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Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze could be set to return to action quicker than first anticipated, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Lowdown: Out since May

The 23-year-old enjoyed a brilliant maiden season at the Eagles with 10 goal involvements in his debut Premier League campaign following his move from QPR for £19.5m. However, the player suffered a serious Achilles injury in training back in May and hasn’t played since, with scans revealing that he could face between six to eight months of rehabilitation.

It has been reported that Eze was in Gareth Southgate’s plans for his England squad for the European Championship before he got injured in training.

The Latest: Eze ahead of schedule for a return

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Barclay has suggested that Eze’s return to action may not be too far away, but advised caution over reintroducing him to the fold due to the nature of the injury.

The journalist said: “I’m told there is a good chance that there’s a good chance actually that he’s ahead of schedule on his return. Achilles injuries are bad injuries, they can keep you out for a long time and they can affect you going forward.”

The Verdict: Great news but don’t rush him back

Right now, rushing Eze back is something Viera should avoid given Palace’s decent start to the season. They currently sit 14th in the Premier League table but have taken points off Brentford, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and most recently Leicester City.

Summer signings Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise have already made their mark, whilst Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher has caught the eye as Viera’s number 10, with two goals in the 2-2 draw with West Ham in August.

If Palace are to remain in the Premier League and potentially flirt with the top half or even the European places, having their best players available for selection is a must. Eze’s return will obviously be most welcome given his impact last season but, as Barclay has warned, the Eagles must not rush him back prematurely and risk aggravating the injury again.

In other news, these Palace fans have been reacting to a video from the club’s official Twitter channel. Find out more here.

Newcastle United appear to be closing in on the signing of Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes amid a transfer update from Craig Hope.

What’s the story?

Speaking on the True Faith podcast on Wednesday evening, the journalist said: “As of 8pm, the latest was that Newcastle have an offer in for Bruno Guimaraes at Lyon. There were reports earlier in France that the offer was €40m, but I was told straight away that offer was a little on the high side. It’s more around the £30m mark that the offer is in for.

“I think there were some within Newcastle that thought the offer had been accepted, my understanding is that they are still waiting for a definitive answer from Lyon. They’re hopeful that an answer will come tonight, a medical is provisionally booked in for later in the week in South America.

“Of the three big money buys they have been chasing, Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and now Bruno Guimaraes, this is the one out of all of them that I’ve heard people on the inside speak with the most confidence about in terms of getting it done.”

Fans will be excited

After weeks of being linked to a whole host of players, the Magpies appear to finally be getting things done as the January transfer window draws nearer to its close.

With deadline day next week, Eddie Howe’s side are in some desperate need of further reinforcements before the window shuts, and having clinched the signings of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, look set to add Guimaraes to their ranks too.

The midfielder has also been linked with a move to fellow Premier League side Arsenal, so for the Magpies to have gazumped them and land one of Ligue 1’s most dynamic midfielders is a real cause for celebration for the Toon Army.

In fact, writing on Twitter, The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder delivered his verdict, saying: “Bruno Guimaraes deal would certainly leave Arsenal stunned. But #nufc have also been quietly tracking the defensive midfielder for some time.”

The fact that this isn’t some knee-jerk signing or decision, and that the club have been actively scouting the Brazilian for a long time now speaks to good recruitment, and the hope will be that it continues in this final week as well.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are keen on a deal for this Ligue 1 star…it’s not Bruno

Ange Postecoglou led his Celtic side to a fifth consecutive win on Wednesday night as the Hoops beat AZ Alkmaar 2-0 in the Europa League.

Celtic have won their past five competitive matches, scoring 18 goals in the process, and are now in a strong position to qualify for the group stages of the European competition.

Kyogo Furuhashi and James Forrest scored the goals for the Australian’s side, with Tom Rogic and Furuhashi providing the assists. Joe Hart was also able to claim a clean sheet, with his defence helping him to stop Alkmaar from finding the back of the net.

However, it was not all sunshine and rainbows for the Hoops as one player, in particular, struggled to show his quality on the pitch.

Liel Abada was reintroduced to the side after two games on the sidelines due to injury and his lack of sharpness was evident in his performance. The summer signing was the only player in the starting XI to record a FotMob rating lower than 7.1, as he scored 6.6 for his display on the wing.

Delving deeper into his statistics from the game, it is easy to see why he was given such a low score in comparison to his teammates. Per FotMob, Abada lost 100% of his duels on the pitch and only completed three passes in 58 minutes before being taken off, having attempted five overall.

In total, he only had eight touches of the ball and had one shot on goal whilst creating zero chances for his teammates and attempted one cross – unsuccessfully – into the box. This shows that he failed to get himself into the game and was left watching on as his teammates did the business.

