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Aston Villa have adapted quite well to life in the Premier League considering all the doubts they faced as their manager Dean Smith splashed over £140m on 12 new players over the summer.

Going into this weekend’s matches, the west Midlanders currently sit 12th with just as many victories as Tottenham Hotspur and one more than Manchester United.

That really puts things into perspective.

The likes of John McGinn, Tyrone Mings, and Jack Grealish have played in all nine league matches, but can you tell who the odd one out is between the trio?

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Villa’s skipper is the only one not to have been called up to international duty yet this season, in fact, not ever as Grealish still awaits his first senior cap after being neglected by Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.

In the Brighton victory, the 24-year-old was the catalyst to their success as he scored the equaliser before assisting Matt Target’s 94th-minute winner, and since then, there have been calls for him to be a part of England’s final two Euro 2020 qualifiers next month.

Former Villa man Lee Hendrie certainly thinks so, but what do our writers at Football FanCast believe?

Matt Dawson

“Do I think Jack Grealish deserves an England call-up at this current time? Absolutely not. Do I think he could make it into the squad for the Euros? Quite possibly. That being said, I simply cannot find a role for him in the current team at the moment. Lest we forget that James Maddison hasn’t even earned a cap yet, so that tells you that Grealish’s chances of securing a place in the middle are slim.

“Mason Mount’s emergence on the Premier League scene, scoring four goals, won’t help his cause either while the wide position he’s flourished in for Villa in recent times is stacked with quality. To put it simply, there is no dispossessing Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling or Jadon Sancho from those roles. Grealish is a fabulous player and his displays on the left flank have been outstanding, scoring twice and assisting a goal in three outings this season.

“However, for the time being, Southgate would be wrong to include him in a team where he isn’t going to get game time. Yes, there are gaps and holes to plug in the Three Lions, but Grealish isn’t the answer. Fortunately for the 24-year-old, he has time on his side. A call-up will eventually come, but a breakthrough might have to wait until next year.”

Charles Jones

“I honestly think that Jack Grealish should have already had his first England cap.

“Even when he was in the Championship, you could see that he was a top player, contributing to double figures in terms of goal involvements last term and now that he’s doing it in the Premier League, his first call-up must be coming soon.

“Gareth Southgate surely can’t continuously ignore a player of his immense ability. However, I think that there may be deeper problems.

“Southgate has always emphasised how important it is for his squad to be close and to have a good team spirit, and with Grealish having a little bit of a reputation, perhaps he doesn’t want him in the team for that reason.

“Should he be in the England squad? Absolutely, will he get in anytime soon? I’m not confident enough to say yes.”

Viji Jeevathayalan

“It’s a testament to Jack Grealish’s perseverance that he once again finds himself in the England reckoning.

“A failed high-profile move to Tottenham may have scuppered those hopes for some players, but the 24-year-old has simply got stronger since. His return to the Premier League stage has seen him score twice and provide a further three assists, while he is also averaging an impressive 2.8 key passes per game.

“For all of Gareth Southgate’s attacking riches with the Three Lions, central midfield is an area sorely lacking in imagination. Grealish has shown he can provide that creative spark. Against teams that want to sit back, the Aston Villa man’s ability to run with the ball (two dribbles per game this season) can help unlock the door. Euro 2020 may still be a long way away, but the 5 foot 9 star should be amongst the first on the plane next summer.”

Lewis Blain

“I don’t quite understand why Gareth Southgate has never given Jack Grealish the opportunity on the international stage. Especially when you look at some of the names that have donned the Three Lions shirt in recent years, I’m thinking Jake Livermore and Tom Huddlestone. It’s just quite baffling – what’s the harm in giving him a chance?

“This season he has been one of, if not, the best midfielders to grace the top-flight. WhoScored currently have him topping the form charts ahead of Sergio Aguero, Kevin de Bruyne, and England international Raheem Sterling while only two players have made more key passes than he has, one is the aforementioned Belgian and the other is Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“Last Saturday, he even created the most number of chances of any other player on the day, which includes Chelsea’s rising star Callum Hudson-Odoi. As you can see, he is in elite company as well as keeping up with those in the current England squad. What more does he have to do? It’s time to give him a shot, then if it doesn’t work out, we can stop asking these questions.”

