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Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, met on Monday and decided against a circuit breaker over the festive period.

Villa shared the Premier League’s statement on their official Twitter channel, with a number of supporters reacting to the update.

Villa have been hit with a rapid rise of virus cases and had to cancel their match against Burnley on Saturday. The club had requested for the game to be called off at 10:30am on Saturday morning, but the fixture wasn’t officially postponed until 12:40pm, with little more than two hours to the scheduled kick-off time.

It was the sixth and final top-flight match to be postponed over the weekend (and the 10th in the space of a week) due to the pandemic, but the Premier League confirmed that it is ‘collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible’.

That means Villa’s Boxing Day meeting with Chelsea is still on at this moment in time despite the outbreak at Bodymoor Heath.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many not happy regarding the statement, which one supporter described as a “joke” in the increasingly worrying circumstances.

“Looks like I’ll be ready to go and then end up in the pub again lol, feel sorry for people that travel a far distance for them to call it off last minute, the Premier league are a joke”

Credit: @SamBrogan3

“’The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority…’ Complete lies”

Credit: @Sayers8

“Gonna spread like wildfire. But money must come first”

Credit: @ajsfounded71

“So half a squad for Boxing Day’s game… Isolation is 10 days”

Credit: @VillaCannock

“If that’s case we probs have to field half the team with youth players, guarantee if it was other way around with Chelsea the game would’ve already been postponed”

Credit: @Hellyer7

“Looking after the so called big six again!”

Credit: @austinw1957

In other news: ‘On my knees’ – Many Aston Villa fans erupt as Lange makes ‘bold’ January transfer bid

Leeds United could sign Marcelo Bielsa’s dream player in Napoli and North Macedonia midfielder Eljif Elmas.

What’s the story?

In a piece written by The Athletic, they said: “With a contract until 2025 it’s likely to take an offer in excess of the €17m plus add-ons that the Italians paid Fenerbahce in 2019.

“Over the last 12 months Leeds, Benfica and Borussia Dortmund are understood to have shown an interest in a mixture of loan or permanent deals for Elmas — who doesn’t have a release clause in his contract — but others have him on their radar too.”

Bielsa’s dream player

When you think of the kind of player Bielsa would love, you think of words like intensity, hard work and selflessness – not to mention the technical ability to go along with those attributes too.

And in the 21-year-old Elmas, Victor Orta could find exactly that.

His head coach at the international level, Igor Angelovski, has spoken highly of the kind of mix of physical and technical quality that he possesses and even tipped him to become a great player.

He said: “Elmas is a good guy and a very strong player. He has physique, technical skills, he is fast, ball to foot, but above all, he is fast with the mind and has a very strong character. He was born to become a great player and will become one of the best…The boy has the characteristics to work on himself and become stronger and stronger.”

Meanwhile, his agent added: “I think Napoli have a jewel. A young footballer, a leader of his national team who often scores goals.”

Even at 21, Elmas has already built up considerable experience playing for Napoli and will also be a part of North Macedonia’s squad for the upcoming EUROs along with Leeds man Gjanni Alioski.

And, in a ‘one to watch’ profile done by ESPN ahead of the tournament that starts on Friday, it said: “Despite his young age, Elmas has already accumulated 27 senior caps for his country and is comfortable playing either as an inverted winger or central attacking midfielder. A strong-running midfielder, capable with either foot, he’s skilled at making purposeful runs into the box and is a fine finisher when he gets on the end of crosses or picks up loose balls. He scored the winner in the famous 2-1 victory against Germany in March.”

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Given his ability to play in a number of positions across midfield, and the fact he appears to be someone who puts the team first with his hard running, Orta could land a dream signing for Bielsa.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are in talks with this Premier League star…

Many fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter which featured “brilliant” footage of former Irons striker Marlon Harewood going through the motions while commentating on the Hammers’ weekend thriller against Leicester City.

In the footage, Harewood was commentating on West Ham’s 3-2 victory over Leicester for Sky Sports and appeared to be extremely stressed during the final moments of the fixture, pleading for the referee to “blow the whistle” for the end of the game.

Indeed, this must have been a similar reaction to many other West Ham fans had around the country, as the Foxes missed a golden opportunity to equalise with what was the last action of the game when an unmarked Wesley Fofana headed wide.

After one West Ham fan shared the footage of Harewood on Twitter, many more flocked to have their say on the clip, with plenty suggesting that their ex-striker’s reaction sums up what it is like to be a West Ham fan.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to the footage of Marlon Harewood?

