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According to an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, via The Chronicle, former Newcastle United midfielder Chris Waddle says current Toon Army star Jonjo Shelvey should be in the England squad, and Magpies fans have been quick to have their say on his comments.

Speaking after England scraped a last-gasp 1-0 win against Slovenia at Wembley on Thursday that guaranteed that they will be in Russia for next summer’s World Cup, the pundit believes that the 25-year-old would bring something different to the middle of the park.

Waddle said: “People knock me down when I say it, but Jonjo Shelvey is the best I’ve seen at passing the ball at distance.”

Shelvey has only recently returned from a three-match suspension after stamping on Dele Alli on the opening day of the season, but he impressed against former club Liverpool on Sunday.

Newcastle supporters took to social media to respond to Waddle’s thoughts, and while some say that he “would be an improvement” on Jordan Henderson, others believe “he could be the difference”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

As reported by The Daily Mirror, both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are ready to make their move for Leicester City attacker Riyad Mahrez in January.

What’s the story?

Mahrez has been a sensation at Leicester City, one of the players who provided the exceptional form to lead them to an English Premier League title two seasons ago. Now he’s been chased by clubs who share that ambition to be title contenders.

The Mirror say that arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are looking to bring the right-winger to London, who is rated at £30m.

With the futures of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in doubt, the Gunners are especially keen to sign the player, say the paper.

Is Arsenal the right destination for the Algerian international?

The right fit for Arsenal?

As noted, Mahrez was one of the catalysts for Leicester’s unlikely title win, providing an attacking contribution that would be an asset to either Arsenal or Tottenham. That season he scored a fantastic 17 Premier League goals, also pitching in with 10 assists for his teammates.

While he struggled to repeat that success last term, he did still reach double figures for goals in all competitions and notched up another seven assists. In a struggling side, those are good contributions.

It was his form in the UEFA Champions League that perhaps points to a player read to make the step up to either London club, who are both looking to make progress into the knockout stages of Europe this term. He was instrumental in Leicester City’s run to the quarter-final of the big competition and could perhaps provide the perfect mid-season boost to a team with continental ambitions.

He has arguably out grown Leicester, but can he make a success of himself on a bigger stage? We wouldn’t bet against it.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele has said that he is desperate for an injury-free run after a frustrating few weeks on the sidelines.

The 30-year-old has made substitute appearances against West Ham United and Manchester United in Tottenham’s last two matches after spending five weeks out of action with ankle and hip problems.

The Belgian international has conceded that it has ‘been tough’ to watch his teammates in action, especially against the likes of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Dembele, who is valued at £16.2m by transfermarkt.co.uk, is in line to return to the starting XI in Wednesday’s home game against Real Madrid in the Champions League, and the midfielder is keen to make up for lost time.

Dembele told Tottenham’s official website:

“It’s been tough, of course. It’s frustrating not only missing the big games but you just want to play.

“I can’t get too carried away because of the result but I played half-an-hour against Manchester United and that’s positive for my physical condition.

“I thought I started well this season so the injuries have been frustrating but the team has been doing well. Of course, the results against United and West Ham were disappointing but I don’t think we need to worry too much. We’re playing well.”

Tottenham suffered just their second Premier League defeat of the 2017-18 campaign on Saturday afternoon – going down 1-0 at Man United.

Following the Real Madrid fixture at Wembley, Spurs will attempt to return to winning ways in the league with a home game against Crystal Palace next weekend.

According to reports in The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on the progress of impressive Watford winger Richarlison, and Spurs fans have been quick to have their say on the rumour.

The Hornets only signed the 20-year-old in an £11.5m deal from Fluminense during the summer, but the forward has gone on to make a huge impact in the Premier League by scoring four goals and providing a further three assists in 11 top flight appearances.

The Mirror says that scouts from the north London outfit have already watched the Brazilian on a number of occasions this term, with Mauricio Pochettino believing he has the pace, goal threat and versatility to boost his team’s attack.

Tottenham supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the transfer story and while one said ‘if he works on his finishing he will be a 15-20 goals a season player’, another wasn’t so sure and said he would ‘prefer Manuel Lanzini’ from West Ham.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Daniel Sturridge is ready to leave Liverpool in January in order to gain a place in England’s World Cup squad, according to The Mirror.

What’s the story?

The striker has been struggling for first-team action at Liverpool for a season and a half.

In the current campaign, manager Jurgen Klopp has played Sturridge 12 times in all competitions, but the forward has started just four of those games.

After failing to make the England squad for recent friendlies against Germany and Brazil, the 28-year-old is believed to be reassessing his future.

The Mirror claims that Sturridge is open to leaving Anfield in January as he fears that his lack of game time will force him out of contention for Russia 2018.

What is the best option?

For Liverpool, allowing the striker to be sold in the winter window would be detrimental to them unless they bring in a replacement.

Sturridge does not fit into Klopp’s style of play, but he has scored in his last two appearances and is a strong option from the bench.

The Reds have a wealth of attacking talent, but competing in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup means that the club need strength in depth.

From Sturridge’s point of view, it is understandable if he wants to move on, particularly as he will be 31 when the next World Cup rolls around.

The striker still has plenty of quality to bring to the table, but if he wants to be first name on the teamsheet then he may need to target mid-table club.

