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Tony Cascarino has ripped into Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge in his latest The Times column following the striker’s cameo against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Reds missed the opportunity to extend their lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League standings as they were held to a goalless draw against the Red Devils.

Sturridge wasn’t actually named in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI but he replaced the injured Roberto Firmino just after the half-hour mark against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, but failed to make much of an impact in the final third.

Speaking to The Times, Cascarino said: “Daniel Sturridge was shocking when he came on and Mohamed Salah looked out of sorts.”

The 29-year-old was making his 21st appearance of the season for the Merseyside outfit, and he has scored four goals and provided a further assist.

Is he right?

While in some ways he may well have been right, it’s not exactly as though Liverpool were at their attacking best against United and Sturridge was simply the weak link.

The usually reliable duo of Sadio Mane and Salah also struggled to do what we have all seen them do so often before, and therefore it seems harsh to blame the England striker on this particular occasion.

It is never easy to come on in a game of this magnitude where both sides are largely cancelling each other out, and Cascarino should cut the former Chelsea and Manchester City man some slack.

Sturridge is still one of the best back-up centre-forwards in the Premier League, and he can still have a big part to play during the title run-in.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is a transfer target for Manchester United. 

The lowdown: Star in the making

Flourishing as part of the set-up at Finch Farm since 2020, the 19-year-old has burst onto the scene in the last 12 months having made the switch from League Two side Carlisle United.

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Since arriving on Merseyside the teenager has represented England at Under-20 level and has made 11 first-team appearances for the Toffees.

However, the Blues could now face a battle to keep one of their most precocious talents.

The latest: Man United interested

As per the report from the Daily Mail, Manchester United are ‘keen’ on the talented centre-back and could look to make a move should Erik ten Hag be appointed as expected at Old Trafford.

It’s claimed that the Premier League giants are ‘monitoring’ the one-cap youth starlet who is under a fresh contract at Goodison Park until 2025 (Transfermarkt).

The report also states that Everton would be ‘reluctant’ to lose the powerful 6ft 5in ace who was described as being a ‘really skilful’ defender by former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The verdict: No deal

This is yet another case of the club needing to pull out all the stops in order to keep its brightest prospects.

Albeit Branthwaite is yet to earn a regular place in Frank Lampard’s side, the English teenager has certainly shown glimpses of an ability that has clearly caught the eye elsewhere in the Premier League.

So far this season, Branthwaite has made just six senior appearances, but was a star performer with the goal, two tackles and one interception (SofaScore), as a young Everton side held on for an unlikely 1-1 draw against Chelsea back in December.

In other news, Everton linked with Bundesliga midfielder. Find out more here!

West Bromwich Albion have the chance to put their recent disheartening 1-0 defeat against Birmingham City behind them as they welcome AFC Bournemouth to the Hawthorns for their latest Championship clash.

A second-half goal from Birmingham’s Lyle Taylor was enough to secure the win for the Baggies’ Midlands rivals last time out, in a game that saw Steve Bruce’s side fail to register even one shot on target.

Now with West Brom back at the Hawthorns as they prepare to take on the Cherries in front of their home crowd, they have a great opportunity to give those fans something to shout about by beating tonight’s opponents.

In terms of what the starting XI could look like for the home team, here’s how we think Bruce could line up his side, with some big changes potentially on the horizon.

In goal, despite keeping just two clean sheets in his past eight league games, we predict that Sam Johnstone will still keep his place in the team on this occasion.

For a back three, we anticipate Bruce will once again stick with the trio of Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley and Matt Clarke to see if they can keep Bournemouth from finding the back of the net.

With the Cherries scoring 20 more goals than the Baggies this term, this will surely be a tough ask for these three defenders.

For the two wing-back positions, even though he gave the penalty away against Birmingham, we think Bruce will keep Conor Townsend on the left-hand side with Darnell Furlong on the right.

In the middle, the Baggies boss should make a change and take Taylor Gardner-Hickman out of the side, leaving Alex Mowatt and Jake Livermore in central-midfield.

Coming in for Gardner-Hickman, we predict that winger Grady Diangana will come back in to make his first start since February against Swansea City, to see if he can freshen things up from what was a dismal attacking display against Birmingham.

Having been praised for his “magnificent” form in the past by Lee Hendrie, this is exactly what he’ll need to be to not only help his side grab a win but also convince his manager he should be a regular starter from now on.

For the final two positions, we think Callum Robinson will drop out after being “non-existent” at the weekend, with Andy Carroll coming back in next to Karlan Grant.

