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Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that Tammy Abraham would be a great signing for West Ham.

Abraham has slipped down the pecking order at Chelsea following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, starting just two Premier League games since January, and was hauled off at half-time in both of those against Burnley and Southampton.

Despite his lack of opportunities, the striker is still Chelsea’s top scorer having netted 12 times in all competitions, but his Stamford Bridge career appears to be drawing to a close.

Meanwhile, West Ham desperately need to bolster their striking options following the January departure of Sebastien Haller and ongoing injuries to Michail Antonio, leaving them with just one first-team frontman.

West Ham are reportedly keen on Abraham, who’s considering his Chelsea future after being left out of their squad for last Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City.

And Windass believes that should Abraham make the move across London, it would be a good deal for both parties.

He told Football FanCast:

“I think that’s a great fit. West Ham have always had a Carlton Cole, tall, aggressive number nine. You wouldn’t write that off because Antonio has always struggled with his hamstring problems.

“Tammy Abraham has had his nose pushed out at Chelsea, you can see that happening.

“And West Ham fans would be delighted if they got someone like Tammy Abraham to replace Antonio.”

West Ham have been dealt a devastating injury blow right as the international break gets underway…

What’s the latest?

As revealed by The Athletic, Irons defender Angelo Ogbonna has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury after he was withdrawn just 22 minutes into their impressive 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

The 33-year-old colossus had a scan on Monday that confirmed the bad news that he had suffered an ACL injury in his right knee. He is now set to see a specialist later this week.

No timeframe has been put on his recovery process but according to football.london reporter Tom Clark, the best-case scenario would be only three months out, though it could end up being longer than 9 months – a disappointing prospect with his contract due to expire in the summer.

Major setback

Ogbonna has started all 11 of the Hammers’ top-flight outings this campaign, which only goes to show his importance to David Moyes and his side.

He has been an absolute rock in the heart of the defence, managing 3.63 clearances, 1.27 tackles and 1.18 interceptions per 90, on top of an 87% passing accuracy and 7.84 recoveries per game, as per Matchday365.

The Scotsman does have alternative options available in Issa Diop and Craig Dawson, the latter of which came in and deputised efficiently, so he may not need to worry too much. But he isn’t one to alter his Premier League starting XI too much and this blow hands him a dilemma over who to select instead.

Ogbonna is one of eight players to have started every single top-flight game this campaign and that goes to show how Moyes relies on the same players each and every week, only further emphasising how big a setback this really is.

“Such a huge blow that Angelo Ogbonna sustained an ACL injury in [the] win against Liverpool. He formed a solid defensive partnership with Zouma,” claimed The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas shortly after the news.

All in all, everyone around the London Stadium will be gutted to hear this development and it puts a dampener on their promising season thus far.

AND in other news, Forget Zouma: “Incredible” £42k-p/w WHU beast who won 100% duels stole the show vs Liverpool…

A number of Rangers supporters have praised John Lundstam’s first half performance in their Premiership clash with Hibernian.

Steven Gerrard’s side face a key match in the title race, entertaining third-placed Hibs at Ibrox. Rangers know that a win would take them four points clear of their opponents, not to mention overtaking Hearts and returning to the top of the table.

Things didn’t start well for Gerrard’s men, though, with Kevin Nisbet heading Hibs into an early lead to stun the home supporters, giving the visitors a half-time advantage. Despite the interval deficit, Lundstram has been active in the final third and nearly had an assist early in the second half, only for Scott Wright’s shot being blocked down.

Rangers fans react to Lundstram display

Lundstram is someone who did well in the opening 45 minutes, clocking 50 successful passes in the first half alone, and these Rangers fans took to Twitter to hail his “brilliant” performance at Ibrox.

“Lundstram genuinely looks a completely different player these last few games. Playing the CDM role magnificently”

Credit: @TK86_

“Lundstram excellent so far”

Credit: @chr1sbett

“Lundstram class so far again”

Credit: @kieranmcl96

“Lundstram already Man of the Match”

Credit: @C_M286

“Lundstram looking interested”

Credit: @becalmfollowon

“Fantastic tackle Lundstram”

Credit: @RonnieP_77

In other news, some Rangers fans have erupted at Gerrard’s recent comments. Read more here.

Newcastle United are keen on Burnley’s Ben Mee in addition to his centre-back partner James Tarkowski, according to The Mirror’s James Nursey. 

The lowdown

Back in October, it was reported that Tarkowski was one of the first targets of the new regime (via The Telegraph), but it has now emerged that Mee, whose contract is also up at the end of the season, is attracting the Magpies’ interest as well.

The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson has previously written that Newcastle’s new owners would focus heavily on players in the final months of their deals.

