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A major update has emerged on Jacob Murphy and it could lead to a transfer masterclass from Southampton CEO Martin Semmens.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Saints are among a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign the 26-year-old from Newcastle this summer. The report claims that Leeds, Burnley, Galatasaray, Porto and Bayer Leverkusen are also keen on the former Norwich man.

Murphy is out of contract at the end of next season and could soon be available on a free transfer if he opts against signing an extension at Newcastle. Steve Bruce is said to be keen to keep him at the club and Newcastle are working hard to tie him down to a new deal amid interest from elsewhere.

Back in October 2020, Bruce praised the “matured” 26-year-old, highlighting his physical development in recent years. He told the Shropshire Star: “I never contemplated it (a loan move) from the first week he was back. He was a different player. Certainly physically he’s come back in really good condition.

“We all know he’s a good athlete and he certainly looks like he’s matured. He had been practicing free-kicks on Thursday in training and I was thinking ‘let’s see if he can do it again’.”

Semmens masterstroke

Southampton CEO Semmens could be about to pull off a masterstroke if he can land Murphy.

The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl wants to sign a right-back to challenge Kyle Walker-Peters this summer and Murphy could be the perfect addition to the squad to fill that role. He is capable of playing at right-back as well as on the wing and could be a cheap, versatile option for Southampton to bring in.

Interestingly, he posted better statistics in the Premier League at right-back for Newcastle than Walker-Peters did for the Saints. Murphy averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 6.9 in 13 starts in that role, scoring twice and setting up another goal. Walker-Peters averaged a slightly lower score of 6.84 in 30 starts, failing to score a goal but setting up two for his team-mates.

This suggests that Murphy is on a par with Walker-Peters, if not slightly better, and could provide him with some excellent competition next season.

The two could battle it out for the starting spot at right-back in Hasenhuttl’s team and help each other raise their game in the process. Competition for places is important to avoid complacency and Murphy could keep the Saints full-back on his toes if he arrives at St Mary’s.

The £25,000-per-week dynamo can also play on the wing and he hit 17 Championship goals across two separate campaigns for Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich whilst playing in a forward position. This means that Hasenhuttl could also utilise him in a more advanced position if he is unable to break into the team at right-back.

Murphy could be a superb signing for Southampton and Semmens could pull off a masterstroke by bringing him in.

AND in other news, Semmens masterclass: News emerges on “unfortunate” £10m flop, Saints fans will love it…

Everton have the chance to take another step away from the relegation zone tomorrow as they take on Leicester City in the Premier League.

The Toffees’ previous league game saw them beat Manchester United at Goodison Park 1-0 thanks to a goal from Anthony Gordon.

Another win for Frank Lampard’s side would take them six points ahead of the relegation zone before Burnley face off against Southampton on Thursday.

On the chalkboard

One player that didn’t feature against United that should be in the starting XI tomorrow is Demarai Gray.

With 26 league appearances under his belt this season, the winger hasn’t started a game for the Toffees since their 2-1 defeat against West Ham United earlier this month.

In those appearances, the Englishman has found the back of the net five times and provided two assists, showing what a useful attacking option he can be.

To further highlight what an attacking nuisance he is for opposition teams, only Andros Townsend (3.34) has a higher average of shot-creating actions per game in the league than Gray (3.21).

In terms of how the £19.8m-rated attacker can hurt teams on the pitch, no other Everton player has come close to equalling the same number of successful dribble attempts that have led to a shot attempt as the winger (10).

With that in mind, even though he hasn’t been able to deliver a goal contribution in the league since his winning strike against Arsenal in December, the 25-year-old can still be a real threat for his side going forward.

Labelled as an “inspirational” player for Everton by Martin Keown, Gray could also have an extra incentive to deliver a top-notch performance this time out if Lampard picks him to start.

Having left Leicester in January last year and admitting to not feeling like he was valued or wanted there, getting the chance to show the Midlands club why they were wrong to let him go or treat him the way they did could put a fire in Gray’s belly and really rile him up for this match.

With that in mind and the opportunity to get another goal or assist to his record and push his new club even further away from danger, Lampard could pull a tactical blinder by giving the winger the chance to haunt his old club, which he definitely has the ability to do.

In other news: Lampard can now axe “reckless” Everton dud with move for “powerful” £27m-rated machine

Following a disastrous run of recent results, Wayne Rooney knows that nothing but a win will guarantee his Derby County side their Championship status come the full-time whistle on Saturday.

