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According to reports from BBC Sport, West Bromwich Albion are set to sign Jefferson Montero on loan for the rest of the season.

What’s the word?

West Brom are flying high in the Championship this season and developed a real lust for scoring goals, netting a division-highest 57 in 28 games so far.

Darren Moore’s attacking ranks, however, have been depleted throughout the January transfer window. Harvey Barnes was recalled by Leicester City, Oliver Burke joined Celtic on loan and Bakary Sako was allowed to return to Crystal Palace.

Montero, meanwhile, is yet to actually start a Championship game this season despite making 12 substitute appearances and grabbing two assists from the bench back in September.

West Brom appear to be taking advantage of Montero’s bit-part status, by swooping for a player who has shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League previously – during his first season at Swansea, he grabbed seven assists in the top flight.

A new weapon for Moore

If there’s one thing Montero undoubtedly offers, even if his consistency can be questioned, it’s service and trickery in wide positions. Per ninety minutes this season, he’s averaged 2.7 accurate crosses and 4.9 successful dribbles according to Whoscored.

While those statistics are skewed somewhat by the fact Montero has only featured as a substitute, no West Brom player to make more than 10 Championship appearances this season has averaged more than two successful dribbles per ninety minutes, although Matt Phillips matches his return for accurate crosses.

Montero then, offers something a little different in terms of his ability to carry the ball and as we approach the final run-in, that potential to change games by introducing Montero from the bench could be crucial for the promotion-chasing Baggies.

Tottenham Hotspur should probably start looking ahead to next season as this one is increasingly looking like a complete write-off.

Jose Mourinho’s men crashed out of the Champions League in midweek, meaning they only have the Premier League to compete for, and even then, they face an almighty task to reach the top four.

They currently sit seven points adrift and have lost five of their last six in all competitions.

If reports are to be believed, the Portuguese boss is already planning for the summer as Turkish outlet Takvim claim Spurs are looking to reignite interest in Fenerbahce striker Vedat Muriqi.

Which has resulted in fans discussing the news on social media.

The 25-year-old could reportedly cost €20m (£17.6m) with the north Londoners clearly in the market for another striker to Harry Kane.

Some supporters even see him as a replacement for their skipper…

Additional reports this month have suggested that Kane’s future at Tottenham is somewhat in doubt. It was first claimed by the Telegraph that the club would face a battle to keep the England frontman if they fail to land silverware this campaign – well, it’ll now take a miracle for that to happen.

And then, just this week, Tuttosport suggested that Serie A giants Juventus could launch an audacious bid for him to partner Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Kane is of course currently absent through injury, so it remains to be seen how things will turn out.

It appears that further members of the Spurs faithful are fully behind the idea of signing the Kosovan forward irrespective of the situation involving their captain.

Muriqi has been in good form for the Turkish outfit this campaign, bagging 15 goals in all competitions whilst he has also provided six assists, via Transfermarkt, which would suggest that he good be an ideal sort for teammates to play off of.

One supporter compared him to Fernando Llorente, believing he could certainly be a new target man for Spurs.

Although, not everyone was behind the potential move with many slamming the report…

He was one of several strikers courted during the January transfer window, and although it remains to be seen if Spurs will go back in for him this summer, they ultimately need to find support to Kane as they have evidently suffered in his absence this calendar year.

Can you remember how much each of these transfer icons cost? Only experts will get 100% on our quiz…

While in other news, Clinton Morrison believes Mourinho could lose the dressing room at Spurs… 

Everton fans have taken to Twitter to destroy Jordan Pickford for his display in Sunday afternoon’s meeting with Manchester United.

The England international – who was performing under the watchful eye of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate – made a mistake in allowing Bruno Fernandes’ effort to fly past him when in truth, the ball was close enough to him for it to be saved.

That particular error came just seconds after Pickford had passed the ball short, when it would’ve been safer to go long with Manchester United players in close proximity when he initially distributed the ball.

It was the second game in a row at Goodison Park in which the former Sunderland glovesman made a mistake.

Last time out on Merseyside for Everton, Pickford let Christian Benteke’s shot skid under his body when it looked easier to save it.

Following his mistake, Sky Sports portrayed a graphic on live TV showing the fact that the 25-year-old has made seven errors leading to goals since the start of last season – the joint-most of any other keeper alongside David de Gea.

