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After being knocked out of the Carabao Cup for the first time in five years by West Ham United, followed by losing 2-0 at home against Crystal Palace at the weekend in the Premier League, it’s safe to say it has been a disappointing week for Manchester City.

Their next match sees them back in Champions League action on Wednesday evening with a clash against Club Brugge, who City managed to convincingly beat 5-1 in their previous match against the Belgium club last month.

On the chalkboard

One player that did not feature in the defeat against Patrick Vieira’s side at the weekend that we feel should be in the starting XI in midweek to take on Brugge is midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan’s two previous appearances for the Manchester club saw him score a goal and earn himself an impressive overall match rating of 8/10 from SofaScore in their 4-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League as well as being City’s highest-rated player in the Cup defeat at West Ham with a rating of 7.9/10, also from SofaScore.

This shows that the midfielder, who has been described as one of the most “intelligent” players Pep Guardiola has seen throughout his career, can be a vital figure for the Citizens and why we feel he should be in the starting XI to face Brugge. That’s especially given how he should be well-rested for the game after he didn’t play against Palace.

The German international joined City back during the 2016 summer transfer window from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth a reported fee of £20m.

Since then, the 31-year-old, who is currently valued at £36m according to Transfermarkt, has made 220 appearances for the current reigning Premier League champions across all competitions in which he has managed to score 41 goals and provide 28 assists along the way, showing how much of an attacking threat he is from midfield and a real game-changer for the team.

Last season saw Gundogan end City’s Premier League campaign as their top goalscorer with 13 goals under his belt.

Looking ahead to the Brugge match, we feel that the £140k-per-week earner should be in the starting XI so Guardiola can rotate some of his midfield options and rest some that he may want to be fully prepared for their next Premier League match at the weekend against rivals Manchester United.

In other news: Fernandino heir apparent: Pep could save Man City millions with “aggressive” 17 y/o – opinion

Leeds United continued their poor start to the Premier League season as they lost 1-0 to Southampton at St. Mary’s, leaving them 17th in the table.

One team enduring a worse campaign, however, is newly-promoted Norwich. The Canaries are rooted to the bottom of the league and held Brighton to a 0-0 draw on Saturday.

Interestingly, though, a Leeds transfer target was involved in a slight controversy, as Todd Cantwell was omitted from the matchday squad despite being available for selection after time out due to personal reasons.

Norwich manager Daniel Farke insisted that his lack of involvement was purely down to Kieran Dowell’s form in training, although the ex-Everton man was then an unused substitute. He said:

“It was not a decision against Todd. It was more about Kieran, who was always available during this period. He trains unbelievably hard and in an outstanding way.

“Todd missed many weeks and was only back in team training at the start of the week. For each and every player who comes back after missing a period of training they have to show consistency in how they train to be picked ahead of a different player.”

With Cantwell’s contract expiring at the end of the season, this potential friction at Carrow Road could allow Leeds to swoop in and secure a deal in the January transfer window. Norwich have the option to extend his terms for another year, which means that it is unlikely Leeds will be able to sign him for nothing, but the next window could represent their best chance to rake in a large fee for the attacker.

If the Canaries wait until next summer to cash in then he will only have 12 months left on his contract and could be forced to sell for a minimal fee. Therefore, Leeds could tempt them into selling him in January for a deal that would suit all parties involved, with the Whites not overpaying for his services and Norwich not losing him for next to nothing.

His former Norwich youth team coach, Gary Cockaday, hailed his talents in an eye-catching way. He told The Athletic: 

“He did things every week that were just special. It was God-given. No one taught it. I always believed if you had someone like that, don’t change them or make them conform.”

Orta must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for the midfielder as he could forge an exciting partnership with current first-team star Raphinha.

The Brazilian loves to get fans off their seats at Elland Road, with nine goals and nine assists in the top-flight since the start of last season. Cantwell was directly involved in 12 goals in the Championship last term and managed six strikes and two assists in the Premier League the year before.

This shows that, like Raphinha, the Englishman has the ability to score and create goals from an attacking midfield position. Therefore, they could form a deadly attack for Leeds by linking up together to open up chances for themselves to score, weaving inside and out of opposition defenders.

Imagine Cantwell and Raphinha playing one-twos on the edge of the box to work room for a shot or to feed the ball to Patrick Bamford for him to score…tantalising!

AND in other news, Concerning injury update emerges on £35k-p/w Leeds powerhouse, fans surely devastated…

Celtic left-back Boli Bolingoli is not considered a viable option by Ange Postecoglou, according to Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Scales deal edges closer

Celtic have already made eight signings this summer, and it seems as if a ninth addition is imminent in Shamrock Rovers’ Liam Scales.

