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Speaking to West Ham Zone, former Irons striker Frank McAvennie has reacted to some news involving star striker Michail Antonio.

The Lowdown: West Ham take action…

As reported by The Sun, it appears West Ham have taken some action in an effort to prevent any serious injuries to Antonio as he pledges his international services to Jamaica.

Indeed, as shared by the outlet, club doctor and head of medical services Richard Collinge was sent out with the 31-year-old on his last round of duty with the Reggae Boyz.

This was to ensure he could cope with the extra physical exertion on international duty and to watch over Antonio’s fitness levels amid concerns over his past injury record.

The Latest: McAvennie reacts…

Speaking to WHZ, McAvennie has shared his take on the development and ‘can’t believe’ the measures clubs and players are taking nowadays to maintain fitness levels away from the country.

“It’s not just Antonio, but I’ve heard people going on holiday and taking a fitness coach,” he explained.

“I mean, really? I just can’t believe that goes on.

“I know the game has changed, but come on, you work all year and you go on holiday, you deserve a break. If you don’t drink, fine, but you still deserve a break away from football.

“I just don’t get it but maybe it’s the best thing for Antonio because of his fitness problems, his hamstring issues.”

The Verdict: Necessary?

Given just how crucial the forward is at the moment to manager David Moyes, not to mention how well he has started the campaign, we believe this is a shrewd precaution.

Antonio’s involvement with the Jamaica national team will have raised many eyebrows from both inside and outside West Ham and it’s safe to say the extra games will be a concern.

He will also be travelling plenty of miles when called upon so it’s little surprise the club wish to take whatever measures they deem fit to keep him at 100 per cent.

In other news: ‘Incredible’, ‘Bargain’…Pundit blown away as West Ham eye ‘very, very good signing’, find out more here.

Some Liverpool supporters believe that Lionel Messi still isn’t over Barcelona’s defeat to the Reds after he didn’t name them as Champions League contenders.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have had some special matches in his six-year reign, but the 4-0 win over Barca back in 2018/19 is surely near the top of the list. Liverpool overturned a 3-0 deficit from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie, producing one of the most miraculous comebacks in European history.

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Even the legendary Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, was powerless to do anything about that result and it is a game which seemingly continues to haunt him, even since leaving Barca for Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year.

When asked by L’Equipe [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter] who he thinks are contenders to win this season’s Champions League, the Argentine legend conveniently ignored Liverpool, instead replying: “It is true that the centre of attention is on PSG, but there are other very strong teams. Chelsea, the Manchester teams, Real Madrid, who always responds, Inter, Bayern.”

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Liverpool fans mock Messi

These Reds fans took to Twitter to poke fun at Messi, claiming that he is still fuming about that defeat at Anfield in May 2019.

“We won it 6 times, beaten in 3 finals and he doesn’t put us on his list, still hasn’t got over 4-0”

Credit: @patrick57672444

“Some wounds never heal. 07.05.2019- Anfield. Never forgotten”

Credit: @TheLiverpo6lWay

“Those wounds will take a long time to heal, as far as Barca, Messi and co are concerned”

Credit: @jonnieivandoyle

“Still thinking about this Leo”

Credit: @LFCTransferRoom

“He’s clearly still triggered by the comeback”

Credit: @Zach89448150

“The 4-0 still haunting him”

Credit: @donnashamzan

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to an Erling Haaland claim. Read more here.

Crystal Palace fans will have to be patient with deadline day recruit Odsonne Edouard, according to The Celtic Way reporter Anthony Haggerty.

Patrick Vieira, who was appointed as Roy Hodgson’s successor in July, solved his search for a new striker by signing Edouard from Celtic in a deal worth £14million.

Palace followed up their interest in Edouard after being unwilling to meet Arsenal’s £20million valuation for Eddie Nketiah.

Edouard has made the move to Selhurst Park having enjoyed a trophy-laden stint with Scottish giants Celtic, where he scored 86 goals in 179 appearances.

The 23-year-old, who is the France under-21s’ all-time top goalscorer, has also enjoyed an impressive start to the new season by finding the back of the net three times.

But he was ready for a fresh challenge and even changed his agent at the start of the year as he looked to seal a move away from Celtic.

Haggerty is certain Edouard will be prolific for Palace but feels he still needs to work on his game if he is to be a roaring success in the Premier League.

He told Football FanCast: “I think he is a highly talented and skilful footballer. In front of goal, he will score if you put him through one-on-one or put the ball across the box. He takes a mean free-kick as well.

“He will frustrate the life out of you though. He will take an extra touch and try to beat guys.

“To cut it in the Premier League, you need to be the complete package, run into the channels, play guys in, hold it up and compete. That’s maybe where he lacks.”

When Rafa Benitez was announced as the new manager of Everton Football Club, it was apparent that he’d need a quickfire start devoid of controversy.

News of his appointment had not gone down well with Toffees supporters due to his allegiances to the red side of Merseyside but fortunately, Benitez was able to prevent negativity and prove them wrong.

Everton started the season in flying fashion and after the opening four matches of the season, they were level on points with the league leaders.

