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Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Marvin Johnson fits the bill for his old side, with Darren Moore bringing him in to add more experience to his squad.

Johnson was a free agent after leaving Middlesbrough at the end of his contract and officially joined Wednesday on Thursday.

The Star initially reported on the Owls’ interest in the winger last month.

Ultimately, for Palmer, 30-year-old Johnson can bring the sort of experience that Wednesday need as they aim to make a return to the Championship at the first time of asking.

“You can’t just go with young players,” the ex-Wednesday star told FFC. “You’ve got to balance the side with experienced players, so he fits the bill. 

“A player of his calibre should be able to cope with that league easily and bring experience to the young heads in there.”

The Owls have brought in a few young players this summer, including left-back Jaden Brown, so perhaps the experience of Johnson is something that they needed.

The Englishman has made over 100 appearances in the Championship, with 42 of those coming last season. On a free transfer, you can certainly see the logic behind signing him.

Everton have now officially sold Lucas Digne to Aston Villa, and in return are set to take one of their players off their hands and a fresh update on the move has been revealed.

What’s the word?

Fabrizio Romano has revealed an update on Everton’s signing of Anwar El Ghazi.

The Italian transfer insider tweeted in the early hours of this morning:

“Anwar El Ghazi has signed his contract as new Everton player, deal sealed and here-we-go confirmed. Medical completed, official announcement will be today.

“El Ghazi joins on loan from Aston Villa. Buy option clause [not mandatory] is also included in the deal.”

Fans will be furious

The move for El Ghazi to Everton is one that will come tinged with negativity, as he is signing at the cost of fan favourite, Digne, and when you look at Everton’s team, the signing of a winger doesn’t seem to be a priority position to fill in the team.

After all, they already have the likes of Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray, Anthony Gordon and Alex Iwobi at their disposal in that area of the pitch.

Toffees fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts and their confusion on the signing of the Dutch attacker, with one fan exclaiming:

“We’re wasting money to replace players who don’t get a game then? El Ghazi to replace our 5th choice winger? Clearly the priority should have been a CDM/CM to replace Allan, one of our best players, essential to breaking up play, who Rafa seems determined to drive out next.”

Another furious fan tweeted:

“Gone from Carlo, James, Digne to Rafa, Rondon, El Ghazi. Biggest downgrade in history.”

Indeed, it’s easy to see why they’re so angry about proceedings. The club seems to have not learned their lesson about wasting money on players that they don’t need, with owner Farhad Moshiri making a large number of signings in his time as owner of the club.

He has spent over £500m without the Toffees progressing or winning any trophies in the process, and as a consequence, they now that they sit 15th in the Premier League, just six points off relegation.

Therefore, the idea of signing a player who isn’t even a regular at one of their league rivals is a puzzling one as it’s unlikely to take them to the next level at all.

It will be interesting to see how Benitez will fit the Villa man into his line-up and whether he will become a first-team player, replacing a starter already in the side.

In other news: Everton should land Dele Alli

An update has emerged on Rangers’ pursuit of a new manager, regarding a possible candidate for the role…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, 53-year-old Bodo Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen is a coach who has caught Ross Wilson’s eye in his search for Steven Gerrard’s replacement.

The report claims that he is also on Norwich’s shortlist to take over at Carrow Road, whilst the Gers are also plotting talks with ex-Feyenoord man Gio van Bronckhorst.

Dream for Rangers

Wilson could discover a dream Rangers boss in Knutsen with his progressive, front-foot, style and impressive C.V in Norway with Glimt. He broke the goalscoring record in the Norweigan top-flight as his side found the back of the net a whopping 103 times last season as they won the title, whilst his team also beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 in the Conference League earlier this term.

This shows that he is capable of setting up a team to play exciting, free-flowing, football to score goals at a ridiculous rate, which could excite Rangers fans and explain why he could be a dream appointment. He could carry on where Gerrard left off and help the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Fashion Sakala and Kemar Roofe thrive, as he has shown that he can organise a team to flourish in front of goal.

Glimt captain Ulrick Saltnes described Knutsen’s style as ‘kamikaze’ and the man himself outlined his demands for the players on the pitch, wanting his side to dominate all aspects of the game. He said:

“Dominating doesn’t just mean scoring but also having the possession of the ball and dictating the rules of the game.

“We want to create a team identity that encompasses everyone; players, staff, managers, fans. We must confront ourselves to be able to create this ‘Bodo model’.”

This goes further to show that he wants his team to play in a defined style and will try to employ a dominant, attack-orientated, system at Ibrox. Therefore, he could be an excellent appointment by Wilson if he is able to translate his success over to Scotland.

