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The Athletic’s Phil Hay has confirmed that Leeds United defender Luke Ayling will require surgery ahead of the Whites’ Premier League clash against Watford on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the story?

The right-back had played the full 90 minutes in every single top-flight game this season for Marcelo Bielsa’s side before he was forced off in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw against Newcastle at St James’ Park a couple of weeks ago.

The 30-year-old then missed the subsequent clash at West Ham last time out, and Hay has now revealed that as well as missing today’s game against Watford, Ayling will require surgery to fix an issue in his knee.

Writing on Twitter, the journalist confirmed: “Ayling has a knee injury. That requires what Bielsa called “simple” surgery (a clean-out job, essentially).”

Fans will be gutted

Ayling has been a virtual ever-present for Leeds and arguably their Mr Reliable, having played the full 90 minutes in every single Premier League game last season bar one – and even that was when Bielsa decided to take him off him to try and find a goal in the last 20 minutes against ten-man Arsenal.

The versatile defender also wore the captain’s armband on 12 occasions last year, and his leadership at the back is something the Whites could really do with given the tough, winless start they have endured to begin this Premier League campaign.

Described as a “great technician” by former Arsenal academy team-mate Cedric Evina, Ayling’s absence from the Leeds side cannot be underestimated, with Bielsa saying after Leeds’ 3-0 victory over Aston Villa last October that the right-back “transmitted serenity to the rest of the team”.

He will once again be missed today, but the reports that he now requires surgery are sure to have both Bielsa and the club’s fans very worried about the amount of time he could miss and how many games he could be ruled out for amid this tricky run.

Meanwhile, Beren Cross has dropped a Leeds United transfer update…

Many Wolves fans have been left reacting to some comments made by Patrick Cutrone.

Speaking to Sky Italy (via Talking Wolves), the striker commented on his imminent loan move to Empoli in the Serie A:

“Happy to be back in Italy. I chose Empoli because it’s a great club and a great place to play football. I tell the fans that I am really fired up: I can’t wait to get to know you all, get on the pitch & tear things up.”

Some members of the Molineux faithful were left confused by him claiming that he will ‘tear things up’, given his troubled time at the Midlands club, in which he has only managed to score just a mere three goals in 28 games in total over all competitions across the last two seasons (Transfermarkt), and he has been shipped out on loan to both Fiorentina and Valencia respectively.

Nonetheless, Cutrone does not seem too enthusiastic to stay at the Wanderers judging by his latest comments, and so it may be a wise idea for them to move him on permanently after his loan spell ends.

Wolves fans on Cutrone comments

These WWFC supporters gave their reactions as the comments were shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that Cutrone is a ‘joker’:

“For a starters mate. Tear up your Wolves contract and everything will be sweet”

Credit: @charliewwfc_

“Couldn’t tear a piece of paper dafty”

Credit: @wwfcrhys

“Who does this guy think he is?”

Credit: @kyewazza

“When has he ever torn things up?”

Credit: @danielcmila

“Tear things up … Behave”

Credit: @trev291

“How many years has this joker got left on his contract?”

Credit: @silentbob1957

In other news, find out what transfer update has Wanderers fuming here!

Liverpool’s UEFA Youth League line-up may have given clues as to who’ll be involved against FC Porto, The Athletic’s Simon Hughes writes. 

The lowdown

Liverpool are due to the face the Primeira Liga side on Wednesday night knowing that they’ve already secured progression to the Round of 16 as group winners.

That could give Jurgen Klopp the chance to rotate his side prior to the weekend’s Premier League clash with Southampton.

Klopp said in his pre-match press conference he would think about ‘ourselves, our schedule and the situation of our players’ when choosing his side.

The latest

Hughes points out that Marc Bridge-Wilkinson selected Kaide Gordon, Owen Beck and Connor Bradley for the Under-19s’ corresponding clash with Porto earlier in the day.

“I can’t see them playing tonight,” he says.

However, ‘interestingly’, Tyler Morton and James Balagizi are ‘not involved’ against the Portuguese side.

In theory, then, they should be available for the senior clash at Anfield.

The verdict

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Morton feature from the start in what is effectively a dead-rubber fixture.

The midfielder has played in both of Liverpool’s EFL Cup ties and made his Premier League debut last weekend with a brief run-out in the 4-0 victory over Arsenal (via Transfermarkt).

In his programme notes for Wednesday’s game, Klopp described the 19-year-old as ‘very special’.

Perhaps the signs are pointing towards a full Champions League debut.

In other news, fans react to the club’s January transfer decision.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been included in FIFA 22’s latest Team of the Week following his displays for Argentina during the international break.

Villa shared the news on Twitter, and, as to be expected, many Villa fans were quick to praise the shot-stopper as a result.

Martinez, who has featured in all but one of Villa’s Premier League games this season, earned his 13th and 14th caps for his country, helping them qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 29-year-old didn’t concede a goal in a win over Uruguay and a stalemate with Brazil and has been included in EA Sports’ Team of the Week alongside the likes of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.

