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Despite having an average squad age of 26, Southampton have a handful of players who are in and around the twilight years of their careers.

One of those is 30-year-old midfielder Oriol Romeu, who signed for the club back in 2015 from fellow Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.

Since then, the Spaniard has made a total of 221 appearances for the Saints prior to their Premier League clash against Burnley this afternoon, scoring six goals and providing four assists in the process.

With the midfielder’s current contract at St Mary’s set to expire in 2023, we feel there’s a chance that Romeu could leave the club by that point, but we also believe that the Saints could already have an ideal replacement for him if he does leave.

That man is 18-year-old Ryan Finnigan, who has been described as an “excellent” player by the club’s academy director Matt Hale. A product of Southampton’s youth system, he has made 15 appearances for their under-18 side, scoring one goal, with one assist in seven games for the Saints’ B team.

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is apparently a big fan of Finnigan, who has made one senior appearance for Southampton, which came during their 2-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup back in January.

Moving forward, if the teenager can continue developing in Southampton’s youth sides and make the most out of any future opportunities he gets in the first team, we think he could well go on to become a regular for them in the future as a potential long-term replacement for Romeu. That might save the club millions of pounds in potential transfer fees trying to sign a new midfielder, as well as seeing him join a long list of players to come out of the club’s youth academy to go on and have big careers in the Premier League.

In other news: Southampton could already have their next Gareth Bale in “quality” 17 y/o starlet

Rangers were rocked by the news recently that Nathan Patterson had withdrawn from Scotland duty due to injury, which is a huge blow to Steven Gerrard at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

The right-back picked up a knock in the 1-0 win against Moldova at the weekend and has been forced to withdraw from the squad as a result, which suggests that he could be a doubt for Rangers’ next game, which sees them take on St Johnstone away from home this weekend.

Gerrard’s side are still recovering from their own injury and covid issues, with James Tavernier one of those who has been missing in recent fixtures after being forced to self-isolate, so it is unfortunate timing for the Gers that Patterson may not be available.

A big blow for Gerrard?

Although Leon Balogun impressed at right-back in the Old Firm derby win, it is not ideal for Gerrard to have Patterson potentially missing for upcoming games, especially considering the Gers’ busy schedule.

Hopefully, those who were out due to isolation in recent games weren’t too badly affected by their illness and will be close to full fitness by the time they travel to McDiarmid Park on Saturday, otherwise Rangers’ squad may end up looking very thin.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Patterson has established himself as a key part of Gerrard’s squad over the past 12 months or so, initially breaking into the first-team when Tavernier was out injured last season and impressing so much that there were some calls for him to start ahead of the captain at right-back.

Alan Hutton and Shaun Maloney lauded Patterson’s “outstanding attributes” last season and his energy down the right-hand side has quickly helped to establish him as a fans favourite at Ibrox.

The 19-year-old was the subject of interest from Everton in the summer transfer window and looks set for a very bright future in the game, so Rangers fans will no doubt be gutted if he is set for a spell on the sidelines, as it increases the pressure on Tavernier to play nearly every game.

Therefore, it is undoubtedly a blow for Gerrard that Patterson could be unavailable for upcoming games after injuring himself on international duty.

And, in other news… 3 key passes: “Outstanding” Rangers ace emphasised his class with superb international display

After their disheartening 3-2 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their previous Premier League outing, Leeds United are back on the road again with another tough test against reigning league champions and current table-toppers Manchester City.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa could select to be in his starting XI to take on City with the likes of Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo, Robin Koch, Kalvin Phillips and Pascal Struijk out injured, one player that we think should be involved tonight is Whites attacker Tyler Roberts.

In his previous appearance for Leeds against Chelsea, Roberts managed to do his bit for the team in an attacking and defensive sense despite the ultimate disappointing result.

Offensively, the Welshman managed to assist Joe Gelhardt’s equalising goal in the 83rd minute and managed to test Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with a shot on target.

Roberts, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £22k-per-week according to Salary Sport, also did his bit for the team in a defensive regard by winning seven duels and making three tackles.

This display ultimately earned the 22-year-old a respectable overall match rating of 7.1/10, making him one of Leeds’ highest-rated players on the day according to SofaScore.

