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It’s fair to suggest that Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal career has not gone quite how he would have liked. The midfielder has struggled with injuries, a lack of form and often being played out of position during his time at Arsenal, causing the World Cup winner to show only glimpses of his undeniable class.

The German announced his return to the Arsenal setup at the weekend when he was handed a start against Chris Hughton’s Brighton side in the FA Cup. Despite the fact that Tomas Rosicky stole the headlines with a superb performance, Ozil did get on the scoresheet, calmly slotting past David Stockdale to send Arsenal into a 2-0 lead. In a game that also saw Theo Walcott fully return to action, Ozil’s encouraging performance will sit well with Arsenal.

The prospect of the German developing an understanding with Alexis Sanchez in midfield is sure to be an exciting one for Gunners fans to consider. Despite the club’s midfield boasting some of the best talent in Europe, accommodating Sanchez and Ozil into the same team could be difficult. Sanchez has been instrumental in every impressive Arsenal performance this season and he almost seems to have a free rein in midfield. If Wenger chooses to bring Ozil back into the team, he must play the former Real Madrid man in a central role. If Ozil is placed on the wing to allow Sanchez to play more centrally, Arsenal will see a different, dejected player who does not suit a wide midfield position. Ozil works best in the thick of things, often providing chance after chance for the striker. His vision is exquisite at times and although Arsenal fans have been frustrated with his performances, he needs a run of games in the right position to really be effective.

This is why Sanchez must be played out wide instead of Ozil. The Chilean is a different player, he is incredibly fast and very direct, choosing to go for goal rather than pick a pass. Although Sanchez is still very capable of providing an assist (he has seven in the Premier League already), Ozil needs to play in a central position as Sanchez has been outstanding in wide areas for both Barcelona and Arsenal.

Wenger could also opt for a rotational policy during matches which could see Ozil and Sanchez occupying different positions in the midfield across 90 minutes. There are a lot of possibilities for Wenger to look at now that Ozil has returned and the German may feel that he can comfortably produce his best football now that he is no longer in the limelight. He will undoubtedly carry a weight of expectation but the form of Alexis Sanchez means that at times, Arsenal certainly haven’t missed Ozil. Psychologically, this bodes well for the midfielder as there is not an unrelenting pressure on the German to immediately perform at the highest level.

Arsenal fans should be excited at the prospect of Ozil returning to the starting XI. His name is added to a host of excellent options in the midfield area and there is no doubt that the German will be hungry to impress. Yes, his form has often been questioned since he arrived at Arsenal. However, if he plays in his best position and escapes further injury issues, there is no denying the fact that Ozil is a world-class player who will undoubtedly produce the spectacular in the right playing environment.

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is preparing a last ditch move for Newcastle target Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, according to reports from The Mirror.

The Magpies have reportedly agreed a £6.7m fee with Montpellier for the French centre-back, who is due to travel to St James’ Park to negotiate a move in the coming days.

However, the Gunners are believed to be firmly in race for the 23-year-old, and could make a rival bid to snatch him away from Alan Pardew.

This would come as a real blow for Newcastle, who were believed to have a deal for Loic Remy wrapped up last week as they searched to replace Demba Ba.

But, QPR offered the striker superior personal terms, leaving the Tyne club short of attacking options.

They could now face a similar fate, as they look to find a replacement for wantaway defender Fabricio Coloccini.

Wenger is believe to have some reservations about Yanga-Mbiwa, but could shelve these in fear of losing out on a long-term target.

AC Milan are also interested, but it is thought the battle for his signature is between the Premier League duo.

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Pardew seen Yanga-Mbiwa as the ideal addition to his stretched squad, with the defensive man able to fill in at centre-back, full-back and in a holding midfield position.

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Everton should be just about safe in the Premier League relegation battle but that hasn’t stopped the pressure intensifying on Toffees boss Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce had walked away from football when he left Crystal Palace before this season began but was tempted back in when Bill Kenwright came calling after the sacking of Ronald Koeman with the club in danger of relegation.

It was seen as a final chance for the experienced manager to prove that he can make something of a big club with solid resources but he has reverted to type.

His unambitious and dour football has tightened the Toffees up to the extent that they shouldn’t go down but it hasn’t inspired the Goodison Park faithful at all.