Martinez’s new in-form card is rated at 86, two higher than his base card which was released at the beginning of the series.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Martinez’s card, with one saying his son will be ‘buzzing’ at the update, while another labelled the fan favourite as a ‘phenomenon’.

“You just love to see it”

Credit: @branvilladon

“The bloke is a phenomenon”

Credit: @markwalker1985

“YES!!! Give me him red”

Credit: @AlexLeeXXI

“Oh that’s filthy”

Credit: @ajbyrne_avfc

“My son will be buzzing”

Credit: @designs_HR

“Absolutely gorgeous”

Credit: @ChukwuemekaSZN

“WWWWW”

Credit: @AVFCJJC

In other news: Lots of Aston Villa fans flock to Leon Bailey injury news. 

According to a Tottenham Hotspur source via Football Insider, managing director Fabio Paratici is working on ‘multiple deals simultaneously’ with the club in ‘final talks’ over a few players.

The Lowdown: Paratici at work…

Pictured on his phone throughout Tottenham’s pre-season friendly with Colchester United on Wednesday evening, the Italian transfer guru seemingly never stops working.

The 2021/2022 season is fast approaching and Spurs will need to strengthen sufficiently in key areas before Nuno Espirito Santo’s first full campaign in charge.

Tottenham are now said to be working on multiple signings after a very busy week of transfer activity, with Pierluigi Gollini, Cristian Romero, Bryan Gil and Takehiro Tomiyasu the names on Paratici’s agenda.

The Latest: Spurs source drops quadruple final talks claim…

In quite an exciting claim, a Spurs source has told Football Insider that ‘final talks’ have been taking place over all four men at once as Paratici attempts multiple signings simultaneously for Nuno.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-updates/” title=”Tottenham latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, the former Juventus chief is apparently ‘renowned’ for negotiating for as many as five players to strengthen a single position at the same time – ensuring he manages to capture at least one of his top targets.

Even though it is ‘possible’ all deals may not be completed, particularly in defence with both Tomiyasu and Romero on the agenda, it is ‘highly likely’ at least one of these centre-backs will sign for Tottenham.

Gollini now appears certain to be first through the door at this stage, having undergone medical examinations ahead of his move (Sky Sports).

The Verdict: Exciting claim…

News of Paratici being in ‘final talks’ on a plethora of separate deals should come as music to the ears of Tottenham fans.

At one stage of the summer, Tottenham were without a manager and any new signings whilst seemingly looking like they were getting nowhere with either, plummeting towards a potentially disastrous transfer window.

Now, as Nuno enters the helm, another new appointment in Paratici could provide hope for the 21/22 campaign as he gets to work freshening up the squad.

In other news: ‘News regarding Tottenham’…Sky Sports drop big transfer update on live TV, find out more here.

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in making a move for Juventus central defender Radu Drăgușin, as per Gazzetta Dello Sport, Via Sport Witness.

Moving into 2021/22, the Eagles face a monumental rebuilding job as they aim to replace 22  players following their release list announcement earlier this month [The Sun].

Looking to raise funds for their own summer spending spree, the Italian giants are said to be open to selling the 19-year-old despite recently tying him down on a deal until 2025 [Sport Witness].

In his breakthrough Serie A season, the youngster made four appearances for the Old Lady in all competitions as Juventus endured a rather difficult campaign [Transfermarkt].

Needing to replace the departed duo of Gary Cahill and Mamadou Sakho, the Romanian could represent a long-term option for Palace, one that could have significant sell-on value further down the line.

Upon hearing the news about the interest in Drăgușin, it was no wonder that loads of Crystal Palace supporters flocked to Twitter to give their reactions to latest developments.

Palace fans react:

Replying to CPFC Transfers HQ, here are what some of the CPFC fans had to say:

“Love it”

Credit: @henrygannett”We need a manager before we sign players surely”Credit: @MarkDre44138040″Makes sense”Credit: @MarkC1305″Oooo nice”Credit: @WestgateElliot”Making offers without a manager”Credit: @CPFCRonnie2″Nice copy and paste job”Credit: @Billy_Meyers98In other news, Crystal Palace are interested in a Chelsea midfielder.

Former Premier League star Carlton Palmer insists Chelsea would never have sold striker Tammy Abraham to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

The striker joined Italian club Roma from the Blues, as Thomas Tuchel looked to restructure his squad.

Chelsea, of course, secured the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan, paying £97.5m to bring the Belgium international back to Stamford Bridge.

Abraham, as a result, was pushed even further down the pecking order, and he has subsequently been allowed to move to Italy to link up with Jose Mourinho in Rome.

He was also linked with a potential move within the Premier League, as both Arsenal and West Ham United were said to hold an interest in the forward.

But Palmer believes that Chelsea were always likely to send him to a club abroad, rather than allowing him to strengthen a rival, particularly Mikel Arteta’s side.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Palmer said: “I’m pleased the guy went and played his football. I don’t think Chelsea would have let him go to Arsenal, out of choice because of the rivalry and so forth.

“For Chelsea, from the club’s point of view, they’re happy for him to go abroad. I’m pleased for Tammy.”

Crystal Palace confirmed the signing of Watford midfielder Will Hughes on Saturday afternoon.

