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Southampton currently have a significant number of players in their squad that have worked their way through the youth system at the club such as Theo Walcott and James Ward-Prowse, who have a total of 648 Premier League appearances between them.

One other player currently in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad that has made his way through Southampton’s youth academy is centre-back Jack Stephens, who currently has 114 league appearances under his belt.

Looking at him, in particular, the 27-year-old defender made his senior debut for the Saints back in January 2012 in an FA Cup victory over Coventry City before making his Premier League bow for the club in their 3-0 defeat against Everton in January 2017 under former Southampton manager Claude Puel.

Overall, Stephens has made 139 appearances for Southampton across all competitions, chipping in with six goals and five assists along the way after working his way through the club’s youth system after signing from Plymouth Argyle in a deal worth a reported fee of £150k back in 2011.

So far this season, Stephens had played 90 minutes in all of Southampton’s Premier League games before picking up a serious knee injury during their 0-0 draw against Manchester City, ultimately ruling him out for 12 weeks according to Hasenhuttl, which is not only very unfortunate for the player, but for the team as a whole given how prominent he was for them beforehand.

In terms of his market value, in February 2017, shortly after making his Premier League debut for the Saints, Transfermarkt had his value listed as £675k, whereas it now stands at £7.2m, highlighting a significant rise over recent years.

This also shows just how much of a good purchase he was all those years ago for such a low price and how much the club have developed Stephens, who has previously been described as “excellent” by former Saints captain Steven Davis, to become a regular first-team figure for them.

Looking ahead to the future, if Stephens can fully recover from this unfortunate knee injury and get back to playing regularly for the Saints, we see no reason why his market value can’t go on and rise even further than it has done recently.

In other news: Southampton may be set for big blow after Saints news emerges, Ralph surely gutted – opinion

Celtic defender Stephen Welsh looks set to remain at Parkhead beyond the January transfer window, according to The Daily Record’s Scott Burns.

The Lowdown: Welsh rumours

The 21-year-old has made 19 appearances under Ange Postecoglou this season, however, he’s been linked with a move away this month.

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Udinese recently enquired over taking Welsh on loan, with reports elsewhere claiming Celtic would be willing to sell for just £1.7m.

Welsh reportedly liked the idea of moving to Italy, but it appears as if a move will not materialise over the coming weeks.

The Latest: Burns’ update

Reliable reporter Burns shared a late-night update on Monday regarding midfield target Riley McGree and a possible departure for Welsh.

When it came to the defender, Burns claimed that Postecoglou and Celtic have made it clear to Udinese that Welsh won’t be leaving in January.

The Hoops boss wants Welsh to stay and battle it out for a starting spot and is in the mix alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Christopher Jullien.

The Verdict: Postecoglou gets his way

Celtic have backed Postecoglou this month with multiple signings, and it seems as if the Aussie is going to get his way again when it comes to Welsh.

It’s refreshing to see the club are willing to listen to the gaffer, and keeping hold of the 21-year-old seems to be the right call.

Welsh, Carter-Vickers and Starfelt have all made plenty of appearances this season, whereas Jullien’s last game came back in 2020.

It will take time for the Frenchman to get back up to speed, so having three other senior options available around Jullien will give Postecoglou a welcome headache when it comes to selection.

In other news: Big transfer update emerges as Celtic eye 3rd forward. 

Tottenham Hotspur manager and big name Antonio Conte is now eyeing an unceremonious exit at the end of the season, according to reports.

The lowdown: Conte’s tenure so far

Appointed in November 2021 following the dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo, Spurs fans had cause for optimism when the 52-year-old taskmaster arrived in north London.

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Conte arrived with Tottenham in ninth place and some five points adrift of the Premier League top-four pacesetters. Since then the Lilywhites’ have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes and the January arrivals of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur have provided a much-needed boost to the ranks.

However, currently sitting fifth and with UEFA Champions League qualification still in the balance, the ex-Italian national team boss could already be debating his options.

The latest: A worrying claim…

As per Grenier on Twitter, relaying a report from Le Parisien, Conte is believed to harbour a desire to take over the hot seat at Paris Saint Germain should Mauricio Pochettino be relieved of his duties in the French capital.

