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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

West Bromwich Albion boss Slaven Bilic has provided a clue into his team selection for Monday evening when they face a trip to Preston North End.

What’s he said?

The Baggies head into the weekend sitting pretty at the top of the Championship table, two points ahead of their main rivals Leeds United and seven points ahead of the playoff zone.

Depending on the Yorkshiremen’s result against Middlesbrough this afternoon, the pressure may be back on Albion to perform meaning Monday’s game could hold even more importance by the time it swings around.

Bilic has been talking about his improving striking department this week, and in doing so, provided a major hint into who will lead the line at Deepdale, he said:

“It’s impossible for all of them to play.

“Hal [Robson-Kanu] waited for his chance.

“For a long time he was almost tagged or labelled, even before I came here, as an impact player. But he deserves his chance, he’s waited a long time.

“He was coming from the bench good, then we put him in the team and he’s done really well since then.

“At the moment he is starting and he deserves it.”

Team selection

The Croatian chief is finally getting some sort of positive selection headache in the number nine role as for much of the season it has been a barren attempt from their three strikers.

Charlie Austin has practically tripled his goal tally for the season in the last two games alone, both from the bench too, while Hal Robson-Kanu has netted five goals in seven matches, which has led to Bilic talking him up this week.

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And then there’s Kenneth Zohore who has been out of action for a while through injury but he is now back pushing the aforementioned duo for a place in the matchday squad.

It seems likely that the Welshman will be selected again to lead the line for a fourth straight game based on Bilic’s latest remarks, even despite the 30-year-old building up a reputation as a ‘super-sub’ over his career.

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In other news, Baggies favourite Chris Brunt could be facing his last-ever season at the Hawthorns.

Tottenham Hotspur fans on Twitter have been fuming over a recent report regarding the return of Premier League football.

Elite level sport has been placed on hold across the planet in recent weeks amid the rise of the global pandemic.

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In the midst of a national lock down the prospect of football returning seems like nothing more than a mere pipe dream, but recent news suggests that the powers that be are working hard on a solution.

According to an exclusive report from the Daily Mirror, the Premier League are at an advanced stage in talks with the UK government regarding an agreement that would see the top-flight resume behind closed doors in June.

With government officials hopeful of a virus peak in the next few weeks, fixtures could be sanctioned under strict guidelines.

It’s the type of news that could give football-starved fans hope, but the Spurs supporters on Twitter are looking at the situation through a more holistic, humanitarian lens.

Indeed, the Lilywhites faithful are far from impressed with the report and have suggested the endeavour to sanction football’s return is greedy and unrealistic during a period of time in which sport should not be a matter of priority.

Here’s how the Spurs fans reacted to the news…

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left fuming this week after one transfer report mooted them with a move for a rival player.

According to 90min, Spurs are eyeing a raid for West Ham defensive midfielder Declan Rice and they could even offer Eric Dier as a part-exchange to entice the Hammers into a sale.

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The 21-year-old has stepped up in recent seasons to become a regular option in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad as well as a key cog to David Moyes’ system as the side’s lynchpin.

Rice has made 29 appearances in the Premier League this term, averaging three tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 1.2 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

It remains to be seen what sort of fee the east Londoners would command for their star player. Transfermarkt currently value him at £44.6m while The Sun claim he could be available for a whopping £70m.

However, he’s not really a player that many at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would like to see arrive this summer.

Here’s what has been said…

AND in other news, Spurs fans react to links with RB Leipzig star – and it’s not Timo Werner…

When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was given the task of replacing Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager, there may have been one or two eyebrows raised.

After all, the Norwegian’s previous experience as a manager in English football’s top-flight was to see him relegated whilst at the helm of Cardiff.

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But in the end, Solskjaer enjoyed an impressive run of form to start of his managerial career at United, and at the time of football’s postponement, had left the Red Devils in fifth place and just three points off the all-important top-four.

And now, Nemanja Matic has waxed lyrical about his manager, saying: “Ole is a great manager. I think he has improved a lot since he came to United, and he is different now. I’m sure he has a great future here, and he will win us trophies.”