Let’s see what the Everton fans on Twitter have said about their No.1…

To kick off the reaction, The Gwladys Street said that Pickford’s performances this season cannot be defended – he was also guilty of looking far from solid when Newcastle scored two late goals to grab a point at Goodison Park earlier this term, with the glovesman spotted behind the line for one of Florian Lejeune’s two strikes.

Emperor Carlo then mentioned that Pickford has the talent, but has no focus whatsoever – the player himself admitted that personal allegiances affected his mistake-ridden display against Newcastle last season, given his ties with the Magpies’ rivals Sunderland.

James Wharton then referred to Roy Keane’s half-time comments on the Englishman, in which the former Manchester United hardman said he doesn’t care about stats and that he knows Pickford isn’t a good goalkeeper – ouch.

Lastly, Iain Young said that Pickford should be dropped next week.

Premier League Inflation: You won’t believe how much these famous transfers would cost today…

Ancelotti could select academy graduate Joao Virginia as a backup if he did want to drop his No.1, with the young Portuguese stopper on the bench against Manchester United.

In other news, these Everton fans weren’t happy with this pre-match decision from Ancelotti…

Newcastle’s Jetro Willems could be edging closer to a permanent move to the north-east as he admitted himself that there has been progress in talks, as reported by the Chronicle.

What did he say?

The left wing-back has adapted to life in England very well with two goals and has established himself as a firm part of Steve Bruce’s plans, with 19 appearances made so far.

His loan deal will see him stay at St. James’ Park until the end of the season but the Magpies do have the option to make his move permanent if they activate the €11m [£9.4m, via Bild] clause agreed with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Supporters have long been calling on the club to tie the Netherlands international down for the long-term, and the January window may have provided the opportunity for that to take place, according to Willems.

Speaking to the Chronicle, he said:

“I feel the same – I’ll keep going. I heard some things that the club have already agreed with Frankfurt.

“I haven’t spoken to them. We will see, but it will be nice.

Big boost

Willems has been a great addition to the squad since signing in the summer and his energy is exactly what is required in the wing-back role he fulfils.

His 1.2 dribbles per game and two assists highlight his adventurous nature in getting forward, but two tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game show that he is more than capable at defending, too.

Who the heck is that?! Can you name all 25 of these obscure Newcastle signings…

It is little surprise, therefore, that the Newcastle faithful have taken to him so well, and if a permanent move is announced it will be welcome news to both supporters and Bruce.

The Magpies boss began the season starting Matt Ritchie at left wing-back but since his injury, Willems has come to the fore, and Newcastle have been better for it as they now sit in 13th position.

The Dutchman’s age is also a factor worth considering as he still has years left to develop and offer the north-east outfit at 25, and that means a price of £9.4m is really quite a bargain that fans should be supportive of.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are in the market for one player who could help to solve a key worry of Steve Bruce.

Arsenal host League One outfit Blackpool in an FA Cup Third Round clash at the Emirates Stadium this Saturday.

The Gunners head into the game on the back of a 4-1 mauling of Fulham, which will have given Unai Emery’s men a welcome confidence boost after their humiliating defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

Pl>ymaker FC believes Arsenal fans won’t have to wait long to see Unai Emery’s long-term ambitions for the club come to fruition. Watch the video below to find out why…

The north London outfit will, of course, be heavy favourites to win against their lower league opposition, and Emery may well treat this fixture as an opportunity to rotate his squad.

One young Arsenal ace who will be hoping for inclusion in the starting XI is attacker Bukayo Saka. The 17-year-old has made three appearances for the senior side this season, including coming on as a late substitute for his Premier League debut against the Cottagers last time out.

In his few outings for the Gunners, the England under-19 international has been very positive and aggressive in possession, and looks to be an exciting talent with huge potential. Emery would be wise to hand him his first senior start of his career this weekend, as Saka looks ready for that test.

What do you think, Arsenal fans, should the teenager start against Blackpool?

Celtic suffered a miserable trip to Austria on Thursday night as 3 second half goals in the space of 18 minutes saw them lose ground in their bid for qualification to the knockout stages with two tricky looking fixtures against RB Leipzig in waiting. 

Celtic’s clash against RB Salzburg had the makings of a European night to savour for the Hoops when Odsonne Edouard scored the opening goal with less than 2 minutes on the clock, but a comeback looked increasingly inevitable throughout proceedings and the hosts thoroughly deserved their win in the end.