With Roberts now having scored a goal and providing an assist in his two previous league appearances for Leeds, it would make sense for Bielsa to unleash him once again to see if he can add to his tally against City, especially with Bamford and Rodrigo out injured.

Leeds signed Roberts back in the 2018 January transfer window from West Bromwich Albion in a deal worth a reported fee of around £2.5m. Since then, the Welshman, who is currently valued at £5.4m according to Transfermarkt, has gone on to make 101 appearances for Leeds across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing ten assists in the process.

Labelled as a player who “has got everything” in terms of ability on the pitch by former West Brom manager Tony Pulis, Roberts could end up being Leeds’ key man in the game against City and provide a real attacking threat alongside Raphinha, who has seven goals to his name in the league so far this season.

In other news: Bielsa could save Orta millions with 20 y/o Leeds “revelation” who “loves defending” – opinion

At long, long last, the future is looking brighter for Newcastle United and the Toon Army.

Gone is Mike Ashley and the last of the Sports Direct banners have finally been removed from St James’ Park too.

Not only that, but the Magpies finally have their first win of the campaign on the board as they strive to climb the table and survive relegation.

Eddie Howe is through the door and coupled with the rich finances of PIF, the January transfer window has the potential to be incredibly excited.

But who will they sign? A more eye-catching move for Fiorentina hitman Dusan Vlahovic has been touted but with more pedigreed clubs like Tottenham also in the hunt, it would be a surprise if he ends up in the north-east of England.

An update from Craig Hope this week, however, helped fill in the gaps as he supplied a list of more realistic signings that Newcastle could pursue over the winter.

Taking to Twitter, he said: “We understand targets include Lloyd Kelly, the Bournemouth defender who Eddie Howe signed in 2019. Germany centre-back Matthias Ginter, Joe Rodon of Spurs & Lille’s Sven Botman mentioned. Also told Mohamed Elneny is a midfield option.”

But if all of those players arrived to welcome Newcastle’s new era, how could Howe line up?

Here’s what we’re predicting at Football FanCast…

As you may notice, Newcastle’s forward line could stay pretty similar. After all, there are no issues with Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.

Instead, the Toon’s prime concerns are further behind them in defence where Howe’s men have shipped 30 goals, the second-highest in the top-flight.

Therefore, three new faces form what looks like a much-improved backline. Jamal Lewis has impressed since replacing Matt Ritchie but we’d expect the £9m-rated Lloyd Kelly to be selected at left-back.

Alongside him is Lille’s Sven Botman, a man valued at £25.2m. Hailed as a “leader”, he could add vital grit and determination to Howe’s ranks. He partners Spurs man Joe Rodon at centre-back who is rated at around £17m. The Welshman has been described as “flawless” by journalist Ian Mitchelmore, and they have the ability to form a scary defensive partnership.

Two further arrivals come in the middle of the park where £24.3m-rated Matthias Ginter could arrive. The German is capable of playing at centre-back but also in holding midfield, and it’s there where Howe may select him if he bolsters his backline significantly.

It’s then a midfield pairing of two potential former Arsenal players where the more attacking Joe Willock links up with £9m-rated Egypt international, Mohamed Elneny. A true midfield enforcer, he would keep things ticking over while breaking up the play. As a result, the Newcastle boss would be able to axe Jonjoe Shelvey.

These players might not be the be big names that some supporters are craving but all said and done, this could amount to a potential £84.5m spending spree from PIF that strengthens the squad enough to keep them away from a relegation battle.

If they can do that, Newcastle will then be able to attack the summer market with more intent knowing their Premier League status is secure.

AND in other news, “Loads of names”: Liam Kennedy drops big NUFC update that’ll leave supporters buzzing…

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Tyneside club are interested in securing a deal for the Saints outcast this summer. Magpies boss Steve Bruce is plotting to improve his squad and has identified Lemina as a target.

Hampshire Live followed up on this report by revealing that Southampton intend to cash in on the Gabon international this summer as he is not a part of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans. Fulham held an option to sign him permanently if they stayed up last season.

During Lemina’s first season at Southampton, BBC pundit Garth Crooks waxed lyrical about the powerhouse of a midfielder.

He told BBC Sport, as transcribed by the Daily Express: “My goodness, this lad looks a powerhouse. I suppose when you’ve played for one of the biggest clubs in the world in Juventus, you should have all the tools to survive in any league.

