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Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt a huge blow to their chances of landing Reece James this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to journalist Dom Howson, who claimed in a recent Q&A on Yorkshire Live that, while there is genuine interest in the Doncaster Rovers left-back from Darren Moore’s side, a deal for the 27-year-old could be a difficult one for the Owls to get over the line, as James would prefer a move to a Championship club.

Howson said: “There is a genuine interest in Doncaster Rovers defender Reece James but it looks a bit of a long shot. His preference would be to move to a club in the Championship.”

Moore will be devastated

Considering just how impressive James has been for Doncaster this season, the likelihood that a move to Wednesday may be scuppered as a result of the club’s relegation to League One is sure to leave Darren Moore devastated.

Over the £3,700-per-week defender’s 43 league appearances this term, the 27-year-old scored seven goals, registered two assists and created two big chances, as well as making an average of one interception, 1.7 tackles and 0.9 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the Rovers man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.95, ranking him as the club’s fourth-best performer in the third tier.

With Moore likely to rely quite heavily on the free transfer market this summer as a result of Sheffield Wednesday’s dire financial situation, a move for James would appear to have suited the 47-year-old Owls manager down to the ground. That deal would have cost the club nothing but the players’ salary, while the Wednesday gaffer would have been gaining a talented left-back who he knows very well from his own stint at the Keepmoat Stadium.

However, this latter point could be something which gives Wednesday a sliver of hope in their pursuit of the “adaptable” defender. Moore’s prior relationship with the player, in addition to the Owls being fancied to make an immediate return to the Championship next season, could yet be enough to convince James of a move to Hillsborough this summer.

In other news: SWFC handed huge blow over “immense” £270k-rated beast, Moore will be gutted – opinion

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he expects Roy Hodgson to take a break from football after his Crystal Palace departure, following reports from The Sun that he could be a contender to replace Sam Allardyce at West Bromwich Albion.

Following just under four years in the Selhurst Park dugout, the 73-year-old made the decision to stand down from his role at his boyhood club earlier this week.

Palace have endured a poor end to Hodgson’s reign, winning just three times in their final 11 Premier League games, and whilst they could finish as low as 16th depending on final-day results, he’s continued the good work from those before him to make the Eagles an established top-flight club.

They never finished lower than 14th in Hodgson’s, showing that he’s clearly still more than good enough to manage at Premier League level despite this being his 45th year as a manager.

Hodgson’s previous club job before Palace was West Brom, with Jeremy Peace labelling him as “outstanding” following his appointment in the west Midlands in 2011. And following the departure of Sam Allardyce, does Windass believe he could make a sensational return to the Hawthorns?

He told Football FanCast:

“I think he needs to take a break; he’s getting on now. I’m aware that he’s hands on, on the training ground, but take a bit of time out, do a bit of media work, watch a lot of games.

“I think he will sit off now, enjoy your life. He’s been remarkable. I’ve never met him but he looks like a gentleman, but I think he will walk away.”

Keith Gillespie believes that Dean Henderson will be Manchester United’s number one goalkeeper moving forward, and reckons that David Da Gea might have played his last game for the club.

If the Spaniard does leave Old Trafford this summer, his final kick in a United shirt would have been the decisive penalty which cost them a second Europe League title in five seasons following their dramatic shoot-out defeat to Villarreal on Wednesday.

Not only did De Gea’s missed penalty prevent his fifth major trophy for the Red Devils, but it leaves United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer searching for his first.

The 30-year-old started in United’s previous five European matches, part of 36 appearances in all competitions, but has endured the most testing of his 10 seasons at Old Trafford and has lost his place in the Premier League side.

With Dean Henderson now the first-choice in the league, reports believe that Man United are preparing to offload the Spanish goalkeeper to allow the former Sheffield United loanee to become their permanent number one.

Asked whether Henderson is now above De Gea in the pecking order, Gillespie told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think he is. I think when they brought him back, they did have that long-term that he was going to be the number one.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if David De Gea goes back to Spain in the summer, but he’s been an unbelievable servant, a great goalkeeper.”