What do you think? Take a vote in our poll below…

Xavi Hernandez is a name that doesn’t really need a big introduction.When it comes to all things Barcelona, the legendary midfielder is one of their most important players in the history of the club.Currently, however, he is embarking on a managerial route and is at the helm of Al Sadd over in Qatar.Watch Spanish Football Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Just a couple of days ago, Xavi talked to a Catalan newspaper, Ara, and touched on the possibility of coaching Barcelona and Lionel Messi one day in the future.

Naturally, upon hearing this news, many Barcelona fans are desperate to see him return to the club as soon as possible.

Many of them called him the saviour of Barcelona because they see him as someone who can free them of Ernesto Valverde’s current grip.

They also wanted him to know that he is very welcome to coach Blaugrana whenever he wants.

You can see some of their replies down in the collection of tweets below:

Lots of Charlton fans have taken to Twitter to wax lyrical over midfield general Darren Pratley.

The 34-year-old played a key role in the Addicks’ promotion campaign last season, scoring two goals and grabbing an assist in 27 League One appearances for the south Londoners in 2018/19.

Pratley also scored a goal of great significance in the playoffs, netting in the second leg of the semi-final tie against Doncaster as Lee Bowyer’s men progressed to Wembley via a penalty shootout – they later beat Sunderland 2-1 in the final.

The 6 foot 1 midfield general has continued to star for the club, making seven Championship starts so far this season as the Addicks sit 10th, just four points off the summit.

Pratley has averaged three clearances, 1.9 interceptions and 1.6 tackles per game this term, and is proving to be a key cog in Bowyer’s midfield.

Quite rightly, lots of Charlton fans on Twitter have been waxing lyrical over the veteran…

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Liverpool Under-18 captain Paul Glatzel has signed a long-term contract with the club and many fans are thrilled to see him commit his future at the club.

It is a positive development for the 18-year-old, who received a tough setback earlier this summer when he suffered damage to his knee ligament in a pre-season match against Tranmere.

The striker was in fine form last season for Liverpool U18s, finding the net 28 times and also helping his side win the FA Youth Cup.

A reward of a new contract suggests there will be no repeat of the Bobby Duncan situation, after another talented youngster took measures to force a move to Italian club Fiorentina.

Liverpool fans are pleased to see that a talented young player will be retained by the club and hope that he will get his chance in the first-team when he recovers from his injury.

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Here are some of the reactions from excited fans to the contract news.

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Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber is close to signing a new three-year contract extension, as per reports by The Telegraph.

The publication are reporting that the 35-year-old is highly regarded in the game, and had been touted for more senior roles at other Premier League clubs.

Webber was key in reducing the club’s wage bill from a mind-boggling £63m down to just a mere £25m last season.

The Norfolk side spent around £3.5m in transfer fees in the summer, with just £750,000 of that spent on the permanent transfer of Sam Byram from West Ham United.

Keeping hold of a key asset behind the scenes is a huge coup for the Canaries. Indeed, Webber’s success could mean he’s somewhat likely to be in demand (Manchester United were reportedly keen back in May according to the Sun), so holding on to him is crucial.

Webber’s contribution to Norwich shows he has a high level of knowledge that has enabled the club to progress both on and off the pitch. His ability to slash the wage bill shows he can sell the highly-rated stars like James Maddison and Jacob Murphy while replacing them with players who still retain a high level of quality but cost less (via The Telegraph).

Players like Emiliano Buendia and Teemu Pukki joined the club for just £1.5m and on a free transfer respectively, and it’s safe to say the quality they’ve produced.

Buendia has assisted four goals, while Pukki has scored six goals in just five top-flight games. In comparison, Maddison has just two assists this season, and Murphy has dropped down a level to the Championship, joining Sheffield Wednesday on loan from Newcastle United.

News of Webber’s imminent extension can only boost Norwich’s future. They have taken the approach of cutting costs and buying cheaper talent, and the strategy has worked well, showing Webber’s credentials as a sporting director.

Just how big a deal could this be for Norwich? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to return to winning ways after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. 

Spurs have failed to complete any signings up until this point in the January transfer window, which isn’t a great surprise as they weren’t able to strengthen back in the summer months.

One thing that has been bothering many supporters is the amount of doubt currently surrounding Christian Eriksen’s contract situation, with Mauricio Pochettino currently unsure (as per Sky Sports) on his future.