“We’ve got the best ex-players of any club! Love this!”

@DEPtones

“That is brilliant.”

@Blowmonkey1

“Pretty much every West Ham fan today.”

@DaveJBurgess

“That’s what it means.”

@bmoorewhu82

“Absolutely love this. His face was all of us in the last 5 minutes, and a West Ham legend as well.”

@jeffers4045

“If anything typifies being a Hammer this is it.”

@JimmyReg10

In other news: West Ham make approach for £12.6m-rated ace; GSB could get him for nothing this summer – find out more here!

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to sign Mexican forward Hirving Lozano from Napoli this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Napoli Today, who claim that Wolves have been ‘following’ the 26-year-old for some time.

The winger joined the Italian club from PSV Eindhoven for a reported £36m in the summer of 2019 and hasn’t really lived up to the price tag with 25 goals and 12 assists in 110 appearances for the Serie A outfit.

However, Lozano could be reunited with current-Wolves striker and Mexico teammate Raul Jimenez at club level, with the latter making his desire to play alongside the forward, nicknamed ‘Chucky’, in Bruno Lage’s side.

Imagine him & Jimenez

Despite still being able to qualify for European football next season with Wolves sat in eighth, Lage’s men have struggled in the final third this term.

Only Brighton, Burnley, Watford and Norwich have scored fewer than the West Midlands outfit’s 33 Premier League goals this term in 32 matches.

Therefore, adding reinforcements to the attack would certainly be shrewd going into the new season as relying on the defence to be as colossal as it has been this campaign next is unsustainable.

Granted, the 26-year-old’s spell at Napoli has been incredibly inconsistent with his first season seeing the Mexican score five goals in 39 matches before a much-improved 15 in 43 matches last term before scoring just five all season this term.

However, having linked up with Jimenez on numerous occasions for the national team, Wolves could reap the rewards of reuniting the Mexico internationals at club level.

The £31.5m-rated 30-year-old has also endured a mixed season this term, scoring just six goals upon a miraculous return from a skull fracture.

Lozano has been subject to praise from his coach Luciano Spalleti, who called the winger “unique”, as well as midfield legend and Barcelona manager Xavi, who said he’s a footballer who is “capable of making a difference.”

There is certainly a risk by signing the 26-year-old, however, with the Mexican at a great age to still improve whilst also having plenty of experience and Wolves needing extra quality in the final third, it would certainly be a gamble worth making.

AND in other news: Forget Raul: Wolves must sign “special” 139-goal star who has the “mindset of a lion”

It would seem that Sunderland are beginning to build up ahead of steam at the perfect time.

Lee Johnson has been game-changing for the face of the football club and after defeating Rochdale on Saturday, it marked yet another three points for the Mackems.

They have now tasted defeat just once in their last 11 league games, a phenomenal run brought about through a number of factors.

The new manager has breathed huge belief into this side and is getting results from the players that Phil Parkinson would never have deemed imaginable.

Dion Sanderson has been talked about as a “Rolls-Royce” in recent days while Aiden McGeady’s tally of 11 assists in 17 matches is a sight to behold.

Though, there is one man glueing everything together right now; Charlie Wyke.

The striker is having a phenomenal season and on Saturday afternoon, he took his tally for the campaign to 25 goals in all competitions. Considering he only scored six times last term, the improvement is staggering.

Johnson’s football suits him perfectly and he is now tucking away chances with relative ease. Speaking in the build-up to Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Rochdale, the boss said: “A top striker can slow down his mind’s eye in the box, be like ice in the box, and Charlie certainly finished with that look.

“The bit that is impressing me is his off-the-ball work. He is helping out the midfield, he’s pressing from the front – in the last 20 minutes against Swindon, he was like a man possessed.”

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Indeed, the same sentiment could be offered after the Black Cats’ win yesterday afternoon. Wyke was again among the goals, and he was putting himself about with the authority of a man who knows he’s playing the best football of his career.

He is stealing the show for Sunderland right now and nothing typified that more than this weekend. Wyke is a physical player and used that to his advantage to bully the Rochdale defenders on Saturday.

The striker won a colossal seven aerial duels from nine attempted, while he also prevailed in five ground duels. For context, no player in a Sunderland shirt won more battles aerially than Wyke.