They looking for someone else to come in during the summer but it cannot be denied that Everton are still lacking some key players through injury.

We’ve had a look at when the club might expect them back, as per Premier Injuries, so read on…

When was Stekelenburg injured?: He underwent groin surgery in November and is still yet to return.

Potential return date: 31/03/18

Has he been missed?: Jordan Pickford was brought in to be number one goalkeeper, which has meant that the Dutchman has not been sorely missed. The former Sunderland goalkeeper can still improve but he would still be in the team ahead of Stekelenburg if both men were fit.

When was Holgate injured?: He was called into the England Under-21 squad for the forthcoming internationals but pulled out after it was revealed that he required ankle surgery.

Has he been missed?: He would be a big miss for Allardyce if he was out for any length of time. He adds much-needed pace and athleticism to an aging Everton defence and can play at centre-half and right-back. Big Sam wouldn’t want to be without him for too long.

When was Mangala injured?: He picked up a knee injury in the win over Crystal Palace in February.

What the manager said: On February 18, Allardyce said: “That looks like it could be long term.”

Has he been missed?: Mangala was brought in to sure up a leaky Everton rearguard but that hasn’t quite materialised. He looked shaky in his opening games, so in that respect, the Frenchman will not be missed greatly. However, Allardyce will have had big plans for Mangala to tighten up his defence and now will not get the opportunity to see those through.

When was Davies injured?: He has a neck injury but that didn’t stop him starting the last game against Stoke.

Has he been missed?: Davies, much like Holgate, adds energy and verve to this Everton side that is otherwise sorely lacking. He is not the finished article and can sometimes become overrun in matches but he is still important to what Allardyce is trying to do.

When was Gueye injured?: Gueye had to pull out of international duty with Senegal this week.

What the manager said: On March 23, Senegal boss Aliou Cisse said: “Gana had a muscle tear when he came over. I had wanted him to be in my team, but I think he will be out for three weeks.”

Potential return date: 14/04/18

Has he been missed?: With crunch home matches against Manchester City and Liverpool coming up, Gueye is exactly the kind of combative character Allardyce would like to call upon. With Morgan Schneiderlin still dogged by poor form, his importance is further amplified.

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When was Sigurdsson injured?: He picked up a knee injury in the home win over Brighton earlier this month.

Potential return date: 05/05/18

What the manager said: On March 15, when it was put to him that Sigurdsson would be out for the season, Big Sam said: “Someone gave out the wrong statement. It can be less than that.

“Whoever gave that statement out is going to get a b********g today. You cannot predict a length of injury in its entirety because you have people who heal quicker.

“Obviously Gylfi’s recovery time could be shorter than we might expect. Medics and specialists give a conservative view and you try to beat that and try to get Gylfi back as soon as you can.”

Has he been missed?: He has had his teething problems in his first Goodison season but despite that, the Icelandic international is still the most creative influence on this Everton side. He adds assists, goals and quality distribution to a squad that lacks those characteristics.

Happiness never lasts for long at White Hart Lane. After an important victory against Everton last weekend which saw Tottenham put on one of their finest performances of the season, the familiar sense of inferiority and dejection returned on Wednesday evening as Spurs were roundly beaten by London rivals Chelsea, which leaves Mauricio Pochettino’s side in tenth place. For all their glimmers of promise, Spurs remain a team who are a long way off becoming serious contenders for a Champions League place. Pochettino may seek extensive investment in the upcoming January transfer window to imprint his own identity on the club, yet the likelihood is that players will need to be sold if any new arrivals are to come in.

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Click on Pochettino to reveal the five players who should be deemed surplus to requirements at Spurs

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1. Danny Rose

He may have made himself an instant fan favourite with a screamer against bitter rivals Arsenal on his league debut in 2010, yet Danny Rose has struggled to secure a regular spot in the Spurs side since then. The left-back has been criticised for his defensive positioning and his composure on the ball, and with the recent purchase of Ben Davies – who has impressed so far this season – he may find it hard to get back into the first team. A decent defender no doubt, but not of a Champions League standard. For this reason, Tottenham should let him go.

