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Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has told Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that Matt Targett is not yet at the level of Chelsea star Ben Chilwell and Manchester United’s Luke Shaw.

The left-back has impressed this season, winning on average 2.1 tackles per league game (via WhoScored). Only Matty Cash (2.7) on the opposite flank is making more in Villa’s squad.

If Targett can maintain this form, then he could be in line to win his first senior England cap in the near future, with the Mirror reporting last month that the 25-year-old is a player who Gareth Southgate has looked at.

For Hendrie, though, there is still a lot of work to do before Targett is ready to challenge the likes of £50m Chilwell and Shaw, who earns £150,000-a-week at Old Trafford.

On the English left-backs, the ex-Villa player told TT:

“Shaw has been excellent. Chilwell, obviously, his big move and… still feel he’s been a little bit hit and miss but, you know, on the England front, he’s been excellent. I’ve watched three games and that left side really was a standout side for me, for England. So he’s [Targett] got a long way to go still, but he’s certainly heading in that sort of right direction.”

While the European Championships may come too soon for Targett, an England call-up in the future certainly looks like a possibility, especially given Shaw’s injury record.

Leeds United hero Stuart Dallas is expected to be offered a new contract at the club, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay.

The Whites enjoyed one of their greatest Premier League wins on Saturday, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory away to Manchester City. Leeds managed to win at the league leaders despite having Liam Cooper sent off before half-time in what was a sensational team performance.

It was Dallas who was the hero for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, scoring both goals including the last-gasp winner on the counterattack.

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Hay tips Dallas to sign new Leeds deal

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic after the game, with quotes provided by MOT Leeds News, Hay responded positively to a question about when Dallas will extend his stay at Elland Road:

“I don’t think it’ll be long.”

Transfer Tavern take

Dallas is such an integral part of this Leeds side, with his versatility, work rate and team ethic making him priceless for Bielsa.

Surprisingly, the Northern Irishman currently earns just £8,000 per week, which doesn’t feel like much given his influence at Elland Road and is among the lower end of the squad’s pay scale.

Saturday’s performance shows that he warrants improved terms and it looks as though his wish will be granted, even though his current deal runs until 2023.

In other news, one Leeds star has received high praise after his performance against Manchester City. Find out who it is here.

Charlton Athletic have every chance of making the League One play-offs this season.

Heading into the final seven matches of the campaign, the Addicks occupy eighth place in the table and are only three points behind Portsmouth, who occupy that final play-off spot – and they hold a game in hand on Pompey, too. Win that game in hand, the south-east Londoners are only five points off Sunderland in third, who they beat last time out.

However, if Nigel Adkins is to steer Charlton back to the Championship within just two months of his arrival at The Valley in March, then he must resolve one of Lee Bowyer’s biggest problems – their abysmal home record.

On the Chalkboard

The Addicks sit 17th in the home league standings for results at The Valley this term – they have won six, drawn five and lost seven on their own patch, picking up just 23 points. That is the same return as Bristol Rovers, who are embroiled in a relegation dogfight, and fewer than every single team above them vying for promotion.

By comparison, the Red Robins are second-best in the division away from home, winning 11 and losing just four of 21 matches – a feat only bettered by Adkins’ former club Hull City.

Therefore, it’s abundantly clear that the Addicks need to quickly improve on their own patch, especially as five of their seven remaining league games are at The Valley.

That starts with Ipswich Town this Saturday, a crucial encounter as defeat could see the Tractor Boys leapfrog Charlton in the table, and that would certainly deal a blow to the Addicks’ hopes of breaking into the playoff zone. Adkins’ men will also face automatic promotion-chasing Peterborough United, fourth-placed Lincoln City and league leaders Hull at home in the coming weeks.

Under Adkins, Charlton are unbeaten in three matches, but each of those has been played away from south-east London, so there has to be some confidence that they can continue that form going into the weekend.

If Adkins can fix the poor home record that Bowyer left behind, then they should easily make the playoffs – and given that 71.5% of their remaining matches are at home, then any improvement would certainly bolster their promotion dreams.

AND in other news, Adkins must wave goodbye to 29 y/o flop, he’s just not good enough…

Many Arsenal fans have been left to buzz at the news that supporters are planning a protest against Stan Kroenke.

As per football.london, the protest is set to take place ahead of their home game against Everton in the Premier League on Friday night.

This comes after the Emirates Stadium faithful pulled out of the proposed European Super League (ESL) in which Kroenke signed them up for, after mass outrage in English football over their proposals.

Several Gooners are still not pleased with the American owner over wanting them to play in the league in the first place, and have thus decided to hold a protest against him with the hope that he will be forced out of the North London club.

