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The upcoming international break marks five years since Danny Drinkwater made his England debut whilst he was a player at Leicester City.

Fresh off of the Foxes’ title triumph and at the peak of his powers, he has since endured a dramatic fall from grace following his move to Chelsea.

His switch to Stamford Bridge is a chief example of the mastery and excellent decision making from Director of Football Jon Rudkin that has seen Leicester City become one of the transfer market masters in recent years.

Since earning promotion to the Premier League in 2014, the Foxes have raked in approximately £323m in transfer fees by selling key players all whilst seemingly still managing to improve their squad.

The Foxes sold Drinkwater for approximately £35m in 2017, then a club transfer record for Leicester – a fee which has consequently been eclipsed by the sales of Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire.

For context, it only took £40m for the Foxes to bring Youri Tielemans in from AS Monaco just two years after the Englishman left for the capital.

The two midfielders have certainly had completely different career trajectories since.

Whilst the Belgian has been key to the Foxes’ assaults on the UEFA Champions League places, Drinkwater has failed at Chelsea and has endured poor loan spells at Burnley and Aston Villa. He now finds himself stuck in the wilderness of the Turkish Super Lig with relegation-threatened Kasimpasa – about as far out of the England picture as it is possible to get.

Since his big-money move from Leicester, he has played just 34 matches. Tielemans meanwhile has taken to the pitch more than that in just the 2020/21 season alone.

From his reported £35m transfer fee, Drinkwater is now rated at just £2.88m – a dramatic fall for a player who is just 31 years of age.

Leicester then will be delighted that they elected to sell to Chelsea when they did, showing the type of timing that has only enhanced their sparkling reputation in the transfer market, especially as sellers, five years on from Drinkwater’s international bow.

AND in more news, have a look at which Foxes star could worry Rodgers with a potential absence from his national side…

Liverpool fans have been weighing in on the feasibility of a landmark swoop for Kylian Mbappe, who one supporter believes would be ‘Klopp’s dream signing’.

Journalist Duncan Castles said on the Transfer Window Podcast that Liverpool would be Mbappe’s preferred destination were he to move to England.

22-year-old Mbappe showcased his stratospheric potential once again last month with a hat-trick at the Camp Nou as PSG routed Barcelona 4-1 – Europe’s elite sides know that signing him could be the key to a period of dominance.

For Liverpool, a blockbuster deal could preclude a drop-off when their present front three begin to decline. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will turn 29 this year, while Roberto Firmino will turn 30.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, it would take somewhere between €120million and €150million to capture Mbappe this coming summer, but that price tag is slowly falling because Mbappe’s contract expires in June 2022, leaving PSG to sweat.

The deal may become viable for Liverpool as he nears the end of that term, but one has to assume it would still take a colossal fee.

Is Mbappe to Liverpool realistic?

“Good thing I’ve spent more in Tesco than FSG do on transfers”

Credit: @ftbled16

“Is it go fund me time again ?”

Credit: @LFCMATTHEW96

“How I wish this becomes a reality sooner than never.”

Credit: @laurelsudeep

“I believe, Klopp had him in mind before he signed for us. He’s been a fan of Mbappe for years and believe he’s Klopp’s dream signing. I would be very surprised if we didn’t put a bid in for him, It’s why I’ve not been mad at us not spending.”

Credit: @JadeKiimberly

“The club would make the transfer money back through merchandise and shirt sales”

Credit: @davep3370

“We need the boy”

Credit: @IsaacNgulube17

“A MAN CAN ONLY DREAM”

Credit: @kabaklfc

“No smoke without fire”

Credit: @NA8Y_LAD

In other news, fans react to Jurgen Klopp’s update on Diogo Jota and Fabinho.

Signing number one is already through the door for Celtic. On Wednesday afternoon it was confirmed that Liam Shaw would be a Hoops player next term after agreeing on a pre-contract.

Though, they cannot rest on their laurels now.

