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Many Crystal Palace fans are excited after the club tweeted comments from Steve Parish detailing the plans that he, sporting director Dougie Freedman and new manager Patrick Vieira have in terms of signing players this summer.

Relief will likely engulf large parts of southeast London following conformation that former Arsenal captain Vieira is the new manager at Selhurst Park [BBC], coming almost two months after Roy Hodgson stepped aside [cpfc.co.uk].

Looking ahead, the Palace recruitment team will have a job on their hands building a successful team ahead of the new season, owing to the departure of 22 first team players detailed within the Eagles’ retained list at the start of June [The Sun].

Nevertheless, Crystal Palace chairman and part-owner Steve Parish has whetted the appetite of many supporters as he looks to positively influence transfer proceedings.

As per the club’s Twitter channel, he outlined: “We have a lot to do to prepare in the coming weeks and I look forward to working closely with Patrick and Dougie in bringing in some new faces to help us all to a successful season.”

In light of these comments, loads of Palace supporters took to Twitter to express their delight at what Parish had to say.

Crystal Palace fans react

Taking to Twitter, here is how some supporters reacted to the chairman’s promise:

“Tell Steve I am still willing to buy everything in the club shop including the wireless speaker (currently on sale), if Palace re-sign Bolasie.”

Credit: @RomfordRoger”This could be really exciting”Credit: @Cklar”We have some exciting youngsters at the club hoping at least 3 make the squad”Credit: @Vinceeagled”And here we go”Credit: @TalkCPFC”Major changes were needed, nice work Steve.”Credit: @SelhurstJon”Faith in Parish, once some decent signings come in the positivity will come back”Credit: @CPFCLomadzIn other news, these Crystal Palace fans react to their 2021/22 away kit launch.

Celtic midfielder David Turnbull is the latest player to suffer a muscular injury, with Ange Postecoglou believing that it is down to the number of games the Hoops are playing, as per Football Scotland.

The Lowdown: Ange’s first trophy

Postecoglou won his first trophy as Celtic boss on Sunday after an entertaining 2-1 win over Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup final. Kyogo Furuhashi made a return from injury and was the hero for the Hoops, scoring both goals after Paul Hanlon opened the scoring for Hibs.

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Celtic were without the likes of Albian Ajeti, Karamoko Dembele, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Jota and Christopher Jullien for the final due to injury, and it now seems as if Turnbull could join them in the treatment room.

The Latest: Hamstring injury

Celtic have had a number of their attacking players sidelined in recent weeks, especially due to hamstring problems, with Turnbull even occupying a centre-forward role against Motherwell earlier this month.

He hobbled off with a hamstring problem in the first half at Hampden Park and was replaced by Nir Bitton, with Football Scotland sharing Postecoglou’s comments regarding Turnbull after the game.

The Hoops manager fumed: “David suffered from the amount of games we are playing at the moment. We are suffering because of that.

“We have not been able to rotate the squad a lot and that is hurting us at the moment, picking up these injuries. We will just see how he is.”

The Verdict: Doubt for St Mirren…

You’d expect that Turnbull, who Postecoglou has called ‘outstanding’, will now be a doubt for Celtic’s trip to St Mirren tomorrow night and could miss his first game of the season.

They won’t want to take any risks on the attacking midfielder as he has been so influential this season, contributing to 16 goals and playing in a variety of different positions.

The Hoops have had just 72 hours to prepare for the St Mirren clash, so it could be a wise decision to leave Turnbull out for that game and look to use him for the three remaining fixtures before the winter break, should his injury not prove to be too serious.

In other news: Nicholson makes Celtic move on the day of Hampden Park final to sign speedster with ‘great feet’.  

Celtic have been involved in a number of significant deals over recent years where players have either joined or left the club for substantial amounts of money.

One that immediately springs to mind came back during the 2019 summer transfer window when the Hoops sold full-back, Kieran Tierney, to Premier League club Arsenal in a deal worth a reported fee of £25m.

As a product of the Parkhead club’s youth system, the left-back made 170 appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions before making the move to north London, scoring eight goals and providing 37 assists along the way.

Prior to joining the Gunners, it was claimed by Barry Ferguson that a transfer fee of £50m for the Scotland international would have been cheap, highlighting just how highly rated he was at the club.