The Gers chief should, at the very least, explore the move and see if he is a viable option in the coming days as his background suggests that he could be a great addition to the dugout. Supporters could get excited about the prospect of their team firing in the goals on a consistent basis and winning titles under him, following on from what he has achieved in Norway.

AND in other news, Wilson heading for Rangers disaster over 43y/o boss with 0 trophies, fans surely livid…

Leeds United are keen on signing RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Previous interest

The Whites were linked with a move for Gvardiol following promotion back to the Premier League. However, the 20-year-old, who journalist Izak Ante Sucic told BBC Sport is “built like a tank”, snubbed a move to Elland Road to sign for RB Leipzig.

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Gvardiol made 18 appearances under Jesse Marsch at Leipzig, and with the American now in charge at Elland Road, it looks as if the Croatia international is wanted once again in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Source reveal

FI shared a story on Thursday morning regarding Leeds and Gvardiol after being informed by a Whites source.

They claimed that Leeds are stepping up their interest in the defender and Victor Orta has had scouts watching him at recent matches ahead of a potential summer move.

The Verdict: Club-record deal?

The report adds that Leipzig now value Gvardiol at £27m, so it looks as if Leeds will need to hit their club record to sign the centre-back this summer, matching or eclipsing the £27m they spent on Rodrigo.

A defensive overhaul is in the pipeline over the coming months, with Robin Koch a player who could be set to leave the club ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge.

Gvardiol may well be the man to arrive as a marquee signing, so a move could once again be one to watch closely.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals big transfer blow for Leeds as key 21 y/o target now set to move elsewhere

Tottenham Hotspur fans will love the latest claim surrounding Antonio Conte…

What’s the word?

It was a ruthless January transfer window for the north London outfit as it was very much more about the outgoings than the incomings but either way, it truly signalled the start of the Italian’s era at the club.

Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur were his only signings in a whirlwind deadline day, both signing from sporting director Fabio Paratici’s former club, Juventus.

Meanwhile, the bulk of the deadwood was shifted on – largely on loan – as club-record flop Tanguy Ndombele returned to Lyon, whilst Giovani Lo Celso and Bryan Gil were shipped back to Spain, with Dele Alli being the only permanent exit as he joined top-flight rivals, Everton.

There were fears emerging throughout the window that Conte could walk if he wasn’t sufficiently backed by the board and on the face of it, only two signings would leave that situation somewhat in the lurch.

However, new claims behind the scenes suggest that he’s very pleased with the business Spurs have conducted – as revealed by the ever-reliable Alasdair Gold of football.london, who wrote:

‘While all managers will always want more in a transfer window, and Conte is no different, those around the Italian have told football.london that he is content with the early changes made at his behest in his first transfer window.’

Very encouraging

Conte may be left with a smaller squad but he’s got two solid additions in Kulusevski and Bentancur, and is likely to be left with a more harmonious dressing room, one full of players who are fully behind his relentless ethic on the training pitch.

There is an acceptance that the summer will be the window to truly transform things right across the club and you’re inclined to agree. Truth be told, it’ll take many more windows to elevate Spurs back into the Champions League equation.

It is a good start as the bulk of the players that saw the exit door on deadline day were rarely featuring under the Italian anyway.

Supporters can now rest at ease about their world-class coach as he truly appears to be in it for the long haul and considering he’s already worked his magic – losing just one league game since his arrival in November – then Gold’s update will be music to the ears of many.

Such fears can now be forgotten with Spurs just two points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United, whom they hold two games in hand over, too.

Conte’s refreshed squad returns to action on Saturday evening, where they face Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round, their final chance of securing instant silverware under the former Chelsea boss.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano reveals gutting Spurs transfer update late on deadline day…

A number of West Ham fans have been showering Ben Johnson with praise after his performance against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Hammers picked up a sweet win against Spurs at the London Stadium, prevailing 1-0. Michail Antonio was on the scoresheet, and the Irons have now moved up to fourth place in the Premier League table. David Moyes and co will surely be confident of improving on their sixth-place finish last season after this result.

Johnson was included in the starting line-up for his third league outing of the campaign (Transfermarkt) as he continued to deputise for the injured Vladimir Coufal. Once again, the 21-year-old helped the Irons keep a clean sheet as he kept the likes of Heung-Min Son and Sergio Reguilon quiet down his right flank, and lots of fans were absolutely delighted with what the youngster had to offer.