Having now gone six games without a win in the league – including a gutting 2-1 defeat to Swansea City last time out, a game in which the Rams had taken the lead – Derby now face a relegation showdown with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, with the loser being consigned to the third tier of English football as of next season.

There are further stipulations – a draw would be enough for survival if Rotherham United fail to beat Cardiff City in their fixture. However, if the Rams simply win their own game, they will have done enough to stay up regardless of what happens elsewhere.

Will Rooney decide to make any changes to his starting XI from the Swansea fixture? Here’s our predicted XI, along with the latest team and injury news…

Despite having no new injury concerns, we predict that Rooney will make three changes from the team which started against Swansea last week.

The first change sees goalkeeper David Marshall come back into the side having sat out the club’s last two league fixtures, as the 36-year-old’s experience in big games – none less so than Scotland’s recent Euro 2020 play-off triumph – could help to calm the nerves of a shaky Derby backline. As such, Kelle Roos – who has been in abysmal form over his last two appearances – moves to the bench.

The second alteration sees Max Bird – the Rams’ 10th-best performer in the league this season – replacing Jason Knight, who despite a decent performance against the Swans hasn’t been all that consistent in his displays over the course of the season.

Finally, after a run of nine games without a goal and a very disappointing performance last time out, Martyn Waghorn drops to the bench for the 24-year-old Patrick Roberts, who has shown in his time at Celtic – with the winger providing more assists against Rangers than against any other side – that he is a big-game player. This switch sees Colin Kazim-Richards move to the centre of the Derby attack, while Roberts slots in on the right-hand side.

The rest of the team remains unchanged, with Tom Lawrence keeping his place in a front three, while Lee Buchanan stays on the bench, with Craig Forsyth starting at left-back.

In other news: Fresh Derby County takeover update emerges that will surely have fans fuming – opinion

Leeds United are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers centre-back Darragh Lenihan, according to a fresh transfer rumour which emerged on Thursday.

The Lowdown: Lenihan shines for Blackburn

Tony Mowbray’s side are enjoying an excellent season currently, sitting second in the Championship and looking strong to seal promotion to the Premier League.

Lenihan has been an undisputed key man for Blackburn, starting 26 of 28 league games at the heart of the defence and being hailed as ‘special’ by his manager.

The captain’s performances appear to have alerted a host of clubs, however, with a potential move to the top flight now on the cards.

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The Latest: Leeds in the mix

According to a report from TEAMtalk (27/01/22), Leeds are one of numerous Premier League teams eyeing up a move for Lenihan, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Wolves and Everton also mentioned.

The 27-year-old’s current Blackburn deal expires at the end of the season, meaning the Whites could snap him up on a free transfer if he doesn’t extend his stay at Ewood Park.

Promotion could be a determining factor in convincing the Republic of Ireland international to stay put.

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The Verdict: Good squad acquisition

While the step up to the Premier League from the Championship is admittedly great, Lenihan’s performances this season suggest he could be a shrewd signing by Leeds.

The Irishman has won an impressive average of 5.1 aerial duels per match in the league this season, not to mention 4.9 clearances each game too.

To put that into context, Liam Cooper leads the way for the Whites in aerial duels with 3.6, highlighting the Blackburn skipper’s prowess in both boxes, while no Leeds player with more than one appearance boasts more clearances than Lenihan.

The fact that he would be available on a free takes out the financial risk element, too, so there is a little about the move that feels negative.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly considering another bid for one player. Find out who it is here.

Southampton travel to the London Stadium on Sunday to face West Ham in the final game of the Premier League season.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side can still finish as high as 12th should they earn the three points against the Hammers, although David Moyes’ side will be desperate to avoid defeat, as they can secure Europa League football for next season with a point.

Therefore, there is plenty at stake for the hosts, but Southampton will be out to spoil the party on Sunday afternoon, although they will have to do so without Che Adams, who has been ruled out of the game through injury.

After a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Leeds United on Tuesday changes, seem likely for Southampton, although a strong starting eleven is still likely to be named.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Hasenhuttl to line his side up on Sunday, with five changes to the team that started in the defeat against Marcelo Bielsa’s side…

Alex McCarthy certainly should have done better for Leeds’ opening goal in midweek so he drops to the bench, with Fraser Forster replacing him in between the sticks.

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There’s one change in defence, as after returning to the bench in midweek, Jan Bednarek replaces Jack Stephens at centre-back, and is partnered by Jannik Vestergaard.