Ahead of the game, we published an article urging Postecoglou to throw Abada a bone by unleashing him against Alkmaar following his fitness issues. We pointed to his form in matches earlier this season as a reason behind starting him, with the Australian ultimately agreeing with our suggestion as he picked him against the Dutch side.

However, he let his head coach down with a disastrous display and embarrassed him. As shown by the aforementioned statistic, he was unable to make any positive impact on the game before being hauled off in the second-half. This will have been a disappointment to Postecoglou as the winger did not prove that he was right to put his faith in him for this game, leaving him embarrassed at making the decision to start h

AND in other news, Forget Furuhashi: Celtic beast who had 63 touches was Ange’s real hero vs AZ Alkmaar…

Former Everton striker Marcus Bent insists that Romelu Lukaku’s goalscoring record simply does not warrant the fees paid for him throughout his career.

Lukaku sealed a £97.5m move to Chelsea earlier this month, becoming the player with the most accumulated transfer fees throughout his career.

According to ESPN, the Belgium international has cost clubs a total of £288.8m throughout his career.

When he moved from Anderlecht to Chelsea, the Blues paid £13.5m, before he went to Everton for an initial £3.15m loan fee and an eventual transfer fee of £31.82m. Manchester United then bought Lukaku for £76.23m, and he later went to Inter Milan for £66.6m.

At Everton, Lukaku scored 87 goals in 166 games, while he scored 42 goals in 96 games for United; at Inter, he scored 64 times in 95 games, and Bent simply does not think he has the scoring record to be the most expensive player ever.

The second and third most expensive players, by comparison, are Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Bent said: “And let’s look at his stats. Does that live up to it? I don’t feel like it does. But there you go, that’s football, and that’s how it happens and good luck to him.

“He probably will do well because Chelsea are doing well, they’ve got a good manager, they’ve got good players, as long as they feed him the ball and he gets in the right positions, I’m sure he will be one of the top players.”

Emerson Royal put in his best performance since joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer as they defeated Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Brazilian right-back was drafted in on deadline day, signing in a €30m (£26m) deal from Barcelona, and finally, the north London outfit caught a glimpse of exactly what he had to offer.

In a game where Heung-min Son excelled with two assists and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg ran the show from the engine room, it was the 22-year-old defender who was an unsung hero for Nuno Santo and his side.

No player recorded more touches of the ball than Emerson (86) as he was a constant threat down that right flank.

Not only was he a rock defensively but he also got up the pitch to contribute in the final third.

As per SofaScore, Emerson recorded a match-high four interceptions, helping thwart the threat of wing-back Matt Target and Danny Ings, who was on his side in Villa’s two-man attack. He also made six clearances, two tackles and won a whopping ten duels.

The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick wrote in his post-match ratings column:

“A promising showing after a tough start in the Premier League. Committed and aggressive defensively and got forward well, creating a big chance for Son at the start of the second half.”

Indeed, the £26m-rated dynamo won three free-kicks, created one key chance and managed to pull off 100% of his dribbles, via SofaScore, further suggesting that he was capable of contributing in the final third.

It was only his third start in the Premier League but for the very first time, Nuno witnessed a player that should be starting there week in, week out. He’s a breath of fresh air in comparison to Serge Aurier, who left the Lilywhites by mutual consent in the summer.

According to football.london’s Alasdair Gold, the Brazil international has impressed staff with his “incredible” fitness levels and we saw some of that during the match today.

The Hotspur faithful were equally impressed by Emerson, too, with many expressing their delight with his performance.

On a day where Spurs ended a run of three straight heavy Premier League defeats, it was the new summer signing that went hugely under-the-radar and deserves plenty of credit for such a showing.

AND in other news, Forget Son: £36m-rated Spurs machine who had 6 dribbles stole the show against Villa…

When Celtic enter the League Cup on Sunday afternoon, they will take plenty of confidence into the clash.

The Hoops have now recorded three victories on the trot and have totted up back-to-back clean sheets. Both of those were rarities last season, so Ange Postecoglou’s men should savour that.

On the chalkboard

That being said, Celtic will have to be wary this weekend because their opposition are Hearts, a team who caused them grief on the opening day of the Premiership campaign.

The Bhoys were miles from their best as a late goal from John Souttar ensured a losing start to Postecoglou’s league reign two weeks ago. However, they are now in a very different place after scoring 13 goals in their last three outings across all competitions.

Their new signings have hit the ground running too, but one player who is yet to be seen at Parkhead or in Celtic colours is James McCarthy. The Irishman signed on the same day as Joe Hart, but with no pre-season minutes under his belt having been a free agent, he is some way behind in terms of his fitness.

Postecoglou has claimed that it could be a while before we see the midfielder in full action, but with the League Cup right around the corner, now feels like the perfect time to hand him his Hoops debut.

