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Leicester City have been indebted to goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in recent weeks.

The Danish stopper produced a string of impressive saves in the Foxes’ 2-1 success against Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend. However, despite his great form between the sticks, at 34 years of age, the former Manchester City and Leeds United stopper is not going to last forever.

Luckily, Brendan Rodgers has a ready-made replacement at his disposal; on-loan Preston North End man Daniel Iversen.

Rated at just £540k, the 23-year-old stopper has continued to defy his paltry valuation with a number of impressive performances.

He has been the undisputed No.1 at Deepdale since his arrival in January, playing 12 Championship matches and keeping four clean sheets. This form with the Lilywhites has come on the back of impressive temporary spells at Rotherham United and Oldham Athletic.

Even his current manager, Alex Neil, has suggested that there would be a “struggle to find better” shot-stoppers than Iversen in the Championship this season.

It is only natural then that comparisons with his compatriot Schmeichel occur, especially with the two potentially vying for the No.1 shirt at the King Power Stadium in the near future.

Ironically, the duos’ similarities do not just end at their nationality; their numbers are extremely similar throughout the 2020/21 season.

According to SofaScore, Iversen makes 2.8 saves per game, with Schmeichel surprisingly lower at 2.6, albeit in the Premier League.

The latter has a clean sheet rate of 32%, whilst the 23-year-old’s sits just slightly higher at 33% – extremely similar numbers.

Despite that, the youngster has already committed two errors leading to goals with Preston this season, however, that erratic nature should be snuffed out as he continues to develop.

Iversen’s distribution redeems him somewhat. Schmeichel’s accuracy when passing into the opposition half sits at just 2.4%, whilst Iversen’s is far better at 5.7%.

Despite the former Esbjerg fB stopper suggesting that he desires another temporary loan move away from the King Power Stadium next season, now might be the right time for him to challenge Schmeichel.

If he does that, he should be ready to step into the vacancy when the Foxes’ stalwart eventually hangs up his gloves.

AND in more news, Dean Windass has said that Leicester can secure second in the Premier League this season despite their injury woes…

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of their local rivals on Sunday afternoon as Nuno Santo’s side put in a disappointing display.

They made the 60 mile trip to the King Power Stadium but returned without any points after Jamie Vardy’s 15th-minute penalty proved to be the decider.

VAR had a controversial say in the matter, but that can be excused after the 33-year-old saw his second spot-kick saved by the heroic Rui Patricio between the sticks for the visitors.

And despite the defeat, there was perhaps a brighter spark amongst the Wolf Pack side in Ruben Neves.

The Portuguese monster, now valued at a whopping €70m (£63m), was industrious in the heart of the pitch and was often the instigator whenever Wolves did manage to penetrate the Foxes’ final third.

Per SofaScore, Neves made 69 of 76 passes (91%), including 12 of 14 long balls, and also recorded three tackles, three interceptions and one clearance.

No other player recorded a higher rating either with the box-to-box powerhouse raking in 7.6, which was also more than any Leicester player too.

The 23-year-old created one big chance and had three attempts at goal but that wasn’t quite enough to grab something at their nearby rivals – if anything, his teammates let him down as he was the clear standout.

Patricio will undoubtedly take what plaudits there are for the losing side, but without Neves’ presence in the engine room against the likes of James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Nampalys Mendy, Wolves could’ve been easily overrun.

That much was evident in the fact that the Portugal international enjoyed more touches (92) than any other player on the pitch. He was, as he often is, frequently involved.

Nuno must quickly look to the performances of his wide options, namely Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri, as well as their leading man Raul Jimenez for firing a blank on Sunday.

Neves, though, can hold his head high.

AND in other news, Nuno could unearth the ideal heir to Diogo Jota right under his nose…

Manchester United will at some point need to find a replacement for Edinson Cavani, never mind a right winger, and with the club failing to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, executive-vice chairman Ed Woodward can make amends in the not too distant future.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by TEAMtalk, Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland is still of interest to United and the Bundesliga challengers are open to offloading him for around £91m.

Premier League rivals Liverpool also reportedly remain interested in the son of former Norwegian international Alf-Inge Haaland.

However, as is often the case, there is a catch, as his release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2022.

Get it done, Woodward

Reports earlier this year revealed the Red Devils failed with a bid in January whilst Solskjaer was desperate to bolster his firepower.

The 20-year-old has been in prolific form for the German giants, providing 17 goals and 3 assists in all competitions so far this season, via Transfermarkt.

