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With the Premier League season now winding down, Aston Villa boss Dean Smith may look to consider unleashing some of the club’s brightest young talents – starting with tonight’s game against Everton.

And, one player who’s been in the headlines more than most is Carney Chukwuemeka.

Reports have suggested that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are leading the queue to land the 17-year-old in the summer, and it was even claimed that his potential exit was a lot down to Villa themselves.

Football Insider have claimed that Chukwuemeka wants to quit Smith’s side because of “broken promises” from the club, and that “Villa chiefs are aware of the youngster’s stance and have reacted by promoting him to the first team match-day squad.”

The report adds however that “it remains to be seen whether the promotion, and even the possibility of a first top-flight appearance before the season end, is enough to keep the teenager.”

The only way to show Chukwuemeka that he has a future at the club, and that there is a genuine pathway into the first-team, is through action, and Smith has the perfect chance to do just that against Everton on Thursday night.

The teenager has earned rave reviews for his performances at youth team level with Villa, and was even dubbed as a “scary talent” by The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece,

And, writing in his post-match player ratings after seeing him score a hat-trick against Newcastle in the FA Youth Cup, Preece showered him with more praise, saying: “This was a Carney Chukwuemeka masterclass. It was a clinic in how to play an advanced midfield role with the 17-year-old oozing confidence and swagger. The hype’s real surrounding this kid who, as supporters know, has been around Dean Smith’s first team for a long time now. Villa’s No.10 started almost every attack and looked to hurt Newcastle at every opportunity.

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The 5 foot 9 starlet could bring the kind of fresh injection of energy and dynamism that could really end Villa’s season on a high, and offer them a tantalising glimpse of the future.

After falling to a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United last time, Chukwuemeka’s introduction into the team against Everton could be a real game-changer.

Meanwhile, Villa must drop this shocking ace vs Everton; it’s not Barkley…

Many Everton fans have been giving their thoughts as Phil Kirkbride has claimed that Mason Holgate may be dropped against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.

However, the Liverpool Echo journalist suggested that the defender needs time to regain his form, which caused quite a stir among some members of the Goodison Park faithful.

Holgate has made costly errors in recent games for the Toffees, dwelling on the ball which allowed Ollie Watkins to score for Aston Villa last week, while two lapses of judgement alongside Michael Keane allowed Harry Kane to score twice for Tottenham in April.

It seems as if many Everton supporters have simply had enough of the defender and subsequently do not want him to start in what is a crucial match away to the Hammers as Carlo Ancelotti’s side chase a European finish.

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Everton fans on Holgate claim

These fans made their feelings clear after Kirkbride made the claim on Twitter, as they were particularly critical of Holgate’s recent performances.

“His performances lately have been shocking. He should be dropped. No room for sentiment”

Credit: @JACKDEL15

“Probably get slated for this but he should be sold in the summer. We need players with a winning mentality”

Credit: @offerson76

“Needs a change of attitude & mental aptitude. Too cocky & thinks he’s better than what he is. Only seems to turn it on when we play a bigger team. Frustrating, had his chance, definitely should be dropped for the rest of the season unless injuries hit.”

Credit: @rob_fisher_efc

“Need to cash in this summer, he hasn’t improved, makes too many mistakes & terrible on the ball. Anything over £10m would be a great deal for us.”

Credit: @iamawayrightnow

“Liability, attitude got the better of him”

Credit: @evertonno1

“He can have all the time he needs at another club. Nowhere near good enough and stagnated.”

Credit: @LeaderRound

In other news, find out what early team news has left some Everton fans fuming.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Marlon Harewood, who scored 54 goals for West Ham, believes Tomas Soucek has been the signing of the season in the Premier League.

Soucek has become a fan favourite at West Ham since arriving on loan from Slavia Prague last January, before making his move to London a permanent one in the summer for just £15 million.

This season has seen Soucek establish a formidable partnership with Declan Rice in the centre of midfield and the Czech Republic international has been able to add goals to his game this season as well, netting nine in 33 Premier League appearances this term.

Speaking on whether Soucek is the signing of the season and how his stats back up his opinion, Harewood said:

“Yeah, best signing of the season by far and he’s got everything. His stats say everything really when you compare them to anyone else in the league.”

David Moyes has previously admitted that the club will have to listen to offers for both Rice and Soucek in the summer, even if they successfully complete a surprising bid for a top-four finish.

The £67,308 per week midfielder has recently been linked with Bayern Munich after a season of solid performances for the Hammers.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has knocked back the idea of Manchester United selling Paul Pogba.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Juventus are dreaming of bringing their former player back to Turin.

Pogba played for the Italian giants between 2012 and 2016 before returning to Manchester United and was an instrumental figure for the club.

The Frenchman made just under 180 appearances during his time there and recorded some very good numbers when it comes to goals and assists, making it no surprise that Juventus are keen on a reunion.