What’s the word?

This week Airdrie boss Ian Murray had some exciting news for Celtic supporters, confirming that young winger Thomas Robert had spent the last two weeks undergoing a trial at Lennoxtown.

Son of former Newcastle hero, Thomas Robert, the 20-year-old’s stint in Glasgow was a successful one.

In quotes supplied by the Daily Record, Murray said: “I can provide clarity on Thomas being in with Celtic and training with them.

“It’s brilliant for him personally and brilliant for the club because it shows that we are doing something right. It was a no-brainer to let him go on trial with Celtic. It was a chance for Thomas to showcase himself and train with top level players and coaches.”

The Bhoys were first linked with a move for Robert back in December. He has since attracted admirers from Rangers, Aberdeen and Dundee United too.

The youngster is out of contract in the summer so Nick Hammond has a great chance of securing his signature permanently.

Bye-bye Christie

Celtic have made a phenomenal effort in the last few weeks to snap up young talent. Shaw’s imminent arrival testifies that, while attempts are being made to tie down Wigan forward Kyle Joseph.

Robert is the latest player in a long list of potential arrivals, therefore.

However, as exciting as this move would be, it could be bad news for a certain Ryan Christie.

The winger has had a disastrous season at Parkhead, scoring just five times compared to the 20 he netted last term. His performances have been dwindling for a while now; scoring just two goals in his last 25 matches.

He’s had pundits on his way and it wouldn’t be a great surprise if he leaves. Frank McAvennie thinks an exit is on the cards and with Leeds and Arsenal interested during the winter window, he certainly has suitors.

Christie’s performances are only getting worse, putting in a diabolical display at Ross County. He had four attempts on goal that night but failed to convert any of them. The Scotland international even missed a sitter from a matter of yards out.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-hunt-stories-wagner-marsch-martinez-lennon-news” title=”The last stories on Celtic’s hunt for a new manager!”]

Robert might not be too clinical yet either but he’s a promising talent that plays in the same position as the Celtic forward. His four goals this term prove he can find the net and he certainly possesses plenty of energy too.

Murray commented back in December: “He [Robert] showed his class again against Clyde with the corner kick, but it wasn’t just that, in the first half he was excellent, his touches on the ball, his movement, his timing in the releasing of the ball, the way he picked up space, was excellent.”

If you’re looking at the perfect model to replace Christie, that would be it. Robert is a talented forward who is capable of not only playing on the right, but also on the left and in central areas.

On a free transfer, Robert would be a no-brainer for the Bhoys. He may even force Christie out too.

AND in other news, Celtic manager search takes fresh twist; it should be good news for Hoops supporters…

Celtic have been linked to several new faces this month as the January transfer window fast approaches. Their disappointing season will have only encouraged Peter Lawwell, Nick Hammond and co to scour the market for some fresh personnel.

However, whilst they have been linked to potential incomings, some Celtic stars could also be on their way out. Kristoffer Ajer is a man who has a lot of speculation surrounding him at the moment and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before he bids Parkhead farewell.

AC Milan are one of the latest clubs to show interest in the centre-back and they have an ace up their sleeve to sweeten the deal.

Laxalt for Ajer?

According to Calciomercato, the Italian giants are keen on moving for Ajer this window and would be willing to let Diego Laxalt join the Hoops permanently in return.

The latter joined the Glaswegian outfit last summer and has been one of Neil Lennon’s more impressive players this season. Sofascore reports that he has averaged 2.2 tackles per game so far this term, which is much higher than any other defender at Celtic.

Laxalt has also quickly become a Lennon favourite, thanks to his hard work and balance between attacking and protecting the goal. Recently speaking to the Daily Record, the boss waxed lyrical about the £22,000 per week left-back, labelling him an “aggressive” player who he believes has been a “great addition” to the Hoops.

Indeed, Celtic have come to rely heavily on the 27-year-old. He has played all but one Premiership match this season and contributed an important goal against Hibernian in November, as per Transfermarkt.