Anthony Martial has struggled for consistency so far this season, with just one goal in his past five games, which has coincided with United’s inconsistent run of form, having been beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Valued at €200m (£180m) via the CIES Football Observatory, Woodward would be wise to sanction a move for Haaland as not only would he be the perfect replacement for Cavani, who’s contract will run out in 2021 with the option for a further year, he would also be able to challenge Martial for a place in the starting line-up, although two years is still a heck of a long time to wait.

Whilst United’s problem with the right wing are well documented, they shouldn’t neglect the top of the pitch, either. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say they should forget about Sancho and sign Haaland instead, if and when the chance arises, as Amad Diallo could turn out to be an absolute steal.

Solskjaer has recently heaped praise on his countryman after he admitted he will topple his Champions League record, saying: “He’ll beat it and very quickly, that’s for sure.

The boy has had a great start to his career. It was really good to work with him, to see the potential in him and some part of me feels proud of having a little bit of input into such a rise.

”I’m sure Erling will score loads of goals in the Champions League.”

If his comments aren’t enough to convince the club to return for the monster goal machine, we don’t know what will be.

AND in other news, Forget Fred: Manchester United magnifico Bruno Fernandes seriously let Solskjaer down vs PSG…

Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Eredivisie ace Oussama Idrissi this transfer window.

The Morocco international has been linked to the Premier League outfit by El Desmarque (via Sport Witness), who claim an offer of €16million (£14.4m) could be tabled for his services.

Wanderers aren’t the only ones in pursuit of Idrissi, though. The report states that both Sevilla and Napoli also have their eye on the 24-year-old forward.

How would Idrissi fit in at Wolves?

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side looked on course for a place in the top six last season but fell just outside of the margin on goal difference to Spurs. Their main attacking threat was undoubtedly Raul Jimenez, who notched an impressive 17 goals in 38 league appearances.

Next behind the Mexican was Diogo Jota with seven goals, followed up by Leander Dendoncker with four (via Sportsmole). The gap between Jimenez and the rest of the team in terms of goals scored is difficult to ignore. Wolves’ top scorer needs more support in attack if the team are to push up the table this season.

Signing Idrissi would pad out Nuno’s roster and provide more options when breaking down the opposition.

Could Oussama Idrissi replace Diogo Jota?

The AZ Alkmaar man tallied some superb numbers with the Dutch outfit last season. In 25 league appearances, Idrissi found the back of the net 13 times and provided a further five assists. His overall count for the term finished on 17 goals and ten assists across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

The 24-year-old also operates on the left wing, which is a perfect match to fill the Jota-shaped hole left in the Wolves squad after the Portuguese moved to Liverpool.

Although Nuno experimented with his squad last season, Jota put in some strong performances and was the difference between a loss and a draw, and a draw and a win on several occasions. Losing him to Liverpool definitely makes the left wing an area of importance to strengthen.

With Idrissi’s numbers and international experience, for the low price of £14.4million, it’s a no brainer for Wolves to snap up the Moroccan before the window closes.

In other news, Leeds can land the perfect De Paul alternative in Erick Pulgar

Liverpool assistant coach Pep Ljinders has revealed the club’s tactic for bolstering the right-hand side of the first team.

The plan has been in front of them all along. Whilst the Reds have recruited in stretched areas including left-back and on the wing, Jurgen Klopp’s right-hand man has explained why there was no need to recruit in other positions.

The Trent Alexander-Arnold journey

“Nobody thought Trent Alexander-Arnold would have been in this position 3 or 4 years ago, as the most talented player in English football as a right defender,” Ljinders told the Liverpool ECHO. “But we trust the young players in good periods and bad periods, we know exactly what we can expect from every single one of them.”

Indeed, Alexander-Arnold has set an extremely high bar for all future Anfield starlets. After breaking through into the first team in 2016, he has become untouchable in Liverpool’s first team. This is clearly the same pathway the club can expect Neco Williams and Curtis Jones to follow.

“Instead of buying a second right defender, it’s Neco Williams. Instead of buying a new right midfielder, it’s Curtis Jones,” Ljinders continued. “If you are in the squad you’ll get game time and develop.”

Curtis Jones and his Liverpool rise

Jones in particular is rapidly establishing himself as one of Liverpool’s most bright-looking players. Since his senior debut, he has made 16 appearances for his boyhood club and has provided five goals and one assist. His overall tally, including his stints in the youth system, sees him boast 46 goals and 17 assists in 96 matches (via Transfermarkt).

