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A lot of Arsenal fans have identified their ideal Aaron Ramsey replacement, and want it to be Watford star Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Ramsey is likely to leave the Gunners for free in the summer when his contract expires, unless a club swoops in during the January sales for the Welshman’s signature.

As of New Year’s Day, the 28-year-old, who moved to north London more than a decade ago, will be able to negotiate with clubs from abroad over a potential switch in the summer, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly keen on opening discussions to rival moves by Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare’s rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window…

PSG are on the lookout for fresh talent in midfield as they are also set to lose a key man in the summer for free, with Adrien Rabiot’s contract set to expire in June.

One man on the French side’s shortlist is Doucoure, with Southampton star Mario Lemina and Everton’s Idrissa Gueye also potential targets.

Reports in the Mail Online suggest that Watford want £45m for the Rennes product, and Arsenal fans want their club to muscle in on the interest having sniffed around in the past.

His arrival at the Emirates would offer the Gunners what Ramsey has never been able to, for the Welshman has never managed to outgrow his lack of defensive nous.

In a recent Football FanCast poll, 76% of those who voted called on Arsenal’s head of recruitment Sven Mislintat to chase the Hornets ace.

The likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Andre Gomes have injected plenty of creativity into Everton since arriving at Goodison Park but there is statistical evidence to suggest that neither playmaker has impacted the club quite like Ross Barkley.

Ross Barkley’s reputation at Everton was already beginning to dwindle significantly when he left the club last January. Sporadic bursts of quality and the occasional long-range strike hinted that he could blossom into the real deal, but patience wore thin amongst the Toffees faithful and his departure was not viewed as a massive loss to the club.

But, statistically speaking, there is evidence to suggest that Barkley’s impact at Everton was greater than supporters might have thought.

Indeed, Sky Sports journalist, Matt Cheetham, has dived into the statistics to form conclusions concerning the root of Everton’s problems, and he discovered that Barkley’s departure has left them short of a creative hub in midfield.

‘Creativity, specifically from open play, has been a regular issue for Everton over a number of seasons. In the last three, Ross Barkley remains the club’s most creative player, despite not playing a single game in two of those three seasons.’

Barkley tops the list with 56 chances created in 36 appearances, leaving Leighton Baines in second with 54 in 58 and Sigurdsson in 5th with 37 in 48.

Naturally, it must be considered that the statistics are, to a degree, down to interpretation: debates over what constitutes a chance created are par for the course and, what about all the times Sigurdsson, for example, has played a killer ball to a teammate who in turn creates the chance?

It also must be noted that Barkley has topped a list of chances created from open play, and the likes of Leighton Baines and Gylfi Sigurdsson would presumably see their numbers rise if dead ball situations were included in this particular sample.

But, regardless of the technicalities of the statistical research, it’s clear that, in a creative sense, Barkley had a much greater impact at Everton than perhaps the supporters gave him credit for.

Everton fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

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Notts County were condemned to yet another defeat on Saturday afternoon as fellow League Two strugglers Cambridge United earned a 1-0 victory at Meadow Lane Stadium.

Since Neal Ardley took on the County job in November, he has tasted victory just the once. His side are now rooted to the foot of the League Two table, with seven points separating them from safety.

County’s recent performances have been as poor as their results too, so it is clear that the Magpies have a mountain to climb if they’re to achieve league safety and avoid the drop out of the Football League altogether.

Check out Neymar’s controversial new haircut for 2019 and Xherdan Shaqiri as you’ve never seen him before in the video below…

A change could be what inspires the good run of form County desperately need. Although he was only given the job in November, Ardley has failed to give his squad the boost he’d have hoped for. Time is running out for County to save their season, and perhaps it’s worth taking another roll of the managerial dice in these increasingly desperate circumstances.

What do you think, County fans, should Ardley be sacked and replaced now?

According to a recent report from The Northern Echo, Ashley Fletcher’s future remains far from certain heading into the rest of the January window. The 23-year-old currently plays his football at Championship outfit Middlesbrough and has done so since leaving West Ham back in 2017, but struggles for regular game time under Boro boss Tony Pulis this season has plunged his future on Teesside into doubt.

And a recent report from The Northern Echo suggests that the second tier outfit are happy to offload the young striker this month in a bid to raise funds, which should be of keen interest to Sunderland manager Jack Ross, as moving back to the Stadium of Light could be what Fletcher needs to finally get his stagnating career going.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, the 23-year-old came up through the ranks at Premier League giants Manchester United but failed to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils, eventually leaving Old Trafford back in 2016 in a bid to progress with his professional career.

And while a loan spell at Barnsley, in what proved to be his final season at United, was fruitful, having netted nine times in 27 games for the Tykes, things simply haven’t worked out at all for the Englishman since then with a failed stint at West Ham, and indeed a failing stint at Middlesbrough.

And with just six Championship appearances for Pulis’ Boro so far this season, things don’t look like improving anytime soon for Fletcher at the North East club, but a move across the region to the Stadium of Light could be what he needs to finally move forward with his professional career.