Celtic didn’t win a single trophy last season, so the cup competitions will hold a little more significance than normal. However, with weary legs setting in against Jablonec last Thursday, the manager may favour rotation.

Tom Rogic stood out in that match but tired significantly. With an important clash with AZ Alkmaar coming up, the Australian should be given time to recover with McCarthy coming in.

The former Crystal Palace man won’t be completely fresh himself but he’s an experienced campaigner who should be able to replace him and perform reliably at the base of midfield. Dubbed “top-class” by Postecoglou, the 30-year-old could be the heir to Scott Brown in the middle of the park.

Callum McGregor has performed admirably in a deeper role but McCarthy is more accustomed to playing there. During his last full season with Palace, he won 2.5 tackles per game, proving that he can stick his boot in and win the ball when it matters.

On that evidence, the 30-year-old might be the perfect player to combat Hearts, so Postecoglou needs to hand him some sort of role on Sunday.

AND in other news, Celtic close to signing £2.5m “creative monster”, he’s perfect for Postecoglou…

There was a time when Leeds United supporters spitefully shook their heads as the club’s recruitment team neglected important areas of the team in the transfer window.

That had never been truer than when someone like Pascal Struijk joined the Whites.

The Dutch defender didn’t receive a particularly warm welcome but he serves as a fine example for needing to be patient.

He has been crucial this season and in a campaign where the likes of Robin Koch and Liam Cooper have been injured, the emergence of the colossal Struijk has been timely.

But it’s at the other end of the pitch that we want to focus on for the time being where another timely breakthrough act has been discovered.

That falls in the form of Joe Gelhardt, a teenager who is very quickly becoming an important figure at Elland Road.

Star striker Patrick Bamford has featured only once since a bad ankle injury back in September as the previously irremovable object from Bielsa’s side was finally dethroned.

Dan James, Rodrigo, Tyler Roberts and Gelhardt have all been utilised at the top of the pitch in Bamford’s absence but of all of them, it’s the lad the Elland Road faithful know as ‘Joffy’ who has caught the eye the most.

Signed for just over £1m in August 2020, his value and estimations are growing rapidly.

It’s clear to see why, too. He already has 25 career goals across senior and youth level and has taken to Bielsa’s methods like a duck to water, winning a crucial penalty against Wolves and scoring against Chelsea in his limited opportunities this season.

His performances have subsequently earned rave reviews with Leeds Live reporter Bergen Cross who hailed the masterclass done in the transfer window by Victor Orta and co.

He said: “Gelhardt may well be the best bit of business the club has done in the last 20 years, if not ever, because he just looks absolutely outrageous, very, very good player.”

The youngster has been so impressive that he was described as a “human wrecking ball” by Bielsa.

The boss added: “I like him, he’s really exciting. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the ball, he takes people on. Once he gets into the box, he loves it. That’s where he can do most of his damage.”

It’s clear that Gelhardt has a quite remarkable amount of potential and for that alone, it is a dream deal.

Combine Bielsa’s affection for the player with his growing importance and it’s hard to disagree with Cross’ bold statement.

He’s certainly someone that can loosen the burden on Bamford’s shoulders in the coming years.

AND in other news, Leeds can finally replace Hernandez with 17 G/A “grafter” who “Bielsa quietly admires”…

Crystal Palace are in fantastic form at the moment from picking up a place in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Chelsea later this month to going unbeaten in their last five Premier League games, the side has gone from strength to strength under Patrick Vieira.

The individual quality in the Palace team has not gone unnoticed by outsiders either, with Marc Guehi, Connor Gallagher and Tyrick Mitchell all earning their first senior England national team caps this season too, which is an incredible achievement for the trio.

Thanks to the spotlight being so brightly shone upon the youngsters in Vieira’s side it has led to speculation from journalist Pete O’Rourke predicting that 22-year-old Mitchell could potentially be snapped up by another Premier League club in the summer transfer window.

With that being said, if the scenario of Mitchell leaving became a reality, the French manager could already have his next rising star ready to break into the first team with Tayo Adaramola.

Speaking on Adaramola, O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT:

“It’s a good place for Palace to be right now because they might have a ready-made replacement for Tyrick Mitchell if they do decide to cash-in on him.”

Despite not making any Premier League appearances so far this season, Adaramola made his debut in a four-minute appearance under Vieira in the FA Cup fourth round against Hartlepool and clearly impressed his manager during the short performance, as the left-back was selected again in the victory over Stoke City in the fifth round and given 65 minutes to shine.

Vieira showered the young talent with praise following his performance against Hartlepool where he nearly scored. He said:

“He is a young player so full of energy,”

“He likes to go forward and has been doing well with the academy. This was the right time to give him a couple of minutes. He was close to scoring his first goal.”