Since the start of the new season, Klopp has trusted the native teen more and more with the high demand of first team action. Jones has featured in three of Liverpool’s five fixtures so far, scoring two goals in that time.

His eye for a goal and constant noticeable growth will soon make him an impossible asset to ignore. Similarly, Williams is also a player Klopp clearly sees potential in.

The two teenagers have been entrusted with a worrisome area within the Premier League title-holding team. That in itself is enough to spur on solid performances and develop the duo into Anfield icons.

In other news, Liverpool could wound Man United with swoop for Ousmane Dembele…

Crystal Palace may have struggled to a dull 1-1 draw with Premier League rivals Brighton in the A23 derby, but one player stood out from the rest.

What’s the word?

Roy Hodgson heaped praise upon Gary Cahill following an impressive display after his return from injury at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

He told Palace TV: “First of all he’s a very, very good defender.

“His position is very good, he’s exceptionally good in the air, he’s a strong challenger for the ball and a very good blocker of the ball. These are the defensive qualities we don’t talk about every day… They’re the qualities that get you the clean sheets.

Hodgson has options at the back once again as Cahill, James Tomkins and Patrick van Aanholt have worked their way back from fitness. But the former Chelsea man showed his value as the Eagles secured a point against the Seagulls.

Bargain buy?

It’s safe to say that Cahill has turned out to be one of the club’s best buys in recent memory. The 34-year-old, who previously played for Bolton, Burnley and Everton, made 290 appearances for the Blues, scored 25 goals and supplied 7 assists, whilst he won the Premier League twice, the Champions League, two Europa League trophies and the FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge, via Transfermarkt.

Since then, the former 61-cap England international has played 28 games for Palace, and made 25 appearances in the English top flight last term, whilst he averaged 1 block and 4.4 clearances per game, via WhoScored.

The centre-back, who currently earns wages worth £65,000-per-week, was on the receiving end of a reckless tackle from Brighton defender Lewis Dunk, who was sent off in extra time.

SofaScore gave him a high grade of 7.1 for his efforts – if you look at his heatmap, you can see that he was most active inside the box, which explains why he made four clearances, two blocked shots, two tackles, whilst he only lost possession six times, won 100% of his ground duels, and four out of eight of his aerial duels, which shows that he was a threat in the air as well.

SkySports gave Cahill a 7/10 rating, which is fairly accurate, whilst football.london gave him the same score, claiming he “looked comfortable in the opening stages on his return, marshalling the defence well” but “could have picked up an injury late on due to Dunk’s ferocious tackle.”

Palace had a promising start to the season, before back-to-back defeats culminated in a 4-0 defeat to his former side Chelsea at Stamford Bridge before the international break. Whilst Hodgson’s side once again failed to keep a clean sheet, Cahill seems to have shaken off any concerns, which could bode well for the future.

Once lauded as an “exceptional” professional footballer by Steve Parish, the Palace chairman must secure his future at Selhurst Park, as his current contract is set to expire in 2021. If his performance is anything to by, the £2.25m-rated veteran must start against Fulham at all costs.

AND in other news, Roy Hodgson must unleash Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze against Fulham…

The Gunners set their sites on a top-four spot at the start of the season – a goal that seemed realistic enough to achieve given the club reaching the Europa League final last season as well as finishing just one point from the top four last time out.

The plan didn’t quite go as hoped, however, with Spaniard Unai Emery being sacked towards the end of November after a string of disappointing results. The Gunners would soon appoint former player Mikel Arteta, and things began to change for the better.

A strong push towards the end of the season, along with beating champions Liverpool in the league and seeing off Manchester City to reach the FA Cup final. The latter would turn out to be the biggest win, as the club went on to win the FA Cup for a record 14th time against bitter rivals Chelsea.

But with all the ups and downs, how much can you remember about the club’s 2019/20 season?

As per The Herald and Times Sport, Glasgow Rangers are keeping an eye on Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Dan Glazer.

Steven Gerrard has previously confirmed that he would like to add another midfielder to his squad, and now it is being reported that he is eyeing a move for Glazer.

As per the report, the Gers are joined by a number of Championship clubs in eyeing the 23-year-old.

Glazer plays for one of Israel’s biggest sides in Maccabi, and he has already done enough to earn seven caps for the Blue and Whites – Scottish football fans will likely get the chance to see him in action first hand soon, with them facing Israel in their first UEFA Nations League game of the season on Friday evening.

