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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Dean Windass has claimed that should Jack Grealish leave Aston Villa this summer, then the Midlands club won’t also sell fellow midfield star John McGinn.

Speaking to FFC, Windass said:

“Certainly, Dean Smith won’t want to lose him if Jack goes, no chance. If Grealish does go then Dean will have to hold on to a lot of players and then bring some more in, but I can’t see McGinn leaving.”

After an incredible season for club and country, Grealish has been linked with an eye-watering £100m move to Manchester City, so if the talismanic captain were to leave, Villa would certainly not be low on funds, and therefore, they shouldn’t feel the need to sell McGinn.

The Scotland international has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks after another impressive season in the top-flight, where he was once again a mainstay in Dean Smith’s side.

The 26-year-old would feature 37 times in the top-flight, contributing three goals and five assists, averaging an impressive 6.88/10 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This was enough to rank him as the seventh-best performer at Villa Park last season, so it is clear that he is an extremely important member of Smith’s squad, and it would be a devastating blow if he were to follow Grealish out of the door.

Villa fans would certainly be frustrated if, after a promising summer of investment thus far, two of the key players from Villa’s squad in recent seasons were both to depart ahead of the start of the 2021/22 campaign, where the Villans look a safe bet to challenge in the top half of the Premier League table.

McGinn has also established himself as a fan favourite for both club and country, with former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan singing his praises in 2020, saying:

“John McGinn is a top, top player – do you know why? He’s a top, top man.”

It would be a disastrous decision by sporting director Johan Lange to allow both Grealish and McGinn to depart this summer, so fans will be praying that if their captain does depart, that at worst, it ensures that McGinn remains an Aston Villa player next season.

And, in other news… Dean Smith receives huge Jack Grealish boost

Wolves have had an impressive start to the season, with new attackers Francisco Trincao and Hee Chan Hwang, joining the squad in the summer, they have managed to maintain a comfortable position in the top half of the table where they currently sit eighth after eighteen games played.

Hwang has been one of the notable performers in the team making an instant impact on the side since his arrival 4 months ago, with four goals in 14 Premier League appearances, making him the highest scoring player in the side so far this season.

Unfortunately for Wolves, the South Korean forward sustained a hamstring injury in the early stages of the clash against Brighton earlier this month, and it has now been confirmed that he will be out until at least February.

The club officially confirmed the news on the Wolverhampton Wanderers website stating;

“Hee Chan Hwang sustained a hamstring injury in the win over Brighton and is expected to return to play in February.”

Bruno Lage has had to get through the first half of the season with key players missing for large chunks of the campaign, with injury hits over the last few months to not only Hwang, but Willy Boly, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Pedro Neto and many more, with some still out of action.

The Wolves boss will be looking to the upcoming transfer window, which opens in the next few days, to add quality, fitness and availability to his squad as they challenge for a spot in Europe next season, but he may be able to save money by making a bold decision.

Morgan Gibbs White is currently on loan with Sheffield United, and is thoroughly enjoying the first team football he is experiencing with the side after making 16 appearances, scoring five goals and bagging four assists in the Championship already.

The Blades team mate, David McGoldrick, heaped praise on the youngster claiming he has “the world at his feet” after he opened the scoring against Cardiff in a 3-2 win;

“Yeah he’s got the world at his feet. You know, great kid, great player. He’s got all the ability in the world”, McGoldrick said after the win at Cardiff.

Gibbs White also weighed in on his season so far;

“Going to Sheffield United was the right move because I didn’t want to be sat on the bench at a Premier League team. I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Lage’s big decision

Despite the fact he is clearly thriving with the Championship side, Lage is plagued with virus outbreaks and particularly, an injury to an important goal-scorer in his team.

Which begs the dilemma as to whether the Wolves manager leaves the 21-year-old to continue to build confidence and experience, or recalls him from loan, bringing him back to the West Midlands club to make up for lost goal scoring opportunities in the absence of Hwang.

If Wolves were to bring back Gibbs-White it would free up funds for Lage to spend in other key areas that could use depth like their defensive and wing back positions, so it could be quite a positive move for the club.

But could also really disrupt the progression the forward is having away on loan if the manager can’t offer him enough first team football when Hwang returns.

In the end, Wolves’ need right now is far more pressing, so Lage must seriously consider making that bold call.

In other news: Ruben Neves squashes rumours of a move away

Ian Doyle has been left ‘disappointed’ by the display of Curtis Jones as Liverpool hosted Watford in the Premier League at Saturday lunchtime.

The Lowdown: Given chance

Jones was given his chance to impress from the start by Jurgen Klopp, ahead of the likes of Fabinho and James Milner in the centre of midfield.