Scales, who can play as a centre-back, left-back and left-midfielder, is set to cost the Hoops around £500,000.

That deal looks like it could push Bolingoli further down the pecking order at Parkhead, according to Devlin.

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

Devlin, Celtic’s correspondent for The Athletic, shared a story on Wednesday regarding where the Hoops need to strengthen.

Within his report, he admitted that Bolingoli isn’t in Postecoglou’s plans and added that Scales’ arrival is considered crucial due to his versatility.

Devlin was then asked by a fan in the comments for more details on Bolingoli, to which he said:

“Having trouble finding out specifics on the Boli situation but it does seem he’s out of the picture with their pursuit of Scales. Nothing concrete on Boli potentially outgoing yet though.”

The Verdict: Time to sell?

With the 26-year-old, described as ‘strong’ by Alex Bruce, not in the frame in Glasgow, it could be wise to cash in on the Ivorian in the final days of the window.

The left-back still has two years left on his Celtic contract and was linked with a move to Turkish side Altay SK earlier in the window, so the Hoops could recoup some of the £3m they paid for him two years ago.

He hasn’t featured under Postecoglou and has been on the bench on three occasions, so if the club can find a buyer, it might be best to cut ties with the full-back for good.

In other news: Celtic now looking at late swoop for ‘fantastic’ defender alongside Scales move.  

Former Spurs number one Paul Robinson has backed Tottenham to sign Chelsea star Andreas Christensen, according to reports by Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Spurs interested in Christensen

According to The Daily Star, Spurs are competing for the signing of Chelsea defender Christensen. The 25-year-old could be available on a free transfer in 2022 as his contract is set to expire next summer.

The Denmark international has played 11 times in the Premier League this season under Thomas Tuchel, and he currently leads the Blues in one statistic, offsides won – averaging 0.8 per game.

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Football Insider previously reported that Chelsea had made a breakthrough in contract negotiations with the player. However, an agreement is still yet to be finalised and with January fast approaching, Christensen will have just six months left on his deal.

The Daily Star reports that Tottenham would be interested in signing the 6 foot 2 defender, if a contract extension cannot be agreed upon.

The Latest: Robinson loves the move

As per Football Insider, ex-Spurs goalkeeper Robinson has heaped praise on Christensen following his former club’s interest in the player, further claiming that a deal would “have to be” on a free transfer as Chelsea and Spurs “do not do business.”

“Historically, they just do not do business so it would have to be on a free transfer in the summer.

“Christensen is a top, top player though. A top centre-half.

“When you look at his age and where he is at in his career. He probably needs a move and a fresh challenge.

“I’m not sure how it would work going from Chelsea to Tottenham. I’m sure he is a strong enough player and a strong enough character to get the fans on side very quickly though.”

The Verdict: Ideal but unlikely

It is reported that a £140,000-per-week deal was ‘practically agreed’ in August, which would have seen the defender almost double his current £80,000-per-week salary at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham could be an interesting prospect for Christensen as Antonio Conte has experience managing the Dane, who he described in late 2017 as Chelsea’s ‘best surprise’, but if the Blues are happy to double his wages it appears unlikely he will jump ship.

Former Chelsea teammate Cesc Fabregas has also previously hailed the player’s talents, describing him as ‘very underrated’, so Tottenham would be foolish not to try their luck in convincing him to cross London, but this one feels rather ambitious.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has claimed that Aston Villa striker Wesley could leave the club this summer.

What’s the story?

Following the arrival of Danny Ings from Southampton in recent weeks, Dean Smith’s side have bolstered their options going forward, and Preece has now indicated that this could have an impact on Wesley’s future at the club.

He said: “Yep, there’s a realistic possibility of Wesley heading out. I must be in the minority here but I’d like to see him do well at Villa. I was hard on him when he first joined but he was showing signs before he got injured. I think he’ll be loaned out now though; Ings and Watkins will start pretty much every game.

“Interesting to hear Smith say Watkins will be a central striker and nothing else this season. I can see Ings as a No.10 at times. There is a need for a striker on the bench, though, knowing Traore/Ghazi played there last week vs Salernitana.”

Dean Smith’s making a mistake

While Ings’ arrival certainly puts Wesley down the pecking order at Villa Park, it’s a bit of a hasty mistake from Smith to let the Brazilian go this summer, even on a temporary basis.

Watkins was a man of steel last season in the Premier League, only missing the one match all campaign, but whether that level of fitness can hold up for a second successive campaign remains to be seen.

Add to that the fact Ings missed several games last season for Southampton with a knee injury, and of course has ruptured his ACL previously, and Villa could be left really short up front if they suffer some misfortune.

A report from The Birmingham Mail recently said: “It has been rumoured that Ings’ arrival from Southampton could see Villa operating with two strikers up front in a 3-5-2 or a 4-4-2 formation this term as the new man plays alongside last season’s great transfer success, Ollie Watkins.

