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Lots of Manchester City supporters have reacted to reports that Phil Foden has been offered a new contract with the club.

According to the Daily Star (via City Xtra), the highly-rated academy graduate has been offered a new six-year contract worth £150,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium.

The 21-year-old already has 124 senior appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 31 goals and registering 22 assists after making his debut in November 2017 against Feyenoord in the Champions League.

Last season was Foden’s best to date, scoring 16 goals in all competitions as Pep Guardiola’s side reached the Champions League final for the first time in the club’s history.

After appearing in the European Championship for England during the summer, he is now one of City’s key players and he is set to be rewarded for his positive progression. He is currently on £40,000 per week, potentially seeing him earn almost quadruple his current wage if the latest reports come to fruition.

City fans react to Foden contract rumours

These Man City supporters took to Twitter in response to the City Xtra account to make their feelings known about the potentially “outrageous” contract extension for Foden.

“150k is still too low imo but I suppose he’s still only 21”

Credit: @UnrealFoden

“40k a week that’s outrageous, he deserves the 150 so much man”

Credit: @CitySouljaa

“150K sounds about right, he’s proven himself at this level and then some. He’s not yet an undisputed starter and still very young so no need to offer much more wages as it would only cause problems long term imo”

Credit: @JanYoUnchained

“The best young player in the league”

Credit: @Basseysamuel998

“Even £150,000 doesn’t seem enough for the lad”

Credit: @CitehSte

“about time, he deserves a pay increase”Credit: @aezl21

In other news, a former Premier League star insists City will re-visit transfer situation. Find out more here.

A number of Manchester City supporters have taken to Twitter to send their love to the club’s former player Pablo Zabaleta after he returned to the Etihad Stadium for this year’s Soccer Aid over the weekend.

The Argentine left City in 2017 after nine years at the club, winning two Premier League titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup along the way, and has always been fondly remembered for his time in Manchester. He made 333 appearances during his time at the club, with 12 goals and 27 assists to his name.

Zabaleta enjoyed three years at West Ham United before retiring in October 2020. He is currently working with ESPN covering La Liga, where the 36-year-old played with Espanyol before moving to England on the 2008 transfer deadline day.

In Saturday evening’s Soccer Aid event, Zabaleta joined the likes of Roberto Carlos and Clarence Seedorf in the World XI as goals from Kem Cetinay and Lee Mack earned them victory in the charity event.

City fans show their love at Zabaleta video

Lots of Manchester City fans were happy to see Zabaleta return to the Etihad after footage of him arriving at the stadium was shared by @City_Xtra on Twitter, with one supporter dubbing the 36-year-old a “legend”.

“Legend… Where’s his statue?” 

Credit: @energylevel

“He actually played so well, could do a job at LB for us”

Credit: @IIM109

“the GOAT”

Credit: @thebigkun

“He earned all my respect. This is a typical character”

Credit: @erique_kun

“Best right back”

Credit: @tito_kyp

“The legend”

Credit: @Taguero_10

In other news, lots of Manchester City fans fume about a potential ‘bidding war’ for a clinical striker. Find out more here.

The Athletic’s Crystal Palace correspondent Matt Woosnam has offered the latest on Eberechi Eze’s comeback following the win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The lowdown

Palace landed their first win of Patrick Vieira’s tenure on Saturday afternoon, scoring three times in the final 20 minutes to defeat Spurs.

They did so without a key player in Eze, who has been out since the end of last season with Achilles tendon problems. He recorded a squad-high six assists in the Premier League last season and also led the way for key passes per 90 minutes with 1.3 (via WhoScored).

The 23-year-old is one of three absentees for the Eagles, with Jeffrey Schlupp and Nathan Ferguson also sidelined.

The latest

In a Q&A for The Athletic, Woosnam was asked by a Palace supporter to provide expected return dates for Eze and Ferguson.