The Indians turned on their batting power in the match against the CFX Academy in Harare today, running up an overpowering 370 for three wickets – two of which came when centurions Shiv Sunder Das and VVS Laxman retired after reaching three figures

John Ward02-Jun-2001The Indians turned on their batting power in the match against the CFX Academy in Harare today, running up an overpowering 370 for three wickets – two of which came when centurions Shiv Sunder Das and VVS Laxman retired after reaching three figures.For the first time at a major match, the Academy’s magnificent new pavilion, sponsored by Meikles Africa, was in operation. Like Mutare, the Country Club in Highlands, an affluent eastern suburb of Harare, is a resuscitated ground that is going places fast. Although no longer in the country, it seems far from the urban sprawl that is now Harare, with a golf course on two sides and surrounded by trees in a quiet and picturesque setting, all the more so under the cloudless winter sky.Academy coach Dave Houghton was in charge of operations for the match and did a superb job. A crowd swelling to several hundred, rare for any match outside an international in Harare, added to the pleasant atmosphere, even though Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid were sitting out the match.The Academy, very nervous in the first match for most of them against international opposition, put the tourists in to bat on winning the toss. Sadgopan Ramesh at first batted as if entertaining a death wish, flashing his bat recklessly at some wild bowling and then being saved from running himself out only by a desperate rejection of a most unlikely run by his partner Das. He then settled down to play more responsibly, but still unleashed a few spectacular strokes.Mluleki Nkala, a past Academy player but at the Academy for the last month supposedly to rectify his bowling problems but reportedly spending more time on fitness than bowling, was too inaccurate and did not yet look worthy of a place in the Test team. Gary Brent’s accuracy restricted the scoring and the first wicket fell to Leon Soma at 86. Ramesh, who made his dissent clear, was given out caught down the leg side by ‘keeper Wisdom Siziba for 42.Das played the role of safe accumulator to perfection, biding his time and dispatching the loose ball. The afternoon session saw an untroubled and unhurried partnership between Das and Laxman, both happy to take some practice in the middle without undue exertion. Das reached his century with a pull for four off Brent, having faced 169 balls, and then seemed to move up a gear.He displayed his immaculate straight drive with more regularity, while Laxman continually kept the board moving with well-placed ones and twos. On this good pitch the inexperienced Academy bowlers were unable to make any impact, and at tea Das was on 110 and Laxman had 63 to his name; the Indians were 248 for one.At this point Das retired, giving Hemang Badani his first innings of the tour. He was soon under way with some impressive stylish drives, and it only emphasises the Indian batting strength that a player of such talent should be unable to find a place in the Test team.Laxman also reached a century and immediately followed Das into retirement. Although the Academy bowlers were never really taken apart, they were left to rue two or three hard chances missed; they were simply unable to penetrate the powerful Indian batting line-up.At the close India were 370 for three wickets, with Badani on 69 and Saurav Ganguly 26. The Academy players had no doubt learned some hard lessons.

Mark Warburton’s Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly is attracting interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Daily Record, who claim that Graham Alexander is desperate to bring the shot-stopper back to Motherwell – where Kelly has spent the second half of the season on loan – in the upcoming transfer window.

When asked about the possibility of signing the 25-year-old on a permanent basis, Alexander said: “We have spoken to QPR but it is early stages. They want to assess their squad, so there is no conclusion. They know of our interest and Liam’s ambition to come back here and play.

“He has enjoyed his time here but he is their player and has two years on his deal. There are a few hurdles to overcome from all sides before we can get that done but fingers crossed. He has had a massive impact since he has come in and he is a top player we want to keep as he will make us better.”

Warburton must sell

Since arriving at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium from Livingston in what was a £54k deal back in 2019, Kelly has so far gone on to make 22 appearances for QPR, over which the ‘keeper has conceded 35 goals and has kept three clean sheets.

However, after losing his starting spot to Joe Lumley towards the back end of the club’s 2019/20 campaign, the £360k-rated man did not make a single appearance in Championship this season, prior to being loaned out to Motherwell in January.

And, with the emergence of Seny Dieng as Warburton’s first-choice shot-stopper, with the 26-year-old highly impressing over his 42 Championship appearances this term – keeping 11 clean sheets and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.96 – in addition to the fact that Lumley appears a more than able back up – with the Englishman averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.04 over his five league appearances – it would appear that there is not much need to keep the £4k-per-week Kelly on the club’s books.

