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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals for Wolves during his career, believes Rayan Ait-Nouri is out of his depth in the Premier League and has bemoaned his lack of strength.

Ait-Nouri has made 13 Premier League appearances for Wolves this season, and managed to score his first senior goal of his career on his Premier League debut in a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace.

The 19-year old has started just eight league games this term though despite regular left-back Jonny being injured for a lot of this season, which has seen him average a 6.43 WhoScored rating as Wolves continue to think about signing him permanently.

Speaking on if the 19-year-old has been a good addition for Wolves and what he is lacking to succeed in the Premier League, Bull told FFC:

“In my eyes, he just looks a bit out of his depth.

“I’ve watched him a few times and he does get up and down the wing a bit, but he just looks a bit lightweight to me and I don’t think he’s getting a lot of chances so his confidence is low.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/exclusive-andreas-sondergaard-wolves-premier-league” title=”Exclusive! Andreas Sondergaard talks all things Wolves”]

“Whether they keep him or not beyond the end of the season I don’t know because he just looks young and a bit immature.

“In a team, you need someone who is a like-for-like replacement when somebody else drops out the side like and he just looks a bit lightweight to me.”

Ait-Nouri had only played 23 senior games of footballer before his loan to move to Wolves this season and they may think there are better options than the £36k-p/w full-back.

In total, the French defender has made 16 appearances this season but has failed to offer a consistent attacking threat as he’s returned to just one goal and assist.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has tipped his old side to challenge for the top six under manager Marcelo Bielsa next season.

The Whites have had a great campaign this term following their promotion from the Championship. After 29 games, they currently sit in 11th place on 39 points, all but securing their status as a Premier League outfit.

Undoubtedly, things are going well for Bielsa and Leeds, and Palmer is expecting them to push on if the Argentinian manager is backed in the summer transfer window.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about what Leeds could achieve next season, the ex-England international said:

“I would think that if Bielsa stays next season at Leeds United, he will have been guaranteed funds to push Leeds United. I would think next season, he’d be looking to push Leeds United in the top six, top seven.”

Last summer, the Yorkshire club brought in the likes of Raphinha and Diego Llorente, with the former impressing particularly. In 24 league appearances, the Brazilian has scored six goals and provided five assists and is now being linked with a move to rivals Manchester United. If Leeds can acquire similar quality in the next window, then they may be able to go up another level.

Next up for them in the Premier League is a home clash against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United.

Rangers take on League One side Cove Rangers in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on Sunday and Steven Gerrard should consider handing a start to recent signing Scott Wright.

The 23-year-old, who joined from Aberdeen in the winter, has been limited to just seven substitute appearances for the Light Blues so far in his Rangers career, and he deserves a chance to show what he can do on Sunday.

Cove Rangers have already defeated Forfar Athletic and Championship side Alloa Athletic to seal their place in the third round, so will be eying another upset when they take on Gerrard’s side at Ibrox. However, the 40-year-old manager should still hand opportunities to some of his younger players in the hope that they have enough about them to get past the League One outfit.

Although we haven’t seen much of Wright in a Rangers shirt thus far, his cameos have been bright and he managed an assist in the 5-2 win against Royal Antwerp, as he was brought down in the penalty area after an impressive run, allowing Cedric Itten to score Rangers’ fifth.

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His pace and direct running would likely cause problems for the Cove Rangers defence on Sunday, suggesting that he could prove to be a game-changer for Gerrard; whilst it also gives the manager the opportunity to rest Ryan Kent, who has been a regular on the left wing for the majority of the season.

Despite barely featuring so far, Wright has already earned the praise of Gerrard, with the former Liverpool captain complimentary of his new winger after his debut outing against Hamilton, saying: “Scott’s going to be a good little footballer for us. You can see he’s clever, you can see what he’s going to be.”

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Therefore, the £540k-rated 23-year-old deserves a chance to show what he can do for Rangers from the start, and this game against Cove Rangers represents the ideal opportunity for him to make a good impression ahead of next season when he will hopefully be much more involved.

in other news… Gerrard should axe £7.5k-p/w Rangers outcast this summer; he’s nowhere near Champions League level

Sean Dyche has admitted that he finds the links to the manager job at Newcastle United if Steve Bruce were to leave ‘very flattering’.

However, speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against the St. James’ Park faithful at Sunday lunchtime, the Burnley manager also claimed (via Daily Mirror) that he will keep doing his job with the Clarets.

The North East club are reportedly eyeing up Dyche as a potential replacement for Bruce should the latter leave, given the growing pressure that the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss is currently under to keep his team in the Premier League.

Newcastle and Dyche a good match

Dyche could be a good fit at the Tyneside club. He is vastly experienced in managing in the top flight, and has kept Burnley for a number of seasons there despite their relatively inferior transfer budget and status to other clubs in the division – something Toon fans know all too well about with Mike Ashley at the helm.