Now that some time has passed since the 24-year-old waved goodbye to Celtic Park, the current Hoops boss, Ange Postecoglou, has the chance to unearth his own version of Tierney.

Signed from Shamrock Rovers back in August last year, Irish defender Liam Scales has made just 13 appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions.

Despite predominantly being a centre-back, the 23-year-old has been deployed in the left-back and left-midfield positions, as Tierney was during his time there.

In those 13 appearances, Scales has been able to score two goals and provide two assists, showing that he has an eye for goal as the current Arsenal full-back did.

When discussing the defender on the RTE Soccer Podcast, Ex-League of Ireland star Graham Gartland had this to say about him.

“I think he can go places. He’s a good height, he’s athletically very good, he doesn’t get done for pace too much, he’s quick without being lightning. He’s aggressive. He’s only going to get better the more experience he gets and the more he gains from playing against and with better players.”

In comparison to Tierney, he was reportedly told to tone down his aggressive intensity during training sessions after he joined Mikel Arteta’s side, once again highlighting the similarities between the two players.

Taking all of this into account, it certainly feels that Scales could go on to become a regular first-team player under Postecoglou if he manages to make the most out of any opportunities he gets to play.

In other news: Ange must finally unleash “outstanding” £18k-p/w “menace” after huge Celtic setback

After taking over from Dean Smith during the international break, new Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard will take charge of his first game when Brighton come to town on Saturday afternoon.

The 41-year-old will have some big calls to make in terms of naming his first starting line-up, and one man who must surely be dropped is Anwar El Ghazi.

The Dutchman was recalled to the first-team fold against Southampton in Smith’s last game in charge of the club just before the international break, but delivered a woeful performance which was rather summed up by his awful attempt to try and win a penalty.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him a measly two, saying: “Should have had an early bath after his 11th-minute booking before another clear foul and then a dive. Livramento wouldn’t have had an easier game this season.

“El Ghazi kept losing the ball while he spurned a golden chance after Livramento slipped before firing high and wide. El Ghazi struck a powerful one which was tipped over by McCarthy after the break as Villa initially went to a 4-4-2. Poor on his return to the starting XI.”

He has played just six times in the Premier League this season and hasn’t completed the full 90 minutes since the 1-1 draw against Brentford in late August, which has been an indication of how far he’s fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park.

Before he was brought on against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in mid-October, he was an unused substitute for the previous five top-flight games, even with the injuries to both Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore.

With reports in recent weeks and months already indicating that Villa would be open to selling the winger, the £8.5m-rated Dutchman simply must be taken out of the line-up for the clash against Brighton.

His performance against Southampton was the latest in a series of disappointing displays this term, with just the one top-flight goal to his name.

Gerrard must make a ruthless call and drop him from the team to take on Brighton on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Villa must finally sign this long-term transfer target…

West Ham United’s top-six hopes were dealt a big blow this afternoon as the Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Burnley.

The managerless Clarets, who parted company with Sean Dyche on Friday after ten years in charge, took the lead through Wout Weghorst in the 33rd minute and could’ve had a two-goal lead at half-time when awarded a penalty. However, the spot-kick was missed by Maxwell Cornet.

Irons midfielder Tomas Soucek was able to equalise with 16 minutes to go for the hosts to ensure they took something from the match, although after Thursday’s 3-0 win in Lyon, the result will certainly be a disappointment.

Depsite the result, there were some shining lights for David Moyes’s side with attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini particularly impressive.

According to SofaScore, the Argentinian was the Hammers’ joint-second best player, picking up a 7.4/10 rating alongside right-back Ben Johnson with goalscorer Soucek the highest-ranked with a score of 7.5.

The Czech Republic international’s goal was assisted by the 29-year-old, his fourth of the campaign, who also managed to impressively complete 93% of his passes whilst making 65 touches in a lively 79 minutes.

With three key passes and a 100% dribble success rate, the playmaker was a handful to deal with for Burnley. Moreover, Lanzini also won half of his duels.

Eyelids certainly wouldn’t have been batted outside the London Stadium when team news was announced if the Argentinian wasn’t starting having played from the off three days prior in Lyon.

Furthermore, the attacking midfielder was recently involved in a serious car crash that left him with a knock.

However, once again being deployed in the middle of an attacking midfield trio, the 29-year-old, who was labelled as a “special, special player” by captain Declan Rice earlier this season, impressed.