As Johnson alludes to, it’s not just his goal scoring antics that have been so impressive. The 28-year-old is a fierce competitor and won three tackles on Saturday. Amazingly, that was the second-best tally on the side, usurping every Mackems defender.

Wyke leads from the front and in scoring 20 league goals this term, he has been outstanding.

If Sunderland achieve promotion in a few months time, he will be one of the main reasons for their success; the forward is a marvel at the moment.

AND in other news, £6k-p/w gem is now proving everyone wrong at Sunderland, Parkinson should be seething…

Manchester City fans were livid after it was revealed Juventus are interested in signing Gabriel Jesus on loan without an obligation to buy.

Brazil international Jesus made the move to City in 2017 from Palmeiras in his homeland, and has done relatively well with the Citizens. In 195 games for the club, he has managed 82 goals as well as 32 assists even though he has not always been a guaranteed starter under Pep Guardiola (Transfermarkt).

However, he managed just nine goals in 29 Premier League appearances last term and came in for criticism from the club’s supporters as well.

Now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, he may leave the Etihad Stadium this summer to move to Juve. It has been suggested the deal could be for a loan, with the Italian outfit not needing to commit to a permanent transfer.

The news was shared on Twitter by City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Jesus news below

“Once again we are the worst club at selling players… what’s the reason letting gabby go with loan???”

Credit: @Ali_Szn14

“We got the worst technical director in the world. Txiki is a joke. That Berrera guy is also a joke. Sack them both they do this club more harm then good. Are you mad? A loan without the obligation to buy. Just sack them.”

Credit: @Achillaes

“Most txiki deal in history”

Credit: @Piggy1117

“we’ve got to be the worst club in the world at selling players”

Credit: @McfcRobbo23

“I’m not even surprised anymore, txiki and ferran been sabotaging the club since they joined”

Credit: @jmm_rox

“This guy deserves some respect. Consider financial respect”

Credit: @PeterKimpeterk1

In other news, Man City fans want to sign this Champions League-winning midfielder.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith could land a transfer bargain by signing Ashley Young on a free transfer this summer.

What’s the story?

The Athletic claim that Villa are interested in bringing the former England international back to the club, as they look to strengthen their options at full-back and on the wing.

It’s added that the 35-year-old will be allowed to leave Serie A giants Inter, and that Villa have already asked about whether he would consider a return to Villa Park.

The report claims that: “Smith sees Young as an ideal option as he can play on both flanks and would bring with him a significant amount of experience.”

Would be a leader for Dean Smith

While at 35, Young is hardly someone who would take Villa to the next step or be a real game-changing signing, the fact that he’s so versatile, would be available on a free once his contract at Inter expires, and has tonnes of Premier League experiences, makes him a dream signing for Johan Lange.

Smith has already indicated this summer that he’s looking for that sweet spot of players who are British and have Premier League experience so that they can hit the ground running, and Young fits that bill to a tee.

Not only that, but the man with 83 goals and 121 assists to his name in his career, would also offer a real sense of leadership and experience to the dressing room, and it’s something that Eric Steele, his former coach at Manchester United has waxed lyrical about.

He said: “I don’t think people should underestimate the role he has had within the football club as well as the team. You need leadership. When I was at the club you wouldn’t go anywhere near the training ground dressing room because you had people like Gary Neville, quite right, who would monitor it. Ashley Young has followed on in that tradition. There is unseen work he’s put in.

“I think Ashley’s been a terrific signing for the club. He was in the bracket of the great pros from my time. He could have a joke, but when it was needed he wasn’t scared to give an opinion. He is a fit boy. He recovers the right way. I can see him play another two or three years. He is a gym animal.”

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With him having already played 190 games for Villa and enjoying a really successful spell there – he scored 37 goals and provided 59 assists in his time there – fans would surely be buzzing at the prospect of seeing him make a return.

Meanwhile, Villa could deliver another Buendia masterclass…

Earlier this week, we brought you reports of Scott Brown’s reported Aberdeen move. 

The Daily Record claimed on Monday evening that the 35-year-old was on the verge of agreeing a move to Pittodrie to become Stephen Glass’ No.2, with a deal set to be announced within the following 48 hours.

Glass has since been announced as the new Dons boss, however, Brown’s proposed move hasn’t been confirmed by either side.

Brown update

The Scottish Sun have now provided an update on the Celtic captain. They claim that Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has sanctioned a two-year player-coach deal for Brown and are hopeful of getting it over the line in the next few days.

