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Southampton have been linked with a move for Robbie Brady recently and if he makes the move to St Mary’s this summer it could prove to be the end for Moussa Djenepo in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

According to the Daily Mirror (27th May, 15:27), Southampton, Crystal Palace and Watford are all keen on the 29-year-old, who is set to leave Burnley this summer when his contract expires.

Although he has struggled with injuries during his time at Turf Moor, he could prove to be a stellar addition to Hasenhuttl’s side this summer, as he has regularly featured as both a left-winger and a left-back in his career.

This definitely marks him out as the sort of player the Austrian would love to have in his side next season, as he has spoken in the past about his preference for versatile players, and is in desperate need of a left-back next season following Ryan Bertrand’s recent departure.

The Republic of Ireland international, who was described as having “real quality” by Sean Dyche last year, has made 160 Premier League appearances in his career, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists, so would bring a wealth of experience to St Mary’s.

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Should he join on a free transfer this summer, it could be the catalyst for fellow left-sided player Djenepo leaving the club, especially as he has been linked with a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce in recent weeks.

The Mali international has struggled for consistent form since arriving from Standard Liege in the summer of 2019, managing just four goals and two assists in 51 appearances for the Saints.

His form this season was particularly disappointing, as he managed just one goal and no assists in 27 Premier League appearances, earning a shocking 6.37 average rating from WhoScored for his performances in the top-flight.

Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see him shipped out next season, especially if Brady arrives, as it is difficult to see him maintaining a starting spot unless his form and goal and assist return drastically improves.

And, in other news… Forget Firpo: Semmens should seal Southampton swoop for “exciting” £9m-rated “talent”

A number of Celtic supporters have hit out at Jonjoe Kenny on social media for his first half display against Hibernian on Saturday lunchtime.

Interim boss John Kennedy made two changes from the side which beat St Johnstone 4-0 on Wednesday, with Greg Taylor and Callum McGregor coming in for Adam Montgomery and James Forrest respectively.

It looks set to be Kennedy’s final game in temporary charge, with recent reports suggesting that Eddie Howe is in line to take over as manager for the 2021/22 season.

However, it was Kenny‘s performance in the opening stages at Easter Road which had a number of Celtic fans talking online, and not for the right reasons. The 24-year-old was making his 10th Scottish Premiership start since joining on loan from Everton and 16th appearance in all competitions.

He was coming up against Hibs winger Jamie Murphy in Edinburgh, but some fans clearly think he is struggling on what is his final appearance of his temporary Parkhead stay. He went into the referee’s notebook after just 10 minutes, being yellow-carded for an early foul on Murphy, and failed to win a first half duel.

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Celtic fans react

Here is what these Hoops supporters had to say about Kenny, with one describing his display as ‘so bad’ and another calling him a ‘donkey’, with this not being the first time that he has come under fire from the Parkhead faithful:

“Kenny has got to be one of the worst right-backs I’ve ever seen”

Credit: @NorthKoreaCSC

“JJ Kenny is still the worst player I’ve saw in a Celtic top”

Credit: @BrianMc81

“Man Jonjoe Kenny is a terrible player”

Credit: @paulandrewmart2

“Jonjoe Kenny is so bad”

Credit: @GlasgowFIFA_

“He’s had less impact than Marvin Compper.”

Credit: @KierenLaverty

“Get him out my club”

Credit: @DylanIsOnFire

In other news: Celtic looking at two big-money transfers; presented targets to Howe, find out more here. 

West Ham completed just the one signing in January and that may lead to another big spending spree this summer as Manuel Pellegrini aims to take his side to the next level.

The Hammers haven’t been at their best recently and that led to them dropping down to 12th position, a position that doesn’t justify how good they’ve been at times this campaign.

However, West Ham have to maintain those performances at every time in the season and so their aspirations of finishing in 7th place are looking harder with every game that goes by.

To solve that issue, simply put, West Ham need some better players in the summer transfer window, with a number of players not good enough to take the Hammers forward.

Another midfielder will be key to their success and a man who could really help is Borussia Dortmund’s Mahmoud Dahoud.

The Dortmund star, (who is valued at £16.2 million on Transfermarkt) is a player who would bring a great deal to the London Stadium, having proven himself to be a great player in the Bundesliga over the last few seasons.

At just 23-years-old, Dahoud has established himself in the Bundesliga but has struggled to get himself on the team-sheet consistently, having only started five league games this season.

Yet last season and his first with Borussia Dortmund, he was a regular and played in 34 games, where he does his best to provide six assists.