Former Spurs boss Pochettino has come under fire in recent weeks after PSG were eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid and it appears that potential replacements could already be lining up.

Le Parisien go as far to state that Conte has set his sights on a move to Paris, speaking about it to their club chiefs and becoming confident he can take over from Pochettino.

As shared by Grenier, the outlet claim: “Antonio Conte dreams of coaching PSG next season. He spoke about it to employees, showing himself confident about the feasibility of a transfer. He has let emissaries from Qatar know he is interested, but he is not the first choice. (The Parisian).”

The verdict: Big blow

Given Conte’s track record of only spending small periods of time in any one job and an initial 18-month deal, it was only ever likely to be a short term love affair at N17 but having all but won the managerial lottery with the appointment of the decorated Italian, Tottenham will no doubt be reluctant to cut ties with Conte so prematurely.

Albeit Spurs haven’t pulled up any trees just yet with the new man at the helm, there has been incremental improvement in recent months and with a full summer transfer window under his belt, it appears to be an exciting proposition moving forwards.

Whilst the club would be steadfast against the idea, should the PSG interest from all parties materialise then it may not be out of the realms of possibility that the eternally linked Pochettino finally makes an eagerly anticipated return to north London.

In other news: Tottenham officials dispatched to club as they allegedly eye ‘unbelievable’ £33m man for Conte! Find out more here.

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has broken an ‘update’ on Leeds United’s quest to sign RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson this summer.

The Lowdown: Aaronson a primary target

Few players have been more regularly linked with a move to Elland Road in recent months than Aaronson, who was tipped to head there during the January transfer window.

Instead, the 21-year-old ended up remaining at Salzburg for the time being, where he has started all eight of his side’s Champions League games this season.

It seems almost inevitable that Leeds will return for Aaronson this summer after making two bids and considering a third under Marcelo Bielsa, and a fresh update has emerged in that respect.

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The Latest: Leeds ‘favourites’ to sign midfielder

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Sky Sports Germany’s Plettenberg claimed that the Whites are the front-runners to snap up the American:

“Update Aaronson: He still wants to leave Salzburg in summer. Negotiations with Leeds are still ongoing. RB rejected offers from LUFC in winter. But they still want him! It is said that Leeds is the favourite. Price tag: €25-30m. No release clause. Big talent!”

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The Verdict: Everything makes sense

There really are only positives when it comes to Leeds signing Aaronson this summer, with so many things working in his favour.

He has played under Jesse Marsch in the past, taking out the risk element of a manager signing someone he doesn’t know, while his style of play fits perfectly into what the Whites’ boss is looking for.

Fully of energy and quality, Aaronson has averaged 1.8 tackles per game in the Champions League this season, showing that he is a hard-working player, and 1.6 key passes per match also prove that he can be a creative force in an attacking midfield role. Only Raphinha (2.1) has averaged more for Leeds in the Premier League in 2021/22.

In other news, Adam Pope has dropped a key Leeds injury claim ahead of the weekend. Read more here.

Speaking live on Sky Sports, reporter Kaveh Solhekol has made a West Ham United transfer claim involving Man United attacker Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye move…

The Red Devils ace is a top target for manager David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman as the January transfer window nears it’s half way point.

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As reliably reported, the Irons boss is personally eyeing a move to bring Lingard back to West Ham on a permanent deal following his impressive 2020/2021 loan spell.

This comes amid his precarious contract situation with the 29-year-old set to leave as a free agent later this year as things stand, but in a live TV update, Solhekol may have just shared a blow as he makes a West Ham transfer claim.

The Latest: Solhekol makes Lingard claim…

According to the Sky journalist, sharing what he’s been ‘told’ after being asked about Lingard to West Ham, he explains it could be off the table as things stand but refuses to rule out a ‘change’ near the end of the window.

“As things stand, I was told that’s not happening, there’s nothing happening as far as Lingard and West Ham are concerned,” he explained.

“Of course, that could change as we get closer to the end of the window, but at the moment the information we have is nothing is going on there.”

The Verdict: A must move…

Given how impressive Lingard was for West Ham and how he could bolster Moyes’ options in the final third, some Irons supporters may be hoping that they could indeed still sign him nearer the end of January.

