 clearances per match in the Premier League. Meanwhile, current Red Devils centre-back Victor Lindelof can only accumulate numbers such as 0.8, 0.9 and 3.3 per match respectively for the same metrics.

With the Red Devils reportedly having a centre-back on their summer shopping list, Fofana would be an excellent purchase. Ed Woodward must again be implored to do some considerable business with Leicester.

AND in more news, find out which current superstar Manchester United have once again been urged to sign…