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Aston Villa winger Bertrand Traore appears to have suffered a fresh injury while on international duty with Burkina Faso, as reported by Birmingham Live.

As to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

The 26-year-old has struggled to get his 2021/22 campaign going after suffering a hamstring injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Liverpool back in August.

He is yet to start a Premier League game this season but did feature against Everton and Tottenham as a substitute prior to the current international break.

However, it seems as if Traore has picked up a new problem, with Birmingham Live claiming that he missed Burkina Faso’s 2-0 win over Djibouti on Monday due to injury.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared the news regarding Traore on Twitter on Monday afternoon. Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with many frustrated and one labelling the winger as a ‘class player’ while lamenting his injury record.

“Here we go again”

Credit: @deep_645

“Oh”

Credit: @DG_Avfc_2

“Is our whole squad just broken”

Credit: @roberton_sj

“Class player… Made out of Weetabix.”

Credit: @STRACH_AVFC

“No luck fc”

Credit: @buendiazboyz

“El Ghazi to the rescue!”

Credit: @hafizstar

In other news: Smith looking to pip Arteta again as Aston Villa eye move for ace who has the same agency as Mings

Queens Park Rangers centre-back Conor Masterson has secured a temporary move away from the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the latest?

In a statement posted on the QPR website, the club confirmed that the 22-year-old has joined League One side Cambridge United on loan until January 6th.

The move comes shortly after Mark Warburton revealed there was a considerable amount of interest in the Republic of Ireland U21, with the 58-year-old suggesting that he would only be sanctioning the departure of the defender if he was satisfied that the bidding club would help further the youngster’s development.

The manager said: “There’s interest in Conor. He’s done well for us at Championship level and if he goes out on loan, it’s got to be the right move for his development.

“Clubs are well aware of Conor. Les will work on the right move. It has to be right – you don’t just send a player out willy-nilly. You have to make sure it’ll be right for his career development path.

“If that opportunity arises for Conor then we’ll take it. If not, then we’re very happy to have him here.”

Warburton will be delighted

Considering the QPR manager’s comments regarding Masterson’s loan move, it would appear as if the 58-year-old believes that Cambridge are a side that meet all of his criteria in order to sanction the temporary departure of the centre-back, something that will undoubtedly delight the former Glasgow Rangers boss.

While the £270k-rated man’s game time has been limited since joining the Rs back in 2019, with the 22-year-old making just 20 first-team appearances for the club, Masterson has nevertheless demonstrated that he is a player with a significant amount of potential.

This is something the £3.4k-per-week defender has already proven at Cambridge, as, after being parachuted straight into the U’s starting XI following his arrival, he helped his new side keep a clean sheet, as well as making five clearances, winning six duels and completing 18 passes in their 3-0 win over Burton Albion.

These returns saw the player Warburton himself dubbed an “excellent” talent earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as United’s joint fourth-best player in the fixture.

As such, should Masterson continue this level of performance during his spell at the Abbey Stadium, he will undoubtedly come back to QPR in January as a much more well-rounded defender, something that would please Warburton greatly.

In other news: Lost 75% duels: £810k-rated QPR flop who lost possession 10x failed Warburton vs Tykes

Manchester United are reportedly one of several Premier League clubs who have enquired about Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix as the January transfer window fast approaches.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet AS, the Red Devils are interested in securing the highly-rated 22-year-old’s services over the coming months, although there is set to be a four-way tussle for his signature.

The report states that fierce rivals Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United are also keen to prise Felix away from the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, with the Magpies currently offering the highest fee following their Saudi-backed takeover.

Joao Felix could be outstanding for Man Utd

Felix burst onto the scene during 2018/19 after rising through the ranks at Benfica, scoring 20 goals and providing a further 11 assists in just 43 appearances as he fired the Eagles to the Primeira Liga title.

His outstanding exploits for the capital club saw him claim the Golden Boy award at the end of the year, awarded to the most promising player under the age of 21, seeing off competition from Jadon Sancho and Kai Havertz.

It capped a magnificent year for the Portugal international, who also became the fifth most expensive player in history behind Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele after sealing a €126 million (£113m) switch to Atleti in July 2019.