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It was only his ninth start in the top flight this season, but he did not seem to be able to make the most of his opportunity, despite the Reds moving top of the Premier League with a relatively tame 2-0 victory.

The Latest: Doyle reacts

Taking to Twitter, The Liverpool Echo journalist Doyle slammed Jones’ performance after he shot ‘well over’ the crossbar in the second half of the game:

“Jones has a run and although it opens up a little, he shoots well over. It has been a disappointing afternoon so far for the LFC midfielder.”

The Verdict: Not his day

It was clearly not Jones’ day, as that shot was one of two attempts that he put off target, while he was also wayward with three of his crosses (SofaScore).

Defensively, he lost out on five of his duels, and failed to make a single interception or clearance in the match, while he was also dribbled past and made a foul (SofaScore).

However, Jones was perhaps most ‘disappointing’ in possession, as he was guilty of losing the ball a total of 12 times, and given that he came off on the hour mark for Fabinho, statistically he gave the ball away every five minutes.

The 21-year-old Englishman will know that his starting spot is not guaranteed, and he will have to put in better performances if he is to be a mainstay in the side in the future.

In other news, find out what big transfer update Fabrizio Romano has dropped that affects the Reds here!

Newcastle’s new owners made the decision to sack manager Steve Bruce last month after just over two years at the helm on Tyneside.

The ex-Sunderland and Aston Villa coach was relieved of his duties after failing to pick up a win in the Premier League, with Eddie Howe recently being named as his permanent successor following a short stint from Graeme Jones as interim head coach.

Along the way, a number of Newcastle players regressed and decreased in value as Bruce was unable to kick the club on and push them towards a fight for top-half finishes.

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Time’s up

One player we recently suggested Howe should axe from the team, Ciaran Clark, is one of those. His development has been stunted in recent years and he is now on a downwards trend. This means that it could be his time to be sold in the January transfer window, or next summer ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

When Bruce was appointed as Newcastle manager in the summer of 2019, the Ireland international was valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt. Under Rafa Benitez, his value increased from £4.05m as the Spaniard got the best out of the defender, but Bruce was unable to continue the former Liverpool coach’s good work.

The £42k-per-week defender has averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.66 in the Premier League this season, down from the 6.80 he managed last term. In the 2020/21 campaign, he only completed 64% of his passes into the opposition half and helped Newcastle keep three clean sheets in 22 league matches.

At the time of writing (14/11/21), Transfermarkt value Clark at £2.7m. This means that his value plummeted by 50% in just two years under Bruce, having gone up by over £1m during Benitez’s tenure at St. James’ Park. His failure to help the Magpies keep a tight defence and his lapse passing may have contributed to his loss of value, with Bruce unable to get a tune out of the ex-Villa man.

He has already proven himself to be a liability this season, giving a penalty away and failing to keep a single clean sheet in nine games. As a result of his foolish challenge that gave away a spot-kick against Brighton, Toon legend Alan Shearer said: “First of all, it’s a stupid challenge from Clark, he should never make that challenge there.”

Bruce set him on this slope and it remains to be seen whether or not Howe will be able to get him back to his best. Sadly, that’s why his time on Tyneside could be up; Newcastle have to cash in on him before his value drops further.

AND in other news, Eddie Howe could seal Newcastle masterstroke with £10m deal for Ben Arfa 2.0…

Liverpool are interested in a deal to bring Gavi to Anfield in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Catalan media outlet El Nacional, who claim that, with the 17-year-old demanding a significant pay rise in his contract negotiations with Barcelona – something that the LaLiga side cannot afford – Liverpool have already contacted the midfielder’s entourage informing them the Reds are willing to pay his €50m (£42m) release clause.

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A further report by the same publication revealed that the Premier League side would be willing to offer the Spain international a salary of around €4m-per-year (£3.4m-per-year), which works out at around £65k-per-week – a figure that is much greater than Barcelona could offer the teenager.

It could be bye-bye Salah

With Mohamed Salah’s own contract situation at Liverpool still appearing rather unclear at present – the 29-year-old is yet to put pen to paper on an extension at Anfield, with his current deal set to expire next summer – should Liverpool indeed go on to make a move for Gavi this summer, it could well be a clear indication that the Egypt international will be on the move.

However, while Salah’s departure would undoubtedly come as a huge blow to everyone involved with Liverpool, considering the sheer amount of potential the young Spaniard quite clearly possesses, there would not seem many better signings Jurgen Klopp’s side could make in order to replace their £90m-rated talisman.

Indeed, despite Gavi’s primary position being that of a central midfielder, the £54m-rated sensation has demonstrated over his 11 of his outings having already come on either the left or right flank.