2. Benoit Assou-Ekotto

Another left-back, another player who is simply not good enough to play for Spurs. A regular during the Harry Redknapp years, Assou-Ekotto has not played competitvely for Spurs since the 2012/13 season – he was at loan with Redknapp’s QPR last year, and has been unused by Pochettino this campaign. At 30 years of age, the Cameroonian is unlikely to revitalise his career at White Hart Lane; Spurs would be wise to get rid of him in the new year to lower their wage bill.

3. Lewis Holtby

A lot of people made a lot of noise about the capture of Holtby from Schalke in January 2013 without actually knowing an awful lot about the German. The €1.75 million fee was lauded as a bargain at the time, yet it soon became evident why the 24 year-old had come so cheaply. The attacking midfielder found it difficult at White Hart Lane, scoring just once in a total of 24 league appearances, and was loaned out to Premier League strugglers Fulham in January for the remainder of the 2013/14 season, where then-Cottagers boss Felix Magath accused him of not being a “fighter”. Now on loan at Hamburg, it may be the case that Holtby feels more comfortable playing in his homeland than in England. With Christian Eriksen estabishing himself as Spurs’ first-choice number 10, the London side should look to offload Holtby, and could expect to make a decent profit from his sale.

4. Kyle Naughton

The fact that the 26 year-old Naughton has spent the majority of his Spurs career on loan at various clubs in the lower divisions after his move from Sheffield United in 2009 suggests that the right-back has yet to convince his parent club that he can make the position his own. Kyle Walker – who also moved to White Hart Lane from the Blades at the same time as Naughton – is considered to be the first-choice right-back at the club, and despite the fact that the England international has been absent through a long-term injury, Naughton has been unable to play regularly at the Lane, with Jan Vertonghen often being deployed on the right of defence. Naughton is not getting any younger – he should look to move if he wants to enjoy first-team action on a weekly basis.

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5. Mousa Dembélé

You don’t need to watch Mousa Dembélé play for long to realise that the Belgian is a very talented and technically gifted footballer, yet his lack of consistency has been a real source of frustration for Spurs fans since his arrival from Fulham in 2012. The 27 year-old midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at the Lane and has made just six league appearances all season; given that Spurs already have an abundance of players who play in his position, he may find it tough to break into the first team anytime soon. Dembélé would be a very useful signing to most teams in the Premier League, including those at the top end of the table. A change of scenery and a fresh start could be just what this mercurial player needs to get his career back on track.

Got any questions? Follow me on Twitter @GruffuddOwen

Liverpool’s dominant and richly deserved 4-0 victory over an out-of-sorts Fulham side at Anfield at the weekend was followed up by a deeply disappointing 3-1 loss away at Stoke, so are Brendan Rodgers’ methods finally starting to take hold and translate into results and tangible progress out on the pitch, or are they still too far away to truly challenge the top four?

It’s been a difficult year both on and off the pitch for the club, with the crumbling fortress that is Anfield witnessing just six Premier League wins in 2012 and only 12 in total across two different managers, while the upheaval in terms of replacing Kenny Dalglish with Brendan Rodgers has seen a shift in transfer policy, a ruthless cutting of the wage bill and a change in the club’s style of play to a more possession-based game. While it hasn’t quite matched up to the turbulent times of the last few days of the Hicks and Gillett era, the club’s supporters will be hoping for an altogether quieter, more reserved 2013.

While Rodgers’ talk of a top two finish looked foolish even before the 3-1 humbling at the hands of Aston Villa on home soil this month, that result has very much been the exception rather than the rule of late given the team’s decent form which has seen them earn impressive wins on the road against West Ham and Udinese. There are initial signs that after a ropey start to the season, with profligacy in front of goal hampering the side once again and results simply not matching up to performances, that an alignment of the two is now starting to take place.

The side currently sit just eight points off fourth-placed Tottenham, but after being out-fought and out-thought during the 3-1 loss to Tony Pulis’ side at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day, it’s that sort of inconsistency from one game to another which is proving frustrating for many of the club’s fans.

