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Manchester United handed rivals City a big favour as they held Liverpool to a goalless draw at Old Trafford yesterday afternoon.

The Red Devils overcame the odds somewhat in a bizarre game which saw injury after injury for United, including one for Jesse Lingard, who was only introduced himself in the first period.

However, the 0-0 scoreline was just reward for a dogged and determined display which left it all to play for at the top of the table and gave cross-city rivals City improved hopes of making it a second successive Premier League title.

Of course, the focus should be on United though, and in particular manager Solksjaer, who has been superb since stepping into the fold following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

His ability today to get the best out of a team which was seemingly being torn apart by injuries was to be admired, and it showed that he is not simply all about attacking and expansive football just to go about pleasing the fans at Old Trafford.

The assured way his players went about their business was testament to just how well Solskjaer has done at the club, and we think that the job is his in the summer barring an absolute disaster of events.

The Norwegian has earned his keep so to speak within the confines of the United supporters, and he will no doubt be impressing at board level too.

If he can keep getting the results, secure Champions League football, and deny Liverpool the title in any way he can, then he’ll be the man to take United forward 100%.

Sunderland have been handed a huge double boost over Alex Pritchard and Nathan Broadhead…

What’s the latest?

Alex Neil has revealed that both players are ahead of schedule and closing in on returns from their respective injuries.

The Scottish head coach has admitted that they are still a doubt for the match against Gillingham, however, as they have only just made their way back to training.

He told the club website: “We were concerned that both would be long-term issues, but they have recovered quicker than anticipated.

“That’s great and both have been out on the grass this week, so we have hopefully seen flashes that they are coming back.

“Whether they will be back for this weekend’s game against Gillingham, I’m not quite sure, but they certainly aren’t far away.”

Cloud nine

This news will surely leave the Black Cats boss on cloud nine for multiple reasons.

Firstly, he will be delighted that both players are set to come back earlier than expected. He was seemingly worried that he would be without them for a longer period of time and that would have been a huge blow to the club’s promotion hopes.

Therefore, he will be pleased with how they have worked to recover from their respective blows. It shows that they have been putting in the hard work behind the scenes to ensure that they are back as quickly as possible and Neil will be impressed with their progress.

The ex-Preston coach will also be delighted because of what their returns mean to Sunderland. Having them back will be a major boost to the side as they have both proven themselves to be quality options at League One level this season.

Pritchard has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.08, scoring four goals and providing seven assists from midfield. He has created an impressive two chances per game for the Mackems and his dynamic play in the middle of the park will bolster Neil’s attacking options.

Broadhead, meanwhile, has seven strikes in his last ten appearances for Sunderland in all competitions. He has also scored five times in nine third division starts, which shows that he knows how to find the back of the net on a regular basis at this level.

Therefore, Neil will be buzzing to have both of them back and available in the upcoming matches as they both have an abundance of talent to offer in the final third.

AND in other news, Speakman heading for SAFC shocker on £2.7k-p/w gem who’s the best “in the division”…

Reliable reporter David Ornstein believes that Aston Villa may look at signing a central midfielder on deadline day.

The Athletic reporter was speaking live on Sky Sports and had many Villa fans talking on social media.

The Villans have been after a new midfielder this month following Marvelous Nakamba’s serious injury towards the end of 2021. However, so far they have had no luck, with offers for Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur being rejected by Brighton and Juventus respectively.

Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara is thought to be another player on the midfield shortlist, but there have been no significant updates on Villa and the Frenchman for over a week.

According to Ornstein [via @AVFCFaithful], who was speaking on Sky Sports News’ transfer deadline day coverage, Villa may have another nibble at a central midfielder in the final hours of the January window.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many excited at the possibility of a late arrival to Steven Gerrard’s squad.

“YES DAVID I LOVE YOU”

Credit: @charliepowellm1

“He’s tier 111111 please please please”

Credit: @JRamsAV

“ORNSTEINNNNN”

Credit: @_AVFCOlly

“ORNSTEINNNNNNN”

Credit: @ViIlaI_

“DAVID YOU BEAUTIFUL MAN”

Credit: @DG_Villa1

“What a tease”

Credit: @JohnCha00458074

In other news: ‘No way’ – Lots of Villa fans flock to journalist’s deadline day hint

Many Liverpool fans have been criticising the performance of Diogo Jota despite their 3-0 win at home to Brentford in the Premier League this afternoon.

