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Sunderland defender Aji Alese may feel fortunate not to have given away a penalty on the weekend in their draw against Millwall.

What’s the latest?

Tony Mowbray’s men picked up a big point away to the Londoners on the weekend in a game where the found themselves a goal behind.

Dennis Cirkin was the man to get his head on the ball and provide the Black Cats with a way back into the game for what was just his second goal of the 2022/23 campaign.

However, there was a penalty shout for the hosts with the Sunderland centre-back seemingly holding back Tom Bradshaw inside the penalty area.

And speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has labelled this incident as clumsy from the young defender:

“It’s clumsy and I think whatever the referee does, you back him, because he goes down, together – is there enough to give a penalty? The referee’s close, he has a good view. Difficult call.”

Big let-off?

There does certainly seem to be some contact from the 22-year-old who allowed Bradshaw to turn inside him despite having Danny Batth covering.

So with this in mind, there probably is some scope for a potential penalty to be awarded against the Black Cats with the Millwall forward going down as a result of the contact.

And given the incident occurred after just a few minutes, it is something which could have certainly changed the narrative of the game if Sunderland had found themselves behind so early on.

However, there will likely be some who would feel it would have been a soft penalty had it been awarded by the referee.

Perhaps the contact was minimal but it was enough to potentially give the referee something to think about which is always a dangerous game to play.

Alese has played a big role in the Sunderland side this season since making the move from Millwall’s rivals, West Ham United, over the summer.

However, it does seem Saturday may not have been his best display in a red and white shirt as journalist James Hunter awarded him with just a 6/10 rating.

The youngster clearly has some developing still to do and perhaps this incident is one he will learn from as another referee seemingly could have interpreted it in a different way.

West Bromwich Albion have a prime crop of youth talent just waiting to burst into the first-team, and with the senior squad in blistering form, there has arguably never been a better environment into which to unleash them.

Their integration could be seamless as they begin to replace their ageing counterparts one-by-one without disrupting the flow of a team who have been flying in the Championship, despite Friday night’s setback against Birmingham.

Whilst some players remain undroppable, there are others who leave room for improvement in certain facets of their performances. As such, that could leave a gap for one of those youngsters to exploit.

A prime example is Darnell Furlong, who has been a part of a solid back four and is entering his prime years. However, his lack of attacking impetus is a chink in his armour upon which Ethan Ingram could capitalise.

In 11 appearances this season in Premier League 2, the 19-year-old boasts four goal contributions already, which suggests that his technical proficiency puts him on a level above the U23s.

By contrast, across 25 Championship matches in the current campaign, Furling only has two goals and zero assists to his name.

This would be far more forgivable if the 27-year-old were a huge contributor to Albion’s fine defensive record, but with just 0.9 interceptions and one tackle per 90, one might wonder why he is retaining his place in the team.

A 6.90 Sofascore rating might hint at solidity, but with the potential attacking upside that Ingram could bring at right-back, a change might be in order.

The teenage sensation was noted for his remarkable all-around attributes just last year when journalist Josh Bunting wrote on Twitter that the youngster was “good at going up and down from full-back also aggressive”.

Along with his steely resolve and self-confidence, this makes him a hugely precocious asset for the present and the future. Despite his youth, he believes in himself enough to state his intentions to “push on” towards the first-team after a successful period in the West Brom academy.

With two senior appearances to his name already, there will be hope that he can add to that before the end of the season in order to give himself the best possible chance of a place in Corberan’s team, regardless of whether or not the Baggies win promotion.

He seemingly has the attributes and the mindset to succeed, and it will surely not be long before Furlong is looking over his shoulder when the time for team selection comes around.

Southampton are in danger of slipping from their Premier League pedestal, and, bottom of the division, are closing on the appointment of their third permanent manager of the campaign in Jesse Marsch to stave off the all-engulfing threat.

Having won just four league matches all season, Saints languish in the division’s bottom spot, four points from safety after 22 matches.

And Marsch, himself just sacked by Leeds United after little under a year, represents the third changing of the guard in the dugout since the start of the campaign, and this time Southampton have no margin for error.

Marsch, while he was probably justifiably dismissed from his duties at Elland Road, likes to implement a ball-oriented press, favouring the 4-2-3-1 formation and tending to heap attacking responsibility on his full-backs, handed the license to maraud up and down the wings.