However, the youngster has struggled to replicate his best form since switching to Spain, replicating his goals and assists output from his Benfica days in over double the number of outings.

Despite his struggles, though, Felix has still shown flashes of his truly world-class potential, with manager Diego Simeone hailing a particularly eye-catching display as “complete”, while Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp dubbed him “outstanding” ahead of a Champions League clash.

But there is no denying the fact that the £63m-rated gem has fallen down Simeone’s pecking order at Los Rojiblancos over the last 18 months.

During Atleti’s title-winning campaign last term, Felix started just 14 La Liga fixtures, and the return of Antoine Greizzman has seen his game time reduced even further this time around, opening the door to an imminent exit.

A fresh start at United under the tutelage of Ralf Rangnick could be the ideal scenario to get Felix’s career back on track then, and there’s no doubt he could flourish once more at Old Trafford due to the German tactician’s reputation with young stars.

And, in other news…Forget Greenwood: Man United beast who won 82% duels took his chance vs Young Boys

Taking to Twitter, 90min reporter Toby Cudworth has hinted at a West Ham United advantage in the race to sign Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye bid…

As per recent reliable reports, West Ham seem set to make an attempt to sign the 19-year-old in January.

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90min first claimed that David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman are eyeing a loan-to-buy bid in the winter window, a report somewhat backed by insider ExWHUemployee.

The Irons source, via his website The West Ham Way, said that the club are ‘set to place a concrete offer’ for his services in January.

Sharing another update, Cudworth has made a claim on Twitter and hinted at a West Ham advantage in the race for the Czech youngster.

The Latest: West Ham may be in pole position…

According to the reporter, West Ham are continuing their chase for Hlozek, but a ‘stack of big clubs’ also want him. However, the Hammers may hold a trump card over their competitors thanks to shareholder Daniel Kretinsky’s connections to Sparta Prague.

Cudworth explained:

“#WHUFC also continuing pursuit of Adam Hlozek. A stack of big clubs around Europe want him but the Kretinsky connection may sway things.”

The Verdict: Boost for West Ham?

Given Kretinsky’s status as co-owner and president of Sparta, his recent acquisition of a 27% stake in West Ham certainly comes as a boost in more ways than just financial.

Hlozek is one of Europe’s most promising strikers, racking up 15 goals and 11 assists in just 19 Fortuna Liga appearances last season as he burst on to the scene.

It’s little wonder the teenage talent is attracting so much interest, with his agent Pavel Paska calling him ‘world-class’, and we believe he could be a brilliant signing for West Ham if they can get it done.

Kretinsky’s connection between the two clubs could certainly help in this regard as the Irons aim to continue their growth both on and off the pitch.

In other news: ‘Begging’, ‘Newman finally doing his job’…West Ham fans flock to ‘exciting’ offer claim, find out more here.

Aston Villa are expected to land Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe on a season-long loan, according to Sky Sports.

Well-known Villa page @villareport shared the news on the defender, which left many Villa supporters delighted.

Sky Sports claimed live on Wednesday that Tuanzebe is set to sign a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford before moving to the Midlands for a third loan spell.

The 23-year-old spent the second half of the 2017/18 season at Villa Park and the entirety of the 2018/19 campaign, helping the club earn promotion to the Premier League.

He’s made a total of 35 appearances for Villa and it appears as if he will link up with Dean Smith once again on a temporary basis.

Tuanzebe looks set to become Villa’s fifth summer signing and will more than likely provide cover to Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa, while also having the ability to play at right-back if required.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Sky Sports’ claim regarding Tuanzebe on Wednesday afternoon. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one ‘buzzing’.

“And the transfers are flowing in now”Credit: @will_avfc”Get in!”Credit: @Schlippertysch1″Yessss”Credit: @Shy_Rhy”Buzzing for this one”Credit: @CozzaAVFC”All over this”Credit: @Shans_louisee”Class backup! Good move for everyone”Credit: @VillaJaake

In other news: ‘All happening’, ‘Alongside JWP?’ – Many Aston Villa fans react as ‘great’ news is confirmed. 