“Playing two up top was used in just 2% of Villa’s games last season, but proved to be effective in games such as the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion, the 3-0 win over Arsenal and the 3-1 victory over Fulham. The 4-4-2 has been trialled on several occasions in pre-season, most recently in the 3-1 win against Salernitana.”

If Smith does intend to operate with a two-man strike force, he surely needs a back-up centre-forward either as an option off the bench, or as someone he could rotate his main pairing with.

Letting Wesley go without first bringing in another striker would be a massive oversight and mistake on the part of the Villa boss.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has dropped an Aston Villa transfer update…

Aston Villa correspondent for Birmingham Live Ashley Preece has provided an exciting Villa Park transfer update, but admits there is ‘no chance’ on one of the club’s targets.

The Lowdown: Villa’s busy summer

Villa haven’t wasted any time in the current transfer window.

They’ve already brought in Emiliano Buendia in a club-record deal, while also signing Ashley Young on a free transfer.

Argentine forward Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to the Midlands, along with Southampton duo James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu.

Buendia and Young won’t be the club’s only additions this summer, according to Preece, who provided an update on social media.

The Latest: Preece’s update

Preece posted a link to his story on Twitter on Thursday lunchtime. Within his tweet, he admitted he is expecting Villa to make another two or three signings.

“Chewing the transfer fat & it’s a lively one! Villa still very much active in this window; expecting another two – possibly even three- additions; Smith Rowe remains unlikely; Alvarez an option; CDM & CB cover. #avfc Q&A happening now”

In the story, an update on Emile Smith Rowe was waiting, with Birmingham Live being told there is ‘no chance’ of signing the Arsenal midfielder.

Villa had a £25m offer turned down for the 20-year-old earlier this month and were preparing a second bid, but it doesn’t seem as if he’ll be moving to the Midlands.

The Verdict: Would it be wise to sign a ‘keeper?

It seems as if a defensive midfielder, centre-back and a forward could be the areas Villa add to before the season begins next month.

However, a backup goalkeeper could also be handy, especially with Tom Heaton set to leave the club when his deal expires at the end of the month.

He looks set to join Manchester United, which will leave Dean Smith with only Emiliano Martinez and Jed Steer as senior options.

Hopefully, Martinez will go through another campaign injury-free, however, if he is sidelined, Smith would then just have Steer to call on.

Signing an experienced shot-stopper who is happy to serve as cover may be a wise option, and there are plenty around on possible free transfers.

In other news: Many AVFC fans react as club linked with move for Spanish ‘tank’, find out more here. 

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Reading midfielder John Swift, Football League World report.

The Lowdown: 2020 links

This isn’t the first time Villa have been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old.

Villa were set to launch a £6-8m offer for Swift’s services last summer, however, as we know, he remained with the Royals despite links to Sheffield United as well.

At this moment in time, the £25,000-a-week midfielder is out of contract next summer, meaning he could be available in a cut-price January move, should his situation remain the same.

And it seems as if Villa still have their eye on Swift’s signature.

The Latest: Source shares update

A source informed Football League World of Sheffield United’s interest in Swift on Friday.

Within their report, they claimed that Villa, along with Premier League rivals Brentford and Newcastle United, are also keeping tabs on Swift’s situation.

The Verdict: Sign

Should Villa firm up their interest in Swift, it could be a shrewd acquisition, especially as they didn’t land an out-and-out central attacking midfielder following Jack Grealish’s exit in the summer.

Swift is clearly a player Villa have had on their radar for some time, and by the looks of it, could be available for a bargain price due to his contract situation.

He’s also netted seven Championship goals in as many appearances this season, taking his senior club tally to 39, plus one for England at Under-21 level, so it could be a wise move by Johan Lange.

In other news: ‘What a mess’ – Matt Maher’s Aston Villa update has lots of fans fuming.  

Noel Whelan has offered his thoughts on what the future holds for Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara… 

What’s the talk?

Former Leeds forward Noel Whelan has suggested that Rangers will refuse to cash in on Glen Kamara in the January transfer window.

He has claimed that the Gers would sell him next summer, with his contract expiring in 2023, and that a contract extension would need to be sorted before the winter market opens.

Whelan told Football Insider:

“Contract talks are never easy, especially when you’re trying to keep big players at the club.

“It’s especially hard when there’s a real possibility of selling him at the end of the season.

“It will be the end of the season if he is sold.

“There’s no way Rangers would sell in January when they’ll still be fighting for Europe and fighting to retain the title.

“If the deal is to be signed, you would expect that all parties would have agreed to it by January.”