The 18-year-old has also made 13 appearances with one goal and one assist in the Premier League 2 this season, but after having a taste of success in the senior team during his game time in the FA Cup there is no doubt he will be desperate to break through into a more regular spot in the side, especially if Mitchell does leave in the summer.

In other news: CPFC’s £70k-p/w “massively important” gem stole the show vs Arsenal

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left overjoyed as their club shared news on star striker Michail Antonio.

The 31-year-old has been in electric form for the Irons so far this season, scoring six goals and setting up three others in just 10 Premier League starts (WhoScored).

He has also been West Ham’s most threatening player overall in terms of numbers, having racked up an average of 3.6 shots on goal per 90 over 2021/22 (WhoScored).

Antonio’s scintillating performances since the start of the campaign didn’t go unnoticed, either, with the Irons frontman even clinching August’s Premier League Player of the Month award.

Having elected to represent Jamaica at international level this year, he is currently away with the Reggae Boyz on their World Cup qualifying tour as they seek to qualify from the CONCACAF region.

He only made his debut for the Caribbean nation in September but now, as shared by the club’s official Twitter channel, Antonio is off the mark for his country as he helped them to a 1-1 draw against El Salvador.

In scoring his first goal for Jamaica, the forward dispossessed an opposition player just past the halfway line before surging past two defenders, eventually dinking a cool effort over El Salvador’s keeper (CBS Sports).

Following his sublime goal, many West Ham fans have raved over what is a personal milestone for Antonio, and one which should help to maintain his confidence heading into the busy winter period.

One Hammers fan called it ‘fantastic news’ as many others celebrated – check out some of their reactions below.

West Ham fans rave over Antonio news…

“Absolutely loved wearing my Antonio shirt in Jamaica on my honeymoon. All the locals absolutely love him. So pleased for him!”

Credit: @KrisProwse182

“Top man, well deserved”

Credit: @yougosmavarous

“Our little island boy”

Credit: @TravisBabb__

“Never in doubt”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“BALLER”

Credit: @TD_H_

“BEAST MODE”

Credit: @LocksmithDuude

“That’s fantastic news! Many congratulations Micky Antonio, international player properly on the world map of football. Very proud of him, just come home safe and sound to West Ham United family”

Credit: @ZaynafamilyMary

“Proud of him, he is too good for England. He should have had a call up a few times for us. Happy for him getting international football with Jamaica”

Credit: @RyanHil98488904

In other news: Italian source leaks transfer news out of West Ham involving ‘extraordinary’ £22.5 million-valued beast, find out more here.

Osaze Urhoghide could now be heading for a return to Parkhead at the end of the current campaign.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Belgian media outlet HLN, KV Oostende’s sporting director, Gauthier Ganaye, revealed that, despite the Jupiler Pro League side possessing an option to buy the loanee defender, he may not be able to afford the cost of the 21-year-old – something which could well see Urhoghide return to Celtic Park this summer.

Speaking about the possibility of signing the versatile centre-back, Ganaye said: “We also want to finalise the rented Urhoghide, although [his] price tag is higher. But we want to find a solution. He is a kind of theatre: explosive, aggressive and forward-thinking.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how much potential Urhoghide quite clearly possesses, the news that Oostende could struggle to complete the signing of the youngster this summer is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.

Indeed, the decision to include a purchase option in the defender’s loan deal appeared a strange one in the first place, with Celtic supporters making it abundantly clear in a poll ran on Football FanCast that they felt it was a mistake for the club to do so.

It is not difficult to understand why they hold this belief, as the £450k-rated starlet has already proven over his seven Jupiler Pro League outings that he is an exceptionally talented player, so far helping his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.9 interceptions – the most of any player in the league – 2.1 tackles, 1.7 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per game.

Furthermore, Ange Postecoglou was also clearly very excited at the prospect of working with the former Sheffield Wednesday talent upon his arrival at Celtic last summer, stating of the 21-year-old:

“He’s just beginning his football career but he shows all the attributes on and off the field to want to become a top player, so it’s great to get him here. He can play a couple of positions at the back and, most importantly, he’s really keen to learn and develop and I think this will be a great environment for him.

“He’s a modern defender. He’s good athletically, he’s mobile, he’s quick and he wants to get on the ball. He can play a couple of different positions, and from our perspective, and the way we want to play our football, there are certain things I look for in players irrespective of age, and he’s got some really good attributes to be a top defender.”

As such, the news that the £7k-per-week Urhoghide could be set for a return to Glasgow this summer is undoubtedly good news for everyone involved with the Hoops – as it is clear to see that the youngster who Ben Gotting dubbed a “monster” could well go on to have an extremely successful career at Parkhead.

AND in other news: “There’s no problem”: Huge behind-scenes rumour now quashed, it’s good news for Celtic