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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

West Ham United are reportedly interested in making a swoop for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, as reported by Tuttosport.

Contributing effectively last term for the Old Lady, the American registered nine goal contributions in 46 appearances for his current employers; six goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be on his way to East London if reports in the Italian media are to be believed.

Tuttosport claim that McKennie is garnering attention from Everton, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham.

Juve are open to replacing the United States international, with Borussia Dortmund man Axel Witsel identified as a more suitable fit for new manager Massimiliano Allegri’s system.

In light of the Hammers’ alleged interest in McKennie, loads of West Ham United supporters took to social media to comment on the latest news.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to West Ham Central as well as various Hammers news outlets, here is what some fans had to say about the rumours:

“Weston McKennie on a loan to buy would be absolutely incredible business! A 3 of McKennie, Rice & Soucek to choose from would be fantastic”

Credit: @WhufcSloth”JAJAJAJAJAJAJAAJA NO WAY THEY DON’T MENTION TOTTENHAM”Credit: @SaidTalks”100% YESSSS”Credit: @leestirling17″This geezer is unreal, defo won’t happen will cost too much”Credit: @olliebruton”The speed with which I will buy a West Ham McKennie jersey”Credit: @JesseLarch”PLEASE”Credit: @danielluker10In other news, West Ham United fans react as their club rejects the opportunity to sign a striker. Find out more here.

Valerien Ismael will be absolutely thrilled with another three points for West Brom today as they saw off Reading at The Hawthorns with a 1-0 win.

Callum Robinson found the back of the net for the fourth time this season for the Baggies, after Karlan Grant set up the 26-year-old in the 62nd minute of the game as West Brom landed their second consecutive win. That saw them close the gap between themselves and Bournemouth to just three points behind the automatic promotion spot in second.

One man who was an unsung hero on the day was 19-year-old prodigy Taylor Gardner-Hickman, whose work as left wing-back should not go unnoticed for Albion.

Valerien Ismael is a huge fan of the youngster and recently praised the teenager after spotting him in the youth team, saying: “We first spotted him in pre-season. Taylor was the first one because of the intensity he plays at.

“He’s fast, he’s able to cover big distances, he has high speed, he can sprint, he has quality on the ball, he is calm and he has no fear.”As per SofaScore, Gardner-Hickman deservedly had the highest rating on the entire pitch with 8.3, and when you look at his statistics for the game, it’s not hard to see why that was the case. The 19-year-old won 12 duels, with 80 touches and a 92% pass accuracy, which is very impressive and proves just how influential he was to the win today.With only four appearances for West Brom in the Championship so far, and continuing to double up on his under-23 duties in Premier League 2, where he has one goal and two assists, Gardner-Hickman is surely showing Ismael that he is worthy of a regular spot starting in the senior team going forward. Indeed, the youngster is already becoming one of the 46-year-old’s main men at The Hawthorns, as we saw today.In other news: Journalist drops West Brom January transfer claim

After finishing their first season back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence in ninth place, Leeds United were active in the previous summer transfer window by signing the likes of Dan James, Junior Firpo and Kristoffer Klaesson to help boost their squad.

One other business deal the Yorkshire club managed to secure was the permanent signing of winger Jack Harrison from Manchester City after originally joining Leeds on a loan deal back in 2018.

With a total of 143 appearances, 20 goals and 22 assists under his belt for Leeds across all competitions, Harrison has not shown this season why Leeds were right to sign him on a permanent basis with no goals and just one assist provided in 13 league appearances.

Given how Harrison managed to end last season with eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League, these are the numbers that he will undoubtedly be aiming to reach or even improve on this time around.

Harrison has also only managed to successfully complete 43% of his dribbles in the league this season as well as winning just 33% of his duels, showing how ineffective he has been on and off the ball.

As well as this and his lack of goal contributions in the Premier League this season, the 25-year-old’s overall performances have also been underwhelming with Harrison racking up a season rating of 6.48/10 from SofaScore, lower than Leeds’ other summer signings James (6.73/10) and Firpo (6.61/10).

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that Leeds journalist Phil Hay said he’s “wildly out of form” when speaking last month.

Taking this into account, it seems as though that Victor Orta and the Yorkshire club may have dropped a clanger in signing Harrison, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £60k-per-week according to Salary Sport, based on his performances so far this season.

However, the Englishman still has enough time in the campaign to turn his form around and prove to everyone connected to the club that they made the right decision to offer him a permanent deal in the summer.

With Leeds’ next game in the league putting them up against Harrison’s former side on Tuesday evening, this could be a perfect opportunity for the winger to really kickstart his season with Leeds, especially if he can grab his first league goal of the season and potentially secure a much-needed positive result for Bielsa’s side.