The journalist replied that he is ‘not sure on Ferguson’ but said that the former QPR winger ‘is expected to be back next month at some point’.

The verdict

The next international break comes after the clash with Leicester City on 3 October. The Arsenal game a fortnight later might be a realistic target for Eze to make his return to action, which would be well ahead of the initially projected return date of 2022.

Palace fans should be counting down the days until he comes back into the side. If they can get a creative presence like him into the same team as Odsonne Edouard, Michael Olise, Wilfried Zaha and Conor Gallagher, then they could be a joy to watch and make life a complete nightmare for opposition defences.

In other news, some Eagles fans weren’t happy with this man’s display against Tottenham. 

Leeds United could be set for a huge boost as news emerges from Thorp Arch about Kalvin Phillips’ future at the club.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have opened preliminary talks over a new contract with their star midfielder, and it now appears that Phillips himself is keen to stay put in Yorkshire.

Football Insider claim that “a source with knowledge of Phillips’ situation” has indicated “the player is very keen on signing an extension with the club he has spent his entire career.”

It’s added that “Leeds want to tie down their academy product to a new and improved contract that would keep him beyond the summer of 2024.”

Fans will be buzzing

The England international has emerged as one of the country’s standout performers, even being named by BT as the men’s senior player of the year for the Three Lions.

That has come off the back of a truly remarkable few years for Phillips, particularly since Bielsa arrived at Elland Road, and former Leeds man Danny Mills has suggested that his rise could see some of the big clubs come calling.

He said: “The more and more that he’s involved with England, he’s going to start to hear what other clubs do. His head will be turned and rightly so by players saying ‘We’re playing against Real Madrid’ ‘We’re playing against PSG’ ‘We’re playing against Barcelona’.

“Undoubtedly there will be a part of him thinking ‘I want a part of that, I want to test myself against the best’. If Leeds progress and make it that way, then brilliant. But it’s the second season in the Premier League so you’re going to have to be more realistic than that.

“Another good season this year and there will be some very, very serious offers that come in for Kalvin Phillips.”

Last season saw the Whites struggle without their midfield lynchpin, winning just two out of nine Premier League games that he missed (losing the other seven), and that saw Darren Bent speak about the importance of the England international to his club.

The former Sunderland striker said: “It is a unique role, and you think who else can they get in that position who can do the job effectively. The answer to that is no one. He’s that good of a player that it’s hard to replace him.”

So, the fact that Phillips sees his long-term future at Elland Road as contract talks get underway is sure to have fans absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star was superb vs Newcastle…

Former Leeds United star David Norris believes that Junior Firpo can develop into a fine player at the club, having been criticised by some fans following his display against Newcastle United last weekend.

The Whites defender joined the club from Barcelona in the summer transfer window, with the club paying £13.5m to secure his signature from the Spanish club.

Firpo has gone on to make four appearances in the Premier League since his arrival from the Liga giants.

The 25-year-old has made three starts in the top-flight, against Everton, Liverpool and Newcastle, and came on as a substitute against Manchester United.

Leeds have yet to win this season, losing to United and Liverpool, and drawing with the Toffees, Burnley, and the Magpies.

Norris is consistent in his belief that Firpo will turn out to be a fine signing for the club, and thinks he has the ability required to become a real star in Yorkshire.

However, he believes that, at this point, he is still adapting to the system at the club.

He said: “From the bits I’ve seen from him, I think he’s capable. He looks like he could be a good player and turn out to be a good signing, obviously he’s not really got going yet.

“He’s not one I would write off yet, I like the little bits I have seen and I think he’s capable of being a good signing still. He just needs a little bit more game time.”

Arsenal have been handed a devastating injury blow following the weekend’s north London derby…

What’s the latest?

According to the Guardian, Gunners midfielder Granit Xhaka is facing around three months out after sustaining a knee ligament injury during Sunday’s win over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The long-serving Swiss star was withdrawn with just eight minutes to go after a collision with Lucas Moura. He left the Emirates Stadium with a knee brace on his right leg.

