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Crystal Palace visit Leicester City this weekend and will be hoping they can make it a fourth consecutive win over the Foxes, although they will have to do it without Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Martin Kelly, who have been ruled out through injury.

The former has been the Eagles’ outstanding performer on the right hand side of defence and has garnered interest from a number of top clubs, including Premier League champions Manchester City.

Meanwhile, the latter has stepped in capably when required and has earned himself a new deal which will keep him at Selhurst Park until 2021.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

Wan-Bissaka’s absence, in particular, will please Claude Puel and Leicester – the right-back has become one of the best in the league in his position and even outshone talisman Wilfried Zaha this season.

The Eagles have proved they can best the Foxes without their key men, though – the Ivory Coast international was suspended for the last meeting and the SE25 outfit still came out on top, keeping a third consecutive clean sheet against the 2015/16 champions.

Here’s how the Palace fans reacted on Twitter, with many surprised that 21-year-old Wan-Bissaka could even get injured – indeed, he has looked “immortal” since his breakthrough to the starting XI…

Liverpool star forward Mohamed Salah has no plans to move to La Liga and wants to stay in the Premier League, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the talk?

The Egyptian forward has been in a contract stalemate with the Reds for the past few months, and with his contract up next year there has been a lot of speculation about where he could move to.

It has been reported in the past that Salah favours a move to Spain, in particular Barcelona, but an update yesterday from Romano seemed to shut down that prospect.

He also suggests that the player has no plans to leave the Premier League, if that’s the case then he may eventually sign a new deal at Liverpool or could he move to one of their rivals?

In full, Romano said: “The situation hasn’t changed. Mo Salah doesn’t consider La Liga move a priority – he’s not planning to leave the Premier League.”

Salah likely to stay

Surely the 29-year old wouldn’t move to another English club, he’s had so much success at Liverpool and a move to a rival would tarnish his reputation with the fans greatly.

According to reports, the Premier League’s leading goal scorer rejected a £400k per-week contract offer in the hope of being paid something closer to half a million a week.

However, he is said to have compromised and talks are still ongoing between the club and the players’ representatives.

The marksman is one of the best strikers around and ranks in the top 1% for expected goals and assists amongst all players in Europe’s top five leagues.

He is also on track to pick up his third Premier League golden boot this season and is a key part in Liverpool’s push for the title.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has urged the hierarchy at Anfield to sort the situation out saying he “doesn’t think they’ll be forgiven” if he leaves.

Whilst the Reds could get upwards of £90m for the player, they would struggle to find a replacement as good as him.

Despite this, Salah is approaching 30-years old and some believe that now is the time to cash in and reinvest the money across the whole squad.

We’d be surprised if Salah left in the summer, but he’s not going to be around forever and Liverpool need to plan for when he’s eventually does go.

For now, however, the news that he could well stay at Anfield is a major boost for Jurgen Klopp and co.

IN other news: Liverpool eye record-breaking bid for £77m “special talent”, just imagine him & Jota – opinion…

Newcastle United have seen their efforts to sign West Ham United defender Issa Diop shut down, with the Frenchman now set to remain at the London Stadium.

What’s the story?

Reports earlier on transfer deadline day had suggested that the Magpies had put in a first bid for the centre-back, but it now appears that any January deal is dead in the water.

According to RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), that offer from Eddie Howe’s side’s for the defender has been flatly rejected, and they have been told that the Irons will not be entertaining any more offers for the 25-year-old as they simply don’t want to sell him in the January transfer window.

Howe will be gutted

While the signings of Bruno Guimaraes and Hugo Ekitike (if it gets confirmed later) are likely to be the most eye-catching for Newcastle fans given the prices involved, it’s the signing of someone like Diop which would have really reassured Howe heading into the second half of the Premier League season.

Defence has been a key area of concern for the Magpies with a total of 43 goals conceded already, and bringing in someone who is still relatively young at 25 but with ample Premier League experience to his name in Diop would have been the perfect antidote for that.

Indeed, while the Tyneside club press on with the signings of a striker in Ekitike, and have even been linked with a money-spinning move for a winger in Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco, it’s Diop who they really needed.