Furthermore, it is clear from the £2.2k-per-week teenager’s heatmap over his 26 LaLiga outings this season that he had a tendency to drift out wide – something that would suggest the Spaniard’s long-term future could well be as a winger.

Gavi quite clearly possesses all of the attributes to be an extremely successful wide forward in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, with FBref ranking the 17-year-old in the top 7% of all wingers in Europe’s big five leagues for pressures per 90, as well as the top 1% for pass completion, the top 25% for tackles, the top 15% for interceptions and the top 5% for blocks.

However, it is far from just an impressive work rate in the Masia graduate’s wheelhouse, as the player who Pedri recently dubbed an “absolutely crazy” talent also possesses an extremely creative eye – having scored two goals, registered five assists and created six big chances for his teammates in LaLiga this season.

As such, considering his undoubted ability, extremely impressive positional versatility and affordable buy-out clause, should Salah indeed move onto pastures new this summer, Gavi would very much appear to be a near-perfect replacement for the 29-year-old.

AND in other news: LFC now set to launch bid for “faultless” £25m ace, he’d be an “unbelievable” signing

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester United fans have been left thrilled by what they call an ‘exciting’ update as some behind-closed-doors news emerges.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to oversee United’s rise back to the pinnacle of English football this season with his side last winning a Premier League title nearly ten years ago.

In that time, their bitter rivals Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all gone on to become top flight champions while United looked on with the aim of reaching that same level again.

After a head-turning, blockbuster summer transfer window – signing the likes of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane before completing a sensational return for club legend Cristiano Ronaldo – it has been a fairly promising start in parts.

United are well in the mix near the top of the Premier League table but will be disappointed to drop crucial points against the likes of Aston Villa and Everton recently.

In a possible boost for Solskjaer, however, some news has emerged which has excited plenty of United fans.

As star forward Marcus Rashford continues his recovery from shoulder surgery, he has now marked a playing return by getting on the scoresheet twice in United’s 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers behind-closed-doors – according to Laurie Whitwell.

The Red Devils could very well be boosted by his imminent return as it edges ever closer, prompting many supporters to erupt as this ‘exciting’ Rashford update drops.

Find all of their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

Man United fans flock to ‘exciting’ Rashford update…

“The Prem is in trouble o.”

Credit: @SamKwasiBoateng

“I know its just a behind-closed-doors but this is exciting”

Credit: @Eddie_Fpl

“He’s come to save us”

Credit: @Lukeandreas_

“no one’s ready”

Credit: @manunited_vibezz

“SIUUUUUU”

Credit: @KingUTD2

“Wooh that’s good news for united”

Credit: @Eng_Severine

“This makes me so happy”

Credit: @Blueninja658

“Okay. We’re back in business.”

Credit: @Oliveresuana

A development has emerged on Rangers defender Nathan Patterson, regarding interest in the Gers’ full-back’s future at Ibrox.

What’s the talk?

According to 90min, Manchester United are lining up a swoop for the full-back ahead of the January transfer window.

The report claims more than 12 teams across Europe are keen on the youngster, whilst United also hold a tentative interest in Gers captain James Tavernier. Everton are named as one of the other clubs looking at Patterson, whilst United have alternative options in Kieran Trippier and Max Aarons.

Concern

This development on Patterson will surely leave Rangers fans feeling concerned over the possibility of a large blow in January. His potential has clearly caught the attention of a host of teams and that opens the door to the prospect of him leaving Ibrox in one of the upcoming transfer windows.

If more than 12 clubs are interested in the teenager then that could make it difficult for Rangers to keep hold of him. His agent could be fielding enquiries from sides left, right and centre and hearing that teams in the Champions League, such as Manchester United, are looking at him could turn his head.

Having the chance to go and play in the Premier League and Champions League, competing for the top trophies, could convince him to quit Ibrox, if United – or another side in Europe’s premier competition – make a serious move for him. This is precisely why Rangers fans should be worried.

The club’s head of academy Craig Mulholland once heralded the full-back as a great example for young players, saying: “Nathan has been fantastic for us this year.

“If you go and look at Nathan in the last 16 of the Europa League, if you look at him in the Old Firm game, it’s a great example for all the young players in here of what we’re trying to achieve.”

The 19-year-old has lived up to this high praise on the pitch. Last season, he averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.85 in the Europa League, showing that he can compete at a high level despite his young age.

In his only Premiership appearance this term, he provided an assist and recorded a score of 7.6 against Hibernian last weekend.

Patterson has shown that he has the potential to be a big player for Steven Gerrard moving forward and thus, supporters will be gutted to see him go.

He has already proven that he can play to a high standard in the Europa League and the Premiership and at the age of 19, he is James Tavernier’s ideal heir at right-back. With that in mind, it would be a hefty blow to lose him. After all, when Tavernier was missing last season, Patterson came in and performed admirably.