West Ham have not conceded a goal whenever he has been on the pitch this season (Transfermarkt), with Johnson starring as he won all seven of his duels and made five tackles in a tremendous defensive display (Sofascore).

These Hammers fans took to social media platform Twitter in their droves to share their thoughts on Johnson’s “class” performance.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Johnson

“Ben Johnson has been wonderful this season. 5 games he has started in he has kept a clean sheet in every single one of them. Still a few things to work on going forward but he kept Son quiet expertly today, his awareness and urgency is superb.”

Credit: @AzamWHUFC

“Ben Johnson was immense today.”

Credit: @aldredtj

“Ben Johnson ain’t put a foot wrong defensively yet, been class”

Credit: @DraigCawson

“Remember when we were all fuming when we let Ngakia go? Moyes got it spot on once again. Ben Johnson unreal talent”

Credit: @antonymmartin84

“How amazing has Ben Johnson been by since he has come into the side the way!? I thought he was so good yesterday. Never thought I’d say this but Coufal might not even get back in straight away”

Credit: @W_Bellow

“Ben Johnson was superb – but can’t underestimate how the arrival of Zouma has improved confidence and skill of whole back line”

Credit: @Tony_McNulty

In other news, many West Ham United fans loved this Jesse Lingard news

Ipswich struggled throughout the month of August as they attempted to pull together their raft of new additions in League One, with Paul Cook’s side currently sat in the relegation zone during the first international break.

The Tractor Boys have picked up just three points from five matches and are still searching for their first league win of the campaign. They lost to Burton and Cheltenham whilst drawing with Morecambe, MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon.

In a month with few positives, one player stole the show during August – academy product Luke Wolfenden. The 22-year-old was a standout at centre-back and was able to outperform his defensive colleagues who let him down.

With an average SofaScore rating of 6.88, Wolfenden was the highest-rated Ipswich player outside of the forwards, showing that he was a class above the rest on the defensive side of the game throughout the month.

He played in all five League One fixtures and made zero errors leading to shots or goals, conceding zero penalties. This shows that he did not make any major mistakes at the back and was not to blame for Ipswich’s string of poor results, as he did not struggle individually.

As per SofaScore, the 6 foot 1 colossus made 12 interceptions, six tackles and 20 clearances in his five appearances, whilst only being dribbled past once. He won 65% of his duels on the pitch, winning 30 in total during August as he showcased his defensive skills for the Tractor Boys.

The centre-back was also assured in possession. He completed 83% of his passes (51 per game) and had 375 touches overall. This shows that he was composed on the ball and did not make consistent errors with his distribution, another reason why he was a standout performer for Ipswich in spite of their troubled start.

Cook must now be hoping that the defender can keep up this impressive form throughout the rest of the campaign and that the players around him start to match his levels. The key to having a good defence is having a solid unit, as it only takes a mistake from one individual to cost a goal, which is why the players around Wolfenden need to take note of his displays and hold themselves to that standard.

AND in other news, Reason Ipswich missed out on “incredibly dynamic” beast revealed, Cook will be fuming…

Liverpool are still reportedly eyeing up West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen with a view to a transfer in summer 2022.

The Lowdown: Bowen linked with Liverpool move

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season for the Hammers so far, playing his part in his side excelling in the Premier League.

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Bowen has scored three goals and registered four assists in the competition, including a superb strike in last weekend’s 3-2 win at home to Chelsea.

As such, Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Englishman, with Jurgen Klopp even commenting on his admiration for the player, and it is seemingly a rumour that is refusing to go away.

The Latest: Liverpool ‘monitoring’

According to The Liverpool Echo, the 5 foot 9 Bowen remains on the Reds’ radar, with the Merseysiders ‘continuing to monitor’ him.

It is stated that Liverpool are ‘unlikely to make an official approach’ next month, however, potentially waiting until next summer to get their man.

Bowen’s current Hammers deal expires in the summer of 2025, meaning the £27million-rated wide man shouldn’t be allowed to leave on the cheap in the near future.

The Verdict: Potential big loss

Bowen has been a key cog in the machine for David Moyes, dovetailing beautifully with the likes of Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio in attack.

He would be a big loss as an all-round player, with the former Hull City man possessing quality on the ball but also working extremely hard for the team off it.

Bowen has averaged 1.3 key passes and 1.9 dribbles per game in the league this season – no West Ham player has more in the latter – and has also chipped in with 1.3 tackles per match, highlighting his worth to David Moyes on the other side of the ball.

In other news, a reliable reporter has made a key claim regarding one West Ham target. Find out who it is here.

With the EFL discussing ending the current tv blackout of 3pm kick offs, I wonder how long it will take for the Premier League to also start looking at tv options and the constant fixture changes?