It should be noted that, in the case of Mee, who is valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, there is the option for a further year. He has been described as a ‘true leader’ and an ‘underrated’ defender by TV pundit Micah Richards.

The latest

According to The Mirror, Eddie Howe is ‘desperate’ to bring in a new centre-back and likes both players. His former club Burnley are unlikely to let both of them leave, but importantly, Newcastle are in a position to double their wages.

Mee and Tarkowski are the top two earners at Turf Moor, taking home £55,000 and £50,000 per week respectively.

The verdict

As noted by Nursey, there is an added advantage to targeting Burnley players – weakening a likely relegation rival.

Newcastle are shipping an average of two goals per game this season, and the hope would be that Mee and/or Tarkowski could give them a more secure platform for their survival bid. This was a duo which helped Burnley to keep 15 clean sheets in the 2019/20 season – a record bettered only by Manchester City.

Compared to positional peers in the top five leagues, Mee ranks in the 99th percentile for aerial duels won and the 97th for clearances. Based on those figures, he could help Newcastle immeasurably when their backs are against the wall.

In other news, Newcastle are also interested in this ‘incredible talent’

Swansea City will be looking to get their promotion push back on track with three points against Stoke City on Wednesday evening.

Steve Cooper’s side have suffered heavy defeats against lowly Huddersfield Town and Bristol City recently and were far from their best in the 1-0 win against Coventry at the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans have established themselves at the top end of the table thanks to a resolute defence, which had only conceded 15 goals before the recent 4-1 and 3-1 defeats.

Therefore, it seems as if changes are likely ahead of Wednesday’s trip to face Stoke City, who are still in the hunt for a playoff place of their own.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Cooper to line his side up, with two changes from the side that started against Bristol City…

Despite being at fault for Bristol City’s third goal last time out, Freddie Woodman should keep his place in between the sticks as he has been excellent for the majority of the season.

There’s one change in defence, as Kyle Naughton comes back in for Joel Latibeaudiere as a right-sided centre-back, which should allow Connor Roberts to push further up the pitch, and allow Swansea to play with a back four when they have possession.

The midfield pairing of Matt Grimes and Connor Hourihane should stay the same as it has proven to be effective for a lot of the season, whilst Yan Dhanda starts ahead of them in the attacking-midfield role.

After no goals in his last nine games in all competitions, Jamal Lowe should be dropped by Cooper, with young Morgan Whittaker replacing him up front.

Leicester City came from behind to claim a point against Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday evening.

Kelechi Iheanacho got the all-important goal to haul the Foxes level following Matej Vydra’s early opener.

Brendan Rodgers’ men probed for a winner in the second-half but could not get past a stubborn Burnley rearguard – the catalyst of all of their creativity being winger Marc Albrighton.

The former Aston Villa man was only introduced in the 67th minute of the game as he replaced Iheanacho but he certainly left an impression during his brief cameo.

He managed to get 21 touches of the ball according to WhoScored – six more than Foxes star Jamie Vardy who played the full game – and was extremely positive in going forwards.

He made two key passes during the match, as well as having two shots at goal, one being a powerful effort that was just kept out by Burnley stopper Nick Pope.

Albrighton’s general play was also very crisp and composed, too, racking up a 93.8% pass accuracy which was only bettered by fellow Leicester substitute Sidnei Tavares.

It was certainly an impressive performance then from the £4.5m-rated Leicester man and may well see him earn a few more starts as the season begins to draw to a close.

With regular wideman Harvey Barnes set to be out injured with a knee injury for a few more weeks according to Brendan Rodgers, it now gives Albrighton the perfect opportunity to stake a claim in the starting XI and build on his Turf Moor appearance.

After all, his season statistics are not the most convincing having only scored once and provided three assists in all competitions.

But, the winger’s energetic and lively display after coming off the bench against the Clarets on Wednesday should surely see Albrighton become an excellent option for the Foxes over these coming days.

In other news, Leicester links to Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim continue to baffle…

A negative reaction to Celtic missing out on winning a treble this season would be ‘absolutely ridiculous’, according to former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie, after he witnessed their Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Rangers last weekend.

The Lowdown: Celtic miss out on treble

Ange Postecoglou’s side had the opportunity to seal a domestic treble this season, prior to last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Rangers.

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Celtic were beaten 2-1 at Parkhead, however, meaning they can now only add the Scottish Premiership title to their Scottish League Cup crown that is already sealed.

The Latest: McAvennie positive

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said winning the league would be an incredible success, bemoaning any negativity surrounding missing out on a treble:

“It was a disappointing loss last weekend. I thought we would win, I think a lot of people did. But it wasn’t to be.

