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Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has admitted via The Birmingham Mail that he has used suspended midfielder John McGinn at left-back in training this week, because of the number of options he has in the centre of the park ahead of the trip to Stoke City on Saturday.

What’s the word, then?

Well, McGinn has established himself as a key player for the Midlands outfit following his move to Villa Park last summer, but he will miss the clash against the Potters and the subsequent fixture against Derby County after picking up his 10th booking of the campaign against West Bromwich Albion last time out.

His absence gives the likes of Glenn Whelan, Mile Jedinak and Birkir Bjarnason to stake a claim for a spot in the starting XI, and Smith has admitted that he has played the former Hibernian man out of position as result.

The 47-year-old told The Birmingham Mail: “I’ve even been putting John at left-back in training this week! He’s missing for two games so I haven’t needed him in central midfield in training.”

Could he do a job there in future?

The 24-year-old probably could with Neil Taylor hardly pulling up any trees in recent times, but McGinn should only ever play there if it is a necessity.

The Scotland international has become such an integral player in the middle that he needs to be there whenever he is available, given the drive, quality and commitment he brings to the position and the team in general.

Villa will be looking for some momentum in the coming weeks for a promotion push either this season or next, and having McGinn in his best position is key to those aims.

While Leeds United starlet Illan Meslier has firmly established himself as the number one goalkeeper at Elland Road, had things turned out slightly differently a decade ago, it may well have been a certain Kasper Schmeichel holding the gloves.

Reports claimed that the Whites sold Schmeichel for less than £1m, with then boss Simon Grayson making it clear that the call to sell the Denmark international was one that was in the “best interests” of the Whites, and that it was the “right deal for the club”.

Speaking after a move to the Foxes was confirmed, the Denmark international let it be known that the decision for him to leave Elland Road was taken out of his hands, and that it was well and truly against his wishes.

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He said: “I want to put on record that I have never asked to leave the Leeds United, nor did I reject an offer for a new contract, since one was never put to me. I was enjoying being a Leeds United player and was looking forward to winning promotion this season with the club.

“I have spoken to the manager Simon Grayson and he has made it clear to me, that, in spite of having played well for him, this is something he believes is a good deal for Leeds United. I have been put in a very difficult situation and will spend some time considering my options for my future.”

Since then of course, Schmeichel has developed into a Premier League stalwart, having earned promotion to the top-flight with Leicester and being part of that now historic side that clinched the title against all odds in 2016.

Then, the goalkeeper added to his credentials as a Foxes icon and legend by delivering an impressive display in the FA Cup final victory last year, leading manager Brendan Rodgers to dub his performance as “special”.

All in all, he’s now played 466 games in total for Leicester, including featuring in the Champions League, Europa League and the Europa Conference League too.

The big Dane has also picked up 80 senior caps for his country, while he was even named by FIFA as one of the three finalists for the world’s best goalkeeper award back in 2018.

While Meslier has finally offset the impact of Schmeichel’s departure, you can’t help but feel a sense of what if with the goalkeeper.

Leeds suffered a bit of an embarrassment in letting the Dane go.

AND in other news: Orta can now axe “awful” £55k-p/w flop as Leeds eye “underrated” £12.5m-rated “threat”

Newcastle United may not be able to call upon right-back Kieran Trippier as soon as they’d hoped, The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson reports. 

The lowdown

Newcastle paid £13.5million to sign Trippier from Atletico Madrid early in the January transfer window.

He made four appearances in the Premier League, scoring two direct free-kicks, and quickly becoming the team’s highest performing player, per Whoscored.

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He was then forced off 48 minutes into the 1-0 win over Aston Villa with a foot injury, and he’s watched the Magpies’ last seven matches from the sidelines.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reported last month that Trippier was targeting the clash with Crystal Palace on 20 April for his return, but this update may cast that timeline into doubt.

The latest

Wilson tweeted on Monday morning that the news on Trippier is ‘not sounding too good’ ahead of the clash with Wolves on Friday.

The Englishman underwent a fresh scan at the end of last week but it ‘wasn’t quite as positive as had been hoped’.

The verdict

Newcastle will be keenly awaiting the return of Trippier, who was showered with praise in the early weeks of his Newcastle career.

Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher said the former Spanish champion is a ‘winner’ who had made a ‘huge impact’, colleague Paul Merson declared that he is willing to ‘run through a brick wall’ for the team, and the BBC’s Alan Shearer has dubbed him ‘superb’.

Clearly, he’s regarded as a key figure not just because of his footballing ability, but also because of his intangible attributes.

Howe is also without Trippier’s compatriot Callum Wilson, the club’s top scorer this season with six goals. He’s certainly done well to guide the team away from trouble without two of his biggest players.

In other news, this Newcastle star had ‘a shocker’ against Spurs.

Leeds employee Noel Whelan has been reacting to an injury update regarding Jamie Shackleton, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Shackleton close to Thorp Arch return

Jesse Marsch has had a number of injury issues to deal with during his short time as Whites manager, one of which has been with Shackleton.

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The 22-year-old was named on the bench in Marsch’s first three games but hasn’t been involved in the previous three fixtures due to a knock.

Marsch confirmed prior to the win at Watford last weekend that Shackleton was close to making a return to training, whereas Junior Firpo was also set to return on Tuesday.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments on Shackleton

Former Leeds striker Whelan, who is now an employee of the club, labelled Shackleton’s absence as a ‘huge miss’ and described his imminent return to as ‘massive’ due to his versatility.

He told Football Insider:

“A huge miss.

“You mention the word versatility, I think he can play about three or four different roles in that team. Very much like Stuart Dallas. “He definitely gives you options and somebody that is very valuable on the bench. He’s somebody that can play those different roles and can adapt to it very quickly. A right-sided midfield player, right wing-back, central midfield, the left side too.

“He gives you those massive options where you don’t need to change anything around too drastically. If there are any injuries to a certain player, you know you’ve got someone that you can trust.

“He gives you 100 per cent and he’s got that tenacity about his game. Right now, after the couple of seasons that he’s had, he’s one of the more experienced young players that we have.

“He can come into the team. You can throw him in there and know that he can go do a job.”

The Verdict: Good news for Leeds

At the age of just 22, Shackleton has already racked up 78 appearances in a Leeds shirt, making him very much a senior member of the squad, especially when you look at Marsch’s substitutes at Vicarage Road.

Therefore, his return to the squad – along with Firpo – is a timely one ahead of the final six games of the season. He will be able to provide another option for Marsch at right-back and in midfield and hopefully will be able to make the trip to Crystal Palace on April 25.

With that match still nearly a fortnight away, it should give Shackleton ample time to get up to speed after his recent convalescence.

In other news: ‘I know’ – Journalist says Orta now ‘thinking’ of signing 28-goal midfielder alongside Aaronson

Aston Villa have learned the latest information regarding the future of summer transfer target Matthias Ginter ahead of a potential swoop for the Borussia Mönchengladbach defender.

What’s the story?

Ginter, who is set to become a free agent this summer, was questioned regarding links to the Premier League club, with the 28-year-old responding by saying to German media outlet Sport1:

“I would like to hold back on specific clubs or domestic and foreign issues for the time being.

“But of course, you talk to different people and you have a few things that are important to you. Then you will see everything else.”

The 46-cap Germany international could sign a contract extension with Gladbach in the coming weeks, however, it appears as though the 28-year-old will be available to sign for free in the summer.

Earlier this week, Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas shared that Sky Germany had reported Aston Villa’s interest.

Villa need Ginter

It’s no secret that Villa manager Steven Gerrard will be looking to heavily bolster his squad as the Englishman prepares for his first full season in charge of the West Midlands outfit next term.

There’s no doubt that, under the 41-year-old, Villa have improved, however, there has certainly been inconsistency throughout.

After ending a run of just one league win in seven matches with three consecutive victories, the Villans have since gone on to lose their last four matches in the top flight.

Moreover, in the last four matches, Gerrard’s men have conceded nine goals, with the statuses of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa being regular centre-backs again next season now under scrutiny.

Therefore, signing a defender with the quality and experience of Ginter would certainly be a shrewd move, particularly signing the German on a free transfer.