Palmer, though, is adamant that Manchester United will not sell their World Cup-winning midfielder.

Discussing Juventus’ reported interest in Pogba, the ex-Sheffield Wednesday player told FFC:

“United won’t sell him. While [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer is manager of the football club, they won’t sell him, they won’t sell him. He’s a phenomenal talent and, listen, they fell off challenging for the league when Pogba picked up that thigh injury.

“You know, everybody can say whatever they want to say about Pogba. [Graeme] Souness has been a top, top manager, a top, top midfield player and everybody’s entitled to their opinion. I just think he brings something different to the table.”

Palmer finished off by saying:

“I don’t believe that there’s any way, in any shape or form, that Man United or Ole will sell Paul Pogba.”

As well as Juventus, Real Madrid are another club who have been linked with Pogba, and the 28-year-old has not hidden his desire to play for the current La Liga champions.

Returning to the dugout this evening, Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore will certainly be looking for a strong response to their embarrassing defeat at the weekend.

After an emphatic victory against Cardiff in front of the TV cameras on Easter Monday, the Owls were then thrashed 4-1 by QPR to put their Championship survival hopes hanging by a thread.

The 46-year-old is now left with plenty to consider by way of team selection at Hillsborough tonight, as his side welcome promotion chasers Swansea City, who have the firepower to deal further damage to Wednesday’s plight.

It would be a surprise to see an unchanged lineup, so here’s our predicted XI as well as the latest team and injury news from south Yorkshire…

The nature of their defeat on Saturday will surely signal some alterations and we’re predicting three changes from the QPR defeat.

After a trio of goals in the second half, we could well see Keiren Westwood finally return between the sticks, as his leadership and experience should be crucial in these final six matches. He replaces Joe Wildsmith.

There could be a tweak to the backline, too, as Moore makes the big decision to drop Sam Hutchinson back into defence alongside Tom Lees and Osaze Urhoghide. It means that Julian Borner makes way after a difficult afternoon against the R’s.

Given the lack of wide options, both Adam Reach and Liam Palmer are likely to remain in their wing-back roles, whilst Joey Pelupessy is an obvious candidate to move into midfield to fill the vacancy left by Hutchinson’s redeployment.

The Dutch defensive midfielder could well be needed against a team which is expected to dominate possession. He would free up Barry Bannan and Josh Windass to be the dangermen for the Owls slightly further up the pitch.

Moore could stick with Jordan Rhodes up top as the forward has bagged four times since his arrival from Doncaster, but in a bid to spark a reaction, Andre Green may be handed his second start since joining on a free transfer in January. That’s a move which would see Callum Paterson revert to the bench.

Joost van Aken and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have both returned from injury, but as they featured for the under-23s earlier this week, they shouldn’t be involved at Hillsborough tonight; whilst the likes of Moses Odubajo, Massimo Luongo and Chey Dunkley are all still on the treatment table.

AND in other news, Forget Wildsmith: Sheff Wed lightweight who lost 89% of duels badly let Moore down on Saturday…

Fans of West Ham United have taken to Twitter in reaction to reports of the Hammers’ interest in a summer move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

According to a report by Anfield Central, David Moyes’ side have approached Liverpool regarding a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the Reds manager, Jurgen Klopp, said to be open to letting the midfielder leave Merseyside this summer, despite the 53-year-old’s preference that the midfielder remains at Anfield.

However, whether the England international will consider a move to the London Stadium is dependant on his desire for regular first-team football, as, at present, Klopp does not view the 27-year-old as a crucial part of the Liverpool starting XI, the report claims.

Although, after several West Ham news accounts relayed the report on Twitter, fans of the Hammers flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing to be firmly against the idea of their club making a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain?

“Another sick note, no thanks.”

@ANDAMA73x

“Pls no.”

@LukaSkaric2

“Doubt it. Wouldn’t get in the side.”

@rbm1895

“Absolutely not – along with Ramsey.”

@RichardGSBOUT

“No thanks.”

@geezerWESTHAM75

“Wilshere 2.0.”

@brad_hass4

“We don’t need another sick note.”

@FlitwickIrons

“Nooooooooooo.”

@MK202054150587

“Why? Please be a late April Fool’s joke.”

@RegalRacing

In other news: West Ham are preparing a summer offer for this 16-goal £13k p/w Moyes target – find out more here!

Nicolas Tagliafico would be an excellent signing for Leeds United this summer, according to former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell.

Marcelo Bielsa could well be on the lookout for a new left-back at the end of the season, with Ezgjan Alioski expected to leave the club.

His exit would leave a void in that area of the pitch and Leeds have been linked with a number of replacements, including Crystal Palace’s Patrick van Aanholt.