“Look at it this way. This season I was happy for us to just compete. I had no thoughts about us winning anything. The fact we are gutted about missing out on a treble is absolutely ridiculous.

“Next season we should be even better and I want to see us do better in Europe but what a job he has done. It will be just remarkable if we do win this title.”

The Verdict: Title matters most

McAvennie is spot on in his opinion, with a treble something that seemed highly unlikely at the start of the season, and not something to gauge the team’s success by.

If Celtic can wrestle back the league title from Rangers it would be a superb effort by Postecoglou and his players, ensuring last season was nothing more than a blip during a strange time in the world.

A double would still be deemed a hugely successful campaign, suggesting the Hoops are only going from strength to strength going into next season, when Champions League football will hopefully return to Parkhead.

In other news, Celtic are reportedly in advanced talks to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Despite Celtic’s turbulent 2020/21 season, one thing that it has provided for Neil Lennon is the chance to discover some hidden gems within his team.

The Hoops have put in some disappointing performances over the course of the campaign and a lot of the time the team has looked stagnant and sluggish. Key players like Odsonne Edouard have been dropped on numerous occasions as Lennon desperately scrambles to find the winning recipe.

One of the more recent victims of the boss’ ever-changing lineups is captain Scott Brown. Former Celtic midfielder Lubo Moravic discussed the 35-year-old’s role in the club and compared it to that of Henrik Larsson.

Indeed, Brown has become part of the furniture at Parkhead, but with Rangers posing a huge threat on Celtic’s status, the team has been forced to adapt. Lennon took a chance on Ismaila Soro against Lille, handing him his first ever start for the club, which led to another start the next match in the league.

Already the 22-year-old has proven to be a dark horse in the Irishman’s team and he could take the place of veteran Brown for the remainder of the season.

“Nobody is irreplaceable,” Moravic said. “Scott Brown is a fantastic guy and has played a lot of games for Celtic. But if he’s not starting, it is still 11 against 11.”

The skipper’s last two starts have been disappointing in the middle of the park, earning measly Sofascore ratings of 6.1 and 6.4 respectively. The sudden change up of personnel in Lennon’s midfield has seen Celtic win their last two matches, coincidentally with no Brown in the starting lineup.

If the £11,000 per week Soro continues to pay back the manager’s faith, he could cement himself as a regular start next season, especially if Lennon holds onto his new job.

In other news, Mauricio Pochettino move could benefit both him and Lawwell…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Newcastle midfielder Rob Lee has laughed off claims that Harry Kane has said he wants to leave Tottenham this summer.

Kane’s future at Spurs has been a major talking point for some time, with recent reports from The Athletic this month saying that the England captain will hand in a transfer request should Spurs fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The striker is still waiting to win his first piece of silverware for the north London outfit, following Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final last weekend.

Kane has been in scintillating form this term, and is the joint-top goalscorer and top assister in the Premier League this season having been directly involved in 34 goals in 30 appearances.

But whilst Lee believes that he could play for any side in the world, he’s rubbished reports that Kane said he will push for a move away from Spurs.

He told Football FanCast:

“Until Harry Kane comes out and says ‘I want to leave’, I don’t believe that his friends of friends have said ‘yeah I know Harry Kane has told me this’.

“Why would he tell anyone that? Unless you’re close – I think his brother is his agent. Why would he say that? I don’t know if he would.

“I’m sure he wants to play at the top level, but does he want to stay at Tottenham and be a club legend as Alan did at Newcastle?

“Does he want to go abroad at Real Madrid or Barcelona or does he want to go to another Premier League club, but then he’s got to play against his beloved Spurs.

“It’s down to Harry Kane what he decides he wants to do. I think he’s the best centre-forward in the world by quite a distance at the moment.”

Keith Gillespie has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he expects Manchester United winger Daniel James to remain at Old Trafford this summer.

The Welsh international burst on the scene following his move from Swansea City for £15m the summer before last, when scoring three times in his first four Premier League appearances.

However, the emergence of Mason Greenwood has seen James restricted to a bit-part role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this term.

The 23-year-old has scored five times and added one assist in his 24 United appearances, but has started just nine times in the Premier League.

Five of those starts have come in the last nine matches, although James has been a regular in the Europa League, too, which could be valuable for his chances of starting for Wales at this summer’s European Championships.

Despite January links away from Old Trafford, Gillespie believes that James still has a part to play, and expects him to be a Manchester United player next season.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“I don’t think he’ll leave. He’s a good squad player, he’s still young and learning the game. It has been disappointing for him because when he first came in, he did well at the start, but his performances have gone downhill.

“He’s been used this season more than I thought he would be, you see him in the starting line-up when you don’t expect it – Ole obviously likes him.”