Brendan Rodgers’ pre-match preparation was slightly scuppered by a hamstring injury obtained by Scott Brown and Yussuf Mulumbu did an excellent job in central midfield in his absence, but Mulumbu’s brilliance couldn’t hide the fact that Celtic lacked the presence of a genuine leader on the night.

And with an SPFL clash against St Johnstone to come on Sunday afternoon, it appears that Celtic will have to find a way to win without their influential lynchpin as after the defeat in Salzburg Rodgers revealed: “I don’t think he’ll (Brown) be available for the weekend. Mulumbu came in with limited games and I thought he did really well.”

For however commendable Mulumbu’s performance was Olivier Ntcham’s was equally as disappointing.

The 22-year-old’s inconsistency is one of the most frustrating aspects of his game; he can play like a world beater in one fixture and a distinctly average footballer in the next, depending on his appetite for the occasion.

Considering Brown looks likely to miss the upcoming trip to St Johnstone, Mulumbu will inevitably be handed a second consecutive start, but with little by way of alternative options in midfield Rodgers is likely to give Ntcham another chance despite his abject showing in Austria.

Brown’s absence is always a sore point for Celtic supporters who simply adore their club captain, but with Ntcham’s poor form also to take into consideration it’s a concerning time for both Rodgers and the Hoops faithful.

Celtic fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Birmingham City have been dealt a major transfer blow after their number one goalkeeping transfer target Bartosz Bialkowski signed a new three-year contract with Ipswich Town, according to the Birmingham Mail.

What’s the latest, then?

The Birmingham Mail report that Garry Monk is prepared to get rid of the two senior goalkeepers currently on the books at St Andrew’s, David Stockdale and Tomasz Kuszczak, and left the duo out of his pre-season plans.

He was hoping to use the money raised by selling the pair to sign Bialkowski but his new deal at Portman Road has reportedly dealt Monk a major blow.

Also, Stockdale’s proposed move to Leeds United – his hometown club – looks off as the Whites have signed Jamal Blackman on a season-long loan to challenge Bailey Peacock-Farrell for the number one shirt at Elland Road.

Is this the best World Cup ever? Give us your thoughts here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

Free agent Krul is the ideal candidate

Monk has been forced into a major rethink where his goalkeepers are concerned; he has now ruthlessly outcast two senior options on big wages, with no discernible target with which to replace them.

Add in the transfer embargo that the EFL have slapped onto the Blues and Monk could be forgiven for panicking.

So free agent Tim Krul, who has 157 Premier League appearances under his belt as per Transfermarkt, could be the solution; Bristol City and Reading have both reportedly been looking at the former Dutch international, who would be a fantastic option in the second tier.

It would also help Birmingham’s financial situation that the 6ft 4in man would come in for nothing, meaning that the departures of Stockdale and Kuszczak are only required to raise the money for his wages.

According to Foot Mercato, West Ham and Everton and both keen on signing Juventus midfield maestro Mario Lemina.

What’s the Story?

West Ham and Everton are among a number of clubs chasing Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina this summer. Sevilla and Bayer Leverkusen are also thought to be interested in the 23-year-old, who is valued at £6.3million by Transfermarkt.

How good was Lemar last season?

For the second season in a row, Lemina has had a difficult time establishing himself as a mainstay in the Juventus starting line-up. While he can hardly be blamed for failing to beat the plethora of talent at the Old Lady’s disposal to a spot in the first eleven, the Gabonese star is running the risk of his career stagnating if he doesn’t move soon.

Lemina managed just 11 starts in all competitions for the Italian Champions last season and, while he did impress in patches, did not make a significant enough impact for Juventus to want to keep him around any longer.

Who should Lemar sign for?

The question that Mario Lemina will need to ask himself if he is in a position to choose between West Ham and Everton is whether he desires to play regular first team football or whether he wants to be in a team likely to succeed more than the other.

The 23-year-old will likely be a regular at West Ham; his talents significantly better than most central midfield options at the London Stadium. However, Everton have had an outstanding summer of transfer activity on paper and while he would face tougher challenges to break into the first team at Goodison, he is more likely to gain trophies and European football with the Toffees.

WATCH THE LATEST 442OONS VIDEO BELOW…

A bizarre moment that occurred during Liverpool’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Southampton dominated social media on Wednesday night.