Speaking earlier this month when reports emerged linking the Magpies to another defender in AS Monaco’s Benoit Badiashille, Noel Whelan said: “Going back to that Watford game, what they’re desperately in need of is centre-halves and Badiashile could fit the bill. They’re making far too many mistakes. The marking is all over the place, there’s no concentration – even in the last minute of the game.

“They’ve got to look at these crucial minutes and think about how many points they’ve dropped just through bad defending. Centre half has got to be the priority for Newcastle, fixing the spine of that team.

“It’s all very well serving Chris Wood with these wing-backs, but he will have to score three or four goals every game for Newcastle to have a chance of picking up three points.”

As Whelan says, while it’s all well and good that the Magpies might have signed a new striker in Wood – and now potentially another one in Ekitike – it will all be for nothing if they don’t bring in reinforcements at the other end of the pitch.

Newcastle need to become much more stronger at the back, and Diop’s arrival would certainly have helped in that regard.

It’s why Howe will surely be gutted at the news that the West Ham defender will now be staying put, and another setback for a Magpies side who have been desperately searching to sign a new centre-back all month with so many names being linked.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United have had a BID ACCEPTED for this man..

Liverpool are willing to pay €40m (£33.3m) for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to a fresh transfer rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Phillips on the move?

The 26-year-old has arguably been the standout player of the Marcelo Bielsa era at Elland Road, also becoming an important figure for England, winning their Player of the Year award in 2021.

Unsurprisingly, Phillips has been linked with a move away from Leeds numerous times in recent months as he potentially eyes up a fresh challenge.

The midfielder may believe that he belongs at a Champions League-playing club, and there is no sign that he will be signing a new Whites deal any time soon.

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The Latest: Liverpool keen on signing Phillips

According to El Nacional, Liverpool are interested in making a €40m (£33.3m) move for Phillips in the summer, with Leeds more keen for their star midfielder to move abroad.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all mentioned as potential suitors in the report, although a move to Anfield is thought to possibly appeal to the player himself.

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The Verdict: Higher bid required

There is surely no chance that Leeds would allow Phillips to join a Premier League rival for just £33.3m, considering what a formidable footballer he has become in recent years, being hailed as ‘excellent’ by England manager Gareth Southgate.

His current Whites deal doesn’t expire until 2024 so there is no rush to sell him yet, with a far higher bid surely required to prise him away from his boyhood club.

Leeds fans may needs to mentally prepare for the prospect of Phillips leaving in the summer but only if the right offer comes along, one which would see the Whites to receive a huge amount of money that would duly be put towards signing a replacement of equal or better quality.

In other news, Phil Hay has revealed his happiness at one key Leeds update. Read more here.

Celtic recorded an eleventh straight victory over Motherwell to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were in rampant form as they found the net four times to make it 19 games unbeaten, putting the pressure on their arch-rivals.

Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda scored either side of a Tom Rogic brace on what was his return to the starting XI and he announced his comeback in stunning fashion as he nonchalantly rifled home an effort from long range.

The Australian midfielder stayed on for the whole game and recorded the highest rating of any Bhoys player (8.7), as per SofaScore.

However, in a quickfire first half it was the presence of Israeli winger that caused all sorts of trouble for the home side.

“Celtic are creating so many opportunities through Abada – and that’s a huge problem from Motherwell. Total composure from the Hatate with the pass,” claimed former Hoops goalkeeper Pat Bonner to BBC Sportsround after the 20-year-old’s opener.

He may have lasted only 45 minutes but Postecoglou obviously wants him rested before their trip to Aberdeen in midweek and that goes to show just how important he is for this side.

From 36 touches, Abada laid on three key passes which resulted in the two goals after he had banged in the first effort. He also made 82% of his 17 passing attempts, via SofaScore.

It’s awfully telling that Celtic’s free-scoring nature quietened down when he was withdrawn at the break.

The Scottish Daily Express ranked Abada amongst the Hoops’ highest-performers, grading him a joint-best 10/10.

‘Looked lively again from the beginning and took up dangerous positions in the box, eventually making a darting run to knock in the opener from a Hatate pass. Influential in the third goal too teeing up Rogic perfectly,’ they wrote.

On that evidence, the £4.05m-rated dynamo absolutely ran the show in the short time he was on the pitch and the Australian head coach will be hoping that he can repeat such exploits on Wednesday evening.