The Germany international is still a regular fixture in his country’s squads, having been part of the World Cup-winning side in 2014 and has made 46 appearances for the national team, now managed by former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick.

In terms of the current campaign, the 28-year-old has also been a regular for Gladbach, missing just three Bundesliga matches all season.

However, in general, it’s been a disappointing campaign for the North-Rhine outfit – who currently sit 11th in the German top flight with European football looking extremely unlikely next term.

The £21.6m-rated centre-back currently averages a whopping 80.2 touches per league game, whilst completing 84% of his passes and making 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and three clearances per game.

According to SofaScore, Mings has been Villa’s best-performing centre-back this season. However, the 29-year-old averages fewer touches than Ginter with 59 whilst completing 81% of his passes and making 1.2 interceptions, 0.7 tackles and 3.9 clearances.

Although the 28-year-old has only played in the Bundesliga throughout his career, it’s clear to see the quality and experience Villa would be receiving by securing his signature, so now it’s on sporting director Johan Lange to strike as the centre-back is seemingly set on a new challenge elsewhere.

AND in other news: Forget Young: Gerrard must finally unleash Aston Villa’s £2.5k-p/w “mini Gareth Barry”

As per reliable reporter Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard, there has been a big update on Tottenham Hotspur’s bid to sign Lewes starlet Ollie Tanner.

The Lowdown: Tottenham table bid…

The Athletic first broke news that Tottenham had tabled an offer on Saturday to sign the non-League sensation as they aim to beat Premier League rivals Brighton to his signature.

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Tanner has been making waves for Lewes in the Isthmian League Premier Division, attracting interest from the English top flight as Spurs now aim to secure a deal for the forward.

Sharing an update on their pursuit, Kilpatrick says today could be big.

The Latest: Club chiefs set for talks…

According to the reporter, Spurs have indeed ‘made a bid’ to sign Tanner and Lewes club chiefs are ‘due to hold a board meeting’ today over whether to accept it.

Tottenham, however, are ‘not yet thought’ to have met the 19-year-old’s asking price amid ‘widespread’ interest from a number of other sides.

The Verdict: Get it done…

The teenager has attracted plenty of praise for his performances, with his manager Tony Russell calling Tanner ‘special’, and it is important that Tottenham find a like-for-like academy replacement for ex-winger Dilan Markanday.

Markanday completed a permanent move to Blackburn Rovers earlier in the window and his departure will have left a sour taste in the mouths of some within Spurs – especially going by his exceptional goal return at youth level this season.

Given Tanner’s demand across the Premier League, it is clear that he could slot into Markanday’s stead and make up the numbers as Spurs continue to nurture their prospering academy.

In other news: Conte ‘very, very close’ to signing which ‘could really excite the Tottenham fans’…find out more here.

Norwich have joined Nottingham Forest in the race to sign Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Davis at Forest

The 24-year-old left Villa Park to join Forest on loan at the beginning of the year and hasn’t looked back.

Davis, who has scored just six goals in 86 appearances for Villa, has starred in 2022, already netting five times in 13 games at the City Ground.

He has also provided three assists for the Reds, helping them into the Championship playoffs. Unfortunately though, Davis has now been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring problem.

The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider shared an update regarding Davis’ future on Monday lunchtime after being informed by a recruitment source.

They claim that Norwich, managed by former Villa boss Dean Smith, are now ready to rival Forest for Davis’ services. A loan or a permanent exit are both options, with Villa expected to be open to offers for the forward over the coming months.

The Verdict: Right decision?

A £4m figure was included in the recent report, with Davis under contract for a further two years. He has shown at Forest that he can become a regular goal scorer, however, things have never really worked out for him in the Midlands under both Smith and Gerrard.

The current Villa boss was thought to be a big fan of Davis when he arrived at Villa Park from Rangers, but he never featured under Gerrard and now looks set to move on.

On that basis, a permanent exit could be best for all involved over the coming months, so it could be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news: Gregg Evans: AVFC chiefs very excited over midfielder now set to sign at Villa Park

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Atalanta powerhouse Duvan Zapata…

What’s the talk?

Magpies reporter Keith Downie has rebuffed claims that the club will make a move for the centre-forward before the window slams shut.