Mikel Arteta warned that it didn’t look positive but now the club have confirmed that Xhaka has “a significant injury to his medial knee ligament,” though he will not require surgery.

Gutting blow

The 29-year-old has always divided opinion across the club but the timing of this injury could not be worse. He absolutely dominated the midfield against Spurs, alongside Thomas Partey, making the most of his fortunate summer U-turn.

He is now set to miss at least 12 to 14 league games, which means Arteta will have to call upon the relatively inexperienced Albert Sambi Lokonga or even Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who has looked poor in recent outings. There is also Mo Elneny but he has only just returned from injury himself.

If Xhaka does not fully recover by the middle of January, then the Spaniard is going to be left in a very tricky predicament as both Partey and Elneny will be on Africa Cup of Nations duty for potentially three weeks, making his options in the middle even more sparse.

On his day, the Switzerland international can pick apart a Premier League game but of course, he has come with his fair share of controversial incidents. After all, this was his first appearance back following a three-game suspension.

However, it’s clear that Arteta remains a big fan, having thrown the £18m-rated former captain straight back into his starting XI for such a huge encounter and he has also dubbed him “phenomenal” in the past.

The Arsene Wenger signing has now played 76 times under the former Gunners midfielder, which is more than his game time under Unai Emery, as per Transfermarkt.

This latest cruel blow will surely leave the Arsenal boss up at night heading into crucial fixtures against Brighton, Palace and Villa.

AND in other news, Forget Smith Rowe: £58.5m-rated Arsenal sensation ran the show for Arteta vs Spurs…

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is attracting interest from Premier League champions Manchester City, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes. 

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters were quick to react to the transfer rumours on social media.

The 20-year-old has started four of Villa’s first six Premier League games this season, taking his Villa Park appearance tally to 33.

Fichajes claim that Ramsey is catching the eye of City scouts, with his adaptability key to what Pep Guardiola looks for.

Ramsey can play as an attacking or central midfielder and has been a regular recently following Jack Grealish’s British record move to the Etihad in the summer.

It seems as if a number of Villa fans don’t want to lose another local talent to the Premier League champions anytime soon.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared City’s reported interest in Ramsey on Twitter on Monday evening. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply…

“Christ, just give us a billion pounds and buy the club, it would be faster.”

Credit: @MatthewW1991

“I can’t do this again”

Credit: @joegodwin_

“actually laughable don’t worry Jacob is a TRUE villa fan”

Credit: @KONSAISTHEGOAT

“What’s even the point anymore”

Credit: @ChukwuemekaSZN

“They desperately wanna be us don’t they”

Credit: @JayJPavfc

“just leave us alone man”

Credit: @JackAVFC77

In other news: ‘Magnificent’ £75k-p/w Aston Villa star now watched by ‘big six’ club.

Sam Johnstone has been tipped as the “perfect” successor to Hugo Lloris at Tottenham Hotspur…

What’s the word?

The West Brom goalkeeper was linked to the north London outfit throughout the summer but it now appears he’s back on Spurs’ radar.

According to Football Insider, the Lilywhites have ‘set their sights’ on the 28-year-old shot-stopper, with club scouts watching him in action before the international break.

And now former Sheffield United glovesman Paddy Kenny has described him as the ideal man to replace Nuno Santo’s current no.1.

“I reckon he would be a perfect replacement for Lloris,” he told Football Insider.

“Sam has been unreal at West Brom. I thought he was fantastic last season for a team that got relegated.

“He is from the Man United academy so he has got a brilliant pedigree. So he would be a top signing and a big loss for West Brom.”

Bye-bye Lloris?

With the 34-year-old out of contract at the end of the current campaign, there may not be a better time to find his replacement than now and Johnstone is a very solid option, indeed.

Despite suffering relegation at the Baggies last term, the 6 foot 4 colossus was still amongst the top ‘keepers in the English top-flight, which is why he earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2020.