Yes, Sunderland fans won’t forget the testing loan spell the 23-year-old had at their club in the second half of last season, as the youngster made the move to the Stadium of Light in a bid to aid the Black Cats with their Championship survival, only to bag twice in 16 league games for Chris Coleman’s men as they eventually lost their second tier status.

But with things very much looking up at Sunderland this time round under new boss Ross, what with the Black Cats third in League One heading into the second half of the campaign, he’d be going into a completely different environment to last term, and one that might just enable him to rebuild his confidence after a testing few years.

Ultimately, there is clearly a very adept striker in Fletcher given he bagged nine times for Barnsley in League One back in 2016, while his struggles in any league higher than that suggests that, for the time being, the third tier is very much his level.

And with the Black Cats eyeing up an immediate return to the Championship this season, having a player like Fletcher in their ranks could prove to be a huge asset to Ross as the campaign progresses – and with top-scorer Josh Maja reportedly (as per the BBC) on his way out of the club this month, a striker will likely be top of Ross’ priorities.

And they could do a lot worse than seek to lure £3.15 million-rated Fletcher (as per Transfermarkt) back to the Stadium of Light – yes, things didn’t go at all well last time round for the 23-year-old, but in a forward-thinking and upwardly-mobile Sunderland team, a move back to the North East giants could be exactly what he needs to get his career going again.

Significantly, it could also seriously aid the Black Cats in their quest to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Sunderland fans… what do you think? Let us know!

According to The Express, Rangers are seeking to beat bitter rivals Celtic to the signing of Nick Powell from Wigan Athletic. 

The 24-year-old has four goals and four assists so far this season for The Latics, in their first season back in the Championship after a season in League One.

Powell joined Wigan from Premier League giants Man United in 2016, after his spell with The Red Devils never took off. He was once touted as one of the most promising English talents in the country when he arrived at Old Trafford from Crewe Alexandra in 2012. However, he was never able to prove himself during his four years with United, only playing a handful of games for them.

However, Wigan fans will still attest that the midfielder has a huge amount talent and could do a wonderful job at Rangers. Under the tutelage of an English legend Steven Gerrard at Ibrox, Powell could move up to the next level in his career and start to fulfil the potential that many believe he had. Of course, he may not return to a huge Premier League club again, but that does not mean that he can’t make a great impression with The Gers.

What is more important, perhaps, is that by landing Powell, Rangers would be depriving Celtic of another pivotal signing. In a season as close as this one in the Scottish Premiership, an addition like this, or lack of from Celtic’s perspective, could make all the difference in securing the title.

Nottingham Forest are in with a good chance of securing a play-off spot in the current campaign under Martin O’Neill if they manage to ensure consistency from here on in. 

The Midlands club are certainly light on numbers in defensive areas at this moment in time as injuries continue to inflict damage on their promotion push.

Indeed, O’Neill will be hoping that his potential January transfer window signings can help launch Nottingham Forest into the play-off places. Although, with there still being plenty of improvements to be had with time running out in the transfer window, he’ll need to get a move on.

With that in mind, this is the Nottingham Forest XI O’Neill should build, with any underlying injuries being thrown out of the window…

THE NOTTINGHAM FOREST XI O’NEILL SHOULD BUILD

Costel Pantilimon has been one of the most consistent performers in the side so far this season, with a number of quality performances already under his belt.

Jack Robinson, Michael Dawson and Tendayi Darikwa are all first-team members who have excelled this season.

But, Nottingham Forest have suffered a number of defensive injuries in the current campaign, which has left them exposed at the back in recent times. But, O’Neill managed to secure the services of Yohan Benalouane recently, so things are definitely looking up in that particular department with time still left to bring more players in.

Jack Colback has been outstanding for the Midlands club so far this season, but Adlene Guedioura hasn’t always been able to ensure consistency. Interestingly, Forest have reportedly (as per Grimsby Live) shown interest in Funso Ojo, a player who could quite easily slot right into the starting XI at the City Ground. He has the ability to intercept and consistently puts in great tackles in the middle of the park, so he could be a real asset.

Joe Lolley has been used to operating on the left-hand side for Forest this season but he could be a real danger through the middle, with the ability to find the back of the net from distance. Meanwhile, Matty Cash has come on leaps and bounds on the opposite flank.

Also, O’Neill is reportedly (as per Football Insider) interested in securing the services of James McClean. The pair know each other well from their time at Sunderland and on the international stage with the Republic of Ireland. Also, the winger could provide an extra attacking spark and valuable experience at the City Ground.

Lastly, Lewis Grabban has the pace and finishing ability to help fire Martin O’Neill’s side into the play-offs.

Nottingham Forest – Thoughts? 

Let us know down below!!!

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Since Ralph Hasenhuttl’s appointment as Southampton manager, the mood at St Mary’s Stadium has improved dramatically, as have the team’s performances and results on the pitch. 

The Austrian coach has overseen ten Premier League matches since taking the job on the south coast, and has only known defeat three times, and has enjoyed wins over Arsenal, Huddersfield Town, Leicester City and Everton in that time. The Saints now find themselves in 16th place, two points clear of the relegation zone.

