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Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter in excited fashion after it was revealed that the Eagles would take on lower league opposition in Doncaster Rovers away from home in the FA Cup fifth round, as per cpfc.co.uk.

Roy Hodgson’s side booked their place in the draw with an excellent 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on Sunday, and will be pleased to have avoided the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea as their chances of progressing further in the competition look very good.

The League One side cannot be underestimated and have done extremely well to get this far, but Palace supporters are desperate for a successful cup run to put to bed their lingering demons having lost in the final to Manchester United as recently as 2016.

Which player with “no potential” has just been named Crystal Palace’s worst ever January signing? Find out in the video below…

As many of the club’s supporters would tell you Palace are more than good enough to stay in the Premier League, and they saw what was almost a second string side including the likes of Connor Wickham, Joel Ward, Julian Speroni, Martin Kelly and Scott Dann dispatch Spurs with ease.

Let’s take a look at how the fans reacted on Twitter following the draw…

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Joe Rodon is attracting increasing interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to a number of reports (via One Football), the 24-year-old defender is being monitored by both West Ham United and Newcastle United ahead of a potential swoop for the Wales international in the winter market.

An earlier report by Football Insider claimed that a Spurs source had revealed the centre-back “100%” wants to secure a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January, after Antonio Conte informed the defender that he views him as backup to Eric Dier in the club’s defensive pecking order.

Paratici heading for disaster

While Rodon has been a bit-part player for Spurs since his £11m move to North London – starting just 13 games for the club thus far – it is undeniable that the Welshman is a player who possesses the traits to become an extremely important part of Antonio Conte’s side.

Indeed, despite only featuring in 12 Premier League fixtures last season, the £17m-rated man nevertheless impressed, helping his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.8 interceptions – the most of any Spurs player – 1.2 tackles, 31.5 passes and winning 73% of his duels per game.

These returns saw the player who BBC reporter Rob Phillips dubbed a “colossal” talent earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as the club’s seventh-best player in the league, as well as their second-best performing centre-back behind Toby Alderweireld.

So, Rodon’s efficiency in passing, interceptions and tackles would appear to make him a fantastic candidate for a starting role in Conte’s back three, leading us to believe that, should Fabio Paratici go on to sanction the departure of the centre-back in the upcoming January transfer window, it would undoubtedly be something of a disaster on the part of the managing director.

In other news: Paratici must seal Spurs swoop for £287k-p/w “phenomenon” who’s “better than Mbappe”

Leeds United have no new injury problems ahead of their trip to Manchester City on Tuesday night, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Leeds preparing for City clash

The Whites were beaten 3-2 away to Chelsea on Saturday, conceding a late penalty to lose in heartbreaking fashion at Stamford Bridge.

It doesn’t get any easier for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, with reigning Premier League champions City welcoming them to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

Leeds also have numerous injury problems to contend with at the moment, but a fitness update from the manager at least indicated that the situation hasn’t worsened.

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The Latest: Hay gives injury update

Taking to Twitter on Monday afternoon, Hay confirmed that Bielsa doesn’t have any new injuries in his squad, but nor is he expecting anyone who is sidelined to return for the Manchester City clash.

The journalist tweeted: “From Bielsa’s pre-City presser: no fresh injuries ahead of tomorrow but none of the players who were absent at Chelsea are ready to return. That would mean Bamford, Phillips, Cooper, Struijk, Koch still unavailable.”

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The Verdict: Huge task ahead

This is arguably going to be Leeds’ toughest game of the season so far, as they look to take down a City side who have won their last six league matches in a row and currently sit top of the table.

It is difficult enough beating them when everyone is fit – the Whites famously triumphed at the Etihad last season – but seeing off Pep Guardiola’s star-studded team without the likes of Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper is even harder.

Anything other than a defeat would feel like a huge bonus for Leeds, although they have at least shown that they can cause the big teams problems since their return to the top flight, as highlighted by their valiant efforts at Chelsea on Saturday.

In other news, David Ornstein has provided an important update on one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

Everton could create a formidable attacking partnership by partnering Dele Alli with Dominic Calvert-Lewin…

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Toffees have got their sights set on the Spurs star, and that Rafa Benitez’s side could well make a move for the England international later on in the January transfer window.

