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Crystal Palace have officially appointed Patrick Vieira as their new manager on a three-year deal, as reported by BBC.

Moving into 2021/22, the Eagles finally have some assurance over their managerial situation following nearly two months without clarity after Roy Hodgson declared his intention to leave Selhurst Park [cpfc.co.uk].

Frank Lampard, Steve Cooper and Lucien Favre were all previously front-runners for the position, but 45-year-old Vieira has been chosen as the man to lead the Eagles into the new campaign and possibly beyond [BBC].

Firstly, he will need to negotiate the tricky task of replacing the 22 first team players who departed after their contracts expired at the end of last season [Tribal Football].

Despite the challenges ahead, many Crystal Palace supporters took to Twitter to voice their delight as they embark on a new journey under Vieira’s stewardship.

CPFC fans react:

Replying to the club’s official Twitter channel, here is how some fans summarised their feelings on the Vieira appointment, with one supporter describing it as “great” news:

“European tour coming. My gaffer.”

Credit: @CPFCChris19″Welcome to Crystal Palace. We will back you and good luck”Credit: @briansparrow191″I like”Credit: @brixgod”Patrick Vieira’s red blue army”Credit: @unknownbald”Great, about time too!!”Credit: @CPFC_Dave”Yyyyeeeesssssss! At last. I don’t give a damn about pros and cons, ins and outs, good or bad. I just wanted a manager. So let’s sign some players, and let’s get going! Phew!”Credit: @MaxMcDonnell7In other news, these Crystal Palace fans react to links with a reported transfer target.

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted in delighted fashion to a claim that the Reds won’t be investigated for possible false negative virus tests.

The Reds have suffered a difficult period in their season, like so many clubs, with numerous players having to isolate after testing positive for the virus.

The likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho have all been ruled out at different times recently and Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge has been affected as a result, with just two points taken from the last nine on offer.

The Reds also saw their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal cancelled last week, with the Emirates Stadium fixture instead moved to 20 January.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

On Monday, a story from The Athletic emerged claiming that the Reds could be investigated for reported false positives, in what was a worrying development for the club.

However, according to The Evening Standard [via Anfield Watch], that will not happen, with the EFL not planning to dig deeper into the issue.

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Liverpool fans delighted at investigation claim

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react positively to the news, with one describing it as a “masterclass” from manager Jurgen Klopp, who himself was recently diagnosed with the virus.

“Salty Arsenal fans incoming”

Credit: @Seyjith

“Liverpool is so massive”

Credit: @Tokpenyulfc

“This is really good news for #LFC”

Credit: @9_khac

“Another masterclass from Jurgen”

Credit: @jackmartinez_

“ARSENAL FANS CRYFEST!!!”

Credit: @dkapoor_lfc

“Let’s gooooo”

Credit: @6_LFC_19

In other news, some Liverpool fans have laughed off one Reds transfer claim. Read more here.

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips will sign a new long-term deal at Elland Road provided they are not relegated, according to Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Manchester United interest

Phillips has attracted plenty of interest over recent months, with Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham all keen on his services.

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Manchester United have now joined the race for the England international and are thought to be ‘working on a deal’ which would take Phillips to Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old last signed a new deal with Leeds back in 2019 and is in the process of changing agents ahead of the summer window.

The Latest: Journalist’s update

Talbot took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon shortly after the major update on Manchester United’s interest.

The journalist believes Phillips won’t seek a move away from Leeds and will sign a new deal after what he’s been told.

“The way I’ve been told is that Kalvin Phillips is not seeking a move away from LUFC and will be signing a long-term extension with the club in the summer once the club’s Premier League status is secured. The midfielder loves Leeds so chance of a move to a close rival is scarce.”

The Verdict: Marsch gets his way

Jesse Marsch admitted last month that he would love to keep Phillips at Elland Road, and it looks as if he’ll get his wish, providing the Whites remain in the Premier League.

Phillips looks set to play a key role in the club’s attempts to avoid the drop too after making a long-awaited return from injury last weekend, so perhaps his motivation will be doubled.