TV cameras spotted Daniel Sturridge running onto the pitch carrying a note from manager Jurgen Klopp midway through the second half.

The striker proceeded to show Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Emre Can before eventually discarded the piece of paper on the edge of the pitch.

As expected, fans came up with their own version of the note on Twitter, and now Klopp has revealed its contents. He told the Liverpool Echo:

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“The note was a new system. However we want to call it, 3-5-2. We put Lucas a little bit back, Emre in the centre, two wingers, two strikers, and half-space Lallana and Coutinho. That’s all it was.

“There was no more information than that, but it was enough. We were a little bit too late [delivering the message]. We gave him the paper when the game was already running again but that’s more our mistake than his.

“Seven or eight knew it immediately, Roberto Firmino needed a little bit longer. But things like this happen.”

The switch did not work, though, as the Reds ended up losing the game 1-0 following Nathan Redmond’s first-half goal at St Mary’s.

Liverpool have an opportunity to bounce back when they host the Saints for the second leg in a fortnight’s time, and they will hope to be in better form by then.

The Merseyside outfit have failed to score in their last two games in all competitions, and they face a huge match on Sunday against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Five points currently separate Liverpool from first-place Chelsea in the Premier League.

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Make no mistake about it, Arsenal are the Premier League’s team to beat right now.

They may be second in the table, separated from Manchester City in top spot by goal difference, but victories over title rivals Manchester United and European monoliths Bayer Munich in the space of three weeks, amid a four-game winning streak that also included scalps of Watford and Everton, tells all about the unrivaled form the Gunners are currently enjoying.

Intriguingly, the methods used to attain those results were uncharacteristic for Arsenal on the most part. They demolished United with three goals in the first twenty minutes yet spent the remaining seventy sitting deep and soaking up pressure, rather than naively pushing for four or five. They could have gone in all guns blazing against relegation battlers Watford but instead ground them down in the first half before exploding to life in the second.

And of course, their rear-guard, counter-attacking 2-0 win over Bayern Munich at home to keep their Champions League chances alive was almost the antithesis of the optimistic attacking mantra we’ve come to expect from Arsene Wenger.

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It suggests we’re looking at a different Arsenal this season. A more versatile Arsenal, a more pragmatic Arsenal, a more ruthless Arsenal and a more sensible Arsenal, aware they can’t expect to beat every team 5-0 even if they believe they have the attacking quality to do so. And even if they do intend to win 5-0, defensive organisation and industry are required in equal measure.

Dare I say it, it feels as if this Arsenal side are getting serious about winning the Premier League title.

Not that they haven’t been serious about it before, but their recent displays have suggested a better understanding of what is required. Of course, the fact Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are now clicking as an attacking partnership makes the job considerably easier for their nine team-mates; but from Petr Cech to Theo Walcott, every Arsenal star has played their part in recent weeks.

Now facing only one team who finished in the Premier League’s top six last term – local rivals Tottenham – until the end of December, the north London outfit have a fantastic chance to rack up the points and apply pressure on the other title contenders.

Yet, there is always a ‘but’ with Arsenal, the perpetual fear that history is doomed to repeat itself, and although the Gunners will enter the next six games as the unquestionable favourites, the run ends with a tricky visit to the Eithad four days before Christmas.

That heralds the start of the second, significantly tougher half to Arsenal’s title bid, which will see them face Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Swansea City and Spurs by the 5th of March, a period when Capital One Cup, FA Cup and Champions League games begin to chaotically intertwine with Premier League fixtures.

I’m sure we all remember how, despite spending 128 days (almost exactly half the season) at the top of the table, the Gunners’ title bid capitulated under eerily similar circumstances during the 2013/14 campaign.

They faced Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Swansea City, Manchester City and Everton between February and the start of April and picked up just six points against them, instigating a slump from first to fourth in the table. A double-legger against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and FA Cup ties against Everton and Liverpool further exacerbated their sudden decline in form.

Of course, no two Premier League seasons are precisely the same and as aforementioned, I’m certain we’re looking at a different Arsenal this season – a more ruthless, more focused and more balanced Gunners side. But the tricky run from Christmas to March does highlight a recurring trend; the north London outfit’s form tending to follow the Gregorian calendar rather than the Premier League’s.

Although I’m sure the Gunners have changed for the better, I’m yet to be convinced they’ve changed enough to overcome what history tells us about them. This would hardly be the first dawn to soon prove false at the Emirates.

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