Called ‘amazing’ by pundit Rio Ferdinand, the attacking midfielder’s brilliant haul of nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League starts is testament to just how well he can perform under Moyes.

As West Ham continue their push for historic Champions League qualification, they will need proven reinforcements and reports have suggested that United could accept a cut price £15 million for Lingard this month.

This arguably comes as a bargain and we believe the Irons should certainly maintain a push for the player.

In other news: Bid made: Newman tables offer to sign ‘outstanding’ in-demand new striker target for West Ham, find out more here.

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Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react after Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac revealed that his players feigned injury in order to waste time in the Champions League last 16 tie at Anfield.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt manager led his side to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the tie at Anfield, but decided against pursuing a potentially crucial away goal in favour of running the clock down with some crafty game management.

As quoted by This Is Anfield, Kovac said to Sky Sports: “We all know the drill: it’s close to the final whistle and you try to waste a bit of time.

“Javi (Martinez) has good performance data, meaning he couldn’t have even had a cramp. That’s all a bit of acting.”

Whilst his comments could quite rightly infuriate Liverpool fans, they must realise that the Croatian was obviously fearful of the Reds’ attacking threat, and subsequently decided to stick with what he had and take it back to Bavaria.

Kovac clearly respects Liverpool as being a serious threat to his side. He also admitted that Kingsley Coman pretended to have cramp in the recent 3-2 win over Hertha Berlin, so this tactic is one that Kovac clearly uses quite often and that Jurgen Klopp may even need to develop into his management style if his side are to become ruthless winners.

Let’s see how Liverpool fans on Twitter reacted to the news…

Newcastle United are reportedly now leading the chase to sign Chelsea ace Ross Barkley.

The Lowdown: Howe knows all about him

The 27-year-old is a player that Eddie Howe knows all about from his time managing Bournemouth, but probably for the wrong reasons.

The midfielder has scored three goals and provided a further three assists in eight games against the Cherries, winning four of those (Transfermarkt).

However, Howe could now have the opportunity to work alongside Barkley, should he make the move to St James’ Park.

The Latest: Newcastle leading the chase

As per TEAMtalk, Newcastle are now understood to be ‘leading the chase’ to sign Barkley, but they face competition from both Leeds United and Everton for his signature.

He may be available on a loan-to-buy option from Chelsea once the January transfer window opens, which could present an ideal scenario for the Tyneside club should they end up getting relegated from the Premier League.

Barkley has just over 18 months left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, so if he impresses during a prospective loan spell at Newcastle, he could be signed for a cut-price transfer fee.

The Verdict: No-brainer

That the Magpies could sign a player with Barkley’s experience on a loan deal, given the predicament in which they find themselves, makes this potential move a no-brainer.

The Englishman already has 230 Premier League games under his belt, and his 28 goals and 31 assists show that he is composed in front of goal (Transfermarkt).

It would also present a potentially mouth-watering link-up with Callum Wilson, who dubbed him an ‘unbelievable’ and ‘unreal’ player, and one with whom he would like to play, on The Super 6 podcast (via The Chronicle) earlier this year.

At 27 years of age, Barkley still has a lot to give, and his signing would provide little risk for the new owners given that he is a proven Premier League operator potentially available on the cheap.

In other news, this speedster who Lionel Messi dubbed ‘frightening’ has ‘an offer on the table’ from NUFC

Wilfried Zaha apologised to his Crystal Palace team-mates after his sending off against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, team-mate Conor Gallagher has revealed.

The 29-year-old was sent off just 37 minutes into the game in north London after two bookable offences. For his second yellow, he was guilty of what sports journalist Josh Bunting called ‘absolute stupidity’ as he shoved Spurs defender Davinson Sanchez to the floor.

The red card only compounded Palace’s misery, coming at the end of a seven-minute spell which had also seen them concede two goals. They went on to lose the game 3-0, unable to offer any real attacking threat, as evidenced by their xG of 0.23.

Zaha’s apology after Spurs red

According to Gallagher (via The South London Press), Zaha ‘said sorry in the changing room’ and the players would now ‘forget about it, move on and focus on the next game’.

Fan feed Palace Xtra relayed Gallagher’s comments, and here’s what some supporters had to say in response.

