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Aston Villa must seize their perfect chance to sell Bjorn Engels amid reported transfer interest from Royal Antwerp.

What’s the story?

The £55,000-a-week centre-back has been a complete outcast at Villa Park this season, barely featuring for Dean Smith’s side in the Premier League – in fact, he’s yet to make a single competitive appearance in any competition in 2020/21.

His time at the club could soon be over, with Belgian publication Voetbalkrant saying (via Sport Witness) that Antwerp are eyeing a summer move for the 26-year-old as they look to bring him back to his native Belgium.

The report added that a deal for Engels to leave is “inevitable”, and that Antwerp are at the front of the line for a deal. It was even suggested that Villa would be prepared to sell him for very little just to get him off their books.

Sawiris surely buzzing

It comes as no surprise, then, that former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that Engels’ career at the club is over, insisting that he just doesn’t have the qualities needed to succeed in the Premier League.

The 34-year-old said earlier this year: “It’s time for him to move on. The problem with the Premier League now is you have to have pace in defence. Unless you’re an unbelievable defender and you can read the game unbelievably you need to have the pace at the back.

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“That’s what Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause allow you. If they make a mistake they’ve got the pace to make up for it. If they’re left one-on-one they’ve got the pace to stop the attacker.

“The problem with Engels is that if he’s left one-on-one he hasn’t got that pace so he’s going to get found out a bit. That’s what it is, it’s one of those things.”

With Antwerp now showing interest in taking him off Villa’s hands this summer, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will surely be buzzing that one of the club’s highest earners could well be off their books way before his contract comes to an end in the Midlands.

Given that he’s yet to play at all this season for Smith, letting him go for whatever fee is presented just seems like the perfect eventuality for all parties concerned.

Meanwhile, Villa must sell this first team ace in the summer…

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he doesn’t think Tottenham will beat Manchester City in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, even if Harry Kane plays.

Spurs go in search of their first major trophy since winning the same competition in 2008 when they face the seven-times winners and three-times defending champions at Wembley.

But Tottenham’s chances of ending their 13-year trophy drought could rest on the fitness of their star man Kane.

The England striker has been in scintillating form throughout the season, but hobbled off against Everton on Friday with his latest ankle problem, and faces a race against time to be fit.

But Windass believes that with Manchester City out for revenge following their FA Cup exit last weekend, it’ll be too big of a task to beat Pep Guardiola’s men, who haven’t lost in the League Cup for more than four years.

“I don’t think they’ve got any chance of beating City even if Harry Kane is fit,” Windass told Football FanCast.

“Ryan Mason has got to get everybody on board. But it’s going to be a tough game against Man City, especially after them getting beaten in the semi-finals, so they’ll be wounded. 

But with Jose Mourinho no longer in charge, and the squad on a clean slate, Windass made no secret as to who should be their front-three moving forward.

He added:

“I would like to see Gareth Bale get a number of games from now until the end of the season with Son and Kane upfront.

“You’ve got more chance of winning football matches with them three upfront than with them not in the team.”

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are interested in signing on-loan Sunderland defender Dion Sanderson.

Black Cats face fight to keep Sanderson

Sanderson has spent the campaign on loan at the Stadium of Light and has impressed as the Black Cats eye promotion to the Championship. Such has been the level of his performances, they are even said to have opened talks with parent club Wolves over a potential permanent deal – the Premier League outfit are believed to be looking for £2m (Daily Mail).

However, it now seems that Sunderland’s bitter northeast rivals Newcastle are also interested in the 21-year-old.

Blow to Sunderland

As much as Sunderland fans may hate to admit it, Newcastle will be a more exciting proposition at the moment. After all, they are in the top flight and, with the right manager, they have the tools to move up the Premier League table.

However, Lee Johnson will no doubt be looking to do all he can to make sure Sanderson is still at Sunderland next term. In the 25 League One matches he has played for them this season, they have managed 11 clean sheets, and his introduction to the starting XI on a regular basis has coincided with the Wearside outfit staking a real claim for promotion (Transfermarkt).

Sanderson’s future at the club may be linked to Sunderland’s performances. If they are unable to move up to the Championship, there will be little reason for him stay – but promotion could well change that.