Another player who has emerged as a reported target is £22.5million-rated Ajax left-back Tagliafico, who has 27 caps to his name for Argentina.

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Campbell heaps praise on Tagliafico

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell talked up the idea of Leeds making a move for the 28-year-old, outlining his qualities:

“He is a top-quality player. He would fit the bill for Leeds because they are in definite need of a recognised left-back.

“He’s got lots of experience in the Champions League and on the international stage so I think it would be a smart signing.

“Bielsa and his team will be putting their feelers out and identifying players ahead of the summer and they could do a lot worse than Tagliafico, let me tell you.

“From Ajax as well, I do not think they would have to pay over the odds to get him.”

Transfer Tavern take

Tagliafico looks a strong fit for Leeds, with the Argentine possessing a wealth of experience at the top level, but also still having a number of years left in him at just 28.

He has chipped in with a goal and two assists in the Eredivisie this season, while his average of 1.9 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game shows he can shine at both ends of the pitch – that is as many tackles and far more interceptions than Alioski.

Tagliafico’s current Ajax deal doesn’t expire until 2023, however, so a hefty fee may be required to prise him away, perhaps something in the region of the site’s £22.5m valuation.

In other news, Leeds have been urged to sign a Scottish Premiership player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool face a key clash in their race to qualify for the UEFA Champions League as they take on old rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

As it stands, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds sit six points off of the top four with just five matches left to play so the clash against the Red Devils really is pivotal in their season with a Champions League place being the only thing that they have left to play for.

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One man in the Liverpool squad who certainly understands these type of games – where the stakes are so high – is veteran midfielder James Milner. He simply must start at Old Trafford.

Whilst the 61-cap former England international is firmly in the twilight of his career at the age of 35, he brings with him plenty of experience in huge games due to his spells with Manchester City and, of course, the Reds.

That understanding and ability to remain calm in key moments could certainly come in useful against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men. Klopp is certainly aware of his key role in the Liverpool squad, labelling the midfielder as “massively important”.

Whilst some will argue that Milner does not possess the ability to silence the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba during the game, his defensive statistics suggest otherwise.

When compared to fellow midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who has rarely dropped out of the starting line-up in the Premier League this season, Milner overcomes the Dutchman on tackles and clearances per game, according to WhoScored.

Again, as the Reds attempt to shut out a United side that have won five out of their last six Premier League games, those aspects could well be key.

So, whilst Milner will certainly appear as an unlikely candidate to start at Old Trafford, Klopp really must restore him to the side as he could certainly be crucial in Liverpool earning a positive result in what is a crucial game.

AND in more news, find out which major summer transfer target the Reds have missed out on…

Former Manchester United man Keith Gillespie has criticised Marcus Rashford’s form in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, insisting that he has not been good enough.

The £200,000-a-week England international has somewhat struggled in front of goal this season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have attempted to challenge Manchester City at the top of the league.

Rashford has scored nine goals in 29 Premier League appearances this season but he has netted just twice in his last 14 appearances.

Those goals came in the 9-0 thumping of Southampton and the 3-1 beating of Newcastle United, and Gillespie has been disappointed with the way the 23-year-old has been performing.

Indeed, he believes that United need to prioritise the signing of a striker in the summer transfer window as they look to find a guaranteed source of goals.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “I think for quite a while Rashford’s been poor, and I think a lot of Man United fans feel this.

“He’s got all the talent in the world but just sometimes his decision-making isn’t good enough.”

Rashford did have a good record in the Champions League this season, scoring six times in six games, but his lack of form has coincided with United losing ground in the title race.

Leeds United are interested in signing Sampdoria centre-back Omar Colley this summer, according to journalist Nicolo Schira.

Marcelo Bielsa and his players are preparing for Monday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Elland Road, in what is yet another test of the Whites’ top flight credentials.

Leeds clinched a memorable 2-1 win away to Manchester City in their last match, so confidence levels should be high going into the game, and if they push for a top ten finish this term, targets like Colley would be much more attainable this summer.

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Leeds keen on signing Colley, claims journalist

Away from the pitch, the Whites continue to be linked with new signings, with Colley one of those who has been in the news already this week.

According to Schira on Twitter, Leeds ‘have asked’ for information regarding the 25-cap Gambia international, who is expected to cost between €10-12 million (£8.7-10.4 million).

Transfer Tavern take

Given the number of reports linking Leeds with Colley, it does appear as though their interest is genuine, but it doesn’t make a huge amount of sense.

In Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk, Bielsa already has four strong centre-back options at his disposal, with the quartet making 59 Premier League starts between them this season.

Unless one of the four is moving on, it is hard to see how the manager will be able to juggle five central defenders in 2021/22, keeping them all happy, while other areas of the side, such as left-back, may also be in need of more immediate improvement.

In other news, one figure has made a key claim about Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds future. Read more here.