Ajer has received a lot of interest recently and Celtic may need to concede the fact that another big side is likely to come in and tempt him to leave. If they are going to lay down their sword and let him transfer, they would do well to at least bank an equally solid defender in Laxalt for their troubles.

Lennon has Christopher Jullien, Shane Duffy and young Stephen Welsh to deploy at centre-back, but appears to only trust Laxalt to get the job done on the left. Losing him would be a huge blow on top of a miserable season in which they will almost certainly give up their crown to Rangers.

In other news, Celtic signing this striker could edge out Leigh Griffiths…

According to The Athletic, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is in no rush to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, and that he is is motivated by the desire to win trophies.

What’s the word?

Fernandes has been nothing short of a revelation since joining the Red Devils on a five-and-a-half year deal from Sporting Lisbon, scoring 30 goals and supplying 20 assists across all competitions.

The Portuguese is desperate to push the club forward following a top-four finish in the previous Premier League campaign.

However, The Athletic claim he is holding off on committing his future to Manchester United as he will wait and see how this season will play out before deciding whether or not to sign a new deal, with silverware the thing that “fuel(s) his fire” .

Over to you, Ed Woodward

While a lot of eyes will be on what United do in terms of Paul Pogba’s future at Old Trafford in the summer, Fernandes must be their top priority, as Ed Woodward will surely be keen on extending his contract.

It’s fair to say that Pogba doesn’t necessarily represent the long-term future of the club as he has made no secret of his desire to leave the Red Devils in recent times. On the other hand, Fernandes – who is one year his junior – is everything that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should look to build his side around.

His latest display against Everton on Saturday was further proof he has added another dimension to the United midfield, in a similar manner to his fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo, who the club did not adequately replace at the time.

Fernandes is currently averaging more shots (3.4) and more key passes (3) per match and commits fewer fouls (1.1) than Pogba in the Premier League, which suggests that he poses a greater attacking threat, albeit from his favoured position as a central No. 10 behind the striker.

United legend Rio Ferdinand was effusive in his praise for the 26-year-old after United’s draw with Liverpool last month, saying: “The geezer’s output has been phenomenal.”

It may be early in his United career in terms of appearances, but the £180k-a-week earning star has taken to life at Old Trafford like a duck to water and Woodward can’t afford to let him slip through his fingers, especially with the lack of attacking depth in the midfield areas.

Convincing Fernandes that he can win trophies at Old Trafford, whether that’s through better on-pitch performances or marquee signings in the summer, is absolutely crucial to whether United actually lift silverware. The Portuguese star has quickly become the talisman of this side, and he surely has to be  Woodward’s priority.

AND in other news, Woodward must sanction Man Utd swoop for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish…

The Aston Villa train just doesn’t look like it’s coming to a halt anytime soon.

Dean Smith’s side have been the undisputed surprise packages of the new Premier League season, flying high with some big victories away against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal already.

They kept up their recent hot streak with a superb 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, made all the more impressive given the fact Tyrone Mings got himself sent off late on in the first-half.

Such is the hectic nature of the Christmas schedule, Villa find themselves playing again within the space of two days, travelling to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.

Smith is likely to ring the changes to try and keep things fresh and ensure his players don’t pick up any unnecessary injuries, and with that in mind, below is a look at just how Villa might line up for the clash.

In goal, Emiliano Martinez kept yet another clean sheet, and his performances may even take another step up given the fact Tom Heaton finally returned to the first-team squad following a lengthy injury.

With Mings of course suspended, Smith will no doubt bring Ezri Konsa back into the fold, and he is likely to partner Kortney Hause in the centre of defence, with regulars Matty Cash and Matt Targett either side of them.

In midfield, Douglas Luiz might finally get a rest given the amount of football he has played this season for both club and country, and Marvelous Nakamba is on standby to play.