With the world at a standstill not long back, with lockdowns and restrictions to attending live games, the football world illustrated perfectly it was able to screen all games to keep us football fans happy and connected to our clubs.

I think there are those amongst us now, who would prefer to slow down, and watch some of the games at the more traditional Saturday 3pm instead of scrambling around for all the different kick off times.  As Simon Jordan said   in his TalkSport show , ‘Live is live’ and those who enjoy getting to the game, will still do exactly that.  But for those that have responded to the slow down during the pandemic, surely it is time for sport to look again as to how people consume the game and how best to cater for it?

Fans of Sky Sports Soccer Saturday will no doubt be aware that, after 25 years presenting the show, Jeff Stelling is stepping down at the end of the season and he has partnered with Abbot Ale to introduce a new pint drinking concept to British pub culture.

Football is amongst the top ten activities we like to do, when not working – and with the UK being amongst the worst in Europe for long working hours, it does look like there is an appetite for having a re-think over work to life priorities.

Abbot Ale revealed that Brits expect to be able to slow down at the age of 43 – after living a ‘fast paced’ life for 25 years.  They questioned 2000 people and almost half agreed the slower pace during lockdown was enjoyable.

That is why Abbot Ale is on a mission to get the nation to slow down and savour.

Jeff Stelling is set to spread the slow down message, explaining;

“As I get a little older, I am trying to slow down! Life is still so frantic but I want to enjoy pleasures like a dog walk, a round of golf or especially a good pint! I say cheers to those who have the option of slowing down that bit sooner than me!”

 And after 25 years fronting Soccer Saturday, no one can disagree that Jeff deserves some time to slow down and chill.

TOP 10 ACTIVITIES BRITS DO – WHEN THEY SLOW DOWN:

Go for a walk Enjoy nature Read a book Listen to music Going for a meal Do some gardening Cook something nice Have a beer or wine Watch sport Going to the pub

And some work together very nicely don’t they?  I like to walk to a pub, have a pint, a meal, watch the football, then walk home….!

Birmingham City are reportedly edging closer to an agreement to signing Wolves defender Dion Sanderson on loan, according to comments from Lee Bowyer which were shared by Birmingham Live.

What’s the story?

Sanderson has been attracting significant interest during the summer transfer window after catching the eye with a number of impressive performances whilst on loan with Sunderland in 2020/21. The likes of Sheffield United and the Black Cats are just some of the clubs who are rumoured to have been interested in a deal to sign the defender permanently.

The 21-year-old made 27 appearances in total for the Wearsiders last term and has been hailed as a “superb player” by former Blues striker Kevin Phillips, although his efforts weren’t quite enough as they missed out on promotion into the Championship after defeat to Lincoln City in the play-off semi-finals.

Birmingham seem to have won the race to sign him this summer though, with Blues boss Bowyer confirming that an agreement is close. He told BBC WM: “It’s something that I think has been agreed but he is just coming back from an injury so we are just making sure everything is right on the medical side of things.”

It’s somewhat of a coup for the Blues

Signing a player of Sanderson’s quality is likely to leave Birmingham fans buzzing ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, as they don’t seem to be wasting any time in strengthening their squad this summer.

You don’t attract interest from the likes of Sheffield United and Sunderland for nothing, and it would be something of a coup for the Blues to land his signature ahead of other suitors.

The Blues are likely to be able to offer him regular minutes, though, and if Sanderson can replicate the performances that he put in for Sunderland last season, then Birmingham will have a fine young player on their hands with a point to prove in senior football.

Sanderson has been unlucky not to have been given a chance to impress with the Wolves first team, but a move to Birmingham could give him the perfect opportunity to prove his worth in the Championship after looking the part in League One in recent months.

His match average of 2.7 clearances last season was bettered by just four players at St Andrew’s, while of those who featured regularly for Birmingham in 2020/21, only Ivan Sanchez (81.8%) posted a better passing accuracy rate than Sanderson with 81.6%.

The Blues finished 18th last season but they seem to be serious about challenging higher up the table this time around, with the likes of Chuks Aneke, Ryan Woods and Tahith Chong already arriving at St Andrew’s this summer, and Sanderson seemingly now set to join them on loan.

With Sheffield United having just been relegated from the Premier League and arguably better placed for promotion than most in the second tier, for Birmingham to sign him ahead of the Blades could have Blues supporters thrilled ahead of the big kick-off in three weeks’ time.

In other news, Birmingham are interested in another Wolves player, fans would be buzzing if it comes off.