In other news, many Sunderland fans slammed this man’s performance against Charlton.

Speaking to Football Insider, after it emerged that GSB and West Ham are keeping tabs on Torino star Andrea Belotti (Corriere Granta), pundit and Sky Sports regular Paul Robinson has been wowed by the Irons and their progress as a club as they target more prestigious players.

Belotti, who has been at the centre of interest from the likes of Tottenham in recent years, is now reportedly on the radar of West Ham as GSB weigh up striking options for next season.

Scoring 27 goals so far over the last two Serie A campaigns (WhoScored), the Torino captain has a €100 million (£86.4m) release clause but Football Italia claim he could be made available for around £30m as he enters the final year of his deal.

Robinson wowed by West Ham as they eye Belotti

After it emerged that West Ham are now one of the clubs weighing up a move, Robinson heaped praise on the Hammers whilst believing it is evidence of how far they have come as a team this season.

“Belotti would be a great signing,” explained the former England international to Football Insider.

“The fact that we are even talking about this tells you that West Ham are a different proposition in the transfer market under David Moyes.

“They have an identity now, they look like a completely different team and they are no doubt an attractive proposition for any player.

“West Ham are a team that will be challenging for the top-five, top-six spots now and it means they will be looking at a different level of player.

“I think Spurs were looking at Belotti shortly before they signed Vinicius.”

Transfer Tavern take

Whether or not West Ham end up landing the 32-cap Italy international remains to be seen, but Robinson could be correct in his verdict about the Irons.

The fact they now seem to be targeting more prestigious players could come as evidence as to how well they have done under Moyes this season.

If they manage to secure the dream in Champions League qualification at the end of the campaign, we can expect more similar reports to emerge.

In other news: West Ham fans erupted at this ‘fantastic news’, find out more here.

Manchester City are reportedly considering a move for Sporting Lisbon left-back Nuno Mendes ahead of the summer transfer window and, after an impressive performance for Portugal in midweek, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should seriously consider bringing him to the Etihad Stadium.

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that City are looking for a new left-back this summer and that Mendes is on the list, although the Citizens are reticent to pay his €70 million release clause.

However, considering the 18-year-old’s superb performances for Sporting Lisbon this season, it seems fair to suggest that he is destined to become a top defender, and therefore City should do their best to sign him this summer rather than losing him to another top European club.

The teenager has made 20 appearances in the Portuguese top-flight so far this campaign, in which he has contributed one goal and one assist, averaging an excellent 7.22 WhoScored average match rating for his performances.

His impressive displays were enough to see him earn a senior call-up to the Portuguese national team, with Fernando Santos rewarding him with his first appearance in the 1-0 win against Azerbaijan earlier this week.

Mendes was one of Portugal’s most impressive performers in the win, with SofaScore awarding him a 7.5/10 rating for his display. This saw him outperform the Manchester City trio who also started the game, with Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias both rated at 7.3 and Joao Cancelo at 7.4, which may certainly catch the eye of Guardiola.

During his time on the pitch, the “outstanding” 18-year-old – in the words of his former coach Diego Goncalves –  impressively won 70% of his duels, completed 82% of his passes and even completed three key passes, all of which were better than the figures registered by Cancelo.

The fact that Mendes was able to outperform the former Juventus man, who has been one of City’s best players this season, suggests that he would fit in well at the Etihad and could be a superb long-term addition in the left-back spot, where he should also work well alongside international teammates Cancelo and Dias in defence.

Therefore, Begiristain should definitely try and sign him for City this summer, as there seems no reason why Mendes wouldn’t be able to establish himself as one of the world’s best defenders in the future should he join Guardiola’s side.

And, in other news… Forget Ings: Man City should swoop for prolific £18m-rated beast this summer

Conor Coady has taken criticism from some Wolverhampton Wanderers fans ahead of the trip to The Hawthorns for Monday’s Black Country derby.

Wolves head into the game in 12th place, a full seven points adrift of the top half. They are looking to make amends following a woeful 4-0 defeat against Burnley last time out.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have finished in a highly creditable seventh place in the last two seasons, but they have struggled this time around amid the long-term absence of last year’s top scorer Raul Jimenez.