After hearing what the midfielder had to say, United fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts.

One United fan however felt that Matic is simply being cynical, and that praising Solskjaer would be a guaranteed way of getting a new contract at the club.

Clearly, Solskjaer’s reputation is growing amongst United’s players.

With the likes of Mourinho, Van Gaal and Moyes all enjoying years of managerial experience, Solskjaer came in at United as a relative novice.

But in his first full season in charge, he has got the Red Devils within touching distance of reclaiming a place in the Champions League, and that would be a great starting block to build from.

With money set to be tight all across the board, Manchester United, just like most other clubs across Europe, are unlikely to be splashing the cash this summer.

And according to The Manchester Evening News, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have identified two players in particular who they will look to target if their first-choice options don’t get signed.

The report claims Bournemouth duo Josh King and David Brooks are being tracked by the club ahead of the summer transfer window, with the latter being seen an alternative to their priority summer target, Jadon Sancho.

United of course tried to sign King towards the end of the January window, before eventually settling on Odion Ighalo on a loan deal, although it is now expected the striker will head back to parent side Shanghai Shenhua in time for their own campaign.

After hearing about their reported interest in both King and Brooks, United fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on their latest transfer targets.

Muhamed Besic is set to return to Goodison Park this summer after enjoying a season-long loan with Sheffield United.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international will be back on Everton’s books as he prepares to see his loan spell with the Blades come to and end. Whilst the Premier League are allowing clubs to extend loan deals set to expire at the end of June as a result of the fact that the season is now likely to be played into July and August, it seems that Chris Wilder will not be taking up this option with regards to Besic (Liverpool Echo).

He will therefore return to Goodison Park next month, where he has just one year left on his current deal and according to the Liverpool Echo, another loan deal or a permanent sale is likely to be on the cards.

However, due to the current financial climate, the Toffees could actually benefit from having the 27-year-old to hand.

Everton are struggling in the midfield department at the moment. Indeed, the club are without Morgan Schneiderlin, who suffered a torn meniscus earlier this year and Jean-Philippe Gbamin as well. The Ivorian has been dealt a fresh injury setback after only just returning from a lengthy time on the sidelines and will be out for a further six months.

Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly been planning a bid for Napoli midfielder Allan (per Tuttomercatoweb via HITC), but if finances don’t support the purchase, the Blues will need all the personnel they can get. The addition of Besic could provide injury cover and an extra option on the bench as Everton hope to qualify for Europe next season.

The £2.16-valued defensive midfielder has scored one goal for Sheffield United in the FA Cup this season, contributing to their 2-0 win over Millwall whilst also making nine Premier League appearances (via Transfermarkt).

What do you think the club should do with Muhamed Besic, Blues? Join the conversation in the comments below…

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to raid Chelsea in a shock move for Willian this summer. 

The Red Devils are considering cheaper alternatives to Jadon Sancho as Borussia Dortmund are refusing to budge on their £100m valuation, via The Daily Express.

According to France Football, as relayed by the Express, Solskjaer has identified Willian as a possible replacement.

The Chelsea star’s contract will expire at the end of June and he is expected to leave Stamford Bridge.

Talks between the Blues and the Brazilian’s representatives have stalled as the winger wants a deal longer than the 12 months that are currently on offer.

Solskjaer has made it clear he wants to bolster youth with experience to support the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.

Willian will be available for free in a matter of weeks, which appears to have swayed his mind. He is currently valued at £20m via Transfermarkt.

After arriving in England from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013, the set-piece-specialist has won the Premier League twice, the Europa League, the FA Cup and League Cup. He also picked up the Copa America trophy with Brazil last year (Transfermarkt).

Despite his age, the 31-year-old hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, as he has the second-highest WhoScored rating out of all of his teammates. Willian has scored 5 goals and created 5 assists in the Premier League this season, taking 1.9 shots per game, averaging 1.8 key passes, and making 1.9 dribbles on average (WhoScored).