However, the report also adds that Celtic are now hopeful Brown will perform a U-turn and extend his 14-year stay at Parkhead.

Transfer Tavern take

Even though the initial deadline provided by the Daily Record has now passed, it seems as if Brown will still make the move to Aberdeen, despite Celtic’s hopes of a Hoops extension.

To us, it seems as if now could be the right time to move on. He’s been in and out of the side in recent months, starting just eight of the club’s last 19 Premiership fixtures.

A move to Pittodrie will also allow brown to gain his first real taste of coaching, and who knows, we could see the midfielder return in the Hoops dugout in years to come.

In other news: Celtic hopeful of landing £2.76m this summer due to 2018 clause, find out more here. 

Danny Mills believes a managerial development at Tottenham could leave Celtic ‘with egg on their face’.

The Lowdown: Celtic’s managerial statement

Eddie Howe has been the main name linked with the Hoops vacancy following Neil Lennon’s resignation back in February.

He’s reportedly finalising his Celtic Park backroom staff ahead of a potential move north, however, a deal is yet to be announced.

Celtic released a statement on Friday regarding off-field developments, admitting they are doing all they can in a bid to land a new first-team boss as fast as possible.

But former England defender Mills feels they could miss out on the 43-year-old due to developments in north London.

The Latest: Spurs’ Parker approach

According to Football Insider, Spurs chief Daniel Levy, who is on the search for a new manager of his own, has made a behind-the-scenes move to assess Fulham boss Scott Parker’s interest in the Tottenham job.

And Mills, when talking to Football Insider about the update, feels it could have an impact on the Hoops and their pursuit of Howe.

“He’s thinking ‘Let’s just get to the end of the season, let’s see what happens with the Tottenham job, let’s see what that opens up.’

“Does Scott Parker leave Fulham? Would Fulham be an attractive proposition for Eddie Howe?

“Who’s going to Crystal Palace? Who’s going to Burnley?

“We haven’t really started the managerial merry-go-round yet. He’ll be waiting to see what happens first.

“Definitely, it could leave Celtic with egg on their face.”

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The Verdict: Celtic must remain patient

Howe admitted himself last year that his return to management would have to be in a position that ‘really motivated’ him, and we feel as if the Hoops position does just that.

If it didn’t, talks with Dermot Desmond at the beginning of April would more than likely have broken down, but it seems as if things are moving in the right direction in regards to a move north.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Howe isn’t in the Hoops job right now, as his representative confirmed he wouldn’t make a return until the summer, so hopefully, when that time comes around, a deal will be in place for him to become Celtic’s new manager.

In other news: ‘We hear’ – 62 y/o drops unconfirmed ‘done deal’ claim at Celtic, find out more here. 

Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes looks set to return to former side Club Brugge on loan, according to Gregg Evans.

And as to be expected, the exit news has had plenty of Villa supporters talking on social media.

Villa brought Wesley to the Midlands from Club Brugge in 2019 in what was then a club-record fee.

However, things haven’t gone to plan in the Premier League for the Brazilian, who has netted just six times in 26 appearances under Dean Smith.

The 24-year-old has missed a whopping 57 Villa games through injury and according to Evans, Villa’s correspondent for The Athletic, is set to return to Club Brugge on a season-long loan.

Villa have loaned out nine youngsters to various clubs this summer, but Wesley looks set to become the first senior player to leave on a temporary basis.

Villa fans react

Evans shared the news regarding Wesley on Twitter shortly after the 6-0 win over Barrow on Tuesday evening.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘interesting’.

“Actually gutted it didn’t work out for the lad. Best of luck to him. Hope he gets his career back on track.”

Credit: @everysongsung

“Oh wow! I’m happy it’s just a loan. I was hoping he’d get a solid crack somewhere to see if he’s still got it. Terrible shame his injury. I’d prefer not to sell at this point. Could still be a solid no.9. ”

Credit: @lincolnelvis

“Interesting but the best case for him I think”

Credit: @GaryBolton91

“Perfect move for him to see where he’s at. Wish him all the best after that horrible injury.”

Credit: @avfcPJR

“W move ngl”

Credit: @ViIlaI_

“Good move all round. How long was his contract? A real shame how a player’s time at a club can be so strongly dictated by one bad injury”

Credit: @Yxllop

In other news: £25.6m price tag: Jose Mourinho now keen on late swoop for ‘fantastic’ Villa star.