Captain Steven Gerrard’s magnificent display at the heart of a midfield trio against the Cottagers perfectly encapsulated the team’s up and down, inconsistent nature so far under Rodgers. The 32-year-old has looked ill at ease and unsure of his role in the team’s 4-3-3 system up until this point, decidedly average and ineffective going forward; shackled further back while still coming to terms with his lack of drive.

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However, on Saturday, Gerrard was at the hub of all of Liverpool’s best play, spraying sumptuous pass after pass out to either wing with unerring accuracy and timing his runs from deep to perfection, while also shielding his back four and keeping it simple when the occasion called for it. After six months, Rodgers’ methods appear to finally be breaking through into the players’ psyche and while there will be hiccups along the way, the side are certainly on the up along with their much-vaunted skipper’s form.

One of those hiccups came against Stoke, and while not as large as the Aston Villa defeat in terms of context, it will still have knocked the confidence of a young and relatively inexperienced squad. Despite taking the lead early on courtesy of a superbly taken Gerrard penalty, who was once again the team’s best player, they were pegged back almost straight away when Jonathan Walters equalised moments later – a trait that the team is becoming increasingly well-known for – conceding straight after they score and they appeared a touch lightweight, which when you come up against the Potters is at least understandable, but the result seemed inevitable after Kenywyne Jones nodded them ahead, with a distinct lack of fight on show.

The conditions under which the 39-year-old took over the reins at Anfield were not enviable ones; he has had to throw numerous youngsters into the mix ahead of schedule, he’s been continually hampered and undermined in the transfer market, all while having to reduce a hefty wage bill which has robbed him of the squad strength and depth required to stage an assault at both home and abroad like he has been tasked with this season.

Bumps in the road are commonplace, but along with Gerrard, the former Swansea manager deserves credit for instilling confidence in his troops and making them believe that their footballing ‘philosophy’ is one which will reap dividends further down the line. Knee-jerk reactions after every disappointing result or performance, like the ones after Aston Villa and Stoke, are simply part and parcel of being a big club going through a tough patch; a vocal minority given airtime, despite lacking any semblance of patience or rational thought to back up the bravado and shouty opinions.

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This is a club in transition, one which is pursuing with a new possession-based style of play while planning for the future at the same time. For those supporters brought up on years of success, seemingly mollycoddled by glory, they’ll simply have to calm down for the time being, for anything more than a top eight finish this term will be seen as a step in the right direction and a halting of the decline of recent years.

Champions League football is the ultimate aim, and the likely arrivals of both Daniel Sturridge and Tom Ince in January will help add goals to a threadbare attack and provide depth over the coming months, even if a return to Europe’s elite competition will surely have to wait for the coming seasons. Put into perspective, the side is struggling for consistency and against physical opposition, but that will change the more the players get used to the way that their manager wants them to play.

For far too long the club has been in search of an identity, even resorting to one of decade’s past by returning to Dalglish in the first place, and while there are plenty of problems left to fix and issues to iron out, Liverpool finally look like they’ve found one that they see as relatable to the modern game; for a team increasingly comfortable in their own skin, while expectations need to be kept in check for the time being, inconsistency will be rife, but it’s important to keep the long-term objective in mind, despite the temptation to give in to the vocal knuckle-draggers that every club suffers with.

John Barnes has backed Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles for an England call up.

Former Liverpool and Newcastle winger John Barnes says Lascelles would be a good addition to the England squad, as there aren’t too many centre backs cementing their places.

Lascelles has been in fantastic form this season, even when the Magpies have struggled for results. The Newcastle skipper has only lost by more than a one-goal margin twice all season – away at Manchester City and Liverpool.

His recent performances have drawn even more plaudits, and now Barnes reckons the 24 year-old deserves a chance.

“I think he would be (a good addition to the England squad),” Barnes told ChronicleLive on behalf of Bonus Code Bets.

“He is quick, he is strong and I don’t think there are many England defenders who you would say have really cemented their place in the team, never mind the squad.”

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The towering Lascelles registered a remarkable 13 clearances and won nine aerial duels against Southampton on Saturday. Many Newcastle fans have applauded his leadership qualities in the past, but Barnes says he should be in the squad on ability alone.

“Not necessarily for his leadership qualities but because of his ability. Going into an England squad for his England cap – it wont be because of his leadership qualities, he won’t be the captain like he is at Newcastle.

