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Birmingham City forward Che Adams continued his incredible season with a brace in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

Adams netted in the 16th and 85th minute respectively to ensure that his team would take a share of the spoils against Blackburn.

The 22-year-old has now registered 21 Championship goals this season, which has led to a host of attention.

Indeed, a number of Premier League clubs have been credited with an interest in the striker, who will not be short of offers at the end of the campaign.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

As expected, the Birmingham fans were absolutely delighted with what they saw from the 5ft 9in ace on Saturday afternoon.

And many took to social media during and indeed after the clash with Blackburn to lavish praise on the club’s leading scorer.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Birmingham supporters is available to view below, with one fan insisting that Adams is better than on-loan Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham:

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst has a chance to cement his name in the club’s history as a successful manager before the end of the campaign.

He enjoyed a tremendous spell with the club as a player and is in with a shot at winning three trophies in his debut season in the dugout. The Gers could win the Premiership, Europa League and the Scottish Cup before the end of May, but the 47-year-old will need to get the most out of his squad in order to do so.

Charlie McCann, Alex Lowry and Leon King have all come up through the academy to feature in the cup, but there are some other players in the B team who also have the potential to make an impact at senior level.

Hagi 2.0

One gem in the current academy setup with a bright future is Ross McCausland. Van Bronckhorst may unearth the new Ianis Hagi with the 18-year-old winger if he is able to play his cards right in the coming months and years.

Earlier this season, The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell compared him to the Romanian, writing: “Tony Weston and Ross McCausland were the two No 10s finding space and receiving on the half turn like Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi.”

The current first-team magician is out injured for the rest of the campaign but was in fine form in the Premiership prior to his injury blow. He averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.10 across 15 league appearances, creating 1.5 chances per game. This came after he managed seven goals and 11 assists in the top flight in the 2020/21 season.

McCausland also plays on the right-hand side of the attack, just like Hagi, and he has been in fine form in the UEFA Youth League this season, with three goals in five appearances in the competition. He has also scored seven goals in the Lowlands League, although it is unclear how many games he has played to reach that total.

Head of Academy Craig Mulholland previously claimed that the 18-year-old is “dominant” in one-on-one duels and also said: “We believe that Ross still has lots of potential to realise and there is so much more to come from him as he continues his development and learning journey with our excellent staff. He is a massive Rangers fan who is well supported by a strong family unit and we are all excited to see how he matures and develops as a player and as a person in the coming years.”

These comments suggest that the club have faith in his future and believe that he has the quality to make the step up to the first team. This is backed up by his form at youth level this season, which is illustrated by his statistics and Campbell’s comparison between him and Hagi.

Therefore, Van Bronckhorst can unearth his new attacking midfield gem by unleashing McCausland and having a look at what the 18-year-old can do at senior level.

AND in other news, Forget Morelos: “Beautiful” gem who’s “unplayable” could fire Rangers to the title…

Tottenham have been exploring a swap deal for Giovani Lo Celso, according to a report by The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Absence from London derby

Lo Celso’s absence from Spurs’ matchday squad in Sunday’s London derby against Chelsea provoked some fans to question the Argentine’s transfer status ahead of deadline day, with just a week remaining of the window.

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Amid rumours over whether he was able to play against the Blues, the 25-year-old took to Instagram to share that he was in “100 per-cent good physical condition”, meaning he was available for Antonio Conte’s selection.

During the Italian’s post-match conference after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat, the manager was questioned about Lo Celso’s future, with his response sparking further speculation as he said: “I selected the players for this game and this question is one for the club to answer.”

The Latest: Spurs looking for Lo Celso swap deal

According to Ornstein for The Athletic, Spurs have been exploring the possibility of a swap deal for the Argentina international as the club look set for a busy end to the January transfer window.

It is becoming increasingly evident that Conte is looking to reshape his midfield this season as a myriad of transfer rumours involving Tottenham players in that position have arisen, including the mooted departures of Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli.

The Verdict: A failed hefty transfer?

Having suffered knee and shinbone injuries, Lo Celso has struggled for Premier League game-time this season, with just two starts and seven substitute appearances thus far.

The midfielder arrived on a £15m loan fee in 2019 before the transfer was confirmed on a permanent basis, as the Lilywhites splashed out an extra £27.3m in a bid to build a stronger midfield, also bringing in club-record signing Ndombele three years ago.

Despite the hefty transfer fee, Lo Celso has been unable to make a considerable impact since arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and with Conte set for a midfield overhaul, the Argentine could be added to the list of potential departures.