Eriksen has established himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in world football over the past couple of seasons, and his contributions have been priceless once again in the current campaign, with six goals and 10 assists.

So, the Lilywhites will be desperate to persuade him to stay in the English capital for longer, with an ambitious double swoop in the January transfer window signings possibly turning his head.

Mousa Dembele’s departure has left Spurs with a void to fill in the middle of midfield, so Daniel Levy will need to bring in a central midfielder before the end of this month.

Interestingly, Abdoulaye Doucoure could be the man to take the Belgian international’s place in North London.

The Watford midfielder has managed to produce three goals and five assists in the current campaign, but it has been his pure dominance in the middle of midfield that has really caught the eye. Indeed, the tall Frenchman is dominant in the air and in possession of the ball, with his passing and tackling ability making him very effective in all areas.

Also, another player the Premier League club should look at signing is Sevilla’s Wissam Ben Yedder.

Ben Yedder has established himself as one of the most impressive forwards in Spain over the past couple of seasons, with 17 goals and seven assists to his name in the current campaign, which includes six goals in Europe. He would be the perfect replacement for Harry Kane at the pinnacle of the attack while he continues to nurse his injury, with goals, assists and world-class performances being produced on a consistent basis.

There’s no doubt that securing these two transfer deals before the end of this month would show Eriksen that the club means business, with Pochettino then having the playing resources to go out and secure Champions League glory and a top four spot. Indeed, with Ben Yedder taking Spurs’ attack to the next level and Doucoure providing Eriksen with the licence to push forward in midfield, there’s no better place for the Dane to be.

Tottenham Hotspur fans – thoughts on potential moves for Ben Yedder and Doucoure?

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former Premier League striker Ian Wright believes Wolves must utilise Adama Traore more to breed success on the right flank, whilst suggesting he also needs to add to his defensive game.

What’s he said?

The 23-year-old has been reborn in a new role this season after his boss Nuno Santo converted him from a winger, and occasional right-sided forward, into a right wing-back and it has undoubtedly paid dividends already.

Traore has assisted three goals in five matches in the Europa League this season but has only managed to start the one Premier League match – against Everton as they were defeated 3-2 last weekend.

Have you heard the strangest chant in the Premier League yet? Hear it in the video below…

The Arsenal legend had a close eye on the game, where the Spaniard had an indifferent afternoon. He first helped contribute towards Romain Saiss’ goal before he was caught by Alex Iwobi, who headed the home side back in front for 2-1.

Wright said:

“It was interesting to watch someone of that pace, power, and skill playing that position and not getting as much of the ball as he could have got.

“I think if he’s playing there then you’ve got to use him so he can see his ability.

“We saw that when he took on Lucas Digne. He’s one-on-one but his strength and skill means Digne has got no chance of stopping him.

“If they get him sorted in defensive mode, he will be difficult to stop, but I’m not sure how they’re going to do that.”

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Unleash him

Traore attempted more dribbles than anyone else on the pitch against Everton with eight, and even though just 50% were a success, it shows he’s a vital attacking outlet for Santo’s side.

He needs a Premier League run in the side to fully get going as he has done in the Europa League whilst the defensive aspect of his game will only continue to improve the more he is exposed to the role.

If he does find nouse in that area of the pitch it’s hard to disagree that he won’t be hard to stop.

Against Everton, despite conceding three goals, he wasn’t that poor defensively – winning 50% of his four attempted tackles and three aerial duels, as well as picking up an interception, a clearance, and a block, per WhoScored.

As a result, Wright’s comments certainly make sense.

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Taking to Twitter, Canadian sports reporter Matthew Scianitti has made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving in-form Lille star Jonathan David.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye striker…

As explained by reliable reporter Alasdair Gold, signing a striker is one of manager Antonio Conte’s four main priorities for Spurs as he seeks to begin the N17 rebuild.

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Many names have been linked with a potential, namely Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic as the most prevalent target, but other, more obscure forwards can’t be ruled out.

In terms of quality, there are few options in greater form than Ligue 1 sensation David, who is already drawing comparisons with superstar Luis Suarez.

Making a Twitter claim, TSN sports journalist Scianitti has shared some news involving the his countryman and Spurs.

The Latest: David ‘open’ to Spurs possibility…

He claims that the Canada star is now on Tottenham’s radar as they join the ever-growing list of clubs eyeing a move.