The fact that he has managed to do this should not go unnoticed, and that is what makes him such a good coach, with former EPL ace Frank McAvennie even going as far as to claim that he is ‘exceptional’ following links to the Celtic job back in March.

Nonetheless, he should certainly be a manager to consider hiring for the Magpies if Bruce were to leave his post.

In other news, find out what takeover claim from consortium sources Mark Douglas has dropped here!

Fans of Sunderland have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the Black Cats relayed footage of the club’s manager, Lee Johnson, discussing Tuesday’s disappointing defeat.

In a fixture that could have seen Sunderland close the gap to second-placed Peterborough United to just two points, Johnson’s side ultimately went on to blow their chance, as goals from Will Keane and Callum Lang cancelled out Charlie Wyke’s first-half opener, seeing relegation-threatened Wigan take all three points from the clash at the DW Stadium.

And, speaking in his post-match comments, Johnson was brutally honest in his assessment of Sunderland’s performance in the loss, suggesting that his side got what they deserved from the fixture because of the fact that the Black Cats simply did not do enough to win the game.

After Sunderland then relayed the manager’s comments on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many, despite being furious with their side’s performance, appearing to appreciate Johnson’s honesty.

So, what exactly did these Sunderland fans have to say in reaction to Lee Johnson’s comments?

“Listen tonight was dreadful and something we should expect from a team full of bottlers but fans calling for LJ’s head, come on. He has been fitting square pegs in round holes, it’s not his fault. These players were the cheap options brought in by SD and are simply not good enough.”

@gazk_mackem

“At least he is honest. Maybe a few of the players might look in the mirror and do the same.”

@N88YTH

“Boss says it as it is. Players didn’t do it tonight, cost us automatic that.”

@John67684101

“Brutal and honest assessment.”

@DanielJenks89

“Beaten man.”

@michaelfrost73

“Honest and visibly livid, sometimes you have to appreciate that. He could have covered it up but didn’t and I like it personally.”

@Doominick99

“Bang on.”

@bencainss

In other news: ‘Incredible’, ‘Never tire of watching this’ – Lots of SAFC fans buzz as ‘unreal’ footage emerges – find out more here!

According to a report by transfer guru and reliable source Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy ‘will’ make a decision regarding the goalkeeping department at the end of the season – with club mainstay Hugo Lloris ‘waiting’. 

Lloris has been at the centre of reports linking him with a move away this summer, and former Lilywhites boss Mauricio Pochettino is allegedly a big admirer.

Tottenham set for goalkeeping decision

Some suggestions have also emerged recently that Pochettino could mount a swoop for the Tottenham shot stopper (Football Insider), with his future up in the air as he becomes touted as one of the players who could make way.

As well as Lloris, the likes of Serge Aurier, Dele Alli, Harry Winks and Erik Lamela have been mentioned as nominees for possible summer exits (The Daily Mail).

Now, Romano brings the latest on Lloris and Spurs’ goalkeeping situation, with the Italian explaining that Levy is set for a potentially big decision on the matter at the end of 2020/2021.

“Tottenham will take a decision regarding the goalkeeper situation at the end of the season,” explained the journalist on Twitter.

“Lloris is waiting and nothing has been decided.

“Despite some rumours, Wojciech Szczesny has *never* been an option. No talks with Juventus, no contacts with his agent. No chance.”

Transfer Tavern take

If Lloris does leave this summer, there are no shortage of goalkeeping candidates.

Of all the names that have been linked with a move to north London, we believe Dean Henderson stands out despite his lack of game time for Manchester United overall this season.

At just 24-years-old, the shot stopper impressed for Sheffield United last year under Chris Wilder, starting 36 Premier League matches and earning plenty of praise. 

This is all dependent on Levy’s call, however, with an interesting decision now awaiting.

In other news: Tottenham could hold a meeting with this ‘extraordinary’ boss next week, find out more here.

Since Andros Townsend arrived at Crystal Palace, he has habitually been a key player in the Eagles’ squad.

Indeed, the former Tottenham Hotspur man has only failed to appear in 12 Premier League games in which he has been available for since his arrival at Selhurst Park.

In that time, he has also been productive for the Eagles, scoring 16 goals and providing 27 assists. His best season came during the 2018/19 campaign as netted nine goals and notched six assists from right midfield.

However, despite his contributions, Townsend has actually seen his transfer valuation take a dramatic fall in his time as a Crystal Palace player.

Arriving for £13m from Newcastle in 2016, it initially looked like Steve Parish had overpaid with the winger only rated at £9.9m at the time of the move.

Nevertheless, thanks to his performances at Selhurst Park, it looked like the Eagles had forked out just the right amount with Townsend’s rating rising to a career-high £13.5m and remaining that way all the way until April 2020, exactly a year ago.