In other news: Forget Grant: Bruce must brutally axe “dreadful” £18k-p/w WBA dud, he’s been “woeful”

Having been one of the rising talents of Leeds United’s academy, it no doubt would have hurt the club’s fans to see Jack Clarke being prised away by Tottenham.

Reports back in the summer of 2019 claimed that Spurs paid a £10m fee to Leeds to sign Clarke, with further payments scheduled based on whether certain conditions are met.

Sadly for both the north Londoners and more so the player himself, things just haven’t quite panned out for him, with Transfermarkt now citing his value at less than half of that amount at just £4.5m.

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That’s a real indication of just how much of a step backwards his career has taken since Spurs signed him, with the now 21-year-old having made just four senior appearances for the Lilywhites.

Having been unable to break into the senior setup at Spurs, Clarke was shipped out on loan to QPR, who were keen to see him rediscover his potential and help him find his form.

The club’s director of football Les Ferdinand said: “You can see that Jack is quality as we played against him last year when he was at Leeds. He’s a young boy but he has undoubtable talent and I think once he goes back they’ll probably look at him through pre-season, see how he does and then make a judgement on whether it’s another loan or (Jose Mourinho) may see a benefit to the Tottenham team now and the way he wants to play.”

However, Clarke would play just seven times for QPR before returning to Spurs, and it’s safe to say that things haven’t kicked on from then.

Along with spell with the Hoops, Clarke also spent time out on loan at fellow Championship outfit Stoke, and in January he moved to League One side Sunderland.

While he has featured more regularly for the Wearside club – he has played 13 consecutive times in the third tier – he has scored just one goal and provided one assist.

It was no surprise that Sunderland boss Alex Neil admitted that the versatile midfielder’s end product has let him down in his short spell with the club thus far, saying: “He can take people on one-for-one, which is obviously a good strength to have, and he’s been a threat for us. He’s missed a few key chances, and I think that’s the next stage for him. He just needs to be that bit more clinical in front of goal.

“I think there’s been a few games recently – Lincoln, in particular, is one that sticks in the mind – where he had a golden opportunity, and they’re the moments we’ve got to capitalise on. But, in the main, I think his appetite for the work that he needs to do and his willingness to be a threat for us and take us up the pitch, he’s done well.”

For Clarke’s sake, a good end to the season would do him the world of good and help him to find his groove again, but in Leeds’ case, they played an absolute blinder by letting go of the £25k-a-week earner for an eight-figure fee three years ago.

AND in other news – Leeds could strike gold with £42m teenage sensation, he follows Raphinha on Instagram

Leeds United could finally land themselves a new creative gem this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Italian outlet 1000 Cuori Rossoblu, the Yorkshire outfit are among several teams interested in signing CF Montreal attacking midfielder Djordje Mihailovic when the transfer window reopens.

They are expected to face competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United, as well as Bundesliga duo Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, and Serie A sides AS Roma and Atalanta.

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Bologna could also be keen as they have the same owner, Joey Saputo, as the Impact.

The 23-year-old’s contract is set to expire in 2023 but it remains to be seen how much he’d command before then. Transfermarkt currently value the six-time USMNT international at just £5.4m.

Hernandez heir finally

After a campaign that saw Mihailovic provide four goals and a whopping 14 assists across 34 appearances, via Transfermarkt, it is no surprise to see so many of Europe’s top teams interested in his signature.

He has since continued that fine form this season, proving that it wasn’t merely a one-off, having contributed two goals and four assists in 12 games across the MLS and the CONCACAF Champions League.

As a versatile attacker, capable of playing on the left-wing and through the middle, the American could be of huge use to his fellow countryman at Elland Road as the Whites have failed to replace the likes of Samu Saiz and Pablo Hernandez in recent windows.

Indeed, Leeds have not signed a midfielder in eight transfer windows and in over four years, the last being Adam Forshaw’s arrival from Middlesbrough in January 2018.

Averaging an enticing 2.4 key passes per game in the MLS this term, it’s no wonder he has been lauded as a “gorgeous passer of the ball” by journalist Chris Smith, whilst a further average of 1.9 dribbles and 1.5 shots per game makes him a big threat in the final third.

Hernandez’s final full season in a Leeds shirt was during their title-winning run in the Championship, where he averaged 2.3 key passes per game. No one in the current side has managed to get anywhere near that in the Premier League, with Raphinha sitting on two chances created each outing.

