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Manchester United prospect James Garner sent Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a timely reminder of his obvious potential after scoring his first goal for Nottingham Forest against Derby County in the East Midlands derby on Friday night.

Garner scored his first senior goal in only his seventh appearance for Chris Hughton’s side since swapping Old Trafford for the City Ground on loan until the end of the season last month following an unsuccessful spell with Watford.

Hughton threw Garner in at the deep end by handing him his first start in the 2-1 win over Coventry City at the start of the year, helping his side end a winless run of three games in the Championship.

Since then, he has gone on to make seven appearances in the English second division with his first professional goal to show for his six starts, earning praise from former Newcastle United midfielder Jack Colback.

He said: “I thought James Garner’s debut on was fantastic. He was moving the ball around really well and spraying some good passes around the pitch so it was a strong performance but when you consider he has joined from Manchester United, you know he’ll have that quality.”

Despite his age, the 19-year-old has already drawn comparisons to club legend and current backroom staff member Michael Carrick, and it’s easy to why after such an impressive performance.

Garner opened the scoring in the first half after he fired home a first-time effort from the edge of the box beneath the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

Colin Kazim-Richards’ late equaliser meant Forest were forced to be more defensive in the closing stages yet Garner stuck to his defensive duties diligently, finishing the game with one block and two interceptions to his name from the full 90′ minutes, as per SofaScore.

He also boasted a fine 71% pass accuracy with only a handful of his passes going astray (10), while he also completed one successful dribble from the same number of attempts, which suggests that he was a constant thorn in Wayne Rooney’s side.

Garner additionally also took a staggering three shots on target, with four attempts on goal in total throughout the entire game, which greatly exceeds Nemanja Matic’s efforts in the Premier League this season with the 32-year-old only recording 0.3 shots per 90 in 13 top-flight appearances, per SofaScore.

Now, with United reportedly eyeing a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, Garner’s heroics will send a timely reminder back to Solskjaer that he is worth keeping an eye on for the future over the remainder of the campaign.

AND in other news, Max Aarons would be a major upgrade on Man Utd outcast Diogo Dalot…

After an impressive 1-0 win over Leeds United last weekend, Aston Villa would no doubt have been expecting to make light work of the Premier League’s bottom side Sheffield United in midweek.

Instead, Dean Smith’s side put in a dismal performance as they slipped to defeat to the Blades, with David McGoldrick earning the home side all three points.

With European qualification for next season still within their sights, however, Villa will be hoping to get back to winning ways, starting with Saturday’s clash against Wolves.

The midweek defeat may prompt Smith to make a few changes, and, with that in mind, below is a look at how Villa might line up when Wolves come to town.

In goal, Emiliano Martinez will be hoping to keep another shutout after experiencing the rare feeling of having to pick the ball out of his own net against Sheffield United.

The back four should also remain unchanged, with Matty Cash still not recovered from his injury. The form of Matt Targett, meanwhile, has seen some shouts of a potential England call-up, and the left-back will surely be desperate to do well against Wolves to further stake his claim.

The midfield could see one key change, with John McGinn’s woeful performance in midweek surely warranting him to be dropped from the starting line-up, especially with the likes of Morgan Sanson and Douglas Luiz pushing for a start – Smith could opt for the latter after benching the £24.3m-rated star for the past couple of games.

That would certainly be a big call considering that McGinn has started every game this season in the Premier League bar one (when he was suspended).

Further ahead, Bertrand Traore has struggled in recent weeks to deliver an end product, with just one goal and one assist in his last eight Premier League games. That could see Trezeguet come in on the right-hand side, with Smith sticking with Anwar El Ghazi on the opposite flank having netted against Leeds last week.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Elmohamady, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, Nakamba; Trezeguet, Ramsey, El Ghazi, Watkins.

Meanwhile, Villa could recreate a magic partnership by signing this £36m-rated star…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer heaped praise on Jesse Lingard for the level of influence he has had at West Ham since joining the club.

The 28-year-old arrived at the London Stadium from Manchester United on loan during the January transfer window and has not disappointed.

Lingard has managed to score four goals and provide one assist in just six appearances. One of those goals came against London rivals Tottenham in a 2-1 win, while his sole assist was conjured up versus Manchester City, showing the high level that he has been playing at.

For Palmer, it is no surprise that Lingard has been performing in the manner that he has been, with the retired England international convinced that he is a good player overall.