Yet, proceedings have gone downhill since. They have lost Dominic Calvert-Levin, Richarlison, Seamus Coleman and Jordan Pickford to injury.

They were swatted aside with ease by Aston Villa last weekend and now they are out of the Carabao Cup too.

The Goodison Park outfit had a genuine chance of winning this competition but they went out in the worst way possible; on penalties.

As expected, Benitez fielded a team that combined youth and experience, but unfortunately, it was his senior heads that let him down the most against QPR.

Twice the Rs took the lead but Everton fought back before losing on penalties.

One of the worst displays came from £100k-per-week Alex Iwobi. The winger has done little to justify his £34m price tag since arriving from Arsenal with just five goals to his name at Everton.

He wasn’t involved in any of the goals against QPR as he turned in a languid display.

With Demarai Gray not starting and Richarlison ruled out, this was an ideal opportunity for the Nigerian to prove his worth, especially against Championship opposition.

However, he flopped for Benitez in a performance that severely let the manager down.

During his 90 minutes on the field, Iwobi completed two dribbles and also provided two key passes but typically, his end product was ultimately lacking.

His pass success rate of 75% was extremely disappointing while the winger was also feeble in physical situations.

Iwobi won just 22.2% of the defensive duels he was involved in, winning only two all night. In surrendering possession 13 times, he also lost the ball every 3.1 touches.

Against a team in the second-tier, the former Arsenal gem should have been running rampant. Sadly, he never looked like threatening their backline.

AND in other news, Everton rocked by big blow after weekend development, Benitez will be seething…

Many Everton fans have been left raging over some injury news involving Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the striker has now suffered a setback in his rehab from an injury to his quadriceps and will remain out for a number of weeks.

He will continue to receive specialist treatment, and another fitness update will come from the Merseyside club in due course.

After the injury news on Abdoulaye Doucoure earlier on this week, to see another one of their key players out for a few weeks is certainly the last thing that the Toffees supporters wanted to hear.

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Nonetheless, it is now time for Salomon Rondon to step up, and show the fans why the Blues decided to take a punt on him in the summer transfer window.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin injury news

These EFC supporters raged as the injury update was shared on Twitter, with one Evertonian going as far as to claim that it is ‘extremely bad news’:

“Gone beyond a joke these injuries, go and get a free transfer got to be someone out there.”

Credit: @MrGriffGaff

“That’s all we needed, Dominic out injured. Extremely bad news.”

Credit: @PeterPapadopo11

“We’re finished”

Credit: @efcsam_

“Void the season”

Credit: @Sungy_1878

“Season is over already!”

Credit: @TheShep83

“CURSED”

Credit: @Smudge_96

In other news, find out what transfer news has Toffees fuming here!

West Brom would be Andre Gray’s preferred destination in the Championship, believes Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Gray has been linked with a move to The Hawthorns, with Football Insider recently reporting that West Brom are lining up a move for the Watford striker.

However, according to the same outlet, Middlesbrough, Birmingham City and QPR are also interested in signing Gray before the transfer window slams shut.

Competition for his signature is certainly looking fierce. But given that West Brom are likely to be battling for promotion following their relegation from the Premier League, Hatfield thinks the Baggies will be in the driving seat to secure his services.

“If he has to pick between those clubs, I think it’s a little bit of a no-brainer,” Hatfield said to TT. “I think Albion have shown they’re one of the real promotion threats this season.

“I think Albion probably would be his preferred destination. It’s close to home, obviously, Blues is close to home for him as well, but the position that Blues will be in this season in comparison to Albion, I don’t think you can quite compare them.”

Gray is yet to make one of Watford’s matchday squads this term, so it does appear that he is not really in manager Xisco Munoz’s plans. It gives an outfit like West Brom, who are clearly in the market for a striker, an opportunity to do something.

A number of Wolves supporters have reacted in delighted fashion to images of long-term injury absentee Pedro Neto back in training on Thursday.

Wanderers have enjoyed an impressive season to date, beating Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Monday, in what was arguably the highlight of the campaign.

Despite Wolves’ progress under Bruno Lage, one player that they have had to make do without is Neto, with the winger absent with a serious knee injury since last April.

The Portuguese has been working hard on his recovery and a hugely encouraging update has now emerged in that respect.

On Thursday, Wolves’ official Twitter account posted photos of Neto back on the training pitch, suggesting his return to first-team action is edging closer all the time.

Wolves fans hail Neto footage

These Wanderers reacted to the footage in delighted fashion on Twitter, providing their thoughts on the good news.

“Oh my god I’ve missed him so much”

Credit: @_georgiaeden

“YEAAAAAH”

Credit: @oliviaashley

“Things we love to see”

Credit: @TalkingWolves

“YES YES YES! HE IS BACK”

Credit: @x_editsmxlti

“Fantastic. Give him 90 on Sunday”

Credit: @RobSmith1877

“Best news of the day”

Credit: @UbaJosh

In other news, some Wolves fans are unhappy after a transfer rumour emerged. Read more here.

