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Newcastle United have now been dealt an injury blow on Jamal Lewis before they play Norwich City away from home in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Long-term injuries

The long-term injuries seem to be piling up for the St. James’ Park faithful, as more players join Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson on the sidelines.

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Eddie Howe recently admitted to the media in his pre-game press conference that he is unsure whether Ryan Fraser will be able to play again this season, while he is hopeful that Isaac Hayden will finally return to full training soon.

The Latest: Lewis operation

In his pre-Norwich press conference, Howe also revealed that Lewis has had another operation recently, and is hopeful that he will return in pre-season:

“He’s had a few operations and recently had another one. We hope this one has fixed his long standing groin problem. It’s been frustrating for him because he’s not felt 100%. I’d love to see him back in pre-season and show us the player he can be.”

The Verdict: Blow

Given that it is not guaranteed that the North East club will sign Matt Targett on a permanent deal from Aston Villa, Lewis may still have a place on Tyneside, and so losing him to a potentially long-term injury is certainly a blow.

It works the other way as well, as if Targett is signed permanently, the Magpies will surely want to find a buyer for Lewis, but they may not receive any offers for the left-back if he is out on the sidelines.

Either way, the fact that he continuously has to have operations is not ideal, and the Toon will just be hoping that his latest setback is not serious.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ magician is now a serious option for NUFC here!

Reliable Crystal Palace reporter Matt Woosnam claimed that midfielder Eberechi Eze is ‘expected back before too long’.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Eze is yet to feature under Patrick Vieira after suffering a freak achilles injury in training back in May but appears to be making good progress in regards to his return.

The 23-year-old posted a training video on social media earlier in the week, and Woosnam shared a story on The Athletic looking at the Eagles’ midfield options.

Woosnam claimed that Vieira will soon be spoiled for choice with Eze expected back in and around the squad before October is out, labelling his recovery as ‘rapid’.

Palace fans react

Woosnam posted a link to his story on Twitter on Wednesday morning, which led to these Palace supporters interacting with his tweet.

This is what these fans had to say in reply, with one describing Eze’s return and more options in midfield as ‘important’.

“woke up smiling matthew”

Credit: @rileyeagles

“May as well change the PL ribbons to red & blue now”

Credit: @Beulah12

“Lovely read, Eze is 23, not 21.”

Credit: @SWPalace

“Having options is important because we will get injuries and suspensions and will need to tackle some matches differently tactically. Great problem to have”

Credit: @rickyj555

“Only if we have no injuries, which we always get and badly. The biggest fundamental of consistent PL presence is squad depth”

Credit: @CPFCBarbarian

“Good article Matt. Unusual not only to have midfield options but to have some creative midfield players as well. Been a while…and as you say a good problem for PV to have”

Credit: @edmonds_mark

In other news: ‘Finally’ – Many CPFC fans buzz as ‘great news’ is confirmed.

Bradford suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season as they lost 3-0 to Lincoln in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

This followed on from their 2-0 defeat to Leyton Orient in League Two at the weekend, which was their first loss of the league campaign.

Derek Adams’ team kicked off their League Two season with three wins and a draw in their first four matches, but have now lost two on the spin in all competitions.

Tom Hopper and Hakeeb Adelakun put Lincoln 2-0 up heading into half-time and Anthony Scully rounded off the scoring in the 49th minute with their third. Bradford were torn apart and had several underperforming players, but one – in particular – let Adams down with his performance – Gareth Evans.

The experienced midfielder has been there and done it in League Two and League One, but his vast pedigree at this level did not come through in his performance against Lincoln. He has 135 League One appearances and 366 in League Two under his belt throughout his career, but he was unable to showcase his class against the third-tier outfit.

Per SofaScore, Evans had the lowest rating out of all the outfield players for Bradford at 5.9. This suggests that, despite his experience, he was the worst outfield player on the pitch for the Bantams.

Defensively, the midfielder struggled badly. He lost a whopping 75% of his duels on the pitch, losing six of his eight battles with the opposition. He also failed to complete a single tackle, clearance, interception or block, which shows that he was not getting stuck in to help his side out, giving Lincoln an easy ride of things as they won the match comfortably.