Dahoud has great vision and a solid passing range. Not only that, he has a good amount of pace which means he could be utilised in a more box-to-box role, helping things happen in-front of goal and giving a hand defensively as well.

West Ham would do well to acquire such a player, who could complement the likes of Mark Noble and Declan Rice even more.

Do you agree… Let us know!

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Raphinha will be fit to face Liverpool on Monday night, as the midfielder has had plenty of time to train at Thorp Arch this week.

The Whites face one of their most intriguing games of the season on Monday night, as the Premier League champions head to Elland Road.

The 2020/21 campaign hasn’t panned out the way many expected for the Reds, but they remain a top class side who have won their last three league matches.

Leeds will need to be somewhere close to their best in order to pick up a positive result, meaning key players being available is vital.

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Raphinha tipped to start against Liverpool

Raphinha left the pitch injured in stoppage time in the stunning 2-1 win away to Manchester City, making him a doubt for the game, but Whelan told Football Insider that he believes the Brazilian will start, claiming that he will have been light training all week at Thorp Arch:

“I am expecting him to shake it off. I mean, these are the games that big players love to play in. He has had a good week of recovery time and treatment. He has probably done light training, I would imagine, as well.

“I cannot, for the life of me, think of a game that he would rather play in. A Monday night game against Liverpool, the champions of the Premier League.

“It’s a game where he wants to go out there and prove himself again.”

Transfer Tavern take

Raphinha has arguably been Leeds’ Player of the Year, scoring six goals and registering the same number of assists in the league, as well as catching the eye with his dribbling skills and unpredictable nature.

The 24-year-old being passed fit would be a major positive for Bielsa, allowing him to cause Andy Robertson problems, with the Scot not at his best this season.

The threat that Raphinha poses could also make the left-back hesitant to go forward, especially with no Virgil van Dijk around to cover him, therefore costing Liverpool an attacking threat as well.

In other news, a former Premier League defender has explained why he thinks one Leeds player is ‘lucky’. Read more here.

Fans of Sunderland have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed footage of Black Cats fans celebrating Fabio Borini’s goal in the Tyne-Wear derby back in 2014.

Borini’s 19th-minute penalty was just the beginning of a magnificent day for Sunderland fans back on February 1 of 2014, as the Italian’s strike was the first of three goals scored by Gus Poyet’s side at St. James’ Park, seeing the Mackems defeat Newcastle United 3-0 on their own turf.

And, while the thought of Premier League football and Tyne-Wear derbies may now seem like the distant past to many involved with Sunderland, after footage of the club’s fans celebrating Borini’s goal was shared by Sunderland Limbs on Twitter, a great number of the Stadium of Light faithful flocked to have their say on the footage, with many sharing their own memories and experiences of the famous victory over their fiercest rivals, while others simply claimed they would never tire of watching the footage back.

Hopefully, with Lee Johnson in the dugout and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus at the helm, the Black Cats can surge up the divisions and create new memories just like this one.

So, what exactly did these Sunderland fans have to say in reaction to the footage of Fabio Borini’s goal?

“Never gets old mate does it?! Incredible witnessing that man!”

@patty1981JN

“Goosebumps.”

@AndrewArmour_

“Will never tire of watching this.”

@RossAdam21

“Unreal day.”

@OfficialDPope

“That noise.”

@safcbigbaz

“Can’t wait to hear this sound again.”

@zoe_louisesafc

In other news: ‘Get it signed’, ‘Please’ – Some SAFC fans beg for deal as star’s ‘brilliant’ comment emerges – find out more here!

Leicester City return to Premier League action on Thursday as they host relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes come into the game on a high having reached the FA Cup final against Southampton last time out at Wembley.

Now, as Brendan Rodgers sets his sights on a UEFA Champions League place once again, how many changes could he make to the team that defeated the Saints?

We are expecting just two alterations from the Northern Irishman for the clash against the Baggies.

Kasper Schmeichel will, of course, continue in goal having not missed a Premier League match since the conclusion of the 2018/19 season.

The defence should also remain unchanged with Jonny Evans, Wesley Fofana and Caglar Soyuncu assembling a formidable back three. The latter came through his return at Wembley unscathed so will have no problem in playing once again.

However, there should be one slight chance further forward. Wing-back Ricardo Pereira could only play an hour of the FA Cup semi-final after “taking a blow” to his calf according to Rodgers. With the Portuguese continuing his comeback from a long-term injury, he might not be risked against West Bromwich Albion, giving Marc Albrighton the opportunity to start.