“The former Juve man was composed on the ball and timely in the tackle – and for a holding midfielder, he was very capable of hurting the opposition.

“Lemina is a top-four player in my opinion and fair play to Southampton for making the purchase.”

Gao would love it

Southampton owner Gao Jisheng would surely love it if Lemina sealed a permanent transfer away from St Mary’s, whether it be to Newcastle or any other club. The 27-year-old is said to be on £64,000 per week at the Saints and that is a sizeable chunk of money that Gao is having to pay the midfielder per season – around £3.3m.

That sum could instead be used to bring another signing through the door or to extend a current star’s contract to keep them at the club, which is why selling him could be a major boost to the Saints and Gao. Therefore, Southampton must ruthlessly axe Lemina from the club this summer and Martin Semmens needs to do whatever he can to ensure that the Gabon midfielder is sold permanently.

If Newcastle are able to provide a respectable transfer fee, then he should be sold and the funds should be reinvested into other areas of the squad or to improve the facilities at Staplewood in order to progress on and off the pitch as a club.

The former Juventus man did not show enough during his time with Fulham to suggest that he could come back to Southampton and stake a claim for a starting berth. He averaged an unimpressive WhoScored rating of 6.60 in 28 Premier League appearances for the Cottagers as they were relegated straight back down to the Championship.

Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse, meanwhile, scored 6.93 and 7.07 respectively for the Saints in the top flight. This shows that Lemina is not good enough to replace either of them, which is another reason he should be axed from the squad.

AND in other news, Semmens must seal Southampton swoop for “intelligent” magician, he won’t cost a penny…

Arsenal could already be planning for life without Alexandre Lacazette…

What’s the word?

According to football.london’s chief Gunners reporter Chris Wheatley, the north London outfit are likely to target a new striker in the upcoming transfer windows, and Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak is one name in whom they hold an interest.

In a recent Q&A session with supporters, the journalist said: “Arsenal will try to sign a forward in the next transfer windows. Isak would be a great option and there is certainly interest.”

The 21-year-old signed a new contract with the La Liga side in July, a move which also saw a £30m buyback clause from Borussia Dortmund bought out.

It remains to be seen exactly how much the 27-cap Sweden international would command in 2022 but Transfermarkt currently value him at around £36m.

Bye-bye Lacazette

It’s hardly a surprise to learn that Arsenal will be looking for a new frontman in the near future – that’s because Lacazette appears to be on his way out, with his contract due to expire at the end of the current campaign.

On transfer deadline day, football.london reported [via Metro] that the 30-year-old Frenchman had little interest in renewing his deal at the Emirates Stadium and will duly move on next summer.

The Gunners’ hierarchy even tried to move him on during the transfer window in order to bring in Tammy Abraham, who in the end swapped Chelsea for AS Roma, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

In Isak, Mikel Arteta would be getting an ideal replacement, and one who could serve the Gunners for many years to come.

The Real Sociedad talisman is yet to get off the mark in 2021/22 but he enjoyed a phenomenal season last time out, scoring 17 goals in just 34 league appearances, via Transfermarkt.

That form earned him the division’s Young Player of the Year award as well as a glowing endorsement from former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who waxed lyrical about the Swede after their Euro 2020 clash with Spain.

“This kid, Isak, he was a problem today for the defenders in the Spain team,” the former Manchester United centre-back said on BBC’s coverage of the match (via quotes sourced by football.london).

Ferdinand continued: “He was a nuisance. He showed today why he’s got Young Player of the Year in La Liga. He was the outlet.”

The 6 foot 2 marksman has understandably been likened to fellow countryman Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his ‘silky first-touch, near-perfect technique and penchant for goals’.

Meanwhile, Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc once dubbed him a “great talent” when signing him from Willem II.

All in all, Edu Gaspar and co must look to seal a move for Isak as soon as January as they look to fill the imminent void left behind by Lacazette. He’d be the perfect replacement for the Frenchman on the above evidence.

AND in other news, Edu could strike gold over Auba replacement by signing “quick” £60m-rated “world-beater”…

Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has tipped Barry Bannan and the Owls to bounce back following their recent 3-0 loss to Plymouth Argyle.