Offensively, he had next to no impact. Per SofaScore, Evans created zero chances for his teammates from the attacking midfield position and lost possession of the ball 12 times. He also attempted three shots, with two being blocked and the other being off-target, with his one crossing attempt also failing to find a teammate.

Evans was basically a passenger in defence and attack, contributing to Bradford’s disappointing defeat at the end of the night.

Adams will surely be feeling let down that a player with Evans’ pedigree and experience of playing against this level of opposition was one of the worst-performing players on the park and he’ll be hoping that he can up his game in his next appearance.

Manchester City travel to Stamford Bridge today as they attempt to return to winning ways in the Premier League against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.

The Cityzens were held to a 0-0 draw by Southampton last weekend and Pep Guardiola could be looking for a strong response from his team against the Blues.

City beat Wycombe 6-1 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night with a side consisting of numerous academy graduates, along with the likes of Phil Foden and Kevin de Bruyne.

How many changes will Pep make? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that there will be seven changes to the side from midweek, with Ederson, Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Jack Grealish all coming in.

In the defence, Ederson, Walker, Dias and Cancelo could all return to the team after watching on as City beat Wycombe. We also believe that Laporte will be reinstated to the starting XI after missing the last few games with a knock, taking Nathan Ake’s place at centre-back from the last Premier League match.

Laporte has played three league matches this season and averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.57, with City conceding zero goals in those games. The Spaniard could be reintroduced against Chelsea to improve the visitors’ chances of stifling Romelu Lukaku.

Guardiola could stick with Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden after they managed two goals and two assists between them on Tuesday night. Rodri’s potential return to fitness could also see him move into the holding midfield role and be picked ahead of Fernandinho and Romeo Lavia, with the latter having played the full 90 minutes against Wycombe in midweek.

Finally, in attack we are predicting that Grealish will take up a position on the left wing ahead of Sterling. Ferran Torres and Riyad Mahrez managed three goals between them against Wycombe and could comprise two of the front three, whilst the summer signing from Aston Villa has started every league match this term and we do not believe that will change this weekend.

Sterling has one goal and zero assists in five Premier League matches this season and his lack of form in the top flight is why we are predicting that Guardiola will axe him from the starting line-up. He may instead be offered a chance to come off the bench and win his place back.

In other news: Man City wizard with seven key passes and 90 touches must have caught Pep’s eye against Wycombe

Speaking in a Leeds Live Q&A session, journalist Beren Cross has shared what he knows on star midfielder Kalvin Phillips and a possible new deal.

The Lowdown: Phillips exit rumours…

Due to his stellar performances at club and international level last season, the Leeds favourite has been linked with a move away from Elland Road all summer until now.

Indeed, the Englishman has attracted interest from Manchester United amid their search for central midfield alternatives in what could be a future worry for manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Now, in an update, Cross has shared what he believes involving Phillips and his future at the club.

The Latest: Cross makes Phillips claim…

Speaking in the Q&A, Leeds reporter Cross refuses to rule out an exit for the 25-year-old in future but has made an exciting contract claim – and one which could ensure the Whites get the ‘best deal possible’.

When asked about the Phillips situation, he replied: “There would need to be some eye-watering bids for Leeds to even contemplate selling Raphinha or Phillips in January, especially if they’re still in the bottom quarter of the table at that time.

“Next summer is a more realistic time for those bids to come in and Leeds cannot stop other clubs bidding for their players. Sporting directors would not be doing their jobs properly if they did not take a look at talents like those two who, currently, do not play European football with their club.

“Leeds may not want to sell next summer, but they will surely be realistic enough to know every player has their price. Do not be surprised to see Phillips sign a new contract in the near future.

“That will boost his transfer value even higher and as Bielsa said recently, if and when he decides to go, he will ensure Leeds get the best deal possible from it.”

The Verdict: Smart move…

If Bielsa and Leeds do have to surrender one of their best players in future, the least they can do is recuperate as much money as possible from any deal.

Lauded as an ‘unbelievable’ player by pundit Kevin Phillips, the tenacious midfielder should have no trouble attracting big bids considering his age, form, performances and the fact he is homegrown.

Adding a new contract on top of that would only better Leeds’ chances to really make a profit.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing exciting Sheffield United forward Daniel Jebbison in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Jebbison breaks record

The Blades may have had a season to forget last time around, suffering relegation from the Premier League, but Jebbison produced a moment to treasure.