Imagine him and Calvert-Lewin

While Alli hasn’t enjoyed the greatest of times at Spurs in the past couple of seasons, his partnership with Harry Kane when the duo were in full flight was something to behold.

In fact, as per Transfermarkt, the duo have combined for a whopping 33 goals between them ie. directly setting each other up for goal – which is by far the highest of any teammate Alli has had in his career thus far.

His ability to break into the box and get on the end of things is what led former Spurs man Darren Anderton to previously suggest that Alli was comparable to the likes of Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes in terms of his talent.

He said: “I’ve got to say that I loved Stevie G as a player and Scholesy but Dele Alli for his age is just a freak of a talent. I love his arrogance on the pitch, how clever he is in finding the positions that he does and his willingness to try everything. He is a real joy to watch.”

And, more recently, former Scotland boss Alex McLeish tipped him to enjoy a renaissance, saying: “In those days he was looking like an absolute wonderkid then all of a sudden it plateaued and then dipped. Hopefully, he’s coming back up the hill again. Back in the day, I thought he was a kid of enormous talent and was going to be an absolute superstar.

“That’s not quite happened yet but there’s still a chance for him to resurrect his career and be that superstar. His recent form with Tottenham has been excellent.”

With another leading England striker in the ranks on Merseyside in Calvert-Lewin, Alli could thrive in that support striker role that saw him flourish alongside Kane.

Calvert-Lewin and Alli could work off each other both with their ability in the air, and their movement inside the box – the kind of double act that could fire Everton up the table.

The £100k-a-week earning star could well replicate his old partnership with Kane at Spurs, by teaming up with Calvert-Lewin at Goodison Park.

Meanwhile, Everton are considering a swoop for this Premier League outcast…

Crystal Palace have not made any signings to improve their squad over the January transfer window, but they could still be in a position to do some business this month with just under a week to go.

It has now been revealed that they could make a last attempt to sign a player they have been strongly linked to.

What’s the word?

Journalist, Sami Mokbel, believes that there is still a chance that Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah could become a Crystal Palace player.

Mokbel told GIVEMESPORT:

“Yes, they’re keen on signing Eddie Nketiah, for sure. It’s a deal Palace are definitely interested in.”

Crystal Palace have been linked to the Gunners star for months, with rumours circulating that the move could happen this month, but nothing yet has materialised, especially since Mikel Arteta spoke out to quash the chances by claiming that Nketiah would stay at the club.

However, his contract ends at the North London club this summer.

A perfect fit

The 22-year-old striker was named as a player the club has been interested in “for a number of years let alone months” by Roy Hodgson earlier this month, and it’s not hard to see why he continues to be touted with a move across London.

That’s thanks to Patrick Vieira’s progress in developing younger players, something we have already seen this season with the likes of Conor Gallagher and Odsonne Edouard thriving under the Frenchman.

Gallagher has already been involved in ten Premier League goals this term while Edouard has nine involvements himself.

Thus, Nketiah is the perfect fit for Vieira’s youth revolution that he began in the summer transfer window by bringing in a number of younger players to fill positions in the team, and the additions have proven to make a positive impact on the side.

However, when you look at Palace’s season so far they have gained over almost as many draws as they have wins, so adding a striker with potential who can add goals to inspire more victories for the side could make a real difference in their pursuit of another top half finish this season.

The £9m-rated forward, Nketiah, who has scored five goals in 11 appearances, could be the answer.

The Eagles have lost three of their last five Premier League games, and Vieira will surely be hoping that the club can come back after the winter break and get back to consistent form by securing more points and climbing the table during the last few months of the season.

In other news: Vieira could be close to signing Aaron Ramsey

A number of Manchester United supporters are unhappy at a transfer rumour claiming that Marcus Rashford could potentially join Barcelona.

The 24-year-old has already enjoyed a hugely successful career at Old Trafford, scoring 91 goals in 283 appearances for the Red Devils.

Admittedly, Rashford’s season hasn’t quite got going this time around, with only six league starts and three goals in all competitions partly due to injury, but he remains a key figure moving forward, especially given his long-term potential.