If a swap deal has not been completed before the January deadline, the midfielder could be waving goodbye in the summer unless his first team prospects drastically improve in the meantime.

In other news: Journalist shares another big exit update involving Spurs

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing over some manager news involving Duncan Ferguson.

As per the official website of the Merseyside club, he has now been appointed as the caretaker manager for the upcoming matches, after Rafa Benitez left his post following the 2-1 loss away at Norwich City in the Premier League.

Ferguson took charge of training at USM Finch Farm on Tuesday morning, as they prepare to face Aston Villa at Goodison Park at Saturday lunchtime, and he will be supported by John Ebbrell, Leighton Baines and Alan Kelly.

Of course, the Scotsman is a Toffees legend after so many years as both a player and coach, scoring 72 goals in 273 games in total. In his first stint as an interim manager, he was impressive, winning his opening fixture 3-1 at home to Chelsea back in 2019, while also picking up draws against both Manchester United and Arsenal (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, he seemingly looks to be a very popular appointment among the Blues supporters.

Everton fans on Ferguson manager news

These Evertonians buzzed as the manager news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that they are ‘delighted’:

“DUNCCC SIUUUUUUUUUUUUU”

Credit: @jayefc_

“Superb. I’m a big fan of this decision.”

Credit: @HeidiInteriors

“Brilliant news @Everton sensible decision”

Credit: @RichieRowlands

“The news I have been waiting for all week”

Credit: @Babby008

“Delighted.”

Credit: @stugriff31

“Yesssss”

Credit: @_Rob1878_

In other news, find out what interesting EFC claim Benitez has now made here!

A major update has emerged on Newcastle United’s efforts to seal a deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has issued a fresh claim on their attempts to close the transfer, as Eddie Howe seeks to complete his third signing of the transfer window after Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

Hope tweeted late on Thursday night: “Newcastle hoping to complete Bruno Guimaraes medical tomorrow.”

Howe will be salivating

This news will surely leave Howe salivating as his mouth waters over the prospect of Guimaraes holding up a Newcastle shirt alongside him in an official announcement photoshoot sooner rather than later.

Completing a medical will represent a huge step in their journey to completing the signing, as it will alleviate any worries over his physical condition, with the Brazilian – hopefully – not carrying any issues which will affect him in the long-term.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Magpies have agreed a fee which could rise to €48m (£40m) with Lyon and that he will sign a contract until 2026. This suggests that the medical could be the last piece of the puzzle before the Magpies are able to announce his arrival on Tyneside.

This is why Howe’s mouth will be watering over this latest update, as the midfielder is poised to link-up with the rest of the Newcastle squad ahead of their next Premier League match. It could also mean that the move is in place prior to deadline day, which will relieve the head coach as he will have no need to worry about scrambling to get the deal over the line in the final few hours. However, it remains to be seen whether or not that will be the case with other potential signings.

The ex-Bournemouth boss will also be excited by this news because of the quality of player the club are on the verge of bringing in. Guimaraes has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.3 in Ligue 1, making 3.6 tackles and interceptions along with 1.8 key passes per game.

This highlights how much of an impact he can have at both ends of the pitch at the top level. The Brazilian can break up the play and win the ball back for his team whilst also having the quality to step forward and play brilliant passes to create chances for his teammates, which is why Howe will be buzzing to have him as part of his squad moving forward.

AND in other news, Newcastle plotting late swoop for £54m-rated “winner”, he’s far better than Wilson…

Daryl Dike and Yorkshire have met before. Not at Leeds United, of course, but rewind to last season and you may remember the stocky American forward in the red of Barnsley.

His experience of playing in the north of England will bring back fond memories, finding the net on nine occasions in 22 outings.

It was an eye-catching spell in English forward for Dike who has rightfully now attracted the eyes of those in the Premier League.

Leeds are one of the teams interested in his services and it’s easy to see why. The 21-year-old has 28 career goals, experience of English football, and Marcelo Bielsa’s men are in desperate need of an extra striker.

Patrick Bamford has played just once since September because of an ankle injury and those who have filled in for the England international, have hardly performed well.

Club-record signing Rodrigo has only two goals all term while Tyler Roberts has just the solitary strike in the top-flight this season from 18 appearances.

In the process, the Welshman has also left Bielsa furious.