The 18-year-old became the youngest-ever player to score on his full debut in the competition – he was 17 years and 309 days old at the time – bagging the only goal in a 1-0 win at Everton.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are eyeing up a move for the forward this summer, with the report claiming they ‘have an interest’ in him.

Aston Villa and Brentford are also mentioned as potential suitors, with Jebbison making five appearances for the Blades to date.

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The Verdict: One for the future

The Canadian looks a hot prospect with a bright career ahead of him, so it would be exciting to see him trade Bramall Lane for Elland Road.

He has been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Micah Richards in the past and could perhaps be viewed as a long-term replacement for Patrick Bamford.

Jebbison likely wouldn’t be considered an immediate first-team option if he did join Leeds, but it is important that Marcelo Bielsa looks towards the future, as well as the present, with the Whites having already made additions to their youth set-up this summer.

In other news, Phil Hay has claimed that one player will join Leeds this summer. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Everton’s pursuit of Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Alan Myers has delivered a major claim on the club’s attempts to sign the Scotland international this month from the Glasgow giants.

He Tweeted: “Everton are set to complete a deal worth up to £16m to sign right-back Nathan Patterson from Rangers. (12M initial fee) @SkySportsNews.”

Fabrizio Romano has since revealed that a medical is due to take place later this week before an official unveiling happens.

The reporter added: “Deal set to be completed for Nathan Patterson to Everton, permanent move. Understand medical + contract signing are expected this week, then it will be announced. #EFC Correct fee Rangers will receive is £12m (and not Euros) plus bonuses. It’s gonna be club-record fee.”

Delight

Everton fans will surely be delighted with this news as the club are in desperate need of strengthening in the full-back positions. Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey have both, at times, been tasked with playing on the flanks due to injuries and Jonjoe Kenny was drafted in at right-back with Seamus Coleman playing out of position at left-back against Brighton.

This highlights the issue facing Rafa Benitez, with the strength-in-depth of his options at full-back leaving a lot to be desired. The signing of left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko strengthened the left-back position and the club now appear set to resolve their issues on the opposite side by signing Patterson.

Jonjoe Kenny has shown that he is not good enough to be relied upon as a regular starter at Premier League level for the Toffees. Although he registered an assist against Brighton, his overall performances in the past 18 months have been poor.

He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.51 in the top-flight this term, after managing a dismal score of 6.04 last season, showing that he has not been able to catch the eye with his displays – leading to the potential arrival of Patterson from Rangers.

The Scotland international is untested in England but has been impressive for his country. He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.78 in World Cup qualifiers, producing one goal and one assist in four matches from full-back for his side.

At the age of 20, he also has plenty of time left to develop and he could be the long-term successor to Coleman that Everton have been looking for. This is why fans will be delighted with this news as the signing of the Gers defender, coupled with the arrival of Mykolenko, could solve all of Benitez’s issues in the full-back department.

AND in other news, EFC offered chance to sign “phenomenal” £16.2m-rated gem this month, fans would fume…

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Matthias Ginter to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports News (via the Daily Mail), who claim that Fabio Paratici is set to battle it out with Juventus, West Ham United and Aston Villa for the signing of the Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back – who is set to become a free agent upon the expiry of his contract at Borussia-Park at the end of the season.

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Conte can axe Sanchez with Ginter

While Antonio Conte and Paratici have reportedly made a left-sided centre-half their priority target this summer, considering just how impressive the right-sided Ginter has been for Gladbach this season, in addition to the fact that Davinson Sanchez does not look to have much of a future in north London under the 52-year-old manager, it is easy to see why Spurs would be interested in a move for the 28-year-old.

Indeed, over his 25 Bundesliga appearances in the current campaign, the £21.6m-rated defender has been imperious in the heart of Adi Hutter’s backline, helping his side keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, three clearances and winning 5.6 duels – at a success rate of 67% – per game.

The Germany international has also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making 56.2 passes, 3.2 long balls and taking 1.2 shots per fixture.

These returns have seen the £50k-per-week player who Joachim Low dubbed “underrated” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Gladbach’s best defender and fourth-best player overall in the German top flight this season.