It has somewhat taken a tumble though, leaving Townsend rated at just £7.2m – that rating almost falling by half of what it was.

Considering that he is just 29 years of age, the former England man should arguably be at his peak.

For context, Townsend is now rated the same as he was in July 2015, when he was still with Tottenham Hotspur, indicating just how much his valuation has fluctuated since departing North London for Newcastle.

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For a player who has been a relative constant at Selhurst Park, that dramatic tumble will certainly concern Parish as he aims to keep Townsend at the club with the offer of a new contract.

AND in more news, read the reasons why Crystal Palace must avoid appointing this former Premier League hero as their new manager…

Fabian Schar has taken a significant step closer to a return to Newcastle’s first team after lining-up for the Magpies’ under-23s on Monday.

Schar was included in the starting XI for the Premier League 2 Division 2 clash against Crystal Palace, with Christian Atsu also featuring.

Schar defies initial injury predictions

The 29-year-old was initially ruled out for ‘several months’ after sustaining a torn knee ligament in the 3-2 win over Southampton in February.

A Sky Sports report suggested at the time that he may have played his last game for the club, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. Indeed, the Switzerland international said at the time that his focus was on getting fit for the European Championships.

However, there was an optimistic update earlier this month, with Schar revealing that he had a chance of featuring at the back end of the season and would ‘do everything’ to be fit in time for the end of Newcastle’s campaign.

Those hopes may well be realised, barring any setbacks, as there are still five games of the season remaining.

Newcastle have taken giant strides towards safety in Schar’s absence, with a run of eight points from a possible 12 opening up a nine-point gap to the drop zone.

Transfer Tavern verdict

After hosting Arsenal this weekend, Newcastle face daunting assignments against Leicester City and Manchester City, but they then finish the season against already-relegated Sheffield United and a Fulham side who could also be consigned to the Championship by the time of their final-day clash on 23 May.

Those final two fixtures could be ideal matches in which to ease Schar back into the first team, with the potential for nothing other than pride at stake by that time. Perhaps we haven’t yet seen the last of him in a Magpies shirt, despite previous reports to the contrary.

In other news, Newcastle fans have been offered a potential timeline for the club’s takeover.

Former Everton striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that Declan Rice could leave West Ham this summer, should the Hammers get an offer they can’t refuse.

Rice has been one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League, with his impressive form catching the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs.

The 22-year-old is currently out injured following a knee problem sustained whilst away with England, with the Hammers’ victory at Wolves ending his two-year run of consecutive minutes played in the league.

Strong recent reports believe that Manchester United are leading the race to sign the Hammers midfielder, and are going to use on-loan West Ham attacker Jesse Lingard to improve their attempts of bringing Rice to Old Trafford.

David Moyes recently said that it would take the ‘Bank of England’ to lure Rice away from the London Stadium this summer, but Bent told Football FanCast that if West Ham were to receive a huge offer for the England man, it could help them improve their squad significantly.

He said: “Chelsea and Manchester United, they’re big sides. It depends on the price, if they get a big fee for him, it could be a lot of money for West Ham to go out and buy two or three players.

“He’s definitely one they won’t want to lose, but it depends on the price.”

Newcastle United have received a big transfer boost as a journalist has dropped a definitive four-word update on the future of Jacob Murphy.

The Lowdown: Murphy has not signed contract yet

Murphy is still stalling on a new contract at the St. James’ Park faithful, although reports broke out in April that the Tyneside club are planning to hold talks with him, amid interest from Rangers, Southampton and Watford for his signature.

That said, while a new deal has not been signed, other clubs will feel that they can lure him away from the North East in the summer transfer window given that his current deal expires next season.

The Latest: Norwich journalist rules out Murphy move

While Norwich City have not been explicitly linked with a move for their former man recently, their sporting director, Stuart Webber, did say it ‘pains’ him how under-utilised Murphy has been on Tyneside, per Chronicle Live.

Now, Canaries journalist Paddy Davitt, in replying to a fan in a Q&A session with the Eastern Daily Press, seems to have ruled out any potential return to Carrow Road by claiming that ‘that ship has sailed’.

Nonetheless, this will come as a welcome boost to Steve Bruce and the Magpies, considering the plans to talk to Murphy over a new contract.

The Verdict: Newcastle must keep Murphy

The Toon must try and keep hold of Murphy at all costs, even if that means giving him a much bigger wage.

The 26-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in each of the last four games in the Premier League so far in the 2020/21 term, and so is clearly an important part of the team at this minute in time.

His added versatility to be able to play both as a wing-back and a winger is also very handy to have in the squad as it allows Bruce or any other manager on Tyneside to switch between a back three, four and five, and so letting him go would not seem like a wise idea in that regard.

In other news, find out who has been lined up as a potential Bruce successor here!