In other news: “Screams class”: £16.5k-p/w Leeds beast who won 100% duels proved Bielsa wrong v Chelsea

Joe Wainman, formerly of All Leeds TV and now host of the JustJoe Football Show, insists that the club will not make a move to sign Matheus Pereira from West Bromwich Albion this summer.

Pereira has been linked with a number of clubs in this transfer window.

West Ham United have been heavily linked with a potential move to sign him, as have Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal FC.

To that end, Pereira has even released a statement claiming that he hopes to leave the Baggies in this transfer window, although he intends to do so in the proper manner.

Wainman claims that various Leeds supporters have commented on his YouTube videos asking why the club are not interested in a deal to sign the Brazilian.

But he cannot foresee the club trying to seal a transfer for the star, who scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season despite the Baggies’ relegation and is currently preparing for life in the Championship.

He said: “It doesn’t look like there is a real credible link there for Leeds United, because we have already been making the moves, like we have with Conor Gallagher.

“But a lot of Leeds fans especially, you know, on my YouTube comments, say ‘why don’t we go for Matheus Pereira?’

“But I think he’s wanted by a host of clubs in the Premier League and I just don’t think Leeds United are one of them.”

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has made a major claim about Carney Chukwuemeka and his future at Aston Villa.

What’s the story?

The 17-year-old was a revelation for Villa’s youth side last season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in just six FA Youth Cup games as the club’s young guns went on to lift the trophy.

Preece has now revealed that Chukwuemeka will not be going out on loan and instead is likely to be eased into first team action like Dean Smith has done with Jacob Ramsey.

The journalist reported: “Smith has said himself he’ll have a cluster of academy players in with the first-team this pre-season. I’m expecting Kesler, Chukwuemeka, Philogene-Bidace, A.Ramsey, Louie Barry and others to step up and to be involved in first-team pre-season games. Then, when season begins, Smith will make a call on those players. Chukwuemeka, though, will be around the first team.

“Carney’s not going out on loan. He’s going to be eased in but what’s stopping him from looking really good this season? He’s still a bit of an unknown as he hasn’t been tested at the highest level. He could well be a superstar but Smith will ease him in like he did with Jacob last season.”

Villa fans will love it

At 17, there’s no doubting that Chukwuemeka is one of the brightest young talents at Villa, if not the brightest. The teenager netted a hat-trick in Villa’s 6-1 win over Newcastle to reach the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup last season; a performance which had Preece absolutely raving.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for the Birmingham Mail, he said: “This was a Carney Chukwuemeka masterclass. It was a clinic in how to play an advanced midfield role with the 17-year-old oozing confidence and swagger. The hype’s real surrounding this kid who, as supporters know, has been around Dean Smith’s first team for a long time now. Villa’s No.10 started almost every attack and looked to hurt Newcastle at every opportunity.

“European clubs are hovering looking to take Chukwuemeka and Villa could do with reassuring him that his future’s at Villa Park. He’s ready for some Premier League minutes. A scary talent who assisted Reddin as well. Unreal. He’s got everything.”

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The teenager made his first team debut for Smith’s side in the closing weeks of the Premier League season, coming on as a late substitute away at Spurs, before getting a more prolonged runout on the final day against Chelsea (Transfermarkt).

Given the superb displays he has produced at youth team level, it would only be natural for Villa fans to be rightfully excited about what Chukwuemeka could do if given the opportunity in the first team.

It’s exactly why Preece’s update will surely have Villa fans grinning from ear to ear.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped a Villa transfer update…

Rodrigo Moreno was named as Leeds’ man of the match against Newcastle United on Friday by supporters.

And a number of Whites fans have been reacting to the club post on social media.

The Spaniard played a key role in Leeds’ opener in the 1-1 draw at St James’ Park, dummying Raphinha’s dangerous cross to go all the way in.

The 30-year-old also made three key passes, completed two dribbles and had three shots in a busy display, as per WhoScored.

Rodrigo played the entirety of the fixture for the first time under Marcelo Bielsa this season, and his positive performance was recognised by several Leeds fans.

He collected just over 38% of over 13,000 votes by Whites supporters on social media when asked for their man of the match.

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Leeds fans react

Leeds shared the final vote on their official Twitter page. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with many delighted for Rodrigo.

“Have that haters. Right player.”

Credit: @petelovesleeds

“Big positive from yesterday”

Credit: @robmulholland

“Wow”

Credit: @brandonsboxing

“That’s the Rodrigo we all want to see, so happy for him that he performed to well, such a quality player.”

Credit: @Chadology_

“Was very good last night, hopefully kicks on!! – ps. He’s much better when KP and Klick are in midfield”

Credit: @AidanCampbell94

“Love how he’s not let his head drop, had a good game last night and a very unselfish “assist”. Real side before self mentality”

Credit: @NickyNickste

In other news: ‘Be a big boost’ – Paddy Kenny lauds ‘brilliant news’ from Leeds United source. 