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“He is playing well and I don’t see why he shouldn’t be close to a call at all.”

There is plenty of competition for the defensive places in Gareth Southgate’s squad, which will be announced on Thursday. Still, not many of the candidates have enjoyed better seasons than Lascelles. Burnley’s James Tarkowski is another possible first time call-up.

Newcastle fans, would you like to see Lascelles in the England squad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Oh Arsenal, are wonderful… oh Arsenal, are wonderful… This chant sometime echoes around FFC Towers, with the north London club having a strong and loyal following in our ranks, as well as across the country.

The team that brought ‘beautiful football’ to the English shores, the Gunners have wowed everyone through the years with their success and unrelenting pursuit of the perfect goal – which they’ve managed on a few occasions.

With Arsene Wenger’s merry band of men giving us talking points on a daily basis, we always give them the coverage the deserve, and as a little November treat the best bits are all here…

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CLICK ON EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE CHILEAN TO GET THINGS GOING

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Why Sanchez is the man to fire Arsenal to the Champions League at Liverpool’s expense

A little man from Chile is proving to be a red-hot find for the Gunners this season.

After leaving Barcelona for Arsenal in a £35million move during the summer, Alexis Sanchez has left the crowds at the Emirates Stadium as breathless as a daredevil dumb enough to take a bite out of a Trinidad moruga scorpion (for those of you who aren’t aficionados of spicy food, look it up), with a number of stand-out performances leading him to score ten goals in his first 16 appearances for his new club.

The lightning-quick speed with which Sanchez has adapted to Premier League football aptly complements his on-field rapidity – a trait that fans of Barcelona, Udinese and the South American clubs of River Plate, Colo-Colo and Cobreloa are all too aware of – and the sight of the fleet-footed forward leaving Premier League defenders trailing in his wake, Road Runner-style, will leave the fans of one top flight club in particular wondering what could have been.

Sanchez fans, read on by clicking here…

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FIVE release clauses Arsenal could activate in January

Who first dreamed up the notion of the release clause? Perhaps it was a ploy adopted from the business sector, perhaps it was invented by Mr. R. Clause himself.

Either way, the release clause adds an interesting dynamic to the transfer market – a simple-yet-effective method of saying ‘If you want him that badly, this is how much you’ll have to pay. Don’t bother negotiating’

Indeed, many release clauses are extortionate, especially in regards to younger players, but that’s precisely the point. Nether the less, the Premier League has never shied away from activating them throughout the years and just to prove it, here’s FIVE Arsenal are reportedly prepared to meet when the transfer market reopens in January.

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Did he finally prove his worth in Arsenal’s draw at Everton?

His inaction proved to be the biggest answer to his detractors. Watching from the sidelines as Alexis Sanchez had been given the nod as Arsenal’s centre-forward for the trip to Everton, Olivier Giroud’s second half introduction for the Chilean gave weight to the importance of the French international to Arsene Wenger’s side.

Had it not been for Giroud’s involvement, it is unlikely Arsenal would have been able to mount a comeback that saw them leave Goodison Park with a point after going two-nil down in the first half. Alexis is the quicker, more inventive of the two, but his position as the team’s central striker doesn’t provide the balance offered by Giroud’s game. The Frenchman can appear rough around the edges, lacking the dribbling skills and speed to get away from defenders. But he gives focus to Arsenal’s attack.

Forgotten about Giroud? Reminisce by clicking here…

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SIX ‘better options than Romulo’ for Arsenal

It’s commonplace to see players dubbed the new ‘X’ or mooted as the player to fill ‘Y’s’ boots in the narrative driven world of the modern football. And today Arsenal have been linked with a certain Brazilian dubbed the ‘new Gilberto Silva’, who actually goes by the name of Romulo.

A Brazilian international plying his trade with Spartak Moscow, the 24-year-old has a decent reputation in Russian football and has attracted the likes of Liverpool in the past. Solid, albeit injury-prone, and young, it would appear that the Selecao star could be a good option for the Gunners in the long-run, but we here at FFC Towers think that the Londoners should be aiming a little higher.

With title aspiration and a craving for silverware at the Emirates Stadium, here are FIVE alternatives that may offer a little more than Romulo.