There’s plenty of competition for places in West Ham’s attacking midfield with the likes of Said Benrahma, Nikola Vlasic, Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen all able to play behind the striker.

The Argentinian is easily the longest-serving of them all though and is certainly a fan favourite after seven seasons at the East London club.

Although, his time as a Hammer may soon come to an end with the maestro’s contract set to expire next summer with few signs suggesting an extension will be signed.

For now, though, Lanzini must continue performing well to maintain a starting spot in both the Premier League and Europa League as the Hammers look to push for European qualification for next season.

AND in other news: West Ham plot bid for £21.6m-rated “leader”, Moyes can now axe “shocking” £61k-p/w dud

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba appears to be edging closer towards signing a new contract with the club following months of negotiations.

What’s the story?

The World Cup winner’s current deal expires in the summer of 2022, meaning he would be free to negotiate with foreign clubs as early as January.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain were heavily linked with the 28-year-old in the previous window before their shock move for Lionel Messi meant Pogba’s arrival was no longer a financial possibility.

It’s believed that the Ligue 1 outfit, Juventus and Real Madrid are still interested in the creative talents signature, but according to L’Équipe (as relayed by Get French Football News), he is now set to put pen to paper on fresh terms with United.

The report states that: “L’Équipe report today that France midfielder Paul Pogba is now telling those around him that he sees himself extending his contract with Manchester United.

“His entourage is said to have a clear goal in mind, which is to make the former Juventus man the highest, or at least one of the highest-paid players in Premier League history.”

Fans will be absolutely delighted

News that Pogba reportedly sees his long-term future at Old Trafford will leave United supporters feeling absolutely delighted, given his importance to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges.

It’s been a frustrating five years for the France international since he returned to his boyhood club in a then world-record £89m deal back in 2016, with only a League Cup and Europa League to show for his efforts.

However, since last December, Pogba has begun to show the sort of form on a consistent basis that convinced United to spend such a hefty fee on the engine room operator.

Since the beginning of 2020/21, the 6 foot 2 dynamo has bagged six goals and an impressive 18 assists in his 51 appearances for the 20-time English champions, illustrating his truly world-class form of late.

If Pogba does eventually agree to fresh terms at the club, then it will be a huge boost to Solskjaer’s ambitions as he attempts to return United to the Premier League summit, and fans will be hoping he puts pen to paper sooner rather than later.

And, in other news…Man Utd could strike gold by signing £9m-rated beast, Ole would love him 

Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly fighting a number of clubs in the UEFA Champions League to sign Ryan Gravenberch.

The Lowdown: Emerging talent

Gravenberch is certainly one of the biggest emerging talents in world football at just 19 years of age, having played in ten games in total over all competitions so far this season for Ajax already, scoring one goal and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

Former Spurs star and fellow countryman Rafael van der Vaart has recently been singing the praises of the Netherlands international, claiming that he is ‘big’, ‘strong’ and ‘calm on the ball’ (Ziggo Sport Voetbal).

The Latest: Plenty of interest

As per Fichajes, there is now plenty of interest in Gravenberch from a number of top teams in Europe.

As well as the Lilywhites, UEFA Champions League sides Chelsea, FC Barcelona and Juventus all reportedly have the central midfield player in their sights, while north London rivals Arsenal are also following his situation.

However, Ajax currently value him at a whopping €75m (£64.2m), as his current deal at the Dutch giants does not end until 2024.

The Verdict: Break the bank

It is not often that Daniel Levy decided to break the bank on a signing, but if he gets the green light, he must go out and sign Gravenberch at all costs.

It is scary just how much potential he is at 19, and the number of top European clubs courting him should tell its own story.

Nonetheless, if THFC can raise some money through the sales of a few of their fringe players, then that cash should not be spent anywhere else.

In other news, find out who now wants to leave Tottenham here!

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a gutting transfer update on Aston Villa target Pape Sarr.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that Dean Smith’s side are interested in signing the 18-year-old this summer, with it then being revealed that his current club seem willing to let him go for the right price.

The Athletic then name-checked Villa as a team that have “looked at” Sarr as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, but it appears Premier League rivals Spurs have beaten them to the chase.

