Crystal Palace fans knew when they signed Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day that not only were they getting a sharp striker, but they were also getting a Twitter funny man. He’s yet to disappoint too, as he took to Twitter after the 1-1 draw with West Ham to laud the atmosphere at Selhurst Park, to the fan’s delight.

The Belgian striker failed to deliver the goal that the fans were craving as they fell to a 1- 1 draw.. However, that doesn’t mean that hope is lost for the striker. He will still be acclimatising to the Roy Hodgson way of playing football and when he’s up to speed with the way the Eagles play and gets a better link up with the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend then he’ll be a class addition.

The Eagles cannot wait to see their new import score, and if he can find a winner in front of them at some point then they’ll be desperate to prove him right and show that the Selhurst Park atmosphere is as electric as he’s said it is. However, with their next Premier League home game coming against Manchester United, they may have to wait until March for that to happen.

You can read the Eagles’ reactions to Batshuayi’s tweet here:

The Eagles love the idea of Batshuayi scoring in front of their home support and will be eager for it to happen sooner rather than later.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

We’re another week closer to January, and that means that we’re another week closer to finally figuring out what on earth is going to happen with Eddie Nketiah.

The Sun reckon he’s staying, while Football Insider have reported that Leeds expect him to be recalled.

The truth is in there somewhere, but one major Leeds source has stayed rather neutral on the matter.

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Indeed, Phil Hay hasn’t given a definitive answer on what will happen to the striker, as he’s only ever given his personal opinion on the matter, but he’s stated that he will have an offer from another team in January.

What’s been said then?

The Atheltic’s Leeds United correspondent was asked on the latest edition of The Phil Hay Show (13/12/19), whether or not he has a feeling about whether or not Nketiah will go back to Arsenal in January.

“I think I do, to be honest. Leeds have been briefing that he’s very happy, and I can’t speak for him and what he thinks exactly, but I speak to people who know him and the people around him, and I think there is frustration there about the little amount of game time he’s getting.” Hay said (10:20)

“It’s not to say that he will go back, but I just wonder. Bristol City will almost certainly have an offer on the table for him, and they’re in a good position in the league. There are other places he can go and play, and it seems to me that there isn’t a lot of sense from Arsenal’s point of view for him to stay for another six months.”

Could sway Arsenal

If Bristol City do have an offer ready for Nketiah in January that could be what sways Arsenal to recall him from the Yorkshire club.

The striker just isn’t getting a game at Leeds, and unfortunately, he’s going to get annoyed at that as he’s already shared his frustrations about being left on the bench.

If the Gunners get an alternative offer from Bristol City, a team that are also challenging at the top-end of the Championship, then they could consider sending him to the Robins.

Nketiah started off in impressive fashion, scoring regularly when he got his chance but he’s scored just one in his last eight league matches. That not only points to a forward out of form, but also to a young player struggling to get any match sharpness.

For the sake of his own career, he might be better off departing Leeds in January.

Meanwhile, our writers have been questioning whether or not one of Leeds’ January targets would be a good signing.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Wolves striker Raul Jimenez is a major threat to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

On the chalkboard

The Mexico international has been in fine form this season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions.

Six of those goals have come in the Premier League and the statistics show that he is something of a complete striker.

No clues whatsoever: Which seasons do these iconic Spurs images belong to?

Per WhoScored, he has also provided four assists throughout the campaign thus far.

He averages 3.1 shots per game, 1.8 key passes and 2.1 dribbles, while he also makes 0.9 clearances and 0.6 tackles throughout the 90 minutes on average.

This is a player who mucks in defensively but who remains a major threat in the opposition penalty area; in his last six games in the top-flight, he has had a hand in a total of five goals.

A major talent

Jimenez has been nothing short of a superb signing for Wolves.

Brought in for a fee of £30m, he has scored 32 goals and registered 15 assists in 71 outings and does a little bit of everything.

Throughout the game on Sunday, Spurs will have to be sure that they find a way to occupy him and keep him quiet.

Football FanCast has previously detailed how Jose Mourinho has unlocked the consistency of Davinson Sanchez.

And the Colombia international will be up against the forward this weekend and, with his statistics showing that he has averaged 1.5 tackles per game, 1.1 interceptions and 3.9 clearances, he will have to be at his very best to keep the 28-year-old quiet.

Failure to do so could result in a long afternoon for the north London giants.

Meanwhile, Spurs are scouting a Kosovo international. 

After his well-publicised altercation with sections of the Arsenal support in the clash against Crystal Palace, it’s fair to say Granit Xhaka isn’t probably the most popular figure at the Emirates.

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The Switzerland international subsequently had his captaincy stripped by Unai Emery, and only recently returned to the starting line-up for the Gunners. But according to the latest reports, it appears his time in north London may be coming to an end. German publication Bild have claimed Xhaka could be set for a return to the Bundesliga, with Hertha Berlin interested in securing his services for a fee in the region of €45m (£38.3m).

Watch Bournemouth vs Arsenal Live and Free with Amazon Prime on Boxing Day

And after hearing about the reports, Arsenal fans flooded to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the supposed interest in their former captain, with a few claiming they would be happy to personally take him to Germany.

Some fans were adamant that the money they could reportedly get for selling Xhaka would be a no-brainer to take, with one supporter in particular urging the Gunners not to think twice.

A couple of supporters of the north London side simply insisted they won’t miss him at all because he isn’t at the required level to play for the Gunners.

After everything that has happened between Xhaka and the Arsenal fans this season, a move away from the midfielder may just be the best solution for everybody. The Swiss ace can reignite his career elsewhere, and the Gunners can start planning for the future with players who are 100% behind the cause.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s surprising stat against Olympiacos means they cannot afford to do one thing.

Alfredo Morelos is a bit of a controversial character up in Scotland. For all his quality and the plaudits he receives, he has a dark side to his game too.

A red card against Celtic in Rangers’ recent win over their rivals sums that up perfectly. It was his seventh for the Gers and for all the goals