In an exclusive interview with FFC, Palmer said:

“I think Jesse’s a good player and I think he is suited to West Ham’s style of play. I think the balance of the Man Utd side, the way it was, didn’t suit Jesse in the end. I mean, you know, Jesse was playing for his country and he was playing very, very well. I think he’s a talented player. 

“I think going to West Ham, he’s a big fish there. At Man Utd, he’s a small fish in a big pond, whereas at West Ham, they’ll have been delighted that he went there. He’s given the whole place a lift and he can play, he can definitely play and in the position he’s playing, which is his favourite position, it can cause a lot of problems and he’s scored a lot of goals.”

If £75,000-a-week man Lingard maintains this current level of form, you would expect West Ham to try and make his loan deal a permanent one.

Alongside the likes of Michail Antonio and Pablo Fornals, Lingard has helped the Hammers to form an attack that is currently aiding a push for Champions League football.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Dean Windass tipped Southampton to avoid relegation this season but has suggested manager Ralph Hasenhuttl could be in trouble if things do not improve.

Prior to their 2-0 win over bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United, the Saints had lost eight of their last nine Premier League fixtures, dragging them down towards the relegation zone.

Windass, though, expects Southampton to stay up. However, the former Premier League footballer believes Hasenhuttl will get the chop if the south coast club go on a similar run next season.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, Windass said:

“They’re not going to get relegated. I don’t think they’re going to get relegated, but the one thing about it is, same with the Norwich manager if they get to the Premier League and they lose their first two of three games, Southampton lose the first two or three games, he’ll [Hasenhuttl] be another one that’s out very, very quickly.

“Southampton rely on, you know, financially, Premier League status. Listen, he’s done a great job, but you can’t rest on your laurels in the Premier League.”

Indeed, that run of nine games was truly appalling, with Hasenhuttl’s men only able to pick up a single point from a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

There was also, of course, that humiliating 9-0 defeat to Manchester United along the way, really epitomising the kind of form the team had been in. Southampton’s season has not been a complete disaster, though.

The Saints started the campaign brightly, even topping the Premier League table at one stage, while they also managed to beat champions Liverpool and eliminate holders Arsenal out of the FA Cup.

Hasenhuttl now just needs to find a way to get that Southampton team to appear more often and not the one that manages to take just one point from nine games.

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and BBC Radio regular Noel Whelan has shared a ‘worry’ for Tottenham Hotspur surrounding Harry Kane, with the former Premier League striker claiming that Spurs don’t have the strength in depth to give the Englishman adequate rest. 

Kane, who has been a pivotal figure for Tottenham this season as manager Jose Mourinho seeks to guide them back into the top four, has bagged an impressive 16 goals and 13 assists over 25 Premier League starts (WhoScored).

The north London derby looms today but the 27-year-old will have to play a key role throughout the latter stage of this campaign, with Tottenham also aiming to potentially clinch silverware for the first time since 2008 as they await the Carabao Cup final in April.

Whelan drops Kane claim as he shares ‘worry’ for Tottenham

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has shared a possible ‘worry’ for Tottenham over players like Kane, claiming that his ‘demands’ are intense and that Spurs arguably don’t have the strength in depth to rest him properly.

“It’s a lot of games in a short turnaround from last season,” explained the pundit.

“It’s not the same as every other season with everything that’s going on. You do worry.

“I guess that’s where you’ve got the likes of Man City, the size of their squad. They can probably give some of their stars the time off.

“Tottenham can’t. They’ve only got Harry Kane and [Carlos] Vinicius, who’s on loan. The demands on Harry are probably far greater than the demands on Raheem Sterling at Manchester City.”

Transfer Tavern take

Daniel Levy snapped up Vinicius on a loan-to-buy deal last summer as a solution to this Kane conundrum, but the Brazilian hasn’t featured as much in the Premier League as he has in Europe.

Time will tell whether this becomes a major issue for Spurs as the season draws to a conclusion, but it’s not hard to see why Whelan believes there is a ‘worry’ regarding Mourinho’s centre-forward depth.

In other news: Alasdair Gold says Tottenham could be set for a ‘huge’ transfer decision this summer, find out more here.

Ezri Konsa raked in the plaudits from numerous Aston Villa fans even in the wake of their defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday night.