It was a comfortable game in the end for Jurgen Klopp’s team at Anfield, with goals from Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino more than enough to give them the three points.

However, while there were some great performances in a Reds shirt, Jota may not have been pleased with his own display, as he squandered a couple of very good opportunities to score.

The former Wolves ace failed to find the back of the net with any of his six shots, while he also lost out on nine of his duels and failed to record a single successful dribble, key pass, accurate cross or long ball (SofaScore).

The 25-year-old also gave the ball away 13 times, the joint-fifth most out of his teammates, in what was a below-par performance by his standards. He is now without a goal in four matches, having scored in each of his last three before Christmas, as per Transfermarkt.

Liverpool fans slam Jota

These Liverpool fans slammed Jota’s display on Twitter, with one Kopite going as far as to claim that the forward was ‘non-existent’ this afternoon:

“#LFC so 1 dimensional yet again. Jota and Firmino non-existent”

Credit: @Jabbs2Jamie

“Jota is so not focused”

Credit: @I_am_aMarvel

“Jota been totally bad”

Credit: @Galjundi

“Jota DISASTERCLASS”

Credit: @burhan7i

“Get Jota off”

Credit: @Vinny_lopez89

“Jota.. you cannot be finishing like that.. just cannot.”

Credit: @Ituralde

In other news, Liverpool are now willing to pay big money to sign this midfield beast

West Ham United centre-back Angelo Ogbonna is already attracting interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Citta Celeste, who claimed that the Hammers defender has emerged as a target for Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, who are hoping to land the 33-year-old on a free transfer upon the expiry of his current contract at the London Stadium in the summer.

Previous reports had claimed that, despite the former Italy international’s season-ending cruciate ligament injury, the Irons are planning on offering him a new one-year deal, although a move back to his homeland could well tempt the former Crotone, Torino and Juventus defender.

Disaster

While it is true that Ogbonna may not have too many years ahead of him in which he is capable of playing a starring role at the very highest level of the professional game, it is undeniable that the centre-back still has much to offer West Ham in the short-term. That leads us to believe that his departure this summer would be a disaster for David Moyes and his team.

Indeed, in recent years, the £1.8m-rated defender has proven himself to be one of the Hammers’ most important players in the top flight, earning seasonal SofaScore match ratings of 6.82 in 2019/20, 6.81 in 2020/21 and averaging a rating of 6.71 over his 11 Premier League appearances in the current campaign prior to his injury.

This form led to the £70k-per-week defender receiving some huge praise, with Declan Rice stating of the Italian in December 2020: “He’s so good. Honestly, he’s gone to another level this season. He looks like a real top, top centre-half and he’s stepped up when it’s really mattered.”

West Ham podcaster Sam Delaney also praised the influence of the 33-year-old on the Irons’ backline in March of last year, stating: “The fact is he’s a real leader and he’s marshalled that defence whether we played in a four or a three. You can see him being vocal and he was so integral to it.”

As such, it is clear to see just how much of an impact Ogbonna has made in the heart of the West Ham defence, not only with his consistently solid performances but also with his leadership abilities. Moyes simply cannot afford to jettison such qualities in the summer, especially on a free transfer.

In other news – Forget Diop: West Ham liability with 40 touches must have just played his last game for Moyes

A number of West Ham supporters have hailed an official club tweet highlighting how memorable 2021 has been for the Hammers.

David Moyes’ side returned to winning ways earlier in the week, beating Watford 4-1 at Vicarage Road to give their Premier League top-four chances fresh hope.

It has been a superb 2021 for West Ham, who pushed for Champions League football in 2020/21 and still ended up sealing a spot in the Europa League.

This season, memorable 3-2 victories have been picked up at home to Liverpool and Chelsea, and there is a continued feeling that the good times have returned in east London.