Arsenal fans on Kroenke news

These Gunners buzzed upon reading of the news of the protests after they were shared by journalist Chris Wheatley on Twitter, with one AFC supporter even going as far as to call it ‘amazing’:

“Yesss Chris”

Credit: @_SakaSZN_

“Let’s go”

Credit: @nutanews184

“Let’s do this!!!! #KroenkeOut”

Credit: @delmo_del

“Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Credit: @VetoAFC

“Amazing!!!!”

Credit: @aadu98

“Let’s go and get Kroenke out of our club #kroenkeout #COYG”

Credit: @OjekaCollinsma2

In other news, find out whose display was slammed against Fulham here!

It has now been two arduous months since Neil Lennon left Celtic behind but the Bhoys are no closer to announcing who his successor will be.

Parkhead is turning into a barren wasteland of disappointment but the arrival of a new manager could sprinkle the stardust needed to re-energise the entire football club.

What’s the word?

Eddie Howe has been the favourite to be appointed for a while now but another manager they’ve had on their radar has been Jesse Marsch.

The American is currently in charge of RB Salzburg in Austria and has openly admitted in the past that it’s an honour to be linked with the Celtic role.

A move hasn’t materialised but it could after worrying quotes for Salzburg supporters emerged courtesy of their sporting director, Christoph Freund.

He said: “He [Marsch] has a quiet environment, loves working with young players. He has a lot of fun in Salzburg, his family feels good, we are successful.

“On the other hand, I cannot say with 100% [certainty] that he will be my coach next year.

“No club has registered [their interest] yet. Jesse is good here, but we know that he only has a one-year contract. Some clubs have their eyes on him.”

Surprise twist on the cards?

Celtic haven’t had it all their own way in their hunt to find a new manager.

Howe has been in advanced talks but problems continue to mount over the backroom staff he wants to bring with him to Paradise.

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The 43-year-old doesn’t want to return to football until the summer while he’s also being courted by Crystal Palace and Brighton.

Unfortunately, Marsch is also attracting plenty of suitors.

RB Leipzig are reportedly interested in him but with Freund admitting he doesn’t know whether the 47-year-old will stay, it opens the door for Celtic to re-enter the market for him.

Marsch is honoured by their interest and does genuinely seem appealed by the project in Glasgow.

That being said, there would have to be a considerable change in feeling from a few months ago.

Despite recognising that Celtic wanted him, it was revealed by journalist Christian Falk that Marsch wouldn’t be going to Scotland.

According to Freund, though, conversations haven’t even taken place over whether he’ll be in Salzburg next term or not.

For the Hoops, he would be a superb appointment. He is used to dominating his league and also catching the eye in Europe; running Liverpool close during a 4-3 defeat at Anfield in October 2019.

With Celtic so often the dominant force domestically, they need someone who can not only gain results in that regard but also impress on the continental stage.

AND in other news, Worse than Keane: Desmond will create a bigger mess if Celtic hire “delusional” 37 y/o…

Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that he expects Everton striker Cenk Tosun to be sold this summer.

Tosun arrived in a £27million deal more than three years ago, and was initially signed as Romelu Lukaku’s replacement.

But he’s never quite been first-choice at Goodison Park, although his time on Merseyside has been overshadowed by an ACL injury sustained whilst on loan at Crystal Palace which saw him spend eight months on the sidelines.

The £60,000-a-week striker is currently on loan back in his native Turkey with Galatasaray, and has scored three times and added one assist in less than 200 minutes of Super Lig action since his move in January.

However, with just 14 months remaining on his current deal, Bent expects his former side to cash-in on the Turkish international.

He told Football FanCast:

“He picked up an injury, and he keeps picking up injuries, so he’s another one they probably want to get out the door.

“For the future of the club and the future of the player they probably come to a decision where they probably know they’re going to move now and are probably talking to their agents, the board and the club.”

After only managing a 2-2 draw at home to West Brom last time out in the Premier League, Aston Villa will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they take on Everton on Saturday night.

Dean Smith’s side were rescued by a late goal from substitute Keinan Davis and now face a Toffees outfit who will no doubt be bouncing after beating Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium last week.

The Villa manager will have some big decisions to make both in defence and midfield, and it will be very interesting to see whether he looks to reward those who have performed well when given the opportunity.

With that in mind, below is a look at how Villa might line up for the trip to Goodison Park to face Everton.

In goal, Emiliano Martinez will be hoping to keep his first clean sheet in seven games, with the Argentine making some uncharacteristic errors in recent weeks.

The back four could see one key change with the return of Matty Cash, who served his one-match suspension against the Baggies last week. Alhough Ahmed Elmohamady certainly didn’t let Smith down with his performance, it would be a surprise if the summer signing doesn’t come straight back into the line-up despite the recklessness of his red card against Manchester City.

In midfield, Ross Barkley could be dropped following yet another disappointing outing in the Premier League, with the England international having not scored since the end of January.