A big Leeds United transfer update has emerged regarding the club’s plans for the upcoming summer window…

What’s the talk?

Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross has revealed that Jesse Marsch has held a meeting with Victor Orta to discuss their approach ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

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The American was brought to Yorkshire in February after Marcelo Bielsa was relieved of his duties and has not had the chance to bring his own players into Elland Road as of yet, as he joined after the January window.

Cross tweeted: “Marsch and Orta met last week to discuss recruitment. Head coach keen to tell the scouts about his tactical vision, the player profiles he likes and how the current crop are adapting to his system.”

Supporters will be excited

This claim will surely leave Leedss supporters excited for multiple reasons ahead of the summer transfer window.

Firstly, it shows that Marsch is eager to get work done as quickly as possible, despite the current season still being in progress. Leeds have six matches left to play in the 2021/22 Premier League and are nine points clear of the relegation zone as it stands, which means that there is still plenty on the line over the coming weeks.

They are not completely out of trouble yet and you could excuse the American for not wanting to look too far into the future, but he is seemingly keen to be prepared for the summer. Supporters will therefore be buzzing with this proactive approach from the head coach, as it will give Orta more time to work on the deals that he wants to complete.

Fans will also be excited by this claim, as it confirms that Marsch is being given full creative control in the transfer department. He is being allowed to shape the way in which Leeds scout players in order to build the squad in his image, and this an exciting prospect for supporters heading into next season as they now know that signings will be coming in with a bigger image in mind.

They can look forward to seeing how Marsch wants his team to play once he has the players that he needs. It is now down to the scouts to find the right hidden gems, and to Orta to ensure that he can strike the deals to bring them to Elland Road.

AND in other news, Marsch must ruthlessly axe “awful” Leeds star adored by Bielsa, he’s not good enough…

Everton reportedly have their eye on signing a player in the upcoming January transfer window who could help them to both strengthen at the back and provide a greater attacking threat.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from 90min, the Toffees are one of the Premier League clubs alongside Newcastle United, Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa interested in signing Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier in January.

Throughout his career, the Englishman has made a total of 426 senior appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 78 assists with clubs such as Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur, Barnsley and Atletico across all competitions, highlighting his attacking and creative abilities on the pitch.

On the international stage, the 31-year-old – who is currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt – has made 35 appearances for England.

Last season saw Trippier prove to be a crucial figure for Diego Simeone’s side in their title-winning La Liga campaign by averaging 1.3 key passes, 2.2 tackles, 1.7 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per game, highlighting his ability to create chances going forward and be a tough defensive opponent.

In terms of a potential move to Everton, with suggestions that Lucas Digne could be on his way out of the club in January after a reported falling out with Benitez, Trippier could be a suitable replacement for the Frenchman given that he has played several times for England at left-back and could bring a lot of top-level experience and talent to the team.

Labelled as a player with “outstanding quality” on the pitch by England manager Gareth Southgate, Trippier could help Farhad Moshiri to fix a potentially big issue at Everton if Digne does leave in January as a result of his apparent spat with Benitez and decides that he doesn’t want to continue playing for the Toffees.

In other news – Digne 2.0: Benitez could cause ructions at Everton with move for “brilliant” 32 y/o 

An update has emerged on Liverpool dynamo Divock Origi, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the Northern Echo, the Belgian forward is one of a number of players Eddie Howe is eyeing ahead of the January transfer window.

The report claims that he is being considered as a potential loan signing, with his game time at Anfield currently limited.

Imagine him & Wilson

Newcastle could land a dream deal by signing Origi on loan in the January transfer window for multiple reasons. Firstly, he could form an exciting partnership with Callum Wilson at the top end of the pitch for the Magpies in the second half of the season.

Origi has 38 goals and 16 assists for Liverpool in his time at Anfield and has produced three goals and two assists in seven games this season, showing that he has the quality to make a difference in games. Wilson, meanwhile, has 16 Premier League goals since the start of last term and has proven that, like the Reds attacker, he can score goals at this level.

The Belgian forward is capable of playing out wide on the left and could play off Wilson in a front three along with Allan Saint-Maximin. Therefore, with Origi and Wilson’s ability to score goals, they could create a promising strike force that should get fans excited.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp once hailed the forward as ‘unbelievably important’ and praised the different qualities he offers. He said:

“Div is unbelievably important for us.

“We knew it before but Div needs a good feeling, needs to be in a confident mood and then everybody knows what he is able to do. If you compare him with other players in our squad then they are all different, they all have different qualities and very often we used three other players up front, but Div was always so important for us.

“Then it’s really nice as well that he can show his importance in a game like this, which was obviously very important for all of us. Scoring these kinds of goals showed extra class, they were exceptional.”

Secondly, a loan deal could be a dream financial move for the club. They are currently 20th in the Premier League and a loan with an option to sign him permanently at the end of the season could be perfect for the Magpies, as it means that they do not have to commit to paying his wages if they are relegated to the Championship.

AND in other news, Shearer 2.0: Howe could get St. James’ rocking with NUFC deal for “incredible” beast…