After a dismal outing against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross noted the following: “Roberts received the ball in a promising position last night with Arsenal out of shape and rather than look to turn Maitland-Niles, as he had the time to do, he waited and looked for contact from behind to go down.

“The referee waved played on and the hosts took the ball away. Bielsa was furious and barked immediately for Gelhardt to come on.”

Indeed, his performances since have hardly improved and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Leeds boss barked for Dike to come and replace him next month.

The young forward plays in MLS at the moment so it’s hard to get a fair reflection for how he may perform in the Premier League.

That being said, he is a genuine goalscorer and a scary opponent for any defender to deal with.

Former teammate Jordan Williams once commented: “Daryl has got a rocket of a right foot. I think he’s similar to Lukaku. He hasn’t scored as many goals yet, but he can hit a ball just as hard.”

Romelu Lukaku has been a feared prospect for a number of years now and should Dike perform anything like the Chelsea forward if he joins the Whites, he’d turn out to be a magnificent capture.

It’s evident that Leeds are in a big hole at the moment and without a reliable striker in the form of Roberts, they are never going to improve. That’s exactly why they need to delve into the January market to axe him.

AND in other news, Orta masterclass: Leeds struck dream deal with £36m-rated “magician” who’s “a storm”…

West Brom have had a high turnover of players in the last 18 months, and are seemingly now trying to put together a squad with a consistent starting XI.

The Baggies will be keen to add quality to their side as they attempt to earn an automatic promotion spot, either challenging for the Championship title or finishing second to secure Premier League football next season.

One player that has been heavily linked to Ismael’s side is Tom Lawrence.

Lawrence is currently in Wayne Rooney’s side at Derby County, however, the move to a Premier League challenging side could prove more attractive to the 27-year-old gem as the Rams are struggling in the relegation zone after a series of points deductions this season due to financial troubles.

His record at his current club is 30 goals and 23 assists, with his hunger for goals he would be a great addition for the West Bromwich Albion side who will be trying to climb the table.

Tom Lawrence’s former manager Gary Bowyer, once dubbed the player “a fabulous talent” in an interview;

“He’s a wonderful player, a joy to watch. He’s one of these players that when he picks the ball up, half-turns and starts running, you get off the edge of your seat because you know something’s going to happen.

“I think today in the second half, he had a couple of runs and looked like he would make something happen. He’s a fabulous talent.”

Valerien Ismael could capitalise on Derby’s current situation by attracting Lawrence to a side with potential, and use the opportunity to offload Jordan Hugill, who has struggled to find the back of the net for West Brom this season, with just one goal so far and zero assists, offering little impact in the fight for promotion.

West Brom will have work to do to close the gap on Fulham and Bournemouth, as they currently sit in third, nine points adrift from the top of the table, but the Championship is ever-changing and the Baggies will hoping to use their experience in Championship title challenges to climb up the ranks in the second half of the season.

In other news: Callum Robinson must start against Blackpool

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt yet another injury setback concerning Oliver Skipp.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Dan Kilpatrick, with the journalist revealing in a recent report for the Evening Standard that, despite Antonio Conte claiming last week that the midfielder was “very close” to making a return from a pelvic injury that has kept him out of action since January, the 21-year-old is now set to return to the treatment room after suffering a setback in his recovery.

Kilpatrick went on to state that, despite training individually on the grass on Monday and Tuesday, the England U21 international’s return date now appears increasingly unclear after he reported fresh soreness in his pelvis – something which all but confirms Skipp’s unavailability for Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.

In his piece, the journalist said: “Skipp is now certain to sit out Saturday’s visit to Aston Villa.”

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Conte will be fuming

Considering the number of setbacks Skipp had already suffered in his recovery from injury – with Conte initially suggesting that the academy product would be ruled out for two weeks at most, before claiming that he hoped Tottenham’s medical team would have the youngster back in seven to ten days – the fact that the midfielder is once again unavailable this weekend is sure to have left the 52-year-old fuming.

It is not difficult to understand why the Italian is so desperate to get the £18m-rated dynamo back up to full fitness, as it is clear that the 21-year-old is a major part of his first-team plans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – with Skipp featuring in all but one of the 14 fixtures he has been available for selection following Conte’s arrival in north London last November.

However, with an extended period of rest being the only real solution to the pubis symphysis injury with which the midfielder is struggling, perhaps the manager’s pressure on both the player and the Spurs medical team is the cause of the youngster’s continuous relapses in his recovery.