There are two changes in midfield, as Nathan Redmond comes in for Moussa Djenepo on the left after another poor display from the Mali international, whilst Stuart Armstrong moves out to the right-wing to accommodate the return of Oriol Romeu in the middle, with Theo Walcott dropping to the bench.

Finally, with Adams sidelined, the “outstanding” Danny Ings seems likely to partner Nathan Tella in attack, after he was left on the bench for the first 45 minutes against Leeds in midweek.

And, in other news… Southampton can finally sign their Hojbjerg heir in £8.6m beast who dreams of playing in the PL

As quoted in a football.london Q&A, reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold has now backed claims from the last few months about Tottenham Hotspur eyeing AC Milan star Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Spurs in for Kessie?

The print edition of Tuttosport revealed back in March (via Sport Witness) that Spurs attempted to sign him in January, claiming that they could come back in for him due to his contractual situation at San Siro (his current deal expires in 2022).

Tottenham’s interest in Kessie took a major turn recently, with the player’s agent claiming that they are in fact interested in a swoop this summer alongside Inter Milan and another unnamed Premier League club (TUTTOmercatoWEB Radio).

The Latest: Gold backs Kessie claims…

As quoted by football.london, Gold claims that Tottenham indeed hold an interest and Kessie is a player who the club have liked ‘for a while’.

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However, in terms of making a move, much will depend on the future of Spurs’ current midfield men and what new manager Nuno Espirito Santo decides to do with them.

Of course, the price tag will also come into consideration, but the 44-cap Ivory Coast star may well leave for less due to his contract expiring at the end of next season.

“He’s a player Spurs have liked for a while and his contract situation with just a year left on his deal at Milan will make him even more attractive,” Gold explained in a football.london Q&A.

“Whether they make a move depends on not only the price but also Nuno Espirito Santo’s decision on what is going to happen with his midfield with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in there and Oliver Skipp returning.

“The future of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko is also set to be decided. I’d imagine defence is a priority first for transfers unless Paratici negotiates a deal for Kessie that is too good to sit on.”

The Verdict: Insane target…

The 24-year-old is crucial for Milan in Serie A and a fabulous all-rounder, seemingly adept at both going forward and protecting the back four.

A natural defensive midfield player, Kessie still managed 13 goals and four assists over the 2020/21 Serie A season whilst averaging a solid 1.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game (WhoScored).

His quality is perhaps best summed up by former Italy international Antonio Cassano’s glowing recommendation. Speaking to Bobo TV, via Milan Live, the 38-year-old branded the Rossoneri star as ‘devastating’ for his performances under Stefano Pioli.

We’d go as far as to say that snapping up Kessie would be Tottenham’s signing of the window, if they make a move for him.

In other news: Tottenham want ‘absolutely phenomenal’ 6 foot 6 beast, his club are already hunting replacement…find out more here.

The Athletic’s Adam Crafton has dropped a fresh update on Leeds United’s plans for the rest of the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Writing initially via his official Twitter account, Crafton said: “Leeds won’t do loads this summer but still want young centre mid + closing on Bamford extension.”

And then via a piece for The Athletic, he added: “This summer, therefore, had always been intended to be a little more measured, particularly as several of last summer’s deals are spread across several years. In this summer’s market, Leeds’ spending will be more reserved but sporting director Victor Orta has now closed two deals.

“It is not expected to be the end of the business, as Leeds are also searching for a young central midfield player with the potential to develop under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa. As things stand, it is unlikely to be the Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, who has represented Uruguay at the Copa America.”

Bielsa may be frustrated

Having only seen Amari Miller and Junior Firpo come through the door thus far – the former will hardly be expected to make an impression on the first-team either way – Bielsa may be slightly worried at where things stand with Leeds in the transfer window.

Having seen reports for a number of months linking them with the likes of Nahitan Nandez and Rodrigo de Paul, news that Leeds want a younger central midfielder, and that it won’t be the Cagliari midfielder, will surely frustrate the Leeds boss.

The Whites could do with some more first-team quality signings in the middle of the park, both as competition for the likes of Kalvin Phillips or even to ease out someone like Mateusz Klich.

Younger signings with an eye to the future is all well and good, but Bielsa will feel that next season in the Premier League they could really make a go of finishing in a European place having finished inside the top half in their first campaign back in the top-flight.

That requires a bit more work on Orta’s part like last summer when he snapped up the likes of Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Rodrigo and Raphinha to come straight in and boost the starting line-up.