A major update has emerged on Sunderland forward Charlie Wyke, regarding where he wants to play his football next season.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Sunderland centre-forward Wyke is very keen on securing a transfer to Scottish Premiership side Celtic. He is out of contract at the end of the month and is eager to seal a switch to Celtic as he wants to test himself in Scotland.

The report claims that Celtic are set to offer Wyke a long-term contract as they attempt to land his signature. Sunderland remain in talks with Wyke over a new deal but have been unable to reach an agreement so far.

Sunderland midfielder Lynden Gooch heaped praise on the “strong” striker in November 2020, lauding his work rate off the ball for the club.

He told SAFC unfiltered, as transcribed by Inside Futbol:

“You know going into the game, he’s going to batter the other team’s centre-halves. You know he will. He’s so strong, so big.

“I think his work rate gets taken for granted as a big striker like that, he’s nearly running 11km – that’s a lot for a centre-forward.”

Speakman must axe him

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman must reluctantly axe Wyke following this latest update. Speakman needs to end negotiations with Wyke and allow him to leave the club or else he could end up causing a disaster.

It looks like Wyke has made it clear that he would like to test himself at a higher level and join Celtic, which means that him staying at Sunderland will not be ideal for anyone.

Even if Wyke now decides to extend his contract at Sunderland, given this latest update, it would likely be purely for financial reasons and that could cause issues next season.

He has shown that he is clearly not content playing in League One and this means that he may not be fully motivated to perform for Sunderland and could, therefore, be a problem in the changing room for Lee Johnson.

The £6.4k-per-week beast will undoubtedly be a loss for the Black Cats. He scored an incredible 26 goals in League One for Sunderland and finding a replacement to replicate his goal tally could be difficult for Johnson and Speakman this summer.

However, an unmotivated Wyke may not be able to replicate it himself if he is still at the Stadium of Light with a move elsewhere in his mind. This is why Speakman must let him go, even if it is a blow in the short term.

AND in other news, Get it done: Speakman must complete Sunderland deal for “unique” £3.4k-p/w enforcer…

Crystal Palace will be aiming to pick up their first victory under the tutelage of new manager Patrick Vieira when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this afternoon.

What’s the word?

The Eagles have collected two points from a possible nine so far this season and are set to face a tricky task when the current league leaders arrive at Selhurst Park for the early kick-off.

Palace’s day’s work will be made even harder after Vieira ruled versatile midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp out of action after he picked up an injury while on international duty.

“The only one who came back with an injury was Jeffrey Schlupp. He felt his hamstring, so he won’t be involved in the game tomorrow. Everybody else came back fit,” the Frenchman revealed in Friday’s press conference.

“(Eberechi) Eze and Nathan (Ferguson) are progressing, and it will still take a while for them to get back and training with the team.”

Patrick Vieira will be frustrated

Schlupp has started three of Palace’s four games in all competitions so far this season, so Vieira will likely be frustrated to be without the 28-year-old for the visit of in-form Spurs.

After the Eagles failed to replace winger Andros Townsend over the summer, the Ghana international has been fielded out wide in the early stages of the campaign, and his latest injury setback will leave Vieira short of options on the flanks.

Talismanic star Wilfried Zaha is currently the only natural winger in Palace’s first team squad, and Schlupp’s enforced absence is likely to mean that Jordan Ayew is selected in his less favoured wide position.

In other news… Journalist reveals exciting Crystal Palace transfer update which will have fans buzzing 

Liverpool have suffered an injury blow ahead of their trip to Leeds United next weekend after Takumi Minamino picked up a knock while on national team duty.

The Japan international was forced to withdraw from the squad after picking up an injury and won’t be able to feature in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against China.

What’s the word?

Although the 26-year-old was called up by Hajime Moriyasu last week, he didn’t feature in his nation’s 1-0 defeat to Oman on Thursday.

“Midfielder Takumi Minamino (Liverpool FC) has been withdrawn from the team due to an injury at SAMURAI BLUE, which is active for the Asian final qualifying (Road to Qatar) China national team match,” read a statement from the Japan FA (as relayed by the Liverpool Echo).

It continued: “We will inform you of additional convened players to replace Minamino as soon as they are decided.”

Jurgen Klopp will be gutted

Despite Minamino not playing a single minute of Liverpool’s 2021/22 campaign so far, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is still likely to be gutted to learn of the 26-year-old’s recent setback.