Wednesday were easily beaten by Ryan Lowe’s side at Home Park over the weekend and Bannan particularly came in for criticism from some supporters.

That defeat leaves the Yorkshire club in 12th place in League One, but they are still just five points off first-placed Sunderland after a strong start to the season overall.

Next up is a home tie against Shrewsbury Town and Palmer is confident that Bannan and the rest of the team will perform much better this time round.

“Barry Bannan’s been arguably Sheffield Wednesday’s most consistent player over the last three or four seasons,” Palmer said in an exclusive interview with TT. “You know, he’s had a bad game, that happens. We all have a bad day at the office.

“Barry’s a very, very good Championship player, so it’s one of those games. He’ll be back next week.

“The next performance, he’ll be trying doubly hard, like they all will, to put that result behind them.”

Certainly, a player of his experience, you would expect the 31-year-old to bounce straight back following that disappointment at Home Park.

Again, overall, Wednesday have made a promising start to life in League One, so there is no need for too much criticism or panic just yet.

Marcus Bent believes that Eddie Howe would be a breath of fresh air should he become the new Everton manager.

It’s been almost a year since the 43-year-old left his position at Bournemouth by mutual consent, with his final game in charge coming against Everton at Goodison Park.

Howe has been strongly linked with several jobs in recent months and was expected to take over at Celtic before a deal to see him move to Parkhead recently collapsed.

Meanwhile, the former Cherries boss has been touted as a possible replacement for Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace, with that position still available following Nuno Espirito Santo’s recent failed move to Selhurst Park.

Everton themselves are still searching for a Carlo Ancelotti replacement after the Italian suddenly left to re-join Real Madrid at the beginning of this month.

Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson is currently in the running, whilst ex-Wolves man Santo has also held talks, but Bent would be on board with the appointment of Howe.

He told Football FanCast:

“He did a great job at Bournemouth, he’s a young manager and has a lot of experience, he’s new school and he’d be a breath of fresh air for Everton.”

Whilst Howe is certainly no Ancelotti, having worked wonders during his time with Bournemouth, Everton could do a lot worse than appointing him.

The agent of Ruben Neves has provided an update regarding the future of the Wolves midfielder.

What’s the word?

That is according to Sport, via Sport Witness, who claim that the 25-year-old’s name has “been on the table at Barcelona for months now.”

With the Blaugrana reportedly “willing to study carefully” the potential signing of Neves, Jorge Mendes is “working to make it a reality in June.”

According to the outlet, Barcelona have “reactivated” their interest in Neves, after initially discarding him as an option, as they look to secure a long-term successor for Sergio Busquets.

According to Sport Witness, super-agent Mendes has been “convincing Barca’s sports management and Xavi for months.” With Neves said to be “crazy to join” the Catalan giants – even if it’s through a loan deal.

The new Busquets

Mendes clearly wants to afford his client the opportunity to step into the shoes of the legendary Sergio Busquets, who has been the metronome in that Barcelona side for 14 seasons.

Sport Witness claim that “Barca’s sporting leaders have given their approval for his arrival”, though the economic aspect of the deal is yet to be discussed.

In truth Neves offers a more well-rounded service in midfield, with both Nuno Espirito Santo and Bruno Lage’s three at the back systems the cause of this development.

Though Neves’ previous and now current manager opting to use a 3-4-3 formation, Neves has not been afforded the chance to slot into the role of a defensive midfielder.

As such, his numbers reflect this, with his defending stats slightly overshadowed by the Barcelona captain.

And although he shares similar passing numbers on the whole to Busquets, the Spaniard is slightly better when it comes to passes completed, boasting an average of 70 passes per 90 minutes. Neves completes an average of 56 passes per 90.

They are evidently quite similar, both positionally and stylistically, but Barcelona’s gain would clearly be Wolves’ loss.

After all, this is a player who has played 207 times for the Old Gold, helping them achieve promotion, cement themselves in the top-flight, and reach promotion.

He is a vital player to the cause and seeing that Mendes, someone who has been so beneficial in bringing players to Molineux, tout his services to other clubs is likely to leave supporters aghast.

In other news: John Percy: Wolves now eye swoop for the “next Mbappe“, he’s better than Jimenez…