This system requires a robust and reliable central core, and the good work that stemmed from Marsch’s time heading the Leeds outfit was in part down to the tenacious Tyler Adams’ emergence this season, and with a new midfield tool to utilise in Romeo Lavia, the American manager could find his new centrepiece in the Belgian starlet.

Could Romeo Lavia emulate Tyler Adams under Marsch?

Signing last summer from RB Leipzig for £20m, Adams has made 21 appearances for The Whites this term, proving to be an invaluable presence for his outfit as they look to create a gap between the Premier League relegation zone and their own position.

And as per Sofascore, the 24-year-old dynamo has recorded an average league rating of 7.00 this year – bettered by no midfielder in the squad – making an incredible 1.4 interceptions and 4.0 tackles per match, as well 1.1 key passes per outing and maintaining an 82% pass success rate.

Ranking among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe’s big five leagues for tackles, and the top 1% for blocks, as per FBref, the £55k-per-week phenom has indeed been the perfect vigorous component to his team, and Lavia could indeed now emulate his success under the recently-appointed Marsch.

Having signed for Saints from Manchester City for a fee which could rise to £14m last summer, Lavia swiftly asserted himself as one of his side’s most talented options with strength and composure that belies his age, before a hamstring injury ruled him out for nine matches.

Having made 17 appearances, scoring one goal and assist apiece, the “outstanding” 19-year-old – as once lauded by journalist Jonathon Smith – has been a shrewd acquisition for the South Coast club, and has indeed been trusted with a regular starting berth despite the perilous position that leaves coveted top-flight status hanging by a thread.

But to instil belief across the St. Mary’s Stadium once again, Marsch must indeed look to harness the semblance between the young Belgian ace and his former favourite Adams, with Lavia himself ranking among the top 1% of positional peers for blocks and the top 11% for interceptions, highlighting the robust aura that could be channelled by Marsch, a former midfielder himself, who clearly understands how to nurture a talented central engine towards prominence.

The £38k-per-week machine has all the tools to flourish under Marsch and perhaps even play an integral role in Southampton’s desired revival ahead of the business end of the campaign, and just like Adams, he could make a marked improvement on both his game and his teams at the crucial stage.

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up a move for Celta Vigo youngster Gabri Veiga but Arsenal are providing competition for his signature.

The Lowdown: Veiga shining for Celta Vigo

The Spaniard has become an important figure for the La Liga side this season, making 21 league appearances and scoring an impressive six goals from the middle of the park.

Veiga is contracted at Celta Vigo until the summer of 2026 but it could be that a move elsewhere materialises once the current campaign reaches its conclusion.

This is where United come into play, as Erik ten Hag looks at potential summer additions.

The Latest: United linked with move

According to AS [via Sport Witness], United are ‘on the lookout’ regarding Veiga, with the same applying to fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal.

His performances for his current club are ‘not going unnoticed’ – he is described as Celta’s ‘main asset’ in the report – and the Red Devils ‘have already monitored him’.

The Verdict: One for the future

Veiga is clearly an exciting prospect, having already won one cap for Spain’s Under-21s and made 40 appearances for Celta, despite being so young at 20-years-old.

He is someone who could be viewed as a long-term purchase in United’s midfield, with the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen turning 31 this year and needing to be replaced at some point in the coming years.

Veiga could provide both technical quality and strong off-the-ball work, registering two assists and averaging 1.2 tackles per game in the league this season, and ensure Ten Hag builds for the future.

Southampton staff and players have internally decided on their new manager as they reportedly ‘want’ Ruben Selles to take the reins.

The Lowdown: Saints seal impressive win…

The south coast side sealed a very impressive 1-0 win at Chelsea last weekend with midfield star James Ward-Prowse grabbing the game’s only goal.

Reports have suggested that Selles, currently taking interim charge of Southampton, is on a trial-run as Sport Republic and the board decide their next managerial step.

After the Saints’ victory at Stamford Bridge, Selles could hardly have started off better with a win and clean sheet against one of the Premier League’s big name clubs.

The Latest: Southampton player and staff ‘want’ Selles…

According to reliable journalist Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic, Southampton players and staff desire Selles as their permanent manager as those inside the club make their feelings known.

He explained:

“Saints’ players and staff want Ruben Selles as manager – ‘he has the ability to make them run through brick walls.’

“Selles told home truths, pushed players & restored Southampton’s best strengths. He’s given fans & the club hope.”

The Verdict: Right man?

The Spaniard has now shown that he can guide Southampton to absolutely crucial top flight victories against star-studded opposition.