Crystal Palace fans flock to behind-the-scenes reveal

“So he should have”

Credit: @brucemillington

“This has been coming all season. Vieira needs a chat with him and remind him that not only is he unlikely to get a move, but now he’s not even guaranteed a start with us if his attitude is wrong.”

Credit: @audreysprayer

“That sending off has been coming for months”

Credit: @JimmyT1965

“Least he could do”

Credit: @cpfcad

“How about the fans?”

Credit: @Griffo3926

“Also apologise to the fans esp. those who travelled for hours risking Covid to watch a match which ended when he was sent off. We all love Wilf, he’s the best player I have ever seen play for us but enough is enough. This could have happened in almost every game this season”

Credit: @stevemacdesign

In other news, this defender came under fire for his performance. 

Celtic have been linked with a summer move for Nimes Olympique ace Zinedine Ferhat, who is available for pre-contract agreements immediately.

The Lowdown: Ferhat profiled

Ferhat, an Algerian international, is primarily a right-midfielder but has already played as a centre-forward and a left winger this season in the French second tier.

The 28-year-old has made 311 club appearances during his career, contributing to a hugely impressive 111 goals.

He is out of contract at the end of June, meaning CEO Michael Nicholson can tie up a pre-contract agreement right now ahead of a summer move.

The Hoops were linked with Ferhat at the beginning of the year, and it seems as if they could still be keen despite making five January signings.

The Latest: Foot Mercato claim

Foot Mercato shared multiple transfer updates in a story on Wednesday evening, one of which was on Ferhat.

They claimed that Ligue 1 side Brest tried and failed to sign the Algerian last month. The report added that Ferhat decided to stay with Nimes until the end of the season when he will be able to negotiate with other clubs for a free move, with Celtic and Trabzonspor name-checked as possible destinations.

The Verdict: Needed?

Ange Postecoglou has reaped the rewards of bringing a versatile player to Parkhead in Reo Hatate, and who knows, Ferhat could be the next.

Ferhat has played in nine different positions during his career in defence, midfield and attack and is valued at £4.05m.

The Hoops wouldn’t have to pay a penny to Nimes either in a pre-contract agreement, so it could be wise to test the water with a contract offer.

He’s been described as a ‘very graceful’ player by journalist Adam White and could be handy under Postecoglou, who had limited attacking options from the bench last weekend against Dundee United.

In other news: Kieran Devlin drops scary Reo Hatate claim from sources close to Celtic dressing room. 

Sam Johnstone, Kyle Bartley and Karlan Grant all struggled in West Brom’s hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Birmingham City.

The Baggies knew that only a win would suffice at St Andrew’s on Sunday afternoon as they desperately sought to stay in touch with those in the Championship play-off positions.

Instead, Steve Bruce’s side suffered another loss, as their season continues to go from bad to worse, with their March revival seemingly a thing of the past and a gap of eight points to make up on sixth-placed Blackburn with only seven matches remaining.

According to Sofascore, there were three players who stood out as West Brom’s worst on the day among those to have played at least 45 minutes of action.

Kyle Bartley – 6.5

Bartley was far from his best against Birmingham, not showing too much authority at the heart of the defence.

The centre-back lost possession 19 times overall, summing up the visitors’ sloppiness on the ball, and he had just a 66% pass completion rate. No key passes from Bartley also outlined a lack of quality in possession from the defender.

Sam Johnstone – 6.4

This wasn’t the best showing from the Baggies goalkeeper, who was unable to record a precious clean sheet.

The Englishman made only one save during the entire 90 minutes and just 10 of his 25 long balls were accurate, a rate of carelessness which arguably played a role in West Brom not controlling the game.

Johnstone also made no punches, high claims or key passes and gave away possession 15 times.

Karlan Grant – 6.4

Grant was hoping to add to his 14 Championship goals so far this season but that failed to materialise at St Andrew’s.

The 24-year-old managed just a solitary shot off target and none on target in what was an ineffective showing from start to finish, with possession lost eight times.

No key passes came Grant’s way and he also won just one out of his six duels overall as he floundered against Birmingham.

In other news, one team have sent scouts to watch one West Brom player. Find out who it is here.