Check out the below above to see football played as you’ve never seen it before… in a maze!

Many individual players have improved in recent weeks too, including Nathan Redmond. The attacker has scored three goals and registered two assists in the league so far this season – all having come since Hasenhuttl’s appointment.

The new boss clearly knows how to get the best out of the 24-year-old, and he should take advantage of that. Redmond is one of Southampton’s most talented and threatening players but a lack of consistency has always been his downfall. If Hasenhuttl can eradicate that flaw from his game then he must build his team around the once-capped England international.

West Bromwich Albion returned to the Championship summit on Saturday afternoon after they won the west Midlands derby at St Andrew’s stadium.

The Baggies had to come from behind to do so with Leeds United throwing away a two-goal lead later in the day.

Birmingham City opened the scoring through Lukas Jutkiewicz and regained the lead two minutes in the second half after Grady Diangana had cancelled out the opener earlier in the match.

Slaven Bilic then made a game-changing call to introduce Charlie Austin as the striker’s quick brace won them all three points.

The 30-year-old fired home a half-volley from outside the box before looping a header over the home goalkeeper nine minutes from time.

Although, much of the attention post-game was on his strike partner Hal Robson-Kanu, despite him failing to score or assist…

‘Immense’ and ‘brilliant’ were just two words used to describe the 30-year-old’s showing while one supporter compared him to an ‘elite player’ because of the way the ball sticks to him – also praising how he’s been totally transformed under Bilic.

The Croatian made an interesting call to keep Robson-Kanu on the pitch when Austin was introduced in the second half, and it appears to be something that some supporters want to see more of.

One fan highlighted Bilic’s influence for the Welshman’s turnaround in form, claiming it was ‘staggering.’ He’s scored six times in Albion’s last 11 matches, per Transfermarkt.

There was even a chance for one member of the Hawthorns faithful to retract his previous thoughts on the striker, which only goes to show just how well he has been doing at the club this season.

Robson-Kanu’s performances as of late has left Bilic with a tough decision to make over who starts up front for the Baggies on Saturday, either way, it’s a pleasant headache to have when both of your strikers are fit and firing.

Quickfire Quiz: Premier League experts will get 100%…

In other news, West Brom fans have been slamming one member of the starting XI on Saturday…

Tottenham Hotspur managed to salvage all three points on Sunday when they paid Wolverhampton Wanderers a visit.

The game was all tied and the teams looked poised to share the spoils of war but a stoppage-time goal gave Jose Mourinho’s troops a huge boost as they secured the triumph.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Of course, a lot of the spotlight has gone to the goal-scorer, Jan Vertonghen, but Lucas Moura also had a brilliant game and it was actually his strike that propelled Spurs into the lead in the first half.

After the game, the 27-year-old Brazilian took to Twitter to celebrate and the fans were absolutely loving his tweet, showering the player with compliments and just proclaiming their love for him in the process.

And it seems that Moura is slowly but surely turning into a real Spurs legend and many of the fans claim that he has already reached that status.

Overall, the Brazilian has now played 80 games since joining the club, scoring 21 goals and assisting further eight as well. And some of those goals were extremely important, too.

Forever a Spurs legend: Honour Pochettino by getting 100% on this all-Poch quiz…

We shouldn’t forget his five strikes in last season’s Champions League march towards the final and his hattrick vs Ajax in the semi-final as well.

Finally, there were some fans who simply want to see a chant made for Moura since he deserves to finally get one.

And with the player putting chants in his tweets in the first place, he just might be hinting that he feels the same way…

In other news, many Spurs fans think one of their young stars should be given a shot in a slightly different position…

According to Italian media outlet Corriere della Sera, via Inside Futbol, new Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has two Napoli players in his sights as he looks to strengthen his squad in the summer, with one being centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.

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Corriere della Sera, via Inside Futbol, says that the Italian is interested in bringing the Senegal international and teammate Piotr Zielinski to Goodison Park.

Given they are regular starters for the Serie A club they would probably set the Merseyside outfit back large fees, especially when you consider owner Aurelio De Laurentiis said he rejected a €100m (£86m) offer for the former during the previous summer transfer window from a Premier League club.

Goal claimed earlier this year that Liverpool would have targeted the African if they had failed in their bid to bring Virgil van Dijk to Anfield.

Many Everton supporters have been having their say on the link to the defensive colossus, including those who would unsurprisingly fully support a move for the 28-year-old.

However, there were those that were pessimistic about Everton’s chances of bringing Koulibaly in, even if they now have the manager he worked with at Napoli.

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Given his potential price tag and the other clubs that could potentially be in for him if he ever was allowed to leave the Serie A side, they are right to be cautious.

Others chose to compare the 6 foot 1 man to current Toffees centre-back Michael Keane, who has come under plenty of criticism for his displays this season, including against Leicester City last week.

Another – joking we hope – said that Koulibaly would be a nice back-up for the former Burnley man. There’s always one, isn’t there?

In other Everton news, Toffees fans want their club to sign a Premier League attacker who scored his 5th goal of the season on Saturday…