While it is ‘unlikely’ David will be leaving before January 31, the player hasn’t yet got a particular destination in mind as is ‘open’ to all possibilities – including Spurs.

“Add Chelsea & Tottenham to teams interested in Jonathan David, @TSN_Sports has learned,” he explained.

“Barcelona & Man United still interested too, adding to Arsenal, Liverpool & Real Madrid reports.

“Jan move unlikely. David hasn’t narrowed his list, he’s said to be “open” to every possibility.”

The Verdict: Major coup…

If the 22-year-old were to narrow down his options to Tottenham, there is little arguing he would be a major coup.

Scoring a brilliant 16 goals already this campaign, David’s international record with Canada is equally as impressive – having netted a sublime 18 goals in 24 caps (Transfermarkt).

Valued at around £45 million by Transfermarkt, there is little wonder he could command such a hefty fee, with commentator Maximiliano Bretos branding David ‘phenomenal’ for his exploits on the world stage.

In other news: Spurs edge closer to first January signing as Conte personally eyes ‘massive’ £15m man, find out more here.

Leeds United could still make a move for Derby County midfielder Jason Knight in the January transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Knight impressing at Derby

The Rams may be experiencing a torrid time off the pitch at the moment, with the future of the club even in doubt, but Knight has been a rare positive this season.

The 20-year-old has become a key figure at Pride Park, scoring two goals and setting up another two in 20 Championship appearances, not to mention captaining the team on a handful of occasions.

Leeds have been linked with a move for the Republic of Ireland international as they eye up midfield reinforcements this month.

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The Latest: Journalist talks up Leeds move for Knight

O’Rourke believes that this motted transfer could potentially happen, telling GiveMeSport that Knight could be a player who flourishes under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds.

The journalist claimed: “He’s one that maybe could fit the bill for Leeds. If they get him now, they could then mould him into the type of player that Bielsa wants.”

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The Verdict: Strong long-term addition

Knight may not be the big-name midfield signing that Leeds are seeking in the final week of the transfer window, but he would be a long-term addition who can already add quality to the squad.

Derby manager and England’s all-time record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has even compared the youngster to himself as a player, which speaks volumes, and the fact that he is already captain of a Championship team at 20 says a lot about his maturity. Indeed, the Rams boss quipped of the youngster: “His attitude in training and his performances have been first-class.”

Knight is someone who could initially come in and make up for the loss of Kalvin Phillips to injury, perhaps becoming an eventual replacement for the England midfielder further down the line.

In other news, Phil Hay has confirmed a serious injury for one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a potential boost in their bid to bring Isco to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Marca, who claim that Carlo Ancelotti has informed the Real Madrid attacking midfielder that he will be sold in the January transfer window, should an acceptable offer be lodged.

This could see Tottenham reignite their interest in the 29-year-old, with it being reported last summer that the Premier League side were monitoring the situation of the Spain international ahead of a potential swoop.

Indeed, a further report by The Sunday Mirror (via The Spurs Web) suggested that Spurs were willing to offer Madrid £14m in order to sign the forward earlier this year, as well as being prepared to offer Isco a three-year deal in north London.

Bye-bye Dele

While it is true that Isco has not enjoyed his finest form at Real Madrid in recent campaigns, the 29-year-old has nevertheless demonstrated in previous seasons that, when he is given the opportunity to do so, he can be one of the most influential players in what is one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Indeed, over his 30 LaLiga appearances back in 2016/17, the £13.5m-rated man scored a highly impressive ten goals, registered eight assists and created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.1 shots and making 1.3 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Andres Iniesta dubbed a “fantastic player with an incredible talent” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as Los Blancos’ ninth-best player in the top flight of Spanish football that season.

And, although his metrics have not been quite as impressive over his seven league outings so far this term, the £211k-per-week midfielder has far from been in disastrous form, scoring one goal, creating one big chance for his teammates and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

Furthermore, with it being widely reported that Antonio Conte is more than happy for Dele Alli to move onto pastures new in the upcoming winter window, a move for Isco would not only help to improve the Italian’s current options in attacking midfield, it would also very much appear to be the final nail in the coffin for the 25-year-old former England international in the capital.

In other news: Conte can finally axe Spurs’ £25m-rated “joke” by signing “devastating” £69k-p/w beast