Further ahead, Jacob Ramsey has seen some first-team action already this season, and could be given the chance to start again in that number ten role, with Jack Grealish on the left and Bertrand Traore on the right – the in-form Anwar El Ghazi may be seen as a weapon to use off the bench against Chelsea to try and keep things fresh for Villa.

Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Hause, Targett; Nakamba, McGinn; Traore, Ramsey, Grealish, Watkins.

Many Sunderland fans have been left slamming the display of Aiden McGeady versus AFC Wimbledon in their EFL League One fixture this afternoon.

The Republic of Ireland international did not have the best of games for the Stadium of Light faithful, losing possession of the ball no fewer than 15 times in the game, which was among the highest out of his teammates (Sofascore).

He also lost out on seven of his duels, and failed to record a single shot on target, successful dribble, key pass, cross or long ball, earning him a very measly 6.2 overall rating on Sofascore.

The 34-year-old will surely need to put in better performances than this one today if he is stay in the team for the next few matches, as SAFC chase automatic promotion to the Championship for the 2021/22 term.

Sunderland fan reaction to McGeady display

These Sunderland fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far to say as the winger is ‘finished’ as a starter:

“McGeady needs to come off. Brilliant footballer but he’s finished as a starter”

Credit: @b3nxf

“Would bring Winchester on & Diamond on, seem to be on top of the game perfect time to give him a debut see what he’s about. McGeady not done a lot being diamond on to finish it off”

Credit: @AdrianMagson

“Losing it too easy! Was that McGeady’s first touch?”

Credit: @TMilesB

“We’re carrying too many players. Embleton and McGeady are offering nothing”

Credit: @MKA97FTM

“McGeady’s done nowt today, mind”

Credit: @_JordanSimpson

“McGeady doing nowt but giving it away yet again but stays on the pitch ahead of Diamond and Embleton?!”

Credit: @JustBrowsingTa

In other news, find out who many Sunderland fans want to leave here!

Whilst Sunderland may not be in the play-off spots at the moment in League One, the one thing that they’ve got spot on for pretty much most of the season, has been their defence.

Before the Black Cats’ shock 2-1 reverse to MK Dons last weekend, they had the best defensive record in the division, and even now are joint-second.

One big reason for that, is Tom Flanagan. The 6 foot 2 centre-back has been one of the first names on the team sheet for Phil Parkinson this season, featuring in every single game bar one in which he has been available for.

His presence was badly missed in the defeat against the Dons, with Flanagan off on international duty with Northern Ireland. The defender was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Romania, and The Northern Echo have claimed that he will have taken part in training on Friday.

After such a bruising defeat last time out in League One, Parkinson will be desperate to turn things around immediately, and bringing in one of the cornerstones of his miserly defence from this season could be the difference-maker to getting the side back on track.

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Speaking earlier this year, the Sunderland boss said: “Tommy in the last month or so has taken his game to another level. That is by identifying what he needs to do to have a good game, and training properly.

“His standard of training has gone up and he is reaping the benefits of that on a match day. He is desperate to do well, he is a good professional and I am pleased with his performances.”

Providing he passes any late fitness checks, Flanagan should be thrown straight back into the side for the game against Doncaster on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur are currently top of the Premier League table and even though it is early days, they have to be considered genuine title contenders having lost just once thus far.And Jose Mourinho has Harry Kane and Heung-min Son’s form largely to thank for their impressive start to the season. The prolific and red-hot duo combined again to down arch-rivals Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.18 of the 23 goals scored by the north Londoners in the English top-flight have come from that very attacking partnership – in total, Kane has scored eight goals and assisted ten more while Son has found the net ten times and has also provided three assists, per WhoScored.But for all of their dominance and writing of the headlines, it is Mourinho’s defence that has gone under the radar, particularly the performances of Eric Dier.It’s now five clean sheets in their last six Premier League outings, which includes matches against the Gunners, Chelsea and even Manchester City.What a turn around it has been for the English colossus…

Despair under Pochettino

The 26-year-old looked certain to be heading for a career crossroad under former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino – no one knew whether he was best suited as a defensive midfielder or as a centre-back, which often meant others were selected over him.