AND in other news, Nicholson continuing Ange’s revolution as Celtic make bid for “graceful” 111 G/A beast…

Leeds United are interested in signing Argentine striker Giovanni Simeone at the end of the season, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Simeone shines in Italy

The 26-year-old is currently on loan at Hellas Verona from Cagliari, where he is enjoying a superb season in Serie A to date.

Simeone has scored 12 league goals in just 14 starts, also chipping in with two assists, meaning only Dusan Vlahovic and Ciro Immobile have scored more times to date.

According to FBRef.com, Simeone is currently the most clinical finisher in Europe’s top five leagues – his goals to expected goals ratio is +6.9, meaning he has bagged nearly seven more than he would be expected to based on the quality of his chances. No other player even comes close, with Bundesliga goal machine Patrick Schick in second place at +5.6.

The striker’s performances look to have caught the eye of a number of clubs if a new report is to be believed.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

According to L’Arena [via Sport Witness], Simeone has been ‘targeted’ by Leeds ahead of a potential summer move, but Atletico Madrid and Napoli are also mentioned in the report.

He is the son of current Atletico manager Diego Simeone, which could work against the Whites.

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The Verdict: Much-needed firepower

Goals have come at a premium for Leeds this summer, with Patrick Bamford’s injury absence hurting them. They have found the net just 18 times in as many Premier League matches.

There is too much pressure on Bamford to perform and another ruthless goalscorer is needed, with Simeone possibly fitting the bill to perfection given his unbelievable finishing streak this season.

The £15.3million-rated Argentine has scored 62 goals in 198 Serie A appearances in his career and he also has one in five for Argentina, highlighting his pedigree.

At 26, he is also entering his peak years, so he is someone who could both hit the ground running immediately and also be around for four or five years at the top.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for one player. Find out who it is here.

New interim manager Ralf Rangnick will take charge of his first Manchester United game over the weekend when they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils steadied the ship under former temporary boss Michael Carrick in recent weeks, stringing together a three-game unbeaten run in all competitions thanks to some battling performances.

An entertaining 3-2 victory over Arsenal last time out saw United jump up to seventh place in the Premier League table and to within three points of West Ham United, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.

However, a new era is set to begin on Sunday when Rangnick takes over the reins, potentially sparking a raft of changes in the style of play and team selection.

The 63-year-old is widely regarding as the Godfather of German coaching after popularising his Gegenpressing style of play, either directory or indirectly influencing a host of elite-level coaches.

Rangnick’s philosophy is based around pressing the opposition high up the pitch, attacking vertically and taking a shot within 10 seconds of regaining possession.

As a result, players who fit the profile of Rangnick’s specific system are likely to be preferred by the highly regarded tactician as he looks to transform United’s fortunes over the coming months.

And that could be very good news for Jesse Lingard. The £75k-per-week gem has found himself watching on from the sidelines for the majority of the campaign but could find himself back in the starting XI in the weeks ahead.

So far this season, Lingard has recorded 30 pressures per 90 and 8.18 successful pressures, bettering his teammates in both metrics, as per FBref.com, highlighting his suitability for Rangnick’s style.

With Marcus Rashford currently on a six-game drought since he scored his last goal and struggling for form, now could be the time for the 28-year-old to shine.

Following his return to form last season, England manager Gareth Southgate described the 32-cap gem as “immense”, and now Rangnick must unleash Lingard at club level, providing him with the opportunity to showcase his true quality.

Starting the versatile attacker from the off could prove to be pivotal in Rangnick’s quest for a fast start at United, with Lingard likely needing less time to adapt to his pressing demands than most.

And, in other news…Ralf can get MUFC firing with “intelligent” £42.3m-rated gem, he has “no weaknesses”

Leeds United correspondent Beren Cross labelled Leo Hjelde’s return to action as a ‘disaster’ following a big mistake for the under-23s.

The Lowdown: Hjelde back on the bench

Hjelde had been missing since February after suffering a knee injury in a 3-0 defeat to Everton. The 18-year-old required surgery on the issue, with Jesse Marsch unsure at the time if the youngster would definitely make a return before the end of the season.

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However, the versatile defender has made brilliant progress and returned to the bench under Marsch in the 3-0 win over Watford on Saturday.