Goals from Carlos Vinicus and Harry Kane condemned the Villans to a 2-0 loss, extending their winless run to four matches. Having scored only one goal in March, Dean Smith’s slide have slipped to 10th in the table.

However, Konsa was one of the better performers against Spurs. He earned a rating of 7.0 from SofaScore, edged only by defensive partner Tyrone Mings (7.1) and left-back Matt Targett (7.4). That website’s statistics show that he made nine clearances and three interceptions and won six of his seven aerial duels, while he was not dribbled past during the game.

The Englishman continues to enjoy an outstanding season. Earlier this month, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher dubbed him a ‘brilliant defender’ who has made a ‘huge difference’ for Villa.

“I can’t talk enough about how impressed I’ve been with him defensively,” the ex-Liverpool man added. “He doesn’t do silly things. He’s very brave at getting the blocks in.”

Despite these rave reviews, Konsa continues to be overlooked by England boss Gareth Southgate, having again missed out on the most recent Three Lions squad. For now, these Villa fans on Twitter were content to praise the 23-year-old’s latest performance after he took to the social media platform with a defiant message of “We keep fighting”.

Konsa a shining light for Villa in Spurs reverse

“Man…if the attacking players could play as well and as consistently as you guys on the back line…then you could be still be getting results without Jack in the squad.”

Credit: @BoondockFaint

“Made some world class interceptions last night. It will come good again.”

Credit: @stoneageman1

“Player of the season for @AVFCOfficial.”

Credit: @dalyvilla

“Another top performance from yourself last night”

Credit: @wst1975

“Best player on the pitch last night”

Credit: @denslow_cris

“Deano give this man any amount of money he wants to keep him here”

Credit: @Utvjack

“Class again last night Ezri, Southgate won’t be able to ignore soon!”

Credit: @JoshuaRyanWard

“Please never leave”

Credit: @ktvilla92

In other news, this development could improve Villa’s chances of keeping Jack Grealish.

Edinson Cavani’s future at Manchester United looks increasingly uncertain by the day.

Out of contract at the end of the season, but with the option of an extra year, it is reported that he is considering quitting Old Trafford, with his father also indicating that there is a “60 per cent” chance that the striker could leave at the end of the campaign.

Now, Uruguay assistant coach Mario Rebollo has waded into the argument, suggesting that Cavani must leave Manchester United for the good of the national team.

Whatever the 34-year-old’s decision, whether that be to remain at the club or indeed depart, he needs to make it soon as it could have massive implications on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.

Should he elect to depart, this could potentially force the Red Devils back into the transfer market for a forward even though the likes of Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are capable of playing through the centre.

With Cavani having struck seven goals and notched two assists in his time at Old Trafford since his arrival from Paris Saint Germain, Solskjaer is likely to want a forward who can have a similar impact.

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That is not going to come cheap though, with any striker, unless they are a free agent, surely set to cost more than Cavani’s £6.3m valuation.

Any move could significantly reduce the Red Devils’ summer transfer budget, with then consequent moves for other areas impacted with United potentially having less funds available.

However, should Cavani stay, this could mean that United could look at somewhat more illustrious and costly targets without the need to bring in another striker.

Whilst the Uruguayan will certainly be making his decision for the good of his career, the longer he takes over who is next employers are will only exacerbate the uncertainty at Old Trafford.

AND in more news, take a look at which Man Utd defender’s transfer valuation has gone into freefall…

David Sullivan should seal a move for Tammy Abraham this summer after Kevin Phillips tipped West Ham United to sign the Chelsea striker.

The former Sunderland and England attacker has been talking with Football Insider and claimed that he can see the 23-year-old lining up in claret and blue next season.

Abraham has been linked with making the switch across the capital amid the Hammers’ search for Sebastien Haller’s replacement, with the Daily Star suggesting he tops a three-man shortlist ahead of Ivan Toney and Eddie Nketiah.

Abraham is Chelsea’s top scorer across all competitions this season with 12 goals in 37 games, but has fallen out of favour under Thomas Tuchel as the German and his management team are unconvinced by his attitude.

Phillips believes that the way David Moyes has West Ham set up to attack would create a plethora of chances for Abraham to thrive should he look to leave Stamford Bridge.

“I could see him there, definitely,” he told Football Insider. “The way West Ham are playing at the moment, he’d get chances. As a striker, you want to be playing regularly because we live on confidence.