However, it is worth mentioning the South American reportedly earns £120,000-a-week, and Ed Woodward may baulk at his hefty wage demands.

Admittedly, Solskjaer could reinvest the money elsewhere if the board sign the veteran in the summer.

United fans, do you think Woodward should sign Willian this summer? Let us know down below!

Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed that Lewis Mayo will likely go out on loan this coming season, but only after the ‘Gers have been able to bring in a replacement for the injured Nikola Katic.

The Croatian centre-back suffered a damaging training injury which will see him sidelined for the foreseeable future, and that could well see Mayo step up to be a part of Gerrard’s plans for the new season. He featured in the Veolia Trophy but, with just three competitive appearances to his name, he needs to play more regularly.

Gerrard has acknowledged this and says he wants him to go out on loan, but only once a replacement is in. He explained:

“I need to replace Katic because I need four good centre-halves if we are looking at what we are hoping is going to be another 60-game season.

“We love Mayo. His attitude has been fantastic and he has a really good chance.

“But I think he needs game time rather than to be number four centre-back.

“We will keep him in until we get the right one in and then we will look to Lewis out to get him 30 games for his development.

“But I have to be selfish with Lewis in the short term.”

Losing £1.44m-valued Katic is a blow for Gerrard. The 27-year-old made 19 appearances in the Premiership last term and featured the most at centre-back after Connor Goldson. Whilst Mayo may be an exciting talent, it is surely too early into his professional career for him to step right into the starting XI.

Some time away from Ibrox, allowing him to play regular first-time football, should benefit all involved. Hopefully Gerrard will bring in that replacement for Katic sooner rather than later.

‘Gers fans, is Gerrard right to seek a loan move for Mayo rather than throwing him straight into the fray? Let us know what you think by commenting below!

Gabriel Magalhaes has been attracting the attention of clubs around Europe, including Arsenal, and the latest update seems to suggest the Gunners have a big battle on their hands if they want to acquire the player.

Reports from L’Equipe and Made in Dogues claim that the defender, who plays for Ligue 1 side Lille, has five teams available to him after they have all submitted transfer offers. These include Arsenal and fellow Premier League side Everton, as well as Serie A club Napoli.

Despite the offers from the Premier League sides, it seems that Gabriel prefers a move to Italy and will snub Arsenal and Everton in favour of Napoli.

The Lille centre-back has made 30 appearances in all competitions this season, including the Champions League, and has made 1.8 tackles per game and 3.3 clearances per game, via WhoScored.

To be a key part of the Lille team which finished fourth in Ligue 1 whilst battling in the Champions League at the age of 22 emphasises that he has a lot of quality and potential, as does the reported transfer interest from no fewer than five clubs around Europe.

His tackles per game average is better than any of Arsenal’s regular centre-backs, via WhoScored, and with the defence being criticised at times this season, Gabriel could be a good central defender to strengthen the back line.

If they can somehow beat Napoli to his signature, then it should really help Mikel Arteta build a better squad to improve their league position next season.

Gunners fans, do you think Arsenal can land Gabriel or will he go to Napoli? Comment below with your views!

Plenty of Everton fans have been lauding the latest transfer update on Allan as Il Mattino (via Sport Witness) have reported that the entourage of the SSC Napoli ace are expected to meet with the Italian club to present the offer from Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

Indeed, this is the same outlet that reported just a few days ago that the Toffees had raised their offer for Allan.

They are now reporting that the agents of the 29-year old will meet with the Naples side to discuss an the offer from the Blues, who are apparently looking to sign him in the summer transfer window for a discount.

Indeed, the central midfield player could prove to be a stellar addition and would arguably fit straight into the side at Goodison Park.

Allan has scored more goals and averaged more key passes and tackles in the Serie A so far in the 2019/20 season than Fabian Delph, Tom Davies and Andre Gomes did in the Premier League, according to Whoscored.

These EFC supporters lauded the news on Twitter, with one fan even labelling the Brazilian as ‘class’:

Evertonians, would Allan be a good signing? Comment below!