Before the Argentine was sacked, Dier had played just two full 90-minute matches from 12 outings in the early days of the 2019/20 season.

Speaking to The Athletic about his potential position change, Dier said:

“I went to see him, it was more about my position and where I was playing. We had spoken for many years about me gradually making that transition back to centre-back. For the last three years we’d had many conversations on it. And it was me saying to him: for me, it was now. And if it wasn’t for him, we’d have to find another solution.”

Well, Dier was used just once as a centre-back by Pochettino after that conversation. Clearly, the ex-Spurs chief never truly fancied him in the role as in the previous two seasons, the 6 foot 2 powerhouse made just four appearances as a central defender.

Revival under Mourinho

Now you only have to look at him under Mourinho to see the incredible shift in talent. He has started all but one of the Premier League matches at centre-back with Spurs currently ranking as the top-flight’s best defence having only leaked nine goals.

In the summer, Dier signed a new contract, citing the ‘Special One’ as the major factor and it’s hardly a surprise – you can see the £85k-per-week star really enjoying his football these days.

“For me, that was the biggest part of wanting to stay at Tottenham and sign the new deal – it was purely footballing. I was really happy that Mourinho would give me the opportunity to play centre-back again and to prove myself there. I’m really excited,” Dier told GQ magazine.

In the Premier League, Dier is averaging 5.7 clearances (third-best in the division), 2.9 aerial duels won, over 60 passes at an accuracy of 84.4% per game, via WhoScored.

No other top-flight player has managed more headed clearances (37) either.

It’s no wonder pundits have been quick to praise his form this season.

Ex-Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas dubbed Dier “sensational” after defeating City whilst Gary Neville told Sky Sports (via football.london) at the weekend: “He’s got pace, he’s a good leader, a good character, he’s good on the ball and he’s defending really well.”

The €30m-rated (£27m) centre-back rightly deserves just as much praise as Messrs Kane and Son, even more so if they pull off the unthinkable, after all… defence wins you championships.

AND in other news, Worse than Bergwijn: Levy heading for huge Spurs howler over £10.8m-rated “big talent”…

Leeds United had a manic summer transfer window.

The Whites spent almost £100m on new talent, and they also managed to find loan deals for a number of their young talents, but one thing they didn’t do effectively was shifting their deadwood.

The Ouasim Bouy nightmare goes on, Laurens De Bock remains on the books even though he went out on loan, while Conor Shaughnessy is somehow still a Leeds player.

One man who looked as though he was going to leave this summer was Jay Roy Grot, but an infection has put the brakes on any potential exit for the Dutchman, and that’s something that Leeds need to rectify in January.

The Whites aren’t set for a busy January window. Phil Hay recently documented how much the club hate operating in the winter, but with Grot nowhere near the first-team and seemingly open to a move away, the club needs to do right by him and let him continue his career elsewhere.

It shouldn’t be that tough of a task, Grot is a 6 ft 4 physically-gifted 22-year-old with experience playing for Netherlands U21s. Add into that the fact that he had plenty of suitors this summer, Leeds’ only job in January may be to greenlight his exit.

After reading that description, you may ask why Leeds aren’t willing to take a punt on him themselves, but he just hasn’t looked up to scratch when playing in England. He has been described as ‘lazy’ by Noel Whelan during his first season with the club on BBC Radio Leeds (via Football Insider).

The club are in a lucky position in that they don’t need to think too much about what they need to do in January due to their successful summer window, and barring an injury crisis, they won’t need to think about incomings as the squad is already well-stocked in almost every position.

Victor Orta can sit back and relax for the rest of the season, and while he may need to pick up the phone to find a new home for Grot, he shouldn’t find that too hard of a task.