The Irons coasted through their Europa League group, effectively sealing a ‘bye’ through the first knock-out stage of the competition.

Ahead of the turn of the year into January, the club’s Twitter account posted a statistic confirming that the Hammers have secured their most points (73), wins (22) and scored the most goals (73) in a calendar year since the Premier League’s inception.

West Ham fans love official club post

These West Ham fans took to Twitter to show their love for the current crop of heroes.

“Massive”

Credit: @FPLFella

“Football brought me so much joy this year, especially the vibes when Lingard joined”

Credit: @whuabz

“My club. Be the hammer not the nail!”

Credit: @goodinmike_

“It’s been a wonderful, exceptional, unbelievable and entirely enjoyable year to be a Hammer for the first time in a long time! Long may it continue into the new year!”

Credit: @MartinSRoberts

“Special team, special club”

Credit: @samdruiff

“What a year”

Credit: @abdu_mata

In other news, some West Ham fans have erupted over one transfer claim. Read more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Southampton fans voiced criticism for young winger Nathan Tella as their side dropped more points in a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were looking to get back to winning ways at St Mary’s this afternoon after a three-game run of no victories and eight goals conceded, including a dismal 4-0 loss away to Liverpool.

The Saints didn’t manage to turn things around despite loanee striker Armando Broja’s opening goal, with the Saints being made to pay for not securing the win in 10 minutes of added time. Neal Maupay scored a dramatic last-gasp equaliser for the visitors to snatch victory away from Southampton as they remain just six points above the relegation zone.

Saints fans slam Tella…

One man who didn’t impress a few Southampton fans on the day was Tella, who had a slight off-day according to SofaScore.

The 22-year-old, being handed their lowest match rating of 6.3, proved ineffective in the final third, completing just 50% of his passes to teammates and finding none of his long balls forward (SofaScore).

He also made no key passes, found just one out of three crosses, lost possession 18 times and attempted zero shots on target, leaving little wonder why some supporters weren’t impressed with his “careless” performance (SofaScore).

Check out some of their reactions below:

“Tella is not very good”

Credit: @D20048

“Oh my days Tella is garbo”

Credit: @_Abyyy_

“Is it just me or do any other #SaintsFC fans find Tella so frustrating at times? Can tell he trains with the likes or Redmond and Djenepo on a daily basis”

Credit: @WillParrott_

“Tella is getting careless now, needs to be subbed to save himself from getting a second booking. Fresh legs would be quite welcome right now”

Credit: @miserygutcscoop

“Somebody please tell me what Tella has done?”

Credit: @sfcJoshhh

“I really want to, but I just don’t get Tella, I don’t think he brings a great deal to the team, you see flashes now and again but not consistent enough for the hype, 1/2 season on loan would be better for him I reckon”

Credit: @jamiepang

Taking to Twitter, journalist Nathan Gissing, a contributor for Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio’s website, has made a Southampton transfer claim involving Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.

The Lowdown: Saints looking to summer?

As the Saints seem to successfully navigate relegation for another year, transfer chief Martin Semmens and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will be looking ahead to the summer window.

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Links have already emerged to possible targets with Union Berlin forward Taiwo Awoniyi and West Brom shot stopper Sam Johnstone reportedly having been earmarked.

Conducting much business with European giants and Premier League rivals Chelsea over the last few seasons in particular, news has now come to light involving another player from the west London club.

The Latest: Saints enter mix for Colwill…

As per Gissing, Southampton are now in the mix for promising centre-back Colwill – who is currently enjoying a fruitful spell on loan at Huddersfield Town.

He explained (via Twitter): “Levi Colwill has interest from many clubs including Leicester, Fulham, Southampton, Everton, Huddersfield (if promoted) & European clubs

“Chelsea will assess Levi in pre-season and make a final decision there.”

The Verdict: Make a move?

The 19-year-old, a key player for The Terriers over his temporary stint, has certainly impressed those around the club.

Steven Chicken for example, a Huddersfield Town reporter for Yorkshire Live (via Chelsea Loan Army), branded Colwill ‘sensational from day one’ and ‘flawless’ since joining.