The Latest: Cross’ post on Hjelde

Cross reported on the Leeds under-23s’ clash with West Ham on Monday, with Hjelde getting the nod from the off. January signing Mateo Joseph marked his first Whites start with a goal, but West Ham were level shortly after, with Cross describing it as a ‘disaster’ by Hjelde.

The defender made a big mistake playing out from the back which was punished and made way for Kris Moore at half-time, with Leeds eventually falling to a 5-1 defeat.

The Verdict: Minutes needed

Hjelde is clearly rated highly by Whites officials following his move from Celtic in the summer. Marcelo Bielsa handed him a senior debut back in January and Marsch was quick to have him back on the bench at the first possible opportunity.

His return to action for the under-23s didn’t go to plan, but he’ll need more minutes to build up his fitness and match sharpness over the coming weeks, with a view to breaking through to the first team more prominently in Marsch’s first full season in charge.

In other news: Phil Hay has his say on ‘horrible’ Leeds ace who Marsch and Orta now want to offload.

Leeds United are in line for an encouraging injury boost ahead of this weekend’s clash with Newcastle United…

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the Yorkshire outfit are likely to have three first-team attackers available for selection ahead of Saturday’s league encounter at Elland Road.

“Better news – Joe Gelhardt could be back at the weekend, as could Tyler Roberts. Rodrigo also sounds like he’s come through his appearance at West Ham without a problem,” he tweeted.

The Whites head into the weekend on the back of an impressive 3-2 victory over West Ham United but there was cause for concern looking at the bench as the returning Spaniard was the only senior professional from nine substitutes.

Big boost

That is how bad the injury situation has been at Thorp Arch over the last few months and it shows no signs of easing up, with Patrick Bamford’s continued absence.

The England international has missed 16 of their last 17 league games with ankle and hamstring injuries and it appears he is still not available to feature against the Magpies after missing last weekend’s win.

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In his absence, Bielsa has had to turn to a number of different options, largely the likes of Daniel James and Jack Harrison playing out of position to fill the void.

So the fact the club’s young academy striker Gelhardt is available is certainly encouraging to see. He has one goal and two assists in the Premier League from only two starts, so he’s more than capable at this level.

Roberts is an experienced option to have too.

If these two return alongside a fit Rodrigo, it will alleviate some of the worry facing Bielsa ahead of kick-off – after all, he still is missing key midfielder Kalvin Phillips, skipper Liam Cooper and many others.

Therefore, the Argentine will surely feel a little more relieved this weekend.

AND in other news, “What I have been told”: Journo drops huge Leeds transfer claim, Bielsa will be fuming…

Leeds United would be making a major howler by signing Chelsea outcast Ross Barkley in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are eyeing up a swoop for the English midfielder, and now, journalist Pete O’Rourke has delivered an update on the situation.

He said: “They do like him (Barkley), but I don’t think it’s a major priority for Marcelo Bielsa to bring in another attacking midfielder.”

Massive howler from Leeds

While Leeds undeniably could do with some reinforcements in the January transfer window – injuries have more than taken their toll on Bielsa’s side – a swoop for an injury-prone ace who has played just 51 Premier League games in the last three years doesn’t seem like the best fit.

Earning a reported £100k-per-week, Barkley endured a woeful campaign while on loan at Aston Villa last season, managing only three goals and one assist in the top-flight – in fact, following the end of January, the midfielder netted no goals whatsoever.

And, speaking on The Athletic’s 1874 podcast, Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans slammed: “He doesn’t do enough for me now. I’ve seen enough of Ross Barkley now to realise that he’s becoming a bit of a liability for Villa. He’s not helping out enough as he should, really.”

Barkley has faced numerous injury problems that have really plagued his career since really making his breakthrough at Everton, and given his big wages too, he doesn’t scream a player who could really take Leeds to the next level.

The last thing the Whites need in January is another player to sit on the treatment table and barely make it onto the pitch, in what could be a crucial second-half of the campaign given the kind of season they’ve had thus far.

Barkley hasn’t proven himself to be a reliable performer who Bielsa could count on week-in and week-out, and that’s not even to mention the lack of end product when he does actually get himself on the pitch either – he’s scored just seven goals in the Premier League in the past three seasons.

Victor Orta would be heading for a significant Leeds nightmare with a swoop for Barkley and fans would surely be fuming.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing this Uruguayan star…