Southampton’s victory at Chelsea represents both their first win in four league games and a serious statement of intent from Selles – who has admitted that he wants the job.

The 39-year-old is not only ‘highly regarded’ by players, but also ‘ambitious’ and fluent in multiple languages – suggesting Selles has the mentality to make it as a coach in world football’s most prestigious division.

While his lack of first team managerial experience comes as a caveat, there is only one way for him to gain that know-how – by being given a chance to fully coach Southampton in their battle against relegation.

Leeds United scout Alex Davies was in the stands for Preston North End vs Coventry City on Tuesday amid links of a move for Viktor Gyokeres.

The Lowdown: Gyokeres links

The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for Coventry forward Gyokeres in recent months. Reports following Javi Gracia’s arrival at Elland Road claimed that the club are plotting a move to sign the 24-year-old regardless of what division they find themselves in next season as they think he could be a key addition.

Gyokeres, hailed by his manager Mark Robins for his “unbelievable” power and technique, has scored 15 Championship goals this season and can play anywhere across the front three.

The Latest: Davies in attendance

Jordan Webber, who appears on Swans Cast Media, took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to say that Swansea’s chief scout, Lee Maybury, was at Deepdale for Preston vs Coventry.

Davies, who first mentioned Ben White’s name to Victor Orta, was also on that list to presumably cast a further eye on Gyokeres.

The Verdict: Disappointing display

Gyokeres struggled to back up a match-winning display on the weekend against Sunderland, with the game against Preston finishing goalless.

The Sweden international had an evening to forget, as per SofaScore, ending with a match rating of 6.4/10. He gave possession away 23 times, lost 13 of his 17 duels and failed to register a shot on target.

He was Coventry’s second-worst starter on the night, so Davies may have come away with some reservations about the forward, so it’ll be interesting to see if Leeds make their move in the summer.

Everton will make a trip to Trentside tomorrow for their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest and now the Toffees could be set for a big injury boost.

What’s the latest on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury?

Sean Dyche took to his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon to deliver a promising update on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s recovery.

The Everton boss told the press:

“Dominic Calvert-Lewin is recovering and getting strong. We’ll see [for Sunday].”

Will Calvert-Lewin play against Nottingham Forest?

Whilst the injury update from Dyche is promising it is not a confirmation that Calvert-Lewin will return to action on Sunday afternoon at The City Ground, however, it will give the Goodison Park faithful some hope heading into the away clash.

The Toffees are currently one point deep in the relegation zone and desperately needed to start picking up crucial survival points over their remaining 13 fixtures if they are to have any chance of avoiding a drop into the Championship at the end of the season.

Calvert-Lewin has tallied up 59 goals and registered 18 assists over his 203 appearances for Everton and scored the most important goal of the campaign for his club last season when he found the back of the net against Crystal Palace to secure survival in the Premier League, proving that the gem is an incredibly valuable asset to the squad.

There is no doubt that Calvert-Lewin is the most experienced striker at Everton with both Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms struggling to replicate the number nine’s impact in front of goal which has been an obvious issue in the most recent performances for the Merseysiders.

Over the last four league games in the 25-year-old’s absence, the Toffees have won one and lost three – with club captain Seamus Coleman scoring the only goal during this period against Leeds United, neither Simms nor Maupay have found the back of the net.

Calvert-Lewin scored 29 Premier League goals between the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns and the Everton boss would have a lethal finisher on his hands if he can get the best out of the England international, which is why the marksman’s potential return is a big boost.

With that being said, the forward could be the linchpin in not only snatching all three points away from home on Sunday but also better their chances of survival at the end of the season if, of course, he can remain fit.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that Arsenal could make an offer for Lille central midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer.

The Lowdown: Midfielders wanted

Arsenal want to sign midfielders this summer, with West Ham United’s Declan Rice being linked with an £100m move to the Emirates Stadium.

With Mohamed Elneny’s long-term injury, and Albert Sambi Lokonga being allowed to join Crystal Palace on loan in the January transfer window, the Gunners look a little short in the middle of the park, and could do with strengthening in that area come the next window.

The Latest: Baleba interest

Writing for 90min, Bailey says that Arsenal have been scouting Baleba for a number of months ahead of a possible summer move, with a view to a potential offer.

However, they will face competition from AC Milan, Juventus, Nice, Monaco, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Leicester City for his signature.

Lille see Baleba as the next Amadou Onana, who they sold to Everton for £30m last summer, and value him at around the same price.