Writing on Twitter, Romano said: “Medical completed and now paperworks to be signed for Pape Sarr to Tottenham, here we go confirmed. Done deal for €15m guaranteed plus potential “huge” add ons amount in the future. #THFC Sarr will stay on loan at Metz until June 2022, confirmed. #Spurs”

Dean Smith will be gutted

The 18-year-old enjoyed a real breakthrough season with the Ligue 1 side, playing 22 times in the league, and establishing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet for Metz boss Frederic Antonetti.

And, Antonetti has not shied away from lavishing his midfield starlet with praise, saying: “Pape Matar Sarr is elegance in the midfield, it’s talent, it’s making others play.”

He added: “He will be able to go as far as he wants to go. He must work, be as he is there, modest, regular, hardworking. He must continue to love football and he will do like the great players, he will go far. I think he will go very far.”

Dubbed as someone who’s “got everything” to his game, Sarr averaged an impressive two tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, while also boasting a passing accuracy of 85.3% – the kind of all-action midfielder that would have surely gone down well with Smith.

The £25m-rated machine could have arrived at Villa Park to hold down one of the holding midfield positions. Instead, it looks like he’ll be realising his potential at Spurs instead.

The Villa boss will surely be gutted when Sarr rocks up to Villa Park in a Spurs shirt.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has dropped a late night Aston Villa claim…

Everton could replace Rafael Benitez with Kasper Hjulmand, according to Calciomercato. 

The lowdown

The Toffees are in the midst of a wretched run of form under the Spaniard, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer. They have picked up only one point from their past five matches, which leaves them bottom of the Premier League form table.

Former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan has claimed that Benitez is now under “massive pressure” to “pull something out of the hat” and potentially save his job (via Football Insider).

The latest

The report from Calciomercato stated that Everton are considering whether to sack Benitez, who could pay the price for his team’s woes, with Fichajes hinting that the 61-year-old’s job at Goodison Park may be at risk.

According to the Italian outlet, the Toffees already have an eye on a potential successor in the form of Denmark boss Hjulmand.

The verdict

Hjulmand boasts an impressive CV. Last summer, he led the Danes to the semi-finals of the European Championship, taking England all the way to extra time at Wembley less than a month after he and his team had to endure the extreme difficulty of dealing with Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.

Denmark’s strong form continued in World Cup qualifying as they finished with 27 points from a possible 30 to breeze into the final in Qatar next year, so it’s no wonder that he featured on Aston Villa’s shortlist after they parted company with Dean Smith earlier this month.

The 49-year-old has been described as a ‘tactical geek’, ‘a football idealist’ and above all, a ‘world-class coach’. He took unfashionable Danish club FC Nordsjaelland into the Champions League in 2012 and has won 17 of his 25 matches in charge of the country’s national team.

If Benitez can’t turn things around at Everton and is given the chop, Hjulmand looks like he’d be a worth a shot.

In other news, this Everton trio struggled against Brentford

Tottenham Hotspur have made a player-plus-cash bid for Aston Villa target Caleb Chukwuemeka, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Villa links

Villa were linked with a move for Chukwuemeka, older brother of Villa midfielder Carney, earlier this month.

The Daily Mail claimed that Villa have had an approach for the forward turned down by Northampton Town.

Chukwuemeka, who Keith Curle said ‘had a little bit of magic’ last season, has made 28 senior appearances for The Cobblers.

It seems as if Villa will now have to battle Spurs for the 19-year-old, though, going off recent reports.

The Latest: Spurs bid

Football Insider, who were informed by a Tottenham source, shared an update on Chukwuemeka on Wednesday.

They suggested that Spurs are offering Northampton £1m plus their own teenage striker Kion Etete in a bid to land Chukwuemeka.

Chukwuemeka has less than 12 months remaining on his Northampton contract, so Spurs’ bid could possibly be enough to land the teenager.

The Verdict: Villa need to act

Chukwuemeka is clearly highly thought of by Villa and Spurs, who have both firmed up their interest with an approach and offer respectively.

Villa may now need to act fast if they want to sign Chukwuemeka. You’d expect younger brother Carney could help seal a possible move, with Villa bolstering their academy ranks by already signing Josh Feeney, Ajani Burchall and Finn Azaz.

The club’s academy appears to be going from strength to strength after winning the FA Youth Cup last season, and adding Chukwuemeka to their ranks could be another solid move.

In other news: ‘My heart dropped’ – Many AVFC fans react as ‘odd’ news is confirmed.