As per FBRef, no goalkeeper made more saves (161) than Johnstone in 2020/21, having faced an average of 6.16 attempts on target per 90 minutes. By comparison, Lloris made only 111 saves.

It is why ex-Albion boss Sam Allardyce dubbed him “one of the best” during their attempts to stave off relegation and why his former Villa boss Steve Bruce lauded him as a “diamond” during their time together.

Talk over a potential new deal has remained quiet, so there’s a good chance that Nuno will be looking for a new no.1 in the coming windows and it probably is the right time to move on from the long-serving Mauricio Pochettino favourite, even if he’s the captain.

The France international has endured his fair share of mistakes over the last few years, leading to scathing criticism.

For example, after Spurs’ FA Cup exit to Everton earlier this year, Lloris was slammed for having “lettuce wrists” and was said to be the main “weak link of Jose Mourinho’s side, as per talkSPORT’s Trevor Sinclair and Jason Cundy.

Valued at just £7.2m by Transfermarkt and thought to be earning only £32.5k-per-week at the Hawthorns, Johnstone could be a very shrewd steal from Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici and co.

He too is out of contract in the summer, so it may be a massive bargain too.

It’s time for Nuno to stamp his own mark down in north London and that can begin with a major change between the sticks.

AND in other news, Levy could land Spurs’ next Michael Dawson in 6 ft 5 “Rolls-Royce” likened to Maguire…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left excited as some news emerged involving Nikica Jelavic and Sasa Papac.

As per the official website of the Ibrox faithful, Light Blues supporters now have the chance to spend an evening with the two former players in April next year as they will talk about what it was like to play for the Teddy Bears, and how they worked as players and friends both on and off of the pitch.

Jelavic instantly became a cult hero over just two seasons with the Gers, in which he scored no fewer than 36 goals and made a further 15 assists in 56 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Papac was at RFC much longer, and made over 200 appearances across six consecutive campaigns (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, it is no surprise to see so many fans excited by the prospect of sitting down with them.

Rangers fans on Jelavic and Papac news

These Rangers supporters could not hide their excitement as the news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that they were ‘buzzing’:

“I would love that”

Credit: @weelas57

“Take my money”

Credit: @beardedbawbag

“Oh go on then”

Credit: @JJMRFC72

“What a duo to have on btw.”

Credit: @JaffaGer

“I cannot put into words how buzzing I am for this”

Credit: @Carzy1994

“A thousand times YES”

Credit: @heyitsk_stew

In other news, find out which Premier League club are targeting Steven Gerrard here!

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited after the Reds were linked with a move for 18-year-old American sensation Ricardo Pepi.

Jurgen Klopp had a quiet summer in the transfer market, much to the frustration of some fans. Ibrahima Konate ended up being the only new face to arrive at the club, with the exciting young centre-back joining from RB Leipzig

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

The hope is that Liverpool will be busier in the transfer market moving forward, and an intriguing rumour has emerged.

According to The Mirror [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], the Reds and Manchester United are among the clubs eyeing up a move for Pepi.

The teenage striker has scored three goals in just four appearances for the USA, also netting 16 times in 55 matches for FC Dallas in the MLS.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-8/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans react to Pepi rumour

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the rumour, with many excited over the Reds’ links with the American prodigy.

“It’s happening”

Credit: @BleedGreenHive

“PEPI MY BOY!!!!”

Credit:@Kloppista_LFC

“No idea who he is but he’s a striker, make it happen!”

Credit: @NegusSabali

“Please”

Credit: @EliteQB4

“As an American Liverpool fan I’d love to see this, one for the future for sure”

Credit: @Cfarnes89

“Lewandowski type of player. Not 100% if he can play center forward. But Klopp did say he wanted a goal scorer last summer”

Credit: @9Erwinv

In other news, Liverpool reportedly ‘never opened talks’ with one player. Find out who it is here.