The 46-time capped World Cup winner has also earned praise from legendary German centre-back Lothar Matthaus, who went as far as to compare the Ginter to Paris Saint-German defender and former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.

Matthaus said: “Ginter has become a leader at the back, similar to Ramos at Real. He doesn’t just give instructions to his teammates, but leads them as well. That’s what Ginter is doing really well at the moment. He reminds me of Ramos.”

As such, considering the fact that the £42m Sanchez has not featured in seven of Tottenham’s last eight Premier League fixtures, as well as the £67k-per-week centre-back who Paul Robinson dubbed “inexcusable” having been linked with a move away from north London in the January transfer window, it would indeed appear as if the Colombia international could be on his way out of the club this summer.

And, if Sanchez does depart, signing Ginter on a free to replace the 25-year-old would undoubtedly be a fantastic piece of business for Paratici to get over the line – as the German would be a huge upgrade upon the former Ajax starlet.

AND in other news: “I wouldn’t be surprised…”: Gold drops teasing Spurs claim that supporters will love

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Gavi looks set to commit his long-term future to Barcelona, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Gavi linked with Reds move

The 17-year-old has burst onto the scene and looks like the next great player to have emerged from Barca’s ranks, making his Spain debut already and winning three caps.

Liverpool were linked with a move for Gavi last month in what was an exciting rumour, considering the potential that the midfielder appears to have.

With Blaugrana legend Xavi taking charge at the Nou Camp, however, the situation surrounding the teenager’s future now looks more clear.

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The Latest: Romano shuts down transfer

According to Romano on Twitter, a long-term contract offer is on the table for Gavi, with the player himself wanting to stay put at Barcelona. The journalist posted:

“Barcelona are prepared to enter in the final stages of Gavi’s new contract negotiation. The long-term proposal [salary increasing from year to year] will be on the table soon… and Gavi wants to stay.

“Xavi also approved Barça board plan to keep Gavi for the next years.”

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The Verdict: Always unlikely

While the idea of Gavi trading Barca for Liverpool was an exciting one, there was always a feeling that he would end up remaining at the club where he has come through the ranks.

At 17, it would have been a shock if the Spaniard had upped sticks and moved on so soon. However, should the Catalan giants continue to struggle as they have been this season, his mindset could change eventually.

Football legend Lionel Messi has hailed Gavi as ‘very good’, which speaks volumes about the teenager’s potential, and it will be intriguing to see if the Reds keep an eye on his progress.

In other news, Liverpool are believed to be lining up a move for one player in January. Find out who it is here.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist and ‘transfer insider’ Dean Jones has made a claim on Wednesday night, sharing a worry for West Ham United involving star man Declan Rice.

The Lowdown: Rice concerns at Rush Green…

Recent reports indicate that West Ham and manager David Moyes could be concerned about Rice.

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Indeed, as explained by The Telegraph, the England international star is attracting major interest from top clubs in the Premier League – including the likes of Man United, Man City and London rivals Chelsea.

A lot could depend on where the Hammers finish at the end of 2021/2022, and if they can’t seal a place in Europe next year, Rice may well grow more and more open to leaving.

There have already been murmurs of the 23-year-old being ‘ready to leave this year’ with Old Trafford being his preferred destination, at least according to 90min reporter Scott Saunders.

The Latest: Jones makes worrying Rice claim…

Speaking to GMS, reporter Jones has now backed that Rice could be edging closer to a Rush Green departure, stating the midfielder is ‘more open than ever’ to leaving.

He explained: “I think that any buying club might be helped by the fact that Declan Rice, from what I’m hearing, does seem more open than ever about the idea of leaving West Ham. That could be interesting.”

The Verdict: Big blow?

The player’s stance on leaving comes as a blow given in-house tension could disrupt the harmony of Moyes’ squad.

However, one glimmer of hope is the one-year extension option currently in Rice’s deal, so if the Three Lions ace does attempt to leave, GSB are in a strong position to command huge transfer fees.

That being said, his influence would be sorely missed, with the West Ham mainstay averaging more interceptions per 90 than anyone in Moyes’ squad and their second-highest Premier League match rating per 90 (WhoScored).

In other news: Sky Sports: West Ham eyeing £21.6m-rated star for Moyes, he’s set to move! Find out more here.