The Verdict: Get it done?

At just 19 years of age, Baleba is an exciting talent, and one that the Gunners could snap up now before his market value starts to rise.

He has already played 12 senior games for Lille so far this season, and ranks highly among his team-mates for average blocks, dribbles and long balls per match in Ligue 1 (WhoScored).

Presumably alongside a more experienced addition like Rice, Baleba would be the prefect signing to complement him and provide depth and a long-term option once he furthers his development.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their plans to improve their squad heading into the upcoming summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Sacha Boey to Aston Villa?

According to Turkish outlet Takvim, the Villans are one of a number of clubs eyeing up Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey for a potential move.

The report claims that Crystal Palace and other, unnamed, sides in Europe are also interested in signing the defender, who was the subject of an €8m (£7m) bid, which was rejected, from Ligue 1 side Lyon.

It is stated that Villa are closely following the 22-year-old defender and have sent scouts to watch the dynamo in action in Turkey this season, although it remains to be seen whether they will firm up their interest with an offer or not.

Who is Sacha Boey?

Sacha Boey is a French right-back who currently plays for Galatasaray in the Turkish top-flight and started his career in Ligue 1 with Stade Rennais.

He is a well-rounded defender who has the potential to make an impact at both ends of the pitch and could come in as an excellent addition to the side.

Unai Emery could land the long-term heir to Ashley Young's position in the squad, while providing Matty Cash with some serious competition for his place, by working with Johan Lange to get a deal over the line for the former French U20 international.

Now 37, Young has remained an important member of the team this season and has played 19 times in the Premier League so far this term – averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.92.

The £50k-per-week veteran has averaged 2.8 tackles and interceptions and 0.5 key passes per game in the division. This suggests that the ex-England international has been active defensively but has offered very little at the top end of the pitch to support the attack.

Boey, meanwhile, has averaged 4.7 tackles and interceptions and 1.1 key passes per match across 21 outings in the Super Lig this season.

The young defender, who was once hailed as "intriguing" by writer Zach Lowy, has also consistently delivered excellent performances throughout the campaign with an average Sofascore rating of 7.12.

These statistics suggest that the dynamo has the potential to come in as an upgrade on Young in the present, both in terms of what he offers in and out of possession, while also being the long-term heir to the Englishman as the Galatasaray star is 15 years younger.

Of course, it is impossible to predict whether Boey will be able to adapt to the rigours of Premier League football or not but his form in Turkey this season is incredibly promising and suggests that the gem is worth taking a punt on.

Newcastle United have made contact to sign Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: In pole position?

The Robins starlet has worked his way up through the academy ranks at Ashton Gate to become a regular feature of Nigel Pearson’s first-team squad where his performances have caught the eye of Eddie Howe in the Premier League.

The Daily Mirror reported in February that Magpies scouts are running background checks on the 19-year-old as they weigh up whether to make an offer in the upcoming window.

Football Insider have since claimed that the northeast outfit are currently in pole position to secure his services, though it sounds like they are set to face stiff competition from several other potential suitors.

The Latest: Newcastle make contact

According to GiveMeSport, Newcastle, Tottenham, West Ham, Wolves, Brighton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Everton and Leicester have all ‘enquired’ about Scott’s availability.

Championship high-flyers Burnley, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough are also ‘considering’ him.

Inside sources believe that some of the interested clubs would be ‘willing’ to let him return to Bristol on a one-year loan to continue his development.

The Robins value their midfielder at £25m, but there’s ‘hope’ that a deal could be struck at closer to £30m given the number and calibre of teams chasing him.

The Verdict: One for the future

Scott has been nicknamed the ‘Guernsey Grealish’ and he would be an extremely promising signing for the future of Newcastle should he put pen to paper at St. James’ Park.

The Bristol ace has recorded five assists and two goals across all competitions so far this season and loves to help his side when it comes to making the magic happen in the final third (Transfermarkt).

Pearson’s maestro currently ranks in the 89th percentile for most progressive carries and the 84th percentile for most successful take-ons per 90 minutes (FBRef).

Scott would also bring versatility to the squad having operated in five various positions throughout his career, including as a second striker alongside in the centre.

Speaking in a recent interview, however, his boss sent a warning to suitors that he won’t come cheap so it sounds like PIF will need to dig deep should they want to prise him away. He said:

“It wouldn’t surprise me that clubs are interested in him but there have been no bids. Whoever makes a proper bid at some point, will have to be a really big bid to get him.”