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It seems unlikely that United will be planning to sell the England international any time soon, but according to EFE [via Manchester Evening News and Man United News on Twitter], Barcelona are ‘confident’ that they could acquire his signature.

Rashford’s current United deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2023 and there is an option to extend that by a further year.

Man United fans react to Rashford claim

These United fans have taken to Twitter to laugh off the rumours of the £180,000-per-week striker moving to financially-stricken Barcelona.

“Why would Rashford go to Spain?”

Credit: @randomdisgust

“Martial is leaving, Cavani might leave too, Ronaldo is nearing retirement, Greenwood also wanna leave… We sell Rashy and we are dead”

Credit: @ndamu_mufc

“Next joke please”

Credit: @pombs5

“This dude is going nowhere”

Credit: @isongsmith

“They can’t even pay salaries”

Credit: @football__guru

“Sign him on FIFA? Or Football Manager? Because it def isn’t in real life”

Credit: @DiiPo

In other news, some United fans are happy with another exit rumour. Read more here.

West Brom have been struggling to register winning form in the last few weeks, failing to take three points from their last three games.

Valerien Ismael’s side were expected to return to the Premier League with ease, but Fulham and Bournemouth’s form has been undeniable, creating a significant gap of seven points between the two automatic qualifying spots and the Baggies.

One player who plays a crucial part in the team’s system, offering consistency and quality, is goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone.

The goalkeeper has been with West Brom since 2018, with 149 appearances and has gained the attention of many established Premier League clubs.

According to The Dialy Mail, Johnstone is a prime target for Tottenham Hotspur, with 35-year-old Hugo Lloris coming to the end of his contract this season.

The goalkeeper has not only received attention at club level, but was also called up to the England squad for Euro 2020. Despite not playing a game, the 28-year-old has remained part of Gareth Southgate’s plans and has gained three international caps this year, including squad appearances in World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

The £7.2m-rated titan is out of contract in the Summer and there has been a lot of talk on his future, including West Brom potentially cashing in on the keeper in January, which could be a huge mistake in the campaign for West Brom to gain promotion this season.

The West Brom boss had spoken out at the beginning of the season about the in-demand goalkeeper and his contract;

“He came back early from his holiday – which is a sign,” Ismael told. “I have spoken with him and the feeling is that Sam is happy to be back, for sure.

“We know the situation with him, but he’s given – completely – another feeling. You can see he is a big professional.”

As the side are currently struggling to make their impact on a title challenge and moving further back in the race for automatic promotion, it would not seem wise to cash in on the goalkeeper in January, but to hold down the player until, at least, the end of his contract, and re-explore opportunities to potentially keep hold of him should they be in a more attractive position in the league in the new year.

The cost of not being promoted back into the Premier League is far greater than the cost of losing, arguably, the best player at the club and Ismael should do whatever it takes to keep their greatest asset at the club until the summer, at the very least. After all, if he does go, it could prove disastrous at the Hawthorns.

Albion face Nottingham Forest on Friday and will be hoping to secure a crucial three points from the game at home.

In other news: Kipre drops a shocker against Blackpool

Since Aston Villa owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris took charge of the Midlands club back in 2018, they have not been reluctant when it comes to splashing the cash on new players.

One player that has been brought into the club in recent years that has gone on to become a key figure for Villa is striker Ollie Watkins, who joined from Brentford back in the 2020 summer transfer window in a deal worth a then club-record fee of £28m.

Since becoming a Villa player, the Englishman, who is currently valued at £31.5m according to Transfermarkt, has gone on to make 58 appearances across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists along the way.

Labelled as a “selfless” player by former Villa manager Dean Smith, Watkins’ future could become the centre of some speculation after former Villa and Arsenal player and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson recently claimed on Soccer Saturday (via Birmingham Live) that Mikel Arteta’s side should launch a move to sign the 26-year-old.

Given how he’s started 16 of Villa’s 20 Premier League games this season and is currently listed as the third-highest rated Villa player to have started more than one league game according to WhoScored, it would certainly be a big blow if the striker were to join Arsenal, or any other club anytime soon considering how important he is to Steven Gerrard’s side.