So far, Glazer has made 79 appearances for his current club, scoring once, and has won the Israeli league on two occasions. Currently valued at £1.44m by Transfermarkt, Glazer is a defensive midfielder – whilst Gerrard is looking for someone in the middle of the park, there have been calls from the likes of Brian Laudrup for more creativity to be added, which is something that Glazer does not appear to have in abundance.

The Ibrox outfit could well be required to pay a seven-figure fee to take take him to Glasgow – it feels like they would be better off looking elsewhere.

Let us know what you think below!

Despite Jose Mourinho’s purported reluctance to place his trust in youth, it seems like Tottenham are very much interested in bringing in one of European football’s brightest talents to north London this summer.

Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold recently revealed that Spurs “certainly like” Ajax starlet Sergino Dest, and that he “wouldn’t be surprised if they look at whether he’s viable financially this summer”, further adding that Spanish giants Barcelona are also interested in him.

And even at just 19-years-old, it’s clear to see why Mourinho’s side would be so interested in luring Dest away from the Netherlands. The teenager was an ever-present for Ajax in the Eredivisie, and registered an impressive record of five assists in just 20 league games.

Is it Mido or Pedro Mendes? This Spurs quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

Right-back is a major area of concern for Spurs given that Serge Aurier continues to be a liability with his defensive howlers and giving away of penalties, and also the very fact that they let Kyle Walker-Peters go on loan to Southampton in January.

But in Dest, Mourinho could transform Spurs’ future by landing a starlet that could go on to dominate the position for most of the next decade.

And when you look at the kind of praise and accolades he has already got in his fledgling career, then it just makes the case for Spurs to sign him this summer even stronger.

According to his Ajax teammate Quincy Promes, Dest is a “big talent”, and those thoughts were echoed by his manager, Erik ten Hag. Speaking after the American won the club’s young player of the year award, he said to the full-back: “You came like a comet. You played a lot of games in Ajax 1, including in the Champions League. You showed your potential. This is well deserved.”

With Spurs already boasting one talented attacking full-back in Ryan Sessegnon, the north London side stand to boast an impressive future if they can bring in Dest.

Sessegnon can maraud up and down the left-flank, whilst Dest does the same from the right-hand side. The Lilywhites could quite reasonably argue that they have the best up-and-coming full-back combination in the Premier League, and Mourinho could help develop the duo and put to bed any notion that he doesn’t develop young players.

Tottenham Hotspur plan to sell Danny Rose for a cut-price fee when he enters the final year of his contract, according to Football Insider. 

Tottenham valued Rose at £50m several years ago, when he was arguably at his peak and linked with Manchester United.

A source told Football Insider that Spurs are willing to listen to offers for the defender in the summer, but the club are aware that his market value has plummeted amid the economic uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus crisis. Therefore, they are prepared to sell him for £5m as he is not expected to play for Spurs again.

The Lilywhites reportedly rejected an approach from Watford last summer amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Schalke 04.

Understandably, this latest update could be good news for Ryan Sessegnon.

Last week, David Ornstein revealed that Rose has signed a loan extension to stay at Newcastle United until the end of the season.

The left-back, who is best friends with former Arsenal star Danny Welbeck, made just five appearances for Jose Mourinho before moving to St James’ Park on a short-term loan in January. The 29-year-old will soon enter the final year of his contract with Spurs and Steve Bruce is eager to tie him down to a permanent deal on Tyneside.

The veteran has impressed the Magpies so far, making 1.4 tackles per game and completing 1.2 clearances on average, with a passing accuracy rate of 77.7% (WhoScored).

Meanwhile, Sessegnon carries the burden of great expectations on his young shoulders. He has been deployed in various positions all over the pitch as Mourinho has tried out a range of different options.

Although his debut season has been rather quiet, the 20-year-old scored during the 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. He has played in three games in the European competition at the time of writing, providing one assist, taking one shot per game, averaging one key pass and completing one interception on average (WhoScored).

Sessegnon’s displays on the left flank in particular have been praised by Mourinho’s backroom staff.

The head coach is adamant that Rose will not be a part of his plans for the future (via The Northern Echo). Moreover, whether or not he returns to north London at the end of the season remains to be seen, as he will be below the likes of Ben Davies, Sessegnon and Japhet Tanganga in the pecking order.

Despite insisting he will sit tight and see out his Spurs deal, the 29-year-old appears to have changed his mind. The Geordies believe that keeping him in Tyneside on a permanent basis makes perfect sense for all parties involved.

Indeed, if Rose finally leaves the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for good, this will be a major boost for Sessegnon as it would reduce the competition for a spot in the starting line-up.

Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sell Danny Rose in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!