The Chelsea loanee could well be joined on the bench by the £55,000-a-week Bertrand Traore who was the man to make way for a returning Wesley last week – the Burkina Faso international has also had his struggles in recent weeks, having not found the back of the net since the defeat to Leicester back in February.

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In their places, Jacob Ramsey and last weekend’s hero Davis will surely be knocking on the door of making the starting line-up for the trip to Goodison Park and would merit their places in the side if picked.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; El Ghazi, Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey; Davis, Watkins.

Meanwhile, Villa must avoid selling this star; it’s not Grealish…

According to a report by Torino Granata, via West Ham Central, the Irons are now favourites to sign Torino striker Andrea Belotti and have the best chance out of all clubs interested – prompting many supporters to have their say on social media. 

Indeed, as reported by the outlet, West Ham have entered pole position for Belotti and their chances of signing him could be further improved by finishing in a Europa League spot at the end of 2020/2021.

David Moyes’ men are in a hot race to qualify for Europe following a brilliant season, and this has apparently resulted in West Ham becoming favourites for Belotti among other suitors.

The Italian has scored 12 goals and assisted six others in 30 starts for Torino this campaign and has 32 caps at international level (Transfermarkt).

Flocking to this claim that West Ham are now favourites for his signature, many Irons erupted with their diverse takes on social media – find all of their best ones down below.

West Ham fans flock to Belotti claim

“I will be all over the moon if we get him such a complete striker a real number 9”

Credit: @lilmodulo

“I’ve been asking for years for this”

Credit: @uglyhus

“Would be unreal”

Credit: @DeccersTekkers

“Watched Belotti play for years & can tell you I believe he is perfect for what Moyes is building. He works harder than any striker on the pitch, can track back if needed, can hold the ball up well, excellent going forward, passes well, can score consistently & 100% team player”

Credit: @DJTiale

“SIUUUUU”

Credit: @mrwestham22

“This. This is the signing we want.”

Credit: @Hayds_

“I don’t think we’ll get him, he’s been a Torino for years. But he is a Moyes type striker from what I can tell.”

Credit: @Kiran15146183

“I’d defo take it”

Credit: @TylerLingwood

In other news: Journalist drops enticing transfer claim, find out more here.

Newcastle must land Chelsea starlet Marc Guehi in the transfer window amid reports linking the Magpies with a summer move.

What’s the story?

Steve Bruce’s side have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League this season, with their total of 58 goals conceded only better than three other sides.

It’s no surprise then that The Athletic claim that the Magpies have got their sights set on reinforcing the centre of their defence this summer, with the Tyneside club having watched Guehi this campaign.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Championship side Swansea, and has been a regular starter for them all season, with The Athletic adding that Newcastle are set to face significant competition to sign him.

Bye-bye Fabian Schar

Reports in recent days have suggested that Newcastle’s defence could face some upheaval, with the likes of Fabian Schar as one of the players whose contract is coming to an end this summer.

And if the Magpies do wave goodbye to the Switzerland international and opt not to renew his deal, then Guehi should absolutely be someone who they look to target.

The 6 foot centre-back has been a revelation at Swansea this season in the Championship, with his tally of 1.7 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in the league ranking him in the top four among all his teammates – a sign of someone who’s comfortable being a front-foot defender and being aggressive, and who can drop off and pick off passes.

It’s no surprise then that his teammate at England U21 level, Josef Bursik, has waxed lyrical about the kind of dominant presence that he is.

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When asked who the strongest player in the squad was, he said: “Easy, Marc Guehi. He’s an absolute tank. It’s like having a brick wall in front of you, he’s massive.”

At just 20, Guehi has got all the time in the world to kick on from the season he’s had at Swansea, and if the Magpies do want to move on from Schar and look to the future, then the Chelsea starlet should be near the top of their summer shopping list.

Meanwhile, this man was Bruce’s unsung hero in the win over Leicester…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has expressed his doubts over the possibility of his old club being sold this summer.

Wednesday were relegated from the Championship last weekend and owner Dejphon Chansiri has since come in for heavy criticism for his role, with fans demanding that he takes a “step back”.

However, The Sun on Sunday (via The 72) have reported that Chansiri has no intention of selling the Yorkshire outfit, although one interested party was quoted a £160m fee in any potential takeover.

Ultimately, for Palmer, there are a lot of reasons for why a sale in this moment of the time is highly unlikely.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Wednesday’s future, the ex-England international said:

“The size of the club Sheffield Wednesday in League One is not going to be worth the money it’s worth in the Championship or the Premier League, so I doubt very much whether he’s going to sell now.

“He might get a few offers because people will try it on in the position that they’re in and see if he’s willing to sell, but we all know he’s not short of a few quid. He’s talking about righting the wrongs, so let’s see.”

Wednesday supporters wanting some sort of change after this season is very much understandable, and not just because of the club’s relegation to League One.

The instability at the Yorkshire outfit, with constant changes in the dugout, has also probably been a source of frustration.