Fans will be delighted

Rangers fans will be delighted with these comments from Whelan as it could be a huge boost to the club if his prediction comes to fruition. Having Kamara at Ibrox for the entire campaign could improve their chances of being successful, as he is a crucial member of Steven Gerrard’s squad.

The central midfielder played in 33 of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership matches last season as they won the league title ahead of Celtic. He averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 6.99, winning 59% of his midfield battles against the opposition over the course of the campaign.

Neil McCann, his former manager at Dundee United, claimed that the Finland international was ‘perfect’ for him. He said of Kamara: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect.

McCann added: “He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

His statistics from last season and these quotes from McCann highlight Kamara’s quality and why he is an important player for Rangers. Therefore, fans will be buzzing if he does not depart in January, as it would mean they are able to enjoy his talents for at least five more months than they would otherwise.

Arsenal reportedly made a move for the £6.2k-per-week beast during the last transfer window, which shows the level of club currently looking at Kamara. Rangers may not be able to hold off Premier League interest forever, but ensuring that he remains at their club for the entire season, to help retain the title, would delight supporters.

AND in other news, Gerrard issues update on £27k-p/w “mountain” that’ll leave Rangers fans concerned…

A major update has emerged on Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake, regarding interest from one of the club’s Premier League rivals.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, Manchester United are weighing up a potential swoop for City centre-back Nathan Ake this summer. United want to add a centre-back to their squad this summer and they are keeping a close eye on Ake’s situation at City.

However, he is not their only target in that position. United are also considering Real Madrid and France centre-back Raphael Varane and Villarreal and Spain’s Pau Torres alongside Ake.

Last month, former Premier League midfielder Dean Windass suggested that Ake will leave Manchester City this summer as he is not “good enough” for Pep Guardiola’s side. Windass said that he could move to City’s Premier League rivals Tottenham in search of more game time. He told Transfer Tavern:

“I don’t think he’ll stay at City because I don’t think he’s good enough to play for them in my opinion but also, I can’t see him going back to Bournemouth.

“He’s an athlete, he looks easy on the eye as he’s good on the ball, a threat from set-pieces and he’s quick. So I think that would be a good fit and the alarm bells would start ringing for him if he knew Tottenham wanted to sign him. That would be a massive, massive club for him to go to.”

TIME’S UP

Despite only joining City last summer, the time is already up for Ake at The Etihad. Txiki Begiristain must now ruthlessly axe him in the coming weeks/months even if it means selling him to one of their Premier League competitors in the form of Manchester United. It could end up being a masterclass from Txiki if he manages to cash in on Ake and send the underperforming Dutchman to United, as it could weaken their side and improve City’s of finishing above them again all in one deal.

Ake was dreadful for Manchester City in the Premier League. He averaged a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.57 in 10 appearances in the league, with the club keeping three clean sheets in the matches he featured in. This comes after he signed for City off the back of being relegated from the top-flight with Bournemouth –  who let in 65 goals that campaign, the second-most in the division.

The £92k-per-week flop, therefore, has shown that he is not good enough – as Windass has explained – to play for Manchester City. This could also mean that he might be a poor addition to United’s squad and that he is unlikely to bridge any gap between the two sides. Txiki should sanction Ake’s exit and bring in a higher-quality defender to replace him and send him to United to potentially weaken their side.

AND in other news, Forget Kane: Txiki must seal Man City swoop for “extraordinary” £352k-p/w goal machine…

Nathaniel Clyne is interested in signing a new deal and extending his stay at Crystal Palace this summer, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Lowdown: Clyne out of contract

The 31-year-old is currently in his second spell at his boyhood club, proving to be a solid squad player under Patrick Vieira this season.

Clyne has made nine Premier League starts in 2021/22 to date, acting as a solid understudy to Joel Ward and putting his experience to good use, arguably becoming first-choice in recent weeks.

The defender’s current deal expires at the end of the season, though, at which point he would be able to leave on a free transfer.

The Latest: Clyne keen on new Palace deal

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Barclay claimed that Clyne wants to extend his stay at Selhurst Park. The journalist said of the Palace defender:

“He suggested he definitely would like a new contract. And there’s a bit of talk about it at the moment; we’ll see what will happen.”

The Verdict: No-brainer for Palace

It makes complete sense for Palace to give Clyne a new contract, with the Englishman proving what a reliable figure he can be throughout this season.

Granted, his very best days may be behind him, but he remains a reliable defender who has averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.5 clearances per match in the current Premier League campaign.

Jurgen Klopp once hailed Clyne as ‘amazing’, which speaks volumes given the calibre of player with whom the Liverpool manager has worked, and at 31, there is no reason why the defender can’t stay at the top level for a few more years yet.

In other news, one player is reportedly considering moving to Palace. Find out who it is here.