So who could Arsenal get to boost their midfield? Read on here….

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FIVE January transfer opportunities Arsenal can’t afford to ignore

They say the January transfer window is never the ideal time for Premier League clubs to buy – but that depends on whether you’re looking in the right places.

Take these FIVE stars for example; all highly-talented, all available for incredibly reasonable fees, and all capable of considerably improving Arsenal’s first teams squad for the campaign’s final run-in.

Indeed, being the helpful bunch we are at Football Fancast, we’ve listed FIVE fantastic transfer opportunities the Gunners can’t afford to ignore in January. Something already tells us however, Arsene Wenger most likely will.

Some have expiring contracts, others release clauses and a few simply need a new home.

Click here to read on…

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’s Welsh wing wizard Gareth Bale today praised his teammates for the win against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Premier League clash at Villa Park saw Spurs dominate possession in the first half as they failed to break the deadlock before half time.

Bale acknowledged his team’s difficulty at finding the opening goal and commented on two very contrasting 45-minutes. The Welshman noted that, “The most important thing was that we got the three points. We created a lot of chances and controlled the game in the first half, probably better than the second half when we scored the goals.”

Jermain Defoe claimed the opener, taking his Premier League tally to 10 goals. Bale then rounded the goalkeeper in a solo effort, making it 2-0 to Spurs. His second and third goals both came from runs through the middle where Bale’s teammates found the winger in space before he calmly slotted home, making it 3-0 and 4-0 respectively.

“It was great to get the hat-trick, my first in the Premier League, but I couldn’t have done it without the lads. It was a great team performance,” said Bale.

“It was crucial we got the first goal and the sooner the better. That showed when we scored. In the end, we won quite comfortably.

“It was a frustrating but I always believed – as the manager said – that if we kept playing like we were playing, the goals would come.”

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Manager Andre Villas-Boas added his opinion on the winger’s positional ability and eye for goal, noting that “[Gareth’s] finishing is very accurate, he’s been prolific in front of goal this season, so I think he’s enjoying getting into those positions.”

Teammate Jan Vertonghen also saved a few words for Bale, reminding us “His left foot is lethal.” The Belgian then went onto say “There were good assists in there as well but you know if he’s in front of goal with his left foot it’s 80 per cent a goal.”

Stoke City have begun talks with AFC Bournemouth over a deal to sign goalkeeper Adam Federici on a permanent basis, according to Sky Sports.

What’s the story?

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a long career in English football and started last season on loan from Bournemouth at Nottinham Forest, but an injury cut this short.

The Australian shot-stopper has been limited for chances at Bournemouth, with Asmir Begovic and Artur Boruc the preferred first and second choices.

But with Stoke’s Lee Grant looking like he’s making a surprise move to Manchester United, the Potters will need cover for Jack Butland next season in the Championship and according to Sky Sports, Federici could be their man.

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No fee is mentioned in the report, but for a third choice goalkeeper with one year left on his contract, Stoke shouldn’t have to shell out too much for the ‘keeper who’s valued at £675,000 on Transfermarkt.

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Good move for Stoke?

While it may not be the most exciting transfer for Stoke fans, it is an important one, as Federici has experience playing at Championship level and could well be called upon if Butland can’t play.

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He made over 200 league appearances for Reading in the Championship and Premier League and he represents a safe pair of hands if he is ever required.

Southampton defender Matt Targett put in another impressive display for loan side Fulham in their 3-0 win against Sheffield United at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night, and Saints fans will love what Cottagers supporters are saying about the left-back.

The south coast outfit decided to lend the 22-year-old to the Championship side until the end of the season during the January transfer window as he found himself behind Ryan Bertrand and Sam McQueen in the pecking order at St Mary’s, and he has quickly made a big impression for the west London outfit.

They have won six and drawn two of the eight matches Targett has played for them, and the Whites look set to compete for automatic promotion to the Premier League in the closing stages of the season after a 14-match unbeaten league run has taken them to within five points of the top two.

The Craven Cottage faithful were quick to have their say on the defender’s latest performance via social media, and Southampton supporters will love their comments.

While one said “this guy has changed Fulham”, another labelled him as “a class act who is getting better every game”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

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