The England Under-19 international has been a mainstay under Town boss Carlos Corberán, making 26 Championship appearances this season and even pitching in with two goals (Transfermarkt).

Widely regarded as a top emerging talent, Colwill can be deployed at left-back as well as in the centre of defence, potentially backing why the Saints hold a firm interest.

Amid all the competition, perhaps Southampton’s past dealings with Chelsea could put them above other clubs in the pecking order.

In other news: Sky Sports: Southampton also in mix for ‘world class’ international! Find out more here.

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target John Swift is likely to leave Reading at the end of the season, according to journalist David Anderson.

The Lowdown: Midfielders wanted

The 26-year-old is enjoying a hugely impressive campaign for Reading in the Championship, scoring eight goals and registering nine assists from midfield.

Swift has been linked with a move to Leeds in the recent past and the Whites are of course in need of midfield additions – they are also in talks for RB Salzburg starlet Brenden Aaronson.

Victor Orta reportedly wants two midfielders signed – one attacking and one defensive – and although both of these players fit the former category, perhaps the opportunity to get both will be too good to pass up after the latest news on Swift.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Journalist backs summer transfer

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Anderson claimed a summer exit from Reading is on the cards rather than this month, at which point Leeds could swoop:

“The only thing I have been told about him is that he would prefer to leave it until the summer and then obviously take his pick of clubs.

“Obviously, if you leave on a Bosman, it means you get a bigger salary compared to if you were to move now.

“What I’m being told is he’s prepared to see the season out with Reading and then, whether they get relegated or not, move in the summer.”

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The Verdict: Good squad option

Swift wouldn’t exactly be a marquee signing for Leeds in the summer but he is someone who Marcelo Bielsa has openly admitted he admires in the past, calling him a ‘great player’.

That speaks volumes about the midfielder’s ability and his end product from the middle of the park is something that has been lacking at Elland Road this season, with Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas (one apiece) their top-scoring central midfielders in the Premier League.

Swift could come in as a strong squad option and someone who could improve further under Bielsa, so signing Aaronson for a fee now and Swift when his contract expires in the summer feels like a no brainer.

In other news, Leeds have been boosted in their efforts to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have erupted over the latest transfer claim involving Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently flying high near the top of the Premier League table and have also set a Champions League footnote, becoming the first English team to win every one of their group stage matches in a single season.

However, despite their fine form, many fans are still eager to see how the squad may strengthen in future, with Dortmund youngster Bellingham reported to be a prime target.

The England international is said to be attracting interest from Liverpool, with The Mirror now dropping a pretty promising transfer claim. It is believed that the Reds, and by extension owners FSG, are ‘making plans’ to bring the teenager back to England and currently ‘lead the race’ for his services next summer.

Indeed, Klopp has apparently personally identified the 18-year-old as a target to strengthen his options in midfield.

Liverpool fans erupt…

Dortmund defender Mats Hummels is certainly full of admiration for the teenage talent, describing him as a leader and “serious” at such a young age, leaving little wonder why so many Reds fans are joyous at the prospect of signing him.

Only the Anfield front three Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane have averaged a higher rate of completed dribbles per 90 than Bellingham this season (WhoScored). Meanwhile, the midfield maestro sits just behind Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool in terms of league assists, racking up five in just 13 Bundesliga starts.

Taking into account his age and his homegrown status, it is little wonder that some Liverpool fans even believe he would be a ‘dream signing’ – check out some of their best reactions below:

“I beg”

Credit: @BrandonWoofy

“Don’t give me hope if this club is actually buying the right player for a good amount of money”

Credit: @RitsonLfc

“He’s my dream signing and would be unreal but my only worry is that I know how we’re run, someone big would have to leave to fund it and a certain Egyptian hasn’t signed a new contract yet….”

Credit: @LFC_James

“Don’t tease me.”

Credit: @PleasantPups

“I will cry”

Credit: @have_alice

“I’m on my knees”

Credit: @HottraGatto

“please happen”

Credit: @Ac1984Ross

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘No way’, ‘Please’… Liverpool fans erupt as FSG also eye ‘bargain’ signing, find out more here.