He’s in contention for a first start since December against Watford tomorrow, where a win could go a long way to ensuring the club’s safety.

In other news: 5 key passes, 1 goal: Leeds target produces stunning midweek display as Orta eyes move – opinion. 

Kevin Phillips has been left fuming at some news involving Antonio Conte and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Conte bans ketchup and mayonnaise

As per The Athletic, both ketchup and mayonnaise have removed from the food menu at Spurs after Conte decided to ban the two condiments.

He is thought to believe that some of his players are overweight, so he has taken a similar regime to one he enforced at Chelsea back in 2016, when he decided to ban ketchup as well as pizza, fizzy drinks and brown sauce.

The Latest: Phillips fumes over condiments ban

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League striker Phillips was left fuming when he heard the news. The 48-year-old raged:

“When I look at what Conte has done, banning ketchup and mayonnaise, it’s ridiculous.

“How many times have I seen managers doing that? For me, it is complete and utter nonsense. Managers just want to make changes when they come in.

“It makes no difference whatsoever, banning sauces. It just annoys people. I’ve been at clubs when managers have taken something away and players’ backs are up straight away.

“You cannot tell me having a bit of ketchup on your lunch at dinner time will affect your performance.

“Some managers demand that though and you have to respect it.”

The Verdict: Stamping authority

The fact that Conte is implementing his own ideas and methods early in his reign, however ‘ridiculous’ Phillips thinks they may be, means that he is stamping his authority on the club, which can only be a good thing.

Just look at his track record. At Chelsea, after implementing his ban on certain food and drink, he won them the Premier League title in the 2016/17 season, and the FA Cup the year after (Transfermarkt).

It shows that his methods work, and there is no reason why he cannot enjoy success at the Lilywhites, who are desperate to secure another major trophy having not won one since 2008. If these are the small first steps to be taken towards lifting silverware, so be it.

In other news, Spurs are in ‘pole position’ to sign this ‘really crazy’ beast

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Florian Grillitsch to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Leeds have joined fellow Premier League sides Arsenal, Newcastle United, West Ham and Everton in the race for the Hoffenheim midfielder – who looks set to become available on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract with the Bundesliga outfit at the end of the season.

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The report goes on to state that the 26-year-old’s representatives have sounded out a number of top-flight teams regarding a potential summer switch, while several unnamed German and Spanish sides are also thought to be keen on a move for the Austria international.

Finally, the Daily Mail claim that Victor Orta has identified the defensive midfielder as a potential replacement for Kalvin Phillips, who has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Bye-bye Phillips

While it is undeniable that losing the services of Phillips this summer would come as a huge blow to Jesse Marsch and his side, should Orta be able to get a deal for Grillitsch over the line as the 26-year-old’s replacement, it would certainly ease the loss of the Whites’ academy graduate.

Indeed, over his 18 Bundesliga appearances this season, the £14.4m-rated midfielder has been imperious in front of the Hoffenheim defence, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, two clearances and winning 4.9 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per game.

Furthermore, the £35k-per-week Austrian has also completed an average of 51.9 passes, 6.6 long balls, 4.2 chipped passes and 0.6 key passes per fixture – demonstrating his quarterback-esque distribution of the ball.

These returns have seen the 26-year-old average a quite spectacular SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as Sebastian Hoeness’ second-best performer in the German top flight but also the joint 17th-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, it will perhaps come as no surprise to learn that Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is a huge fan of the midfielder, with the 34-year-old stating back in 2020:

“Grillitsch is one of the best players in the Bundesliga, and he’s a bit under the radar. He still has a few construction sites, he knows that, I’ve told him that often enough. But he is an exceptional footballer and has an incredible gift for setting the rhythm of the game.”

Indeed, with this description also quite easily being applicable to Phillips, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be considering a move for Grillitsch to replace the England international this summer, although, a move for the Hoffenheim midfield marshal would all but confirm the £45m-rated man’s departure.

AND in other news: Sources: Victor Orta plotting Leeds bid for £42m “tank”, he “can be as good as Virgil”

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left fuming as some early team news emerged on Ryan Jack ahead of their game at home to Hearts on Saturday.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match at Ibrox, Steven Gerrard has now revealed that Jack ‘will be back in a couple of weeks’, meaning that he is going to miss yet another fixture.