And, as to be expected, the transfer news had a number of Eagles supporters talking on social media.

The 26-year-old has become Patrick Vieira’s sixth signing in charge at Selhurst Park and has penned a three-year contract.

Palace have reportedly paid the Hornets an initial £6m for Hughes’ services, with a transfer potentially rising to £10m in the future with add-ons.

The central midfielder rejected a new five-year deal at Watford earlier in the summer and was training with the club’s Under-23’s as his future was up in the air.

Hughes, who can also operate on either flank, has over 300 games of senior football under his belt, with 77 of his appearances coming in the Premier League.

Palace fans react

Palace shared the news regarding Hughes on their official Twitter page hours before their 2-2 draw with West Ham.

This is what these Eagles fans had to say in reply, with one describing the transfer as ‘excellent’.

“GET IN”

Credit: @AaronCu36671808

“Good Lord I’m in love”

Credit: @BlueCPFC

“Excellent business. Welcome to a bigger club with proper fans.”

Credit: @HunterCPFC

“Get in”

Credit: @joelcpfc_

“Let’s gooo”

Credit: @bazbrown123

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @IocaIpIa999tic

In other news: Many Palace fans buzz at links to Paris Saint-Germain ace. 

Harry Kane did an explosive interview with Gary Neville last week about his future at Tottenham Hotspur and Les Reed, former FA Technical Director, has claimed that it will be difficult to replace Kane both on and off the pitch.

It came to the forefront of all media channels last week that he had reportedly told Spurs he wants to leave the club this summer and after they only managed to qualify for the Europa Conference League, it doesn’t seem like he could be persuaded to stay.

Despite Spurs finishing seventh, Kane showcased his talent and how he has adapted his game through the season as he picked up both the golden boot and playmaker award for registering the most goals and assists.

If one of the top three strikers in the world left their club, there would be a huge void that would be almost impossible to fill and that is what will happen to Spurs if Kane leaves as his ability and leadership is top quality. Those are the thoughts of Reed, who spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“It will be very difficult because he is an icon and I know Harry so I know there are a lot of things about him, his personality and his leadership and the way he does things.

“I’ve been fortunate to be close to both Harry and Jordan Henderson who are both leaders, but both very different in the way they do it. That makes Harry quite unique at Tottenham as he’s a very bright boy who plans a lot.”

If Sunday’s 4-2 win against Leicester City was his final game in a Tottenham shirt, he went out doing what he does best and that is scoring goals as he netted the opening goal for Spurs, which was enough to pip Mohamed Salah to the golden boot.

This summer looks to be one of Spurs’ biggest in their recent history as they hope to keep hold of their star striker Kane as well as needing to appoint a new manager who will be able to make them regular challengers for the top four once again.

Steve Bruce’s West Bromwich Albion side will be looking to bounce back in today’s game against Coventry City, following what was an embarrassing 4-0 defeat last time out against Nottingham Forest.

Despite a late surge into the play-off places looking admittedly slim, Bruce will no doubt be vying for three wins from three games, even if it is just to build momentum for next season.

So too will Mark Robins and Coventry City, who stand a better chance of sealing a spot in the top six as they sit two points better off than the Baggies, with the same number of games played.

Realistically, promotion for both sides is unlikely this season, although a West Brom win today would see Bruce’s side leapfrog the Sky Blues into 11th place.

In terms of injuries, it was reported yesterday that Alex Mowatt has undergone surgery to address the groin injury sustained against Nottingham Forest last Monday, which of course rules him out for the season.

£7m January signing Daryl Dike could feature before the end of the season, though it is unlikely, with the USA international’s main priority getting fit for next season.

In regards to suspensions, the Baggies will be without Darnell Furlong who was dubbed “stupid” by Josh Holland for the first yellow card leading to his sending off.

With the latest news shared, here is how Football FanCast expects West Bromwich Albion to line up against Mark Robins’ Coventry City side.

West Brom XI: Button (GK), Clarke (LCB), Bartley (CB), O’Shea (RCB), Gardner-Hickman (RM), Reach (RCM), Livermore (DM), Molumby (LCM), Townsend (LM), Carroll (ST), Grant (ST)

We expect the side to set up in a 3-5-2.

Our prediction sees two changes compared to the squad put out against Nottingham Forest, with 20-year-old gem Taylor Gardner-Hickman – dubbed “fearless” by his former manager Valerien Ismael – expected to come in for the suspended Darnell Furlong out wide and the 22-year-old Jayson Molumby – who Brian Kerr said “leaves a man for dead” – set to replace the injured Alex Mowatt in central midfield.

Molumby has failed to assert himself as a Baggies regular this season, starting just 36% of their 43 games in the Championship.

Before heading back to parent club Brighton, the Ireland international will be hoping to end the season strong and with Alex Mowatt’s injury, should be given the run of games to do so.

Elsewhere, it’s the same squad that endured defeat last time out, with the likes of Andy Carroll looking to earn a contract extension in a line-up that sees him partner Baggies top scorer Karlan Grant.

AND in other news: Huge blow: West Brom dealt big injury setback ahead of Coventry, Bruce will be gutted