As such, while there is interest in the Scotland international, it would seem highly advisable for Warburton to cash in on the ‘keeper, for the good of his career as well as QPR’s finances.

In other news: Get it done: Bhatia must sanction QPR swoop for 23 G/A beast who’s “something special” – opinion

Some Liverpool fans have been left delighted after Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Nathaniel Phillips is fit to face Southampton this weekend.

The Reds are back in action on Saturday evening, with Saints making the trip to Anfield in the Premier League.

It has been a fortnight since Jurgen Klopp’s men were last in action, due to last weekend’s scheduled clash with Manchester United being postponed.

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Liverpool simply have to beat Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side if they are to have any chance of finishing in the top four this season – even then, their chances still look slim.

Someone who hasn’t played since the 0-0 draw with Real Madrid last month is Phillips, who has been missing though injury, albeit being named in the initial team to face United last Sunday.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Klopp confirmed that the 24-year-old is fit, firing and available for selection, with the last week further aiding his recovery.

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Liverpool fans pleased with Klopp’s update on Phillips

These Liverpool supporters have been sharing their happiness at Phillips being available on Twitter.

“NAT PHILLIPS IS FIT YESSSSSSSS”

Credit: @NoSwearingHere7

” Super news”

Credit: @TheKopiteOFF

“Nat Phillips is fit & should be back in defence. Fabinho back in midfield then. Find your scoring boots guys!”

Credit: @Sakethscribbles

“The Incredible Flying Brick”

Credit: @kevezlowey

“Yay”

Credit: @JacobTaschler

“Yessir”

Credit: @Podgeeeeeeee

In other news, one Liverpool player is set to be offered a monster new deal. Find out who it is here.

Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony has confirmed conversations over a new deal for Celtic target Siriki Dembele have begun.  

The Lowdown: Celtic’s interest

Celtic have been credited with an interest (Give Me Sport) in the 24-year-old in recent months.

Reports have suggested that a move for Dembele, who is the older brother of Celtic’s young talent Karamoko Dembele, could be part of a plan from the Hoops to keep the 18-year-old at Parkhead.

The Posh striker scored 11 times and registered 12 assists in 42 League One appearances this season, helping Peterborough win promotion to the Championship.

He’s out of contract this summer, however, MacAnthony is now looking to tie him down at London Road.

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The Latest: MacAnthony’s Twitter post

MacAnthony was answering various questions on Twitter on Tuesday, and one involved Dembele.

He was quizzed if the club are close to agreeing on contracts with Dembele, Nathan Thompson and Dan Butler, to which he replied:

“Conversations now beginning with them all yes.”

The Verdict: A shrewd addition?

In our opinion, Celtic should be exploring a possible cut-price deal for Dembele. Not just because that may help keep his younger brother, who has been linked with a move away, at the club (although that may help), but because of his qualities.

The Peterborough man played in three positions during the current campaign, impressing in all of them.

He made 15 appearances as a centre-forward, 13 as a left-winger and 13 as an attacking midfielder, registering goals and assists in all areas.

That could come in handy under the new Hoops boss next season, especially with striker Patryk Klimala recently sealing an exit and winger Mohamed Elyounoussi set to return to Southampton following his loan spell.

In other news: ‘Told from very reliable sources’ – Bournemouth reporter drops huge Eddie Howe to Celtic claim, find out more here. 

West Ham United’s surprise quest for a top-four spot was dealt a crushing blow on Saturday afternoon as they were narrowly defeated by local rivals Chelsea at the London Stadium.

The visitors moved three points clear in fourth place and now the Irons have defending champions Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur on their tail.

It was a big chance for David Moyes’ side to prove to the rest of the top-flight that they are genuine contenders for a Champions League berth and not merely a one-season wonder team that has been enjoying a purple patch.

Overall, the Hammers did give a good account of themselves but the Blues did dominate possession (56%) and they had way more chances (17 shots), so the scoreline could’ve been far greater on another day.

In the absence of a striker, the 58-year-old opted with a two-pronged attack of Jesse Lingard and Jarrod Bowen, leaving Said Benrahma on the bench.

The duo, particularly the latter, struggled to combat Chelsea’s back three and as a result, this is what cost them on the night.

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Bowen managed to fire off just one of West Ham’s nine attempts all game, whilst he lost 12 of his duels (75%), which only emphasises how ineffective and weak he was against the likes of Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger.