“To play a few games then get left out, for a striker that’s not great. I can see him at West Ham. They’ve got creative players that would create opportunities for him, and he likes to play on that last man.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-west-ham-news-gossip-and-views” title=”The latest West Ham news and views!”]

“If he was to be sold by Chelsea there’ll be a few clubs chasing him because he’s still got a long career ahead of him.”

Abraham’s future at Stamford Bridge is said to be up in the air, which would play into West Ham’s advantage should Moyes decide that the Englishman is his top target.

West Ham pursuing a deal for the 23-year-old would likely see the Irons make him their top earner, as reports by Eurosport earlier this month claimed that he feels he should be earning closer to £120,000 per week rather than the £80,000 he currently makes weekly.

Sullivan should put the financial implications to one side as Abraham has the potential to be the ideal striker for the Irons’ system, with Dean Windass certain that he is “Moyes’ type” as the 23-year-old is “big, strong and scores goals”.

Being suited to the system already in operation at West Ham should see Abraham be able to slot straight in without the need for an adaptation period, and begin to prove Tuchel wrong from the get-go.

The Blues boss is said to have concerns over Abraham’s ability to be the main striker for an elite club, while his staff fear that the £36m-rated attacker – who Frank McAvennie describes as a “wonderful” centre-forward – is a soft touch.

Abraham has not appeared to agree with Tuchel’s stance, with the German claiming “at the moment, he is only struggling with my decision,” after omitting the Chelsea product from his matchday squad against Manchester United last month.

The Stamford Bridge hierarchy may oppose strengthening a team currently rivalling them for a top four place, but Sullivan should do his utmost to seal a move and supply Moyes with a forward with a clear point to prove.

AND in other news, West Ham eye 10-goal livewire who destroyed David Moyes’ side last year…

Eddie Howe has been sounded out by Celtic and has made it clear he would consider the vacant managerial role.

That’s according to The Sun, who have also revealed the two requests from the 43-year-old ahead of a potential Parkhead switch.

Howe’s Celtic demands

It initially seemed Celtic wouldn’t interest Howe, but it appears as if he is now open to a move to Glasgow.

The report claims that Howe would need guarantees that he’d have the freedom to implement the changes he felt were required to challenge Rangers next season, along with a sizeable transfer kitty.

Howe has reportedly begun his own research into the behind-the-scenes Parkhead structure while also making contact with several Hoops connections.

Transfer Tavern take

It seems as if the Celtic board would be delighted if they managed to bring Howe to Glasgow, with the report claiming it would be seen as a major coup by the Hoops hierarchy.

Celtic may have to act relatively quickly in regards to Howe, though, with the Englishman also linked with Newcastle United.

Steve Bruce appears to be under pressure at St James’ Park, so should the Magpies make a managerial switch, Howe could be off the table fairly quickly.

In other news: Celtic keen to make loanee’s deal permanent, find out more here. 

Former Leicester City man Keith Gillespie insists that there is no need to panic over Jamie Vardy’s recent struggles in front of goal in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

The forward has scored 12 goals in 26 Premier League games for the Foxes this season but he has scored just once in his last 12 games.

He drew another blank at the weekend against Manchester City, as the Foxes lost 2-0, and his form has been alarming given his history of hitting the back of the net reliably.

In his first 12 games of the season, Vardy scored 10 goals, but Gillespie, who played for the Foxes between 2003 and 2005, insists manager Brendan Rodgers will have no concerns over the 34-year-old.

Indeed, Leicester have three other players who have scored over 10 goals this season, in Harvey Barnes, Kelechi Iheanacho, and James Maddison.

Gillespie told FFC: “Strikers do go through patches when they don’t score and things don’t go right for them. I think there was a period when they relied on Jamie Vardy’s goals so much but now Iheanacho’s weighing in, you had James Maddison before that, you had Harvey Barnes as well, so there wasn’t that reliance on Jamie Vardy week in, week out.

“You know what Brendan Rodgers thinks of Jamie Vardy because we’ve never, ever questioned it and gone ‘he’s only got one goal in 12 games, is he going to play the next game?’ Of course he’s going to play the next game because he’s still important to them.

“He’s an unselfish striker, the work rate that he puts in.”

Vardy has scored 20 goals or more on three occasions in the Premier League, in 2015/16, 2017/18, and 2019/20.