Speaking to L’Unione Sarda, via Calciomercato, Cagliari sporting director Stefano Capozucca has lifted the lid on star midfielder Nahitan Nandez as he drops a Tottenham Hotspur revelation.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Nandez summer chase…

Over the summer transfer window, Tottenham became repeatedly linked with the Uruguay international amid their search for more midfield options.

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Unrest surrounding club record signing Tanguy Ndombele meant Spurs went on to be mentioned alongside the likes of Joao Palhinha, Didier Zakaria and Corentin Tolisso (Daily Star).

Nandez was another name thought to be on Spurs’ radar with Sky Sports even backing Fabio Paratici’s interest in the player.

The Latest: Capozucca drops Tottenham reveal…

Speaking to L’Unione Sarda (via Calciomercato), Cagliari chief Capozucca, a source undoubtedly very close to Nandez, has confirmed that Spurs were indeed eyeing a move.

He even explains that the Lilywhites have had meetings with the 25-year-old alongside other interested clubs like Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma.

“Nahitan had some requests, Napoli’s latest offensive with a 1 million loan and Cagliari couldn’t accept these offers,” Capozucca admitted.

“Whoever wants it must give it the right value. Nervous Nandez? It must be understood, everyone has the ambition to improve.

“He has had meetings with Tottenham, Inter, Naples and Rome, it is normal to have thought about leaving. Nahitan showed bad mood, but he is a spectacular guy and will always give his best ”.

The Verdict: Return in January?

Tottenham’s most torrid international break in some time could point towards the potential need to weigh more reinforcements in the January transfer window.

Depending on how new Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo continues his start to life in north London, we believe Nandez could be a brilliant reinforcement for him.

The South American can play out wide and as a right-wing back (Sky Sports), even after his natural position in central midfield.

He has also been called ‘amazing’ and ‘unstoppable’ by BBC and ESPN pundit Mina Rzouki (Twitter), so we believe he could be a stellar mid-season capture.

In other news: ‘So excited’, ‘Start him against Palace’…Many Tottenham fans rave over another ‘generational’ talent, find out more here.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Bundesliga expert Daniel Pinder expects Marcel Sabitzer to play in central midfield at Tottenham if the north London club can get a deal over the line for the player.

Sabitzer has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham, with Bild (via Sport Witness) reporting back in March that there is a 75% chance that the 27-year-old joins the Premier League outfit in the summer.

Valued at £37.8m by Transfermarkt, Sabitzer has played in multiple positions in his career. However, this season, the Austria international was mainly used as a central midfielder at RB Leipzig by manager Julian Nagelsmann, and has 94 goal contributions in 227 matches for the German club.

And Pinder, who is editor-in-chief at Get German Football News, expects Sabitzer to play in a similar role at Tottenham if he ends up joining the club, telling FFC:

“He’s versatile. He’s got plenty of experience as the No.10, but I do think he’s better as the No.8 in a double pivot in central midfield. His passing, his first touch, his shooting, I think it’s more suited to that role rather than being further forward.”

While it certainly looks like Sabitzer will be able to bring much to this Tottenham midfield, it will be interesting to see if he is still a primary target for the north London club following Jose Mourinho’s exit.

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah is likely to remain at Anfield, partly because other clubs can’t afford him, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Salah’s future still unknown

The Egyptian’s future is a major talking point at the moment, with the Reds desperately hoping that their most prized asset extends his stay at the club.

It appears as though Salah and Liverpool can’t quite agree on certain aspects of a new deal and there is a stubbornness from both sides regarding the situation.

The 29-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season, hence the concern surrounding a new contract being signed.

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The Latest: Jones drops positive Salah claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones backed Salah to stay at Liverpool moving forward, due in part to some of Europe’s other huge clubs not being in a good moment currently. The journalist said:

“I think the circumstances have really suited Liverpool up to this point.  Salah has definitely been wavering over this deal but, ultimately, Real Madrid and Barcelona can’t get him right now. That plays into Liverpool’s hands.

“There has been talk of Juventus and stuff, but that is not really what he had in mind.”

The Verdict: Surely he stays now?

Jones makes a fair point, with Salah surely more likely to leave if the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid were the unrivalled forces that they were a decade or so ago.

That isn’t the case, however, and Liverpool are arguably the most exciting proposition in Europe and the Premier League currently, which acts as a huge positive in their quest to extend the Egyptian’s time at Anfield.

It still feels more likely that Salah will eventually sign a new deal – if that happens, it would feel absolutely massive, given his astonishing record of 155 goals in 246 appearances for the Reds, and the fact that he should still have several years left at the very top given that he is yet to reach his 30th birthday.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool update. Read more here.