The £27m-rated dynamo also failed on the ball, managing just one successful dribble from four attempts, further suggesting how he couldn’t get past Thomas Tuchel’s stern backline.

From just 43 touches, Bowen was wasteful too, as he lost possession 14 times – meaning he handed the ball back to the visitors once every 6.4 minutes, and once every three touches, as per SofaScore.

The 24-year-old, who earns a reported £60k-per-week, was rated pretty poorly by football.london in their post-match ratings column, Indeed, his 5/10 ranked him amongst Moyes’ worst players.

‘West Ham’s furthest player forward but the striker was way too separated from his teammates and failed to have a big impact in the first half,’ wrote Tom Clark. ‘The second half continued in the same vein for Bowen as he struggled to get into the game.’

All in all, Bowen massively let his manager and his side down and he’ll have to do a far better job in the absence of Michail Antonio if the Irons are to make it into Europe.

AND in other news, GSB could find West Ham’s next Defoe in £26m-rated “goal machine”…

If this week has told you anything about Celtic, it’s that a new manager is immediately required in the Parkhead dugout.

They have been knocked out of the Scottish Cup and the way in which the Bhoys drew in midweek was rather alarming.

What’s the word?

John Kennedy may well be on Celtic’s radar to become the permanent manager but fortunately for supporters, Dermot Desmond and the Hoops hierarchy have other names in mind.

Roy Keane has come back into contention over the last few days but Eddie Howe still appears to be at the top of their list.

A number of stumbling points have occurred in Celtic’s pursuit of the 43-year-old but according to one journalist, they are refusing to panic and haven’t been deterred by his actions in the last few weeks.

Speaking on the latest edition of the Celtic Huddle podcast, John McGarry said: “I’m told that both parties are fairly relaxed about the situation in terms of negotiations. Nobody’s stormed off in a huff or anything like that. It’s just taking a long time to get these discussions over structure and personnel over the line.”

A big mistake

Howe has been playing Celtic the fool for a considerable period of time now.

The former Bournemouth manager doesn’t want to return to management until the summer while he’s had a number of unpleasing demands in the backroom department.

One source claims that Howe wants to bring the “kitchen sink” with him to Paradise, something the hierarchy have refused.

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One of his biggest demands is that Richard Hughes is made the club’s new director of football instead of Fergal Harkin.

However, what this week has shown is that Celtic can’t afford to wait until the summer. Truth be told, they shouldn’t be relaxed about the situation at all.

This is a monumental few months for the Hoops and if they are to address their patchy playing squad, they need a permanent manager installed at Parkhead as soon as possible.

If they have to wait for Howe that means they won’t be able to crack on properly with their recruitment until the window is actually open.

It’s a huge mistake from Dermot Desmond to wait on the Englishman and they must move onto other targets.

He and Dominic McKay currently have their work cut out but they simply have to start taking the initiative sooner rather than later. Howe isn’t special enough to play them around.

AND in other news, Celtic moving towards 3 landmark hires after big manager U-turn, Desmond surely elated…

In an exclusive interview Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who featured 561 times for Wolves, claims Nelson Semedo must improve the defensive side of his game with this season being a transformation period for the full-back and the club.

Semedo came in to replace Matt Doherty who was sold to Tottenham Hotspur last summer and despite arriving for £36.8 million, he’s struggled to fill the void left by the Republic of Ireland international.

The Portuguese international was signed from Barcelon, so expectations were high, however it’s been a difficult season for Wolves overall as they find themselves in the bottom half of the table after two successive seventh-placed finishes under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Speaking on where Semedo must improve to succeed at Wolves and how defence is the first line of attack, Bull told FFC:

“Semedo is a very talented player but he’s come in here blind-folded wondering what his role is.

“Yeah, I think he does need to improve his defending because like they say, the first form of attack is defence.

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“You should shut-up shop first and then get your skates on and go down the line. However, once that ball goes out of play you have to get the whole team back in front of the ball.”

Wolves could do with more players helping out in the final third as they have scored the fifth-fewest amount of goals, finding the net just 28 times in 29 Premier League appearances.

Last season, Doherty was almost a fourth attacker for Wolves with his constant presence in the final third bringing about seven goals and five assists in all competitions.