What did Coady say about Wolves’ season?

Speaking to the club’s official website, Wolves captain Coady admitted that his side’s efforts hadn’t been ‘good enough’.

The £16,500-per-week centre-back went on to concede that they had regressed from their high-flying campaigns of the last two years.

Having led 2-1 when they last met Albion in January, Wolves were beaten 3-2 on home soil, but they know that gaining revenge on Monday would go some way to ensuring West Brom aren’t playing top-flight football next season.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed Coady’s comments, and here’s how some supporters reacted.

Wolves fans call for Coady to do talking on the pitch

“Obviously scripted words. I’m sure the whole club is disappointed in this season, it’s just talking for talking sake. Just win on Monday.”

Credit: @richierooster69

“Unhappy is putting it mildly!”

Credit: @MichaelPoulter3

“Cue another gutless performance Monday”

Credit: @David44809679

“I wonder how long it took the press office to write that for you Conor, you’re better off telling #nuno you, Saiss and Donk aren’t defenders”

Credit: @mark_mcgrane

“Talk is cheap”

Credit: @purplefirefly

“You are the problem”

Credit: @leaoinwolves

In other news, many Wolves fans want to see this man start at The Hawthorns

Rangers will be looking to continue their unbeaten run in the Premiership as they take on St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday evening, with Steven Gerrard’s side now just four games away from an invincible league season.

The Light Blues are fresh from success in the Old Firm derby after winning 2-0 at Ibrox at the weekend and will be in a confident mood ahead of the first of two games against Callum Davidson’s side this week.

So far this season, Rangers have recorded comfortable victories against the Saints, winning 3-0 twice in 2020 before a 1-0 triumph at Ibrox back in February. However, Davidson’s side have won four of their last five games and will undoubtedly be eyeing an upset on Wednesday night.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Gerrard to line up at McDiarmid Park, with two changes from the side which started the Old Firm derby on Sunday…

After another superb display in the Old Firm derby at the weekend, in which he saved a penalty from Odsonne Edouard, McGregor keeps his place in goal.

There is one change in defence as, despite another excellent performance against the Hoops, Nathan Patterson is dropped to the bench, with captain James Tavernier – hailed as “fantastic” by former Ibrox ace Graham Roberts – making his return from injury at right-back.

Joe Aribo reverts to midfield alongside Glen Kamara and Steven Davis, with Scott Arfield dropping to the bench as Gerrard goes with a more attacking line-up than last time out.

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This allows Ianis Hagi to start on the right wing, where Aribo had featured on Sunday, and the Romanian supports Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos in attack for this one.

In other news… Allen masterclass: “Terrific” Rangers beast’s value has risen 275% since joining 

Many Everton fans have been left to slam the display of Alex Iwobi in their 2-2 home draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Friday night.

Two goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson were not enough in the end as two defensive errors meant that Harry Kane was able to pounce and earn Jose Mourinho’s team a point at Goodison Park.

Nonetheless, Iwobi did not have the best of games for the Merseyside club and was subsequently hauled off just after the hour mark for Seamus Coleman, who immediately made an impact with an assist.

The former Arsenal man lost out on seven out of eight of his duels (87.5%), and also failed to record a single shot on target, successful dribble, key pass or accurate cross, all while losing possession of the ball on no fewer than on 12 separate occasions in the game (Sofascore).

Everton fans on Iwobi display

These Toffees supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one Blues fan even going as far as to claim that the Nigeria international is ‘awful’:

“How have we given Arsenal nearly £50 million for Walcott and Iwobi if you put them together you still wouldn’t have half a player. #EFC”

Credit: @Tezza_c1878

“Iwobi is stealing a living with us #EFC”

Credit: @Toffeeman2010

“Coleman doing more in 2 minutes than Iwobi done in 60. He offers us nothing #EFC”

Credit: @Ball86T

“Iwobi really doesn’t have a future at the club. Add him to the list #EFC”

Credit: @nickjones314

“A truly woeful signing gone off. Brands will do well to recover from Iwobi #efc”

Credit: @BlueDanEFC

“Iwobi must be like Ronaldo in training because he’s consistently awful on a match day! What’s he done to start?!!! #EFC #EVETOT”

Credit: @ridroberts

In other news, find out what transfer plans have left EFC fans fuming here!