Tottenham Hotspur looked unstoppable went they went seven games unbeaten in the Premier League, but since the end of October, the team have struggled for consistency.

In the club’s last four top-flight fixtures, Mauricio Pochettino’s men have won once, lost twice and drew another.

The most recent game was against West Bromwich Albion at Wembley, and the team got off to the worst possible start as Salomon Rondon scored inside the first four minutes.

The North London outfit took time to find their stride in the match against the managerless Baggies, but they were eventually rescued by Harry Kane.

The two-time Golden Boot winner netted his 15th goal of the season in all competitions, but he was unable to inspire a comeback as Spurs settled for a point.

As it stands, the club sit fourth in the league table, 10 points adrift of leaders Manchester City, who play Huddersfield Town tomorrow.

After the match, Pochettino addressed the media, and some fans have taken issue with his claims that the team put in “great” effort.

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Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has claimed that Leeds United do not have a good enough squad to make a late run for the playoffs.

In the early stages of the season, Thomas Christiansen’s side were in an around the automatic promotion places following a stellar start.

However, a run of eight defeats in 11 league games dropped them out of contention.

As it stands, the Whites are eighth in the table, five points adrift of the playoff places after 20 games.

Most of the time, the festive schedule provides a good indicator of where clubs will finish come May.

Prutton has suggested that he would not be surprised if Leeds missed out on a shot at Premier League promotion, much like last season.

Under former manager Garry Monk, the club narrowly missed out on sixth place as they were edged out by Fulham, who failed to win a spot back in the top flight.

Ahead of this weekend’s action, Prutton told the Yorkshire Evening Post:

“At this stage, Leeds don’t need to be storming into the top six, but they need to stay close and, if I’m being honest, I don’t think the depth of their squad would allow for a desperate charge at the last minute. We’re still at the point where there’s hope rather than outright expectation of the club making the playoffs. By the turn of the year, we’ll know if they’re up to it.”

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According to club insider ExWHUEmployee, midfielder Josh Cullen is expected to be sold by West Ham United in this summer’s transfer window.

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Cullen came through the youth system at West Ham, and has made nine first-team appearances for the London club since debuting back in 2015.

The 22-year-old made five appearances for the Hammers last term, but also spent part of the campaign on loan with Bolton Wanderers in the Championship.

According to club insider ExWHUEmployee, Cullen is not in the plans of West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini ahead of the new season, and could therefore be sold this summer.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”253217″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch The FM18 Two Minute Challenge Pellegrini at West Ham”]

The club’s supporters have been reacting to the news on social media, and it would be fair to say that they are struggling to agree whether the Hammers should get rid.

Cullen is no longer a spring chicken – relatively speaking of course – and it does appear that he will have to move on in search of regular first-team action.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the West Ham fans can be seen below:

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers remains confident that he can convince John McGinn to come to Parkhead, according to the Edinburgh Evening News.

What’s the story, then?

The report says that Celtic’s most recent bid of £1.75m – their second bid for the Scottish midfielder – has been rejected as Hibernian are holding out for £4m for their talisman.

They also claim that there is a host of Championship clubs waiting in the wings if the Scottish champions fail to broker a deal for McGinn’s signature.

They report that McGinn is entering the final year of his current Easter Road contract and that is potentially why Rodgers is prepared to play a patient game at this stage.

Is this the best World Cup ever? Give us your thoughts here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.

Rodgers is taking a silly risk

It is quite clear that McGinn is the right man to replace Stuart Armstrong; the move would take McGinn’s career to the next level and top up Celtic’s midfield quality.

So, why Rodgers – who admits that he would have liked to have done more transfer business by now – is playing hardball and not even making an offer for half the valuation Hibs have set is a mystery.

For Championship clubs in England, £4m is a very affordable price for a player of McGinn’s quality who would easily settle in the second tier and if Rodgers lets McGinn out of his grasp, it will be an aberration all of his own making.

Leeds United are continuing their search to sign a striker before the transfer window slams shut on August 9th.

Championship clubs, as well as Premier League clubs, voted to bring deadline day forward meaning squads will be finalised before the end of the season. Therefore, the window opened at an earlier date of May but Leeds are yet to make a signing. Instead, they focused on their managerial hunt and recruited ex-Argentina boss – Marcelo Bielsa.

The Argentine has a fantastic reputation in world football and is considered a real coup for the Whites. He becomes the highest paid manager in the club’s history and is set to be handed a transfer war chest to revamp the squad. Bielsa wants a forward who can fire them back into the Premier League.

Leeds have targeted Derby County forward, Matej Vydra, all summer long but negotiations have stalled meaning Bielsa may assess his options. Instead, he should attempt to sign Jonathan Kodjia from Aston Villa.

Valued at £8.1m by Transfermarkt, the Ivorian has established himself as one of the best forwards in the division in recent years. He scored 18 goals for Bristol City in 2016 which prompted Villa to spend £15m to bring him to Villa Park. The 28-year-old’s form continued in his first season with the Villains; netting 19 goals.

Kodjia was plagued by injuries last campaign which restricted him to just nine starts in the Championship. Nevertheless, he remains one of the deadliest goal scorers in the EFL. Due to Aston Villa’s financial troubles, Leeds could pick up a bargain.

The forward has proved he can score plenty of goals at this level, he is the man to send Leeds back into the big time.

Leeds fans, thoughts?