Either way, Conte looks set to once again be without the services of the England youth international for the trip to Villa on Saturday, something that will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to the 52-year-old – particularly as all three points are a must if Tottenham wish to give themselves the best possible chance of finishing in the top four come the end of the season.

AND in other news: “They will get it done”: Romano drops huge transfer update Spurs supporters will love

Leeds United have registered an interest in Vedat Muriqi in recent days, according to reports…

What’s the word?

La Lazio Siamo Noi claim that Lazio have made the 6 foot 4 striker available for a move this month having failed to break into the team under former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.

It’s thought that the Yorkshire giants are considering a loan and they could face competition from Championship outfit Hull City, though their interest has waned recently.

Muriqi is currently valued at €15m (£12.5m) by CIES Football Observatory.

Lasogga 2.0

After joining the Serie A side in September 2020, the 37-cap Kosovo international has struggled to make his mark at the club. Indeed, across 48 appearances, he has found the net just twice, which has to be worrying reading for any Leeds fan.

United have really struggled to find an alternative to Patrick Bamford in recent times, whilst their history with strikers over the years is by no means impressive.

Think Jean-Kevin Augustin or perhaps Pierre-Michel Lasogga, who despite scoring a few times on loan from Hamburger SV, wasn’t a thrilling attacking option.

At the time he was at the club, there were many supporters questioning his suitability for a club of their stature and at a towering 6 foot 3, there has to be some similarities to this mooted swoop for Muriqi.

The Kosovan’s former teammate, Max Kruse, once likened him to one of Europe’s most lethal marksmen.

“Very ambitious, very enthusiastic, very hardworking… I compare him to Lewandowski. I say this to him too. I think he will be at Bayern level in 2-3 seasons,” he said (via Aksam).

Meanwhile, Smarter Scout have previously described him as “utterly dominant in the air” but he has “average attacking output” and that only bolsters the similarities to why he could be Lasogga 2.0 in west Yorkshire.

As such, Victor Orta and co must steer clear of sanctioning this move, especially as their first major signing this month. A good target man he may be, but he isn’t going to provide the club with the goals they so desperately need.

AND in other news, Bielsa dealt another cruel Leeds United injury blow…

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a surprise move for Andreas Christensen this week…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Star, the north Londoners have joined Manchester City and Manchester United in the race to secure the 25-year-old on a free transfer in the summer.

The 54-cap Denmark international is yet to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge, meaning he is currently expected to become a free-agent at the end of the current campaign.

As a result, several Premier League teams have been put on high alert, including Spurs, where manager Antonio Conte is seeking defensive reinforcements.

Christensen is currently valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt.

Bargain raid

The defender dubbed the ‘Danish [Paolo] Maldini’ would be quite the coup for the Lilywhites, particularly snatching him from their rival’s grasp.

Of course, he is also a player that Conte knows well having managed him during his time at Stamford Bridge. Christensen played 40 times under the Italian, who also once backed him to become a leader for the club.

“Christensen is having a fantastic season and showing great maturity. For me, apart from the mistake, his performance was great, was wonderful,” he said (via the Evening Standard).

“I have a lot of trust in Christensen. This player is a player for the present for Chelsea, and for Chelsea’s future for 10 or 12 years. He can also become the captain of this team in the future.”

Indeed, the Danish star has emerged as a solid option for Spurs’ arch-rivals in recent times, starting ten of his 11 appearances in the Premier League this term, which comes off the back of 27 appearances last season, including 51 minutes in their Champions League triumph against City.

Christensen played the entire match during the clash between the two sides back in September, where he proved to be a massive nightmare for a front two of Heung-min Son and Harry Kane.

Nuno Santo’s side were thrashed 3-0 with is strike duo managing only two shots on target between them all game. SofaScore also grade the pair at 6.5 or lower – the two lowest of any starter. Son lost 75% of his duels and Kane was dominated in the air, winning just two of six aerial duels.

The Chelsea defender won 80% of his duels, earned a 7.5 rating and registered three interceptions (second-most in the game).

In the past, he has been dubbed a “really special talent” and “colossal” by TalkChelsea’s Simon Phillips, so that only goes to show how important he has been for the west Londoners and Denmark in recent times.

On the above evidence, sporting director Fabio Paratici could land Spurs an absolute bargain and quite the coup, should he win the race to seal Christensen’s signature.

Whether they truly stand a chance remains to be seen.

AND in other news, Paratici must brutally axe “terrible” £19.8m-rated Spurs flop, he’s cost £8m per goal…