This would see Timothy Castagne moved over to the left-hand side.

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Rodgers’ midfield should have somewhat of a familiar look to it. Youri Tielemans and Wilfred Ndidi are going to continue their partnership.

However, Ayoze Perez might well drop out for James Maddison with the latter having made a cameo appearance at Wembley on Sunday. He already has ten goals and 11 assists this season so will be hoping to add to that record against the Baggies.

Elsewhere, the Leicester frontline should stay the same. Kelechi Iheanacho continued his hot form with the winning goal against Southampton and is sure to start.

Jamie Vardy, despite being a prime candidate for a place on the bench, is also likely to be included from the off by Rodgers having hit six goals in nine Premier League career appearances against West Brom.

AND in more news, take a look at which striker Leicester must sign in the summer…

It has only been just over a year since Liverpool swooped for Takumi Minamino but the Japanese wideman is already being linked with a permanent departure from Anfield.

The 26-year-old, currently on-loan at Premier League rivals Southampton, is interesting Sevilla, with the Spanish giants reportedly willing to pay up to €10m for the player according to reports in Spain..

Despite Minamino not having had the best of times with the Reds since his arrival from Red Bull Salzburg, it would certainly be a mistake to let him go this early.

In his first season with the Reds, he struggled for form, failing to get off the mark for goals. However, he has certainly improved during the 2020/21 campaign, scoring six goals and notching two assists for Liverpool and Southampton combined in all competitions. They are numbers that are certainly not too bad.

They are certainly better statistics than the likes of current Reds’ wide options, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who have just one goal and five assists between them this season.

For a player who appears to be finally getting to grips with life in the Premier League, it seems quite premature for Liverpool to cut Minamino adrift so soon.

It is not like the Anfield outfit would be receiving any considerable financial benefit should he leave having forked out a reported £7.25m to bring the Japanese international to the club. Meanwhile, his wages are not the biggest burden on the club, with Minamino earning £72k per week – less than Shaqiri, Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner, amongst others.

With Jurgen Klopp proclaiming the Japanese as a “wonderful” signing upon his arrival at Anfield, it would seem unlikely that opinion will have changed in the 14 months since.

Minamino has certainly shown enough potential to be kept around so Liverpool should definitely not let him leave so soon.

AND in more news, have a look at which Championship star Liverpool must sign this summer…

Jermaine Jenas has claimed that Joelinton has his ‘best game’ for Newcastle United in their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League on Friday night.

Speaking on the BBC’s latest Match of the Day programme (via Chronicle Live), the former Magpies player was still critical of the former Hoffenheim man’s display, but claimed that he gave Tyrone Mings a ‘torrid’ night:

“Joelinton potentially had his best game in a Newcastle shirt but it all seemed to fall apart once they got in that 18 yard box.

“Even into the final third, some of the decision making at times…

“Dwight Gayle and Fraser have got to get closer into positions where they can score goals. Joelinton doesn’t get his shot off in the first half.

“These are the situations Steve Bruce is talking about.

“We know Joelinton isn’t a true centre-forward and these situations explain that. Just shoot there and anything can happen.

“It was a negative pass. In a weird way it was his best game in a Newcastle shirt and he gave Tyrone Mings a torrid time but it doesn’t really matter because he doesn’t score goals.”

Joelinton tried but not enough quality

It is perhaps fair to say that Joelinton did try his best to help his team out at St James’ Park, but ultimately a lack of real quality let him down once more.

As Jenas points out, the 24-year-old – currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt – decided to try and square the ball instead of shoot when he was clean through on goal, which pretty much sums up just how low on confidence he is front of goal at the moment.

The striker failed to record a single shot on target and also lost no fewer than 18 of his duels and was dispossessed of the ball 21 times, the joint-most out of any player to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Joelinton just needs to get a run of goals to gain some confidence, but at the moment his lack of end product in the final third is costing Steve Bruce’s side at a time when they really need him given their precarious league position.

In other news, find out what inside takeover claim has been dropped on PIF by Mark Douglas.

Writing for football.london, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has relayed the progress of youngster Troy Parrott as he continues his loan stint at Ipswich Town in League One – with the reliable journalist sharing how he has steadily improved for the Tractor Boys. 

He is yet to score a goal for Paul Lambert’s side, with his latest outing coming on Tuesday night as the Tractor Boys took on Lincoln City in a 1-1 draw at Portman Road.

Gold relays Troy Parrott update

However, despite still not being able to chalk up his first strike for Ipswich, Gold has relayed that Parrott has been making steady progress in east Anglia.