Taking into account how Villa said goodbye to Jack Grealish during the previous summer transfer window after fellow Premier League club Manchester City came calling with a £100m offer, if the same were to happen with Watkins and Arsenal, the Villans could start to build up a reputation as being a selling club or a place for players to use as stepping stone to make a move elsewhere, which is not what anyone associated with Villa would want to happen.

Even though his current contract at Villa Park isn’t set to expire until the summer of 2025, it would be worth Gerrard or any of the club’s hierarchy to have a discussion with Watkins to make sure he knows how valued he is there and convince him to stay where he is by reaffirming their ambitions of securing European football and becoming an elite club.

In other news: Deal agreed: Fabrizio Romano delivers Villa transfer update, Lange is working wonders – opinion

An update on Tottenham Hotspur’s links to former star and Brentford playmaker Christian Eriksen has now come to light in the last 24 hours.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites links emerge…

In the last few weeks, manager Antonio Conte has been tipped to potentially make a move for his former Inter Milan star this summer as his Bees contract winds down.

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A host of clubs across the Premier League, at least according to 90min, are also said to be showing interest in Eriksen with the Dane having impressed under Thomas Frank.

As per iNews, Brentford have described him as the ‘perfect’ signing, but Football Insider claim the 30-year-old has his eyes on a ‘sensational’ return to north London.

Indeed, according to their sources, Eriksen ‘would be keen’ on signing for Spurs again with The Times now sharing an update from the Lilywhites’ side.

The Latest: The Times share big Eriksen claim…

As per the big name outlet, the feeling is mutual from Spurs, with the club and transfer chief Fabio Paratici now ‘considering a move’ to re-sign Eriksen.

Now backing recent claims, it appears Tottenham do indeed hold a firm interest in the Denmark international legend.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Eriksen would undoubtedly inject some creativity going forward, having made more key passes per 90 on average this season than every Spurs player bar Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski (WhoScored).

The fact Paratici and co snap him up for free is another incentive to move, especially considering chairman Daniel Levy himself once valued the player at a staggering £130 million, according to reliable reporter Tom Hopkinson of The Mirror.

In other news: Conte personally approves ‘monster’ player move as Tottenham take pre-summer action, find out more here.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp must ruthlessly axe £16m-rated Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from his squad and look for a replacement in the summer.

Whilst the 28-year-old midfielder has been a sound squad player during his time at the Reds, the club should try to get rid of him and save on his £125k-per-week wages.

Recent reports have suggested that Klopp is looking to bring in a ‘top-class’ midfielder in the summer and this may remove the need for Oxlade-Chamberlain altogether.

He has appeared 17 times this season for Liverpool but that’s likely due to injuries to players who would usually start ahead of him such as Thiago who has missed 23 games this campaign due to various problems.

End of the road

The English midfielder averages 1.95 passes that lead to a shot attempt per 90 minutes which isn’t awful, but when you’re playing for a team who’s fighting for the title you need to produce higher numbers.

When you compare his performances to the midfielders he is competing for a spot with, he comes out worst.

His pass completion percentage for this season is 78.9% which falls behind Henderson, Fabinho, Keita and Jones. As do his numbers for progressive carries which stands at 65, joint worst with Jones.

Earlier in his career he didn’t play as a midfielder, so he can be versatile. Indeed he was dubbed the “next James Milner” by reporter Raj Chohan and recently Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher suggested that the club should move him into the right-back position to cover for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold.

If he’s to reignite his career on Merseyside he may just have to settle for that, or he could find more game time elsewhere.

Although he doesn’t look like someone who’s going to give up soon as recent reports said that he was offered the chance to leave Liverpool in January but that he decided to stay.

If that’s the case then it’s hard to see why, he’s still got some of his best years left so surely you would want to spend that at a club where you are playing week in and week out.

It appears Oxlade-Chamberlain feels he is good enough to be playing regularly for the Reds, his reaction was one of frustration when he was recently substituted during Liverpool’s FA quarter-final win against Nottingham Forest.

Even if he doesn’t move this summer, his contract expires in 2023, and as things stand he hasn’t done enough to merit a new one. Having cost FSG the best part of £60m when you combine his transfer fee and salary, it’s time for him to be axed from the squad.

IN other news: Liverpool eye record-breaking bid for £77m “special talent”, just imagine him & Jota…