These are words all too familiar to Light Blues supporters with regards to the midfielder, of whom Gerrard claimed was a ‘couple of weeks’ way from being integrated back into the group last month.

Jack is an important player for the Teddy Bears, making 19 appearances in the Scottish Premiership on their way to the title last term, scoring two goals and supplying one assist (Transfermarkt).

Thus, it is understandable to see several Gers growing more impatient with regards to when exactly he will back.

Rangers Fans on Jack Team News

These RFC fans fumed as the Team News from Gerrard regarding Jack was shared on Twitter:

“Friday ruined”

Credit: @smithy_1872

“Jack has been a couple of weeks away for the last 3 months”

Credit: @Ross_Herkes1

“Feel like I’ve heard this sentence for 3 months”

Credit: @JacobMcArthur18

“Jack back “in a couple of weeks” – that seems to be the update every time.”

Credit: @Ggoggsie

“Said it many times…. Horrendous decision to waste a Europa squad space on him! Rossiteresque”

Credit: @bluedougie

“Swear Jack has been a few weeks away from returning for about 6 months. The new Jordan Rossiter.”

Credit: @Shanksy1872

In other news, find out what club update has Gers gushing here!

Tottenham Hotspur begin their quest for glory in Europe with a trip to Nuno Santo’s home country to face Liga Primeira outfit Pacos de Ferreira in a UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier later this evening.

In order to make the group stage of the competition, the north Londoners must see off the Portuguese outfit over two legs, with the return fixture scheduled for next week.

Pacos, who are nicknamed ‘The Beavers’, played as recently as Monday when they recorded their first defeat of the season. Meanwhile, Spurs got off to the perfect start, defeating defending Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.

However, none of the 11 that started the 1-0 victory are expected to start at the Estadio Capital do Movel Stadium, as the Lilywhites head coach confirmed during his pre-game press conference. He’ll also be without Harry Kane, who continues to ramp up his preparations following his late return to training.

In fact, Spurs are expected to travel with a relatively young crop of players and with some that are lacking game time. It leaves the 47-year-old with some interesting thoughts over his team selection but there’s one name he must start – to benefit the squad on the night, and for the remainder of the 20201/22 campaign.

Summer signing Cristian Romero made his brief debut from the bench on Sunday, replacing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the final minute of the game to help shore up the defence to guarantee three points.

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In the absence of Joe Rodon, who is out through injury, and of course, the expected exclusion of Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier, who started at the weekend, Nuno will need someone to step up in defence and lead the side.

After all, that’s kind of why the Argentina international has been brought in. A lack of cohesion and individual mistakes let the club down last season, so they cannot afford to continue that trend in a competition that could be there for the taking.

Romero led the Serie A for interceptions per game (3.1) in 2020/21, whilst his overall performance on the pitch saw him clinch the ‘Defender of the Year’ award in the competition.

“He has been phenomenal as he won the MVP award for the best defender in Serie A,” claimed Italian football expert Conor Clancy to This is Futbol. “When he has the ball, his distribution and passing is so, so good. Romero can pick out a 50-yard pass onto the foot of a striker perfectly but it’s something that goes a little bit unnoticed because his defensive work is so good and he is a top, top defender.”

A further game average of 3.6 aerial duels won, two tackles and a 86.2% passing accuracy, via WhoScored, makes the £31.5m-rated colossus a scary prospect for any side and this time on the pitch could be valuable towards his chances of becoming Nuno’s regular starter in the coming weeks.

Furthermore, the 6 foot 1 beast’s presence alone should be enough to strike fear into the Pacos frontline, one that has found the net six times in their last two home outings.

The 23-year-old must be unleashed from the off this evening. It could be the difference-maker for Spurs, who should be targeting silverware in this very tournament.

AND in other news, Spurs make “complete” £36m-rated beast their “top” target, Nuno would love him…

A number of West Ham supporters have been hailing a host of Hammers youngsters after they played against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.