The former RB Salzburg forward is set to join Roberto Firmino on the treatment table after the 29-year-old was forced off the field against Chelsea in the first half last weekend.

That leaves just the out-of-form Divock Origi as backup to a front three of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane, meaning that Klopp is desperately short of options in the final third of the pitch.

The Merseysiders will be hoping to maintain their solid start to the new campaign when they travel to Elland Road to face Leeds following the international break, but they’ll have to do so without a selection of their forward players. News of Minamino’s injury will not amuse his club manager.

In other news… Edwards can redeem himself at Liverpool with January move for “devastating” maestro 

West Brom attacker Matheus Pereira would be a perfect addition for Leeds United this summer, according to former England international Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Pereira shines for West Brom

The Baggies may have suffered relegation back to the Championship, but the Brazilian playmaker stood out for them throughout the season. The 25-year-old scored 11 goals and registered six assists in the league – an impressive tally, considering his team’s struggles – and he caught the eye with his overall quality.

Leeds have been linked with a move for Pereira this summer, although nothing too concrete has materialised as of yet.

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The Latest: Pundit keen on Leeds signing Baggies star

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips talked up the idea of the Whites signing the West Brom playmaker, claiming he would be a perfect fit for Marcelo Bielsa’s team as he said:

“I think it would suit their style. Leeds are an exciting, free-flowing team, you can express yourself in that side.

“We’ve seen that with players like Raphinha and Jack Harrison this year, that they can just go and play with freedom, but you have to be prepared to work your socks off and that’s something Pereira would have to take to another level.

“But it’s no surprise that a player like that, of that mould and ilk, is being linked with Leeds.”

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The Verdict: Exciting addition

Pereira has the potential to be a great signing for Leeds, should their interest be genuine. His aforementioned end product speaks for itself and he would bring another level of guile to a Whites team who scored abundantly in 2020/21, smashing in 62 Premier League goals.

Not only that, he also averaged 0.8 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game in the league this season, showing that he is also effective off the ball, which would no doubt appeal to the demanding Bielsa.

Pereira’s ideal blend of creativity and industry should indeed make him a good fit for Leeds, as Phillips has suggested.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for a relegated Premier League player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Rangers need to tie down Connor Goldson to a new long-term deal at Ibrox as his contract is due to expire at the end of the current campaign.

What’s the word?

Goldson has been a mainstay at the heart of defence for Rangers ever since joining the side in the summer of 2018 under the previous manager Steven Gerrard.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, there has been no word of an extension from Giovanni van Bronckhorst and this is concerning.

Having featured in all 32 Scottish Premiership matches this season; Goldson would leave a massive hole in the Gers backline if he chose to leave the club.

Disaster if Goldson doesn’t stay

There is no doubt about it that Goldson has been key to Rangers’ success over the previous two seasons. Alongside Filip Helander, the Ibrox side only conceded Chelsea in 2004-2005.

Additionally, the defender also scored eight times during the campaign, including a brace against Celtic, and was arguably at his peak.

The start of this season saw the Gers struggle to replicate the highs of the previous campaign, being knocked out by Malmo in the Champions League qualifiers and stuttering in the league.

Following the 3-1 League Cup semi-final defeat to Hibernian at Hampden in November, Goldson said that Rangers had “lacked hunger” following their title win and this statement was not popular amongst the supporters.

The last few weeks have seen a resurgence in both Rangers and Goldson’s form, with progression in the Europa League following victory over Braga and an excellent win against Celtic in the Scottish Cup Semi-final, it could be a wonderful final few weeks of the season for the Ibrox faithful.

During that run, he hasn’t dipped an impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.9, with six of the seven appearances seeing him register a rating above 7.0, illustrating his importance during the back end of the term.

The £27k-per-week defender has been described as the “rock” that the side is built on, and after these last few weeks, it’s hard to argue.

Goldson will be a key protagonist if success is to be claimed and seeing him leave, despite the incoming arrival of John Souttar, would be a disaster for van Bronckhorst and co.

In other news, Sources: Huge transfer news emerges that could send Rangers into panic mode – opinion