Mihailovic could fit in well in England, especially after former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama’s glowing endorsement of him. “To me, Djordje is a great player. We understand his movement, he’s a top talent,” he told the MLS website.

With a total of 24 goals or assists in under two seasons – an average of one direct contribution every 162 minutes – it would be very wise for Victor Orta and co to launch their move for the Jacksonville-born sensation this summer.

Leeds could well finally replace Hernandez at long last.

AND in other news, Marsch handed double boost ahead of Palace clash…

A crucial update has emerged regarding Sunderland and their search for Lee Johnson’s successor as manager at the Stadium of Light…

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that talks on Friday will play a key role in the club’s decision-making process as they look for their next head coach.

He tweeted: “Roy Keane is being interviewed today for Sunderland managerial vacancy. Interviews will conclude today before decision is made. Keane remains preferred choice of many, but today’s talks crucial as to which way things go. Grant McCann also in frame.”

Elation

This update from Hope will surely leave Sunderland fans feeling elated, as it suggests that a decision from the club is imminent and the supporters will not have to wait too much longer before finding out who the new manager will be.

Johnson was sacked after the 6-0 defeat to Bolton last week and the Black Cats are heading into a League One clash with Doncaster on Saturday without a permanent head coach in place. This could frustrate supporters, as every single match is important for the Wearsiders in their fight to land an automatic promotion place, which is why this latest claim will be music to the fans’ ears.

Sunderland are currently third in the League One table and looking up at Wigan and Rotherham ahead of them, with both sides having games in hand on the Black Cats. This means that they need to start stringing a run of wins together, and quickly, if they want to have a good chance of breaking into the top two.

Having a permanent manager in place could help them to do just that, as the players would know exactly what to expect and what their position in the squad is. As it stands, no-one knows who will be taking over and what their plans for the playing squad and the style of play will be, which could put a cloud of doubt in the heads of the players as they question whether or not they will be needed.

Therefore, fans will be elated by the club’s imminent decision to appoint a manager, whether that is Grant McCann or Roy Keane. Kristjaan Speakman is seemingly set to decide on the best candidate after the interview process on Friday, and supporters could be excited to see who he opts for in the coming days, whilst being delighted that it is not set to drag out much longer.

AND in other news, Reporter drops big Sunderland manager “appointment” update which will leave fans gutted…

Celtic enjoyed a comfortable afternoon in the Premiership as they strolled to a routine 2-0 win on Sunday to send them six points clear at the top of the table.

Kyogo Furuhashsi opened the scoring in the first half and then Jota, who set up the first goal, sealed the three points with an 87th-minute strike.

The Hoops dominated the match as they ended the game with 74% of the ball and 22 efforts on goal, with Ross County fortunate that they only conceded twice.

Whilst Jota scored and assisted a goal in the match, the real star of the show for Ange Postecoglou was central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.

It is easy to point at the attackers and praise them for scoring the goals to win the match but all of their work is built on the back of a strong platform. The solid defence allows the likes of Jota and Kyogo to go and do what they want to do without worrying about constantly needing to drop deep to win the ball back – allowing the opposition to press up on them.

Carter-Vickers was outstanding in central defence as he stood strong at the back and was reliable in possession. He played a major role in Celtic’s dominance throughout the game and the forwards should be thanking him for making their lives easier.

As per SofaScore, he won 85.7% (6/7) of his individual duels and made five clearances, one interception and one block to help his side to a clean sheet. This shows that he was superb defensively as he won the vast majority of his battles with Ross County players and did not allow himself to be beaten by the opposition – keeping them away from Joe Hart’s goal.

On the ball, he completed 85% of his passes from 62 touches and created one chance from centre-back. He is not expected to do anything special in possession from his position but Postecoglou will be delighted with his assuredness on the ball.

The £20k-per-week defender continues to impress at the heart of the defence and fans will surely be wanting to see him back at Parkhead next season on a permanent basis.

In the Premiership this season, the on-loan Tottenham man has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.36 across 29 matches. Celtic have kept 16 clean sheets in those games and the latest one came with the help of his sublime display against Ross County on Sunday.

AND in other news, Source: Celtic on course to seal “immense” summer signing, Ange will be buzzing…

Leeds United supporters need to accept that Raphinha will move on at some point in the near future, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Raphinha exit talk

Leeds-related news has been dominated by talk of the Brazilian’s future in recent weeks, with the player strongly linked with a move to Barcelona, and some reports that a deal has already been agreed with the Catalan giants.

The 25-year-old is Leeds’ top scorer in the Premier League this season, netting nine times and standing out as comfortably his team’s greatest attacking threat.