Indeed, the football.london correspondent shared, before his half an hour cameo against Lincoln on Tuesday as a substitute, that Parrott has racked up a few starts under Lambert recently – playing 87 minutes during a 2-1 win at Accrington and then 68 minutes in a 3-1 defeat to Gillingham at the weekend.

As well as this, the 19-year-old was lavished with praise by the East Anglian Times for his display against Accrington – as football.london quote, they branded him a ‘workhorse’ with ‘plenty of quality’.

Transfer Tavern take

At the centre of a public Jose Mourinho scolding last year, with the Portuguese questioning his attitude, Parrott slowly becoming an ‘asset’ for Ipswich could come as good news.

This isn’t the first time he has been praised this season either, with Millwall boss Gary Rowett branding the Irish starlet as ‘excellent’ after his debut for the Lions on another loan before the new year.

A previous update by Gold highlighted that a decision over Parrott lingers at the end of the season for Tottenham – whether to send him back out on loan or give him a shot in the first team.

Lilywhites supporters will surely be hoping he can live up to his potential and notch that first goal for Ipswich soon.

In other news: Tottenham remain keen on this ‘shining’ attacker, find out more here.

David Moyes could look to upgrade Angelo Ogbonna at West Ham United in the summer transfer window with a successful swoop for ACF Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

What’s the word?

According to Fabrizio Romano, while speaking on the Here We Go podcast via Football-Italia, the Irons have seen a €25m (£21.5m) approach for Milenkovic turned down.

It is not stipulated when the offer was tabled, though co-owner and Chairman David Sullivan revealed to talkSPORT last October that a deal to sign the Serbian had fallen through after talks between West Ham and Fiorentina broke down.

The Hammers targeted Milenkovic with boss Moyes desperate for defensive reinforcements before the arrival of Craig Dawson on loan from Watford, and are expected to again target signings to improve the London Stadium backline this summer.

Moyes and Sullivan would face strong competition in any attempt to revive interest in Milenkovic, with Manchester United now considered the favourites to sign the 23-year-old.

Milenkovic is out of contract at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in the summer of 2022 and is currently unlikely to pen new terms with Cesare Prandelli’s side, though Fiorentina will still hold out for the right fee in the next off-season.

La Viola President Rocco Commisso considers the 26-cap international to be worth €40m (£34.5m), yet it is anticipated that the Serie A side will have to accept a lesser sum given Milenkovic’s contract situation.

The defender, valued by TransferMarkt at £25m, has started all 21 of his Italian top-flight appearances this season while helping toward each of Fiorentina’s six clean sheets.

Should West Ham repursue Milenkovic?

West Ham could face a tall ordeal trying to sign Milenkovic in the next transfer window with Manchester United now considered the favourites for his signature, but Moyes can land a potential Ogbonna upgrade in the €29,000-per-week (£25k-p/w) defender.

Moyes lauds the impact Ogbonna brings to east London, having described the Italian as a “magnificent” and “really important” player following his high ankle sprain sustained in the FA Cup defeat to the Red Devils earlier this month.

Ogbonna had also started all 23 available Premier League fixtures this season and only failed to play the full 90 minutes during November’s 1-0 win over Fulham, having been forced off with half an hour remaining due to a feared groin injury.

Yet the 32-year-old’s efforts in the top-flight lag behind Milenkovic’s Serie A performances to date this term in a number of ways, to suggest that the younger Fiorentina star would be a very useful pick-up if the Irons were to repursue the former FK Partizan Beograd enforcer.

While Ogbonna has offered 0.9 successful tackles per game in the Premier League this season, Milenkovic has produced 1.6 for Fiorentina in the Serie A, per SofaScore.

The Serbian also provides a higher number of interceptions (1.4) than the Italian (1.0) and is more successful in the air, with 3.5 duels won to 2.2. He further retains possession and plays the ball more adequately after winning it back, with 47.2 accurate passes (86%) to the Hammers ace’s 28.8 (80%).

Ogbonna’s only true leading trait over Milenkovic is in clearances (4.4 to 3.2), suggesting Moyes would not only land an upgrade in winning the ball back in the Manchester United target, but one who would see West Ham improve their ability to play out from defence as well.

It remains to be seen how willing Commisso is to lower his valuation and reduce the €15m (£13m) difference between his asking price and West Ham’s rejected offer.

Yet the Irons should at least return to the table to express their interest again.

AND in other news, David Moyes can discover West Ham’s next Dimitri Payet in a 24-y/o whose protected by a £258m release clause…