Should the former be missing again and the latter departs, the club would not be in good stead.

AND in other news, Wilson masterclass: Rangers dynamo sees value soar by 85.7% in one year, he’s exciting…

Graham Roberts believes that a clutch of young Tottenham Hotspur players could be given a major opportunity to impress in the Europa Conference League this season.

Spurs qualified for the competition after finishing seventh in the Premier League last season.

It certainly wasn’t their main objective, with the Conference League the third-tier European competition, behind the Champions League and the Europa League.

New Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo has involved a number of youngsters in pre-season, including Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett.

Devine is just 16, while Scarlett is 17, and they have each made their first-team debuts for the club.

The former played in the FA Cup clash with non-league Marine last season, scoring in the 5-0 win, while Scarlett has made three appearances, a one-minute cameo against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League and also against both Ludogorets and Wolfsberger in the Europa League, providing an assist in the latter.

And Roberts believes that players of their kind will have a major opportunity in the Conference League this term.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “It’s brilliant to play in that Europa Conference, I think a lot of youngsters will be given chances in that. What you’ve got to be careful of is that you don’t play too many and you get knocked out, and everyone’s having a go at you because it’s the Conference.

“So they’ve either got to take it 80 or 90 per cent serious or they just say ‘it’s just for the youngsters and we’re not bothered about it’.

“So it’s down to what the manager and what the club want to do with it. But those two could learn a lot in that competition this year, very, very much so.”

With the latest international break now out of the way, West Brom’s next Championship test sees them take on Huddersfield Town away from home on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking ahead of the match in his latest press conference, Baggies manager Valerien Ismael revealed that only Dara O’Shea, Kean Bryan and Kenneth Zohore will be unavailable for the match against the Terriers through injury.

With this in mind, here’s how we feel West Brom will line up for the match and what changes Ismael could make from their 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough before the break. We expect three alterations from that line-up.

In goal, it would be hard to see Sam Johnstone not start for the Baggies after playing in all but one of their league games so far this season.

For the back three, we think Ismael will put Clarke back into the side after recovering from the head injury which forced him off the pitch in the early stages of the clash against Middlesbrough. He starts alongside Kyle Bartley, who replaced him in that game, and Cedric Kipre.

We can see Conor Townsend and Darnell Furlong occupying the wing-back positions, with Adam Reach dropping out after he had a mixed display in a left-wing back role against Middlesbrough.

In midfield, now that both Alex Mowatt and club captain Jake Livermore are back fit again, we imagine that Ismael would want to get them both back on the pitch ahead of Jayson Molumby and Robert Snodgrass, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £24k-per-week according to Salary Sport, dropping down to the substitutes’ bench.

At the top of the pitch, we think Ismael will stick with the same front three which started against Middlesbrough. with Karlan Grant and Grady Diangana, who scored in the 1-1 draw, on either side of Callum Robinson in the middle, who netted in Ireland’s recent 3-0 win over Luxembourg.

In other news: Lai could deliver WBA’s first January signing with “intelligent” £27k-p/w machine

Reliable reporter John Percy has had his say on Aston Villa’s links to Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey.

The Lowdown: Bailey links

Villa’s interest in Bailey emerged on Wednesday, with reports suggesting the club were eyeing up a £30m swoop for the wide man.

The 23-year-old is viewed as an attainable target by Villa and are thought to be readying an approach to the Bundesliga side.

Bailey, who scored 15 goals and registered 11 assists last season, has just under two years left on his Leverkusen deal.

The Latest: Percy’s post

Percy, who writes for The Telegraph, responded to a Villa supporter on Wednesday evening suggesting Bailey fits the criteria for Villa in terms of position and price, however, he didn’t feel a move is imminent.

Another Villa fan then quoted his tweet, sharing his disappointment, with Percy replying to the supporter in question, saying:

“Never said he wasn’t on the list mate”

Percy, who has over 120,000 followers, can get hundreds of retweets and thousands of likes on his transfer posts, but as this was a reply to a fan, it seemed to go under the radar with just two retweets.

The Verdict: Sign

Bailey could well be on Villa’s shopping list, according to Percy, and a move for the Jamaican could turn out to be an excellent piece of business.

He’s capable of playing on either flank or as a centre-forward, with his main position coming on the right.

Should he move to the Midlands, Dean Smith may well then decide to use Jack Grealish in a central role, if he stays at Villa Park of course.

A front four of Bailey, Grealish, Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins looks dangerous on paper, but a lot could happen between now and Villa’s opener against Watford on August 14.

In other news: Everton ace keen on Villa move, find out more here.