It remains to be seen if Raphinha will still be at Elland Road next season, and Hay has provided his thoughts on the situation.

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The Latest: Hay offers Raphinha insight

Writing in his mailbag for The Athletic on Monday, the reliable journalist said that the winger won’t be around forever, even though there has been hope over him signing a new deal. He stated:

“First things first, Barcelona are very much interested in him. In terms of future destinations for Raphinha, they were always a prime candidate – partly because of their standing and partly because of the very strong link between the Catalan club and his agent, Deco, who spent four years there as a player in the early 2000s. What we can say at this stage is that they have not submitted any offers to Leeds.

“Around Christmas, Victor Orta and Deco met at least twice and there was plenty of optimism about Raphinha agreeing new terms. Very little has been said since then and common sense tells you that both Leeds’ brush with relegation and the change of head coach at Elland Road will have dissuaded the player from rushing into signing a longer deal. He knows he is sought-after.

“I get the feeling that the club and the fanbase are realistic enough to accept that the 25-year-old Brazilian is a player who will move on to bigger things at some stage.”

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The Verdict: Expect him to leave

Some players simply come to the end of their cycle at a club, outgrowing it before moving to a team more suitable to the level that they have reached.

That appears to be the case with Raphinha, who has matured into a wonderful footballer, already scoring three times in his first seven appearances for Brazil and being hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by Rio Ferdinand.

Should Leeds be relegated to the Championship, there is simply no doubt that Raphinha will leave, but that may well apply even if Jesse Marsch’s side remain in the Premier League.

In other news, Hay has also discussed Leeds’ chances of signing one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United have been dealt yet another deadline day setback, this time regarding Jesse Lingard.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Kaveh Solhekol, with the journalist revealing on Sky Sports News (17:05) that the Hammers’ pursuit of the Manchester United forward is all but over, as a source revealed that David Moyes’ side believe there is 0% chance the Red Devils would accept their approach for the 29-year-old.

Speaking about West Ham’s interest in the England international, the Sky Sports reporter said: “We have just been told that there is 0% chance of [Lingard joining West Ham]. They are very, very pessimistic of their chances of getting Jesse Lingard.”

Fans will be livid

There may have been a great deal of excitement amongst West Ham fans about their club’s potential business in the January transfer window at the start of the month, but with only a couple of hours now remaining in the winter market, this excitement is now practically non-existent.

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Indeed, despite Moyes admitting that he had funds to spend this month, the 58-year-old is still yet to sign a single player, with the Scot seeing his pursuit of targets such as Duje Caleta-Car, Darwin Nunez and most recently Lingard all ending in failure.

However, exactly why the manager decided to leave all of his business until the final day of the transfer window is something only the 58-year-old will know himself. If West Ham fail to bring in any new signings before tonight’s deadline, Moyes will have to accept that Irons fans will be fuming with him.

We have to admit, they would be quite right to feel this way.

In other news – “Unlikely..”: Roshane Thomas reveals fresh deadline day setback, West Ham can kiss top four goodbye

Arsenal are yet to sign anyone in the January transfer window, but that could soon change…

What’s the word?

According to reliable Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, those around the Emirates Stadium should expect something to happen before Monday night’s deadline.

“Expecting movement at Arsenal in coming days,” he tweeted following Calum Chambers’ exit to Aston Villa on Thursday.

Worryingly thin

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been left hugely light on options heading into the second half of the season as the English defender’s departure was their fifth of the window so far.

The north London outfit saw a game postponed earlier this month due to the lack of players available, yet they continue to let the bulk of their backups leave the club.

Players like Chambers, Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles aren’t going to set the starting XI alight but one or two injuries would’ve seen them required and they would’ve certainly done a solid job.

Elsewhere, Arsenal’s attempts to bring in new additions has been frustrating as they continue to miss out on targets. For instance, the club were prepared to splash out on the highly-coveted Dusan Vlahovic but he has instead opted to join Serie A giants Juventus.

It also appears as if another target in Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak isn’t keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium either, as per transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Gunners are running out of time to bolster Arteta’s playing squad and a new striker has to be among the priorities given the uncertainty surrounding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.

However, Taylor’s latest claim should provide worried Arsenal supporters with some encouragement heading into Monday night. They have left it late but the belief that there should be some business completed is certainly exciting to hear.

AND in other news, Arsenal eye “phenomenal” £25m dynamo with “quick feet”, he’s shades of Thierry Henry…