Firpo’s arrival solves one problem at left-back, but they need a couple more at least. It’s exactly why Bielsa may be worried with this latest transfer update.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign a dream De Paul alternative in this star…

Liverpool managed to see off Championship side Preston North End in the Carabao Cup last night by a scoreline of 2-0 thanks to goals from Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi.

As well as the two goalscorers, one other Liverpool player that delivered a good performance at Deepdale was centre-back, Joe Gomez, over Adrian who managed to make three saves in the match and keep the Reds in the competition.

The defender, who started and played the full 90 minutes of the match in midweek with the captain’s armband, managed to make three clearances and one tackle, win 90% of the duels he was involved in.

He also completed 119 of the 131 passes he attempted, proving to be equally adept with the ball at his feet, and ultimately earn himself an overall match rating of 7.3, making him the joint-second highest-rated outfield Reds player on the day alongside the goalscoring duo, according to SofaScore.

This says to us just how much of an important figure Gomez is for the Merseyside club and how much they can rely on him when they need to even though he has only played a full 90 minutes on three occasions so far this season.

Liverpool signed Gomez, who has been previously described as a “sensational” player by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, back in the 2015 summer transfer window from Charlton Athletic for a fee of just £3.5m.

Since then, the 24-year-old, who is now valued at £27m according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 128 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, helping the club win the Premier League and Champions League in that time.

Forget Adrian, it was Gomez who was an absolute rock at the back despite the Championship outfit’s advances in the first-half.

Moving forward, with Liverpool set to take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at the weekend, Gomez’s performance in midweek will certainly have given Klopp some food for thought over whether he should start the Englishman on Saturday or not.

However, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate getting rested in midweek after keeping a clean sheet at Old Trafford in their 5-0 win over Manchester United last weekend, it would make sense for Klopp to stick with those two and put Gomez back on the substitutes bench for the Brighton clash.

In other news: FSG could land LFC’s next Henderson in 18 y/o “huge talent”, fans should be excited – opinion

Some Liverpool supporters have been left fuming after a fresh update emerged regarding the Reds’ potential spending this summer.

Jurgen Klopp has only signed Ibrahima Konate since the end of last season, with the club’s transfer business low-key until this point.

Gini Wijnaldum’s exit has arguably heightened the need to bring in a new central midfielder, while another attacking player could also ideally be recruited.

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There has been some frustration surrounding Liverpool’s lack of signings, especially with Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United all spending big.

A fresh update may not bring too much happiness to Reds fans, with the Liverpool Echo claiming [via Anfield Watch on Twitter] that new arrivals won’t come in until both Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi are sold.

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Liverpool fans fume at transfer latest

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the news, with plenty of negativity in the air.

“Oh my lord. This club is a joke”

Credit: @jordan210496749

“Just watch our rivals splash 70m+ on players whilst we twiddle our thumbs, nice oneeeee”

Credit: @jakelandsbury

“Make it stop”

Credit: @Arv_2110

“Trying to win the net spend trophy again I see. Mid club.”

Credit: @Wandee__

“Horrible reading this when you see our rivals spend big”

Credit: @aTribeCalledDan

“So no more signings then”

Credit: @jontelfc86

In other news, there is interest in one Liverpool player this summer – find out who it is here.

Southampton have reportedly joined the race to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone next summer, should he decide to move on.

The Lowdown: Johnstone stays put

The England international was a standout performer for the Baggies last season, catching the eye despite his team’s relegation from the Premier League.

Although numerous reports linked Johnstone with a summer exit and a return to the top-flight, he has ended up staying at West Brom, acting as a huge boost to their promotion charge.

The Latest: Saints keen on signing

According to The Athletic, however, Southampton are interested in signing the 28-year-old next summer, seeing him as strong competition for Alex McCarthy.

The situation could change if the Baggies are promoted from the Championship and Saints go down, but that remains to be seen.

The Verdict: Promotion required

In truth, Valerien Ismael’s side will need to go up this season if Johnstone is to realistically stay put for another year.

He is someone who will want to be plying his trade at the top level, especially considering he was part of England’s Euro 2020 squad, hailed as ‘magnificent’ by former Three Lions boss Sam Allardyce last season.

It would be hard to begrudge Johnstone an exit next summer if promotion doesn’t materialise, but the current signs are good, with Ismael’s side sitting second in the Championship table.

In other news, a journalist has provided an injury update on one West Brom player. Find out who it is here.