Backing reports of Tottenham Hotspur eyeing Lyon defender Joachim Andersen, Sky Sports (via Football Daily) have now shared their update on the situation with an enticing piece of news.

The Lowdown: Andersen linked to Spurs

Numerous claims have come out over the past week detailing Tottenham’s interest in Andersen, who is currently playing on loan at Fulham in the Premier League.

Indeed, reliable sources like Mike McGrath have indicated that Spurs are in ‘pole position’ to land the 24-year-old as they search for defensive options to bolster their shaky backline (The Telegraph).

Meanwhile, football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold also reiterated Tottenham’s fondness for the defender, who he described as a player who “Spurs like a lot”.

The Latest: Sky Sports back Andersen interest

Sky Sports have since come out with their own breaking update on the situation, and their sources also believe that the 1.92m (6 foot 3) powerhouse is indeed a firm target for Spurs.

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“Some transfer news just in to us and this will interest Tottenham fans,” they explained (via Football Daily).

“It will also interest Fulham fans, although, not positive for Fulham. We’re told that Tottenham are keen to sign Joachim Andersen this summer, he’s currently at Fulham but only on loan, on loan from Lyon.

“He’s a Denmark international, he’s done really well for Scott Parker’s side this season, but their relegation means he may not end up at Craven Cottage.

“Tottenham are keen to sign him and we’re told he’s valued at around £20 million”.

The Verdict: Great news for Spurs fans…

Andersen has been a shining light in an otherwise disappointing first full season back in the Premier League for Fulham.

Indeed, the 24-year-old has averaged the joint-fourth most clearances in the English top flight over 2020/21 and wins the most offsides per game out of every regular player in the Cottagers’ squad (WhoScored).

At just £20m, he could be an absolute steal for Spurs, and it appears that their interest is genuine given these reports from multiple reliable outlets.

Therefore, we won’t be surprised if Andersen does become a Tottenham player this summer, and his form this season suggests that he could be a fine addition if he moves to north London.

In other news: 45 y/o manager now open to joining Spurs, find out more here.

Charlton Athletic return to League One action this weekend, looking to build on their unbeaten run under new manager Nigel Adkins and they’ll need to find a way past fellow promotion chasers Sunderland if they are to keep up their playoff hopes.

Last time out, the Addicks defeated Doncaster Rovers to move to within three points of the top six, whilst their Easter Monday encounter with Lincoln City was postponed.

The Black Cats need a victory if they are to move back into an automatic spot, so there’s certainly a lot at stake at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.

Adkins will need to get his team selection spot on, and he could well aid Charlton’s chances of picking up a result if he unleashes Chuks Aneke from the off.

On the Chalkboard

The 27-year-old has been a major source of goals for the Addicks, particularly under the recently-departed Lee Bowyer, so it’s certainly a surprise to see the £360k-rated dynamo named on the bench in both of Adkins’ lineups thus far.

No player has scored as many goals as Aneke this term, with the former MK Dons man finding the net 12 times. He’s also averaging the highest number of shots per game (2.3) in this squad, via WhoScored, proving to be a dangerous threat in attack.

The Addicks’ second top goalscorer (11) Conor Washington was ruled out of the Easter period, so there’s certainly a void to be filled alongside Jayden Stockley.

Right before Bowyer left, Aneke bagged his 13th in all competitions against Wigan and it left the new Birmingham boss in awe. He told London News Online: “He was immense up there again today. He’s unplayable, on his day he’s unplayable. The only disappointing thing, if I’m him, is that he didn’t score more.”

That only makes Adkins’ decision to omit him recently a little more baffling.

Sunderland have the best defensive record in the division, having conceded only 29 times in 38 matches. And that’s exactly why Aneke must be unleashed as no other Addicks player has been a greater threat this campaign.

The former Arsenal graduate must start on Saturday afternoon.

AND in other news, Gallen heading for disaster over “important” Charlton “leader”…