Speaking live on Sky Sports News (21:20), he said: “I heard a slight whisper about an hour ago that they may try for Duvan Zapata. I’m told that is not the case.”

Gutted

This update will surely leave Eddie Howe gutted as Zapata could have been a huge signing for the club on deadline day, due to what he could have brought to the table.

The Colombian striker could have been a difference-maker for the Toon as he has proven his quality at the top level for Atalanta. He has scored 78 goals and provided 38 assists in 152 matches for the Italian club, including nine goals and five assists in 16 Serie A games this term.

Meanwhile, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin are the only players in the Newcastle squad who have scored more than twice in the league this term for the club. Neither of them have managed more than six, three short of Zapata’s nine, which suggests that Howe is in dire need of attacking reinforcements.

The ex-Cherries boss does not have an abundance of goalscorers in his team and the signing of Zapata could have gone a long way to solving that issue. He is a proven finisher who has shown that he can regularly find the back of the net in a top European league, suggesting that he could have been a huge player for the Toon, as he could have scored the goals to seal vital points in the Premier League.

Therefore, Howe will be gutted that the club have not pursued a deal to sign him on deadline day. He could be frustrated with those behind the scenes making the decisions as he could now be left without adequate resources to work with in the final third heading into the final few months of the season.

AND in other news, Ornstein: NUFC make “dramatic late attempt” for deal that’ll get St James’ rocking…

Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has shared an update coming out of West Ham United involving West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Free agent…

The thrice-capped Three Lions international, who shone in England’s top flight last season and earned attention from national team boss Gareth Southgate, has been sporadically linked with a move to east London.

The 28-year-old’s current deal at The Hawthorns expires later this year, so he will be available to sign as a free agent as things stand.

Current West Ham number one Lukasz Fabianski is entering the twilight phase of his career, and despite the presence of Paris-Saint Germain loanee Alphonse Areola, it appears that David Moyes has his eye on Johnstone.

The Latest: Moyes watching on…

According to ExWHUemployee on Patreon, Moyes has personally ‘maintained an interest’ in the 28-year-old despite West Ham having an option to buy Areola at the end of his loan spell.

The Frenchman’s future at the London Stadium appears to be up in the air right now, with the club needing to make a decision over whether to trigger his purchase option or try to sign him on loan again.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Areola has impressed when given the chance by Moyes, but signing Johnstone on a free transfer could be too good an opportunity to pass up.

A Will Salthouse client at Unique Sports Group, the player has attracted plenty of praise for his West Brom performances over the last 12 months, with former Premier League ‘keeper Paddy Kenny calling him ‘unreal’.

Homegrown and still young for a goalkeeper, signing Johnstone would not only be a shrewd move by West Ham, but also a potential upgrade on Moyes’ current options.

In other news: Journalists say yet another ‘big’ attacker really wanted to sign for West Ham last month, find out more here.

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left reacting to a revelation that has emerged from Jermain Defoe.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the striker was looking back on his time at Ibrox, and in particular the relationship that he had with his teammates: “My teammates… oh, I get emotional.

“The boys were fantastic. They were brilliant from day one.

“Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara call me ‘uncle’! These are special people.”

The fact that both Aribo and Kamara referred to the 39-year-old as ‘uncle’ emphasises how much togetherness there is in the current squad, and surely every fan wants their club to feel like one big family.

The Englishman was indeed a great servant to the Teddy Bears, scoring 32 goals and making a further 10 assists in 76 matches in total over all competitions across the last four campaigns (Transfermarkt), helping them towards winning the Scottish Premiership title last season.

Nonetheless, it is nice for the Light Blues supporters to get snippets like this of what players were like when Defoe was there.

Rangers fans on Defoe revelation

These Gers reacted to Defoe’s revelation as it was shared on Twitter:

“One of us man. Absolute hero.”

Credit: @LH1872

“That’s me away”

Credit: @afgavinstan

“Cheered me up this”

Credit: @Paul187255

“Someone’s chopping onions”

Credit: @P4MELAR

“I honestly love this man more than life itself”

Credit: @Richy_McG

“This man will be missed, oozes class”

Credit: @mark_loch

In other news, find out who was slammed by RFC fans against Aberdeen here!