David Moyes’ side faced a dead rubber contest in Europe on Thursday evening, having already secured qualification into the knockout stages.

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It afforded Moyes the luxury of naming a much-changed starting lineup at the London Stadium but it was one that had more meaning to it than normal.

During the night, a total of eight academy graduates took to the field, while there were also five full debutants and two debutants, as highlighted by an official club post.

It was further proof that West Ham are going in the right direction both on and off the pitch, despite the 1-0 defeat, as the latest batch of Hammers youngsters look to mark their mark.

West Ham fans hail youngsters

These fans took to Twitter to react to their efforts.

“My club”

Credit: @darrenpasley79

“Wow what a picture!”

Credit: @jackcoyi1

“Future is bright”

Credit: @deskamiya

“Massive”

Credit: @Razek_76

“Proud of the boys, COYI”

Credit: @MarcinPochojka

“Brilliant display from majority of them tonight so proud”

Credit: @RyanHil98488904

In other news, a reliable reporter has made a transfer claim regarding one West Ham target. Find out who it is here.

With Everton currently enduring a seven-game winless run, speculation surrounding the future of new manager Rafa Benitez has already begun to circulate.

What’s the story?

Previously reports suggested that Nuno Espirito Santo was the frontrunner to replace the under-pressure 61-year-old, but now there appears to be a new candidate at the front of the queue.

According to journalist Colin Walker, former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is the ‘favourite’ to succeed Benitez at Goodison Park following a string of below-par results.

In a concise six-word update, he tweeted: “Frank Lampard – Favourite for Everton job.”

Everton fans should be excited

Benitez only arrived on Merseyside in the summer after Carlo Ancelotti returned to La Liga giants Real Madrid, and things got off to a good start for the experienced tactician.

A run of just one defeat in Everton’s opening seven Premier League fixtures sparked hope of a push for European football after years of midtable obscurity, but multiple injuries to key players sparked a dreadful downturn in performances.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina and Abdoulaye Doucoure have all faced extensive spells on the sidelines due to fitness concerns, although Benitez will be disappointed with how his side have coped in their absence.

The Blues have picked up only two points from a possible 21 in recent weeks, scoring just four goals and conceding a whopping 13 times, dropping them down to 14th position in the top-flight table.

As a result, potential replacements are now being lined up for Benitez, a former Champions League-winning coach, and Lampard is believed to be the first-choice candidate.

Although the 43-year-old is relatively inexperienced, he has illustrated his potential to become a top-class manager during spells at Derby County and Chelsea, achieving a 50% win rate from his 141 games in the dugout.

The retired England midfielder also cultivated an enviable reputation for blooding young stars, overseeing the development of Mason Mount, Reece James and Tammy Abraham, while also playing an attractive style of football.

For those reasons, Everton supporters should be excited at the prospect of Lampard joining the club, potentially providing new life into a campaign that is quickly becoming a nightmare.

And, in other news…Rafa could solve major EFC issue with “sensational” 18y/o gem whose “future is bright”

Former Rangers player Michael Ball believes that whilst Gary Cahill would be a good addition to Rangers, he wouldn’t necessarily walk straight into the side.

Cahill is a free agent after his contract expired at Crystal Palace and, according to The Sun, the veteran defender is being considered by the Scottish Premiership champions.

Rangers were solid defensively last season, conceding just 13 goals on their way to the Scottish Premiership title, and began the new campaign with a 3-0 success against Livingston at the weekend.

With his experience, Cahill could be a good addition to the team, but he wouldn’t necessarily get a starting berth from the off, according to Michael Ball.

“You want guys who are going to be hungry and improve the squad and I think Gary Cahill would.

“He’s got that type of character, he’s a leader and would help Steven Gerrard and the Rangers team like Jermain Defoe did with his experience, but would it be a given he actually walk straight in the side? I’m not so sure, I think centre-half is a strong one for Rangers right now,” Ball exclusively told Football FanCast.

Rangers were beaten by Malmo on Tuesday in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, a trophy which Gary Cahill lifted with Chelsea in the 2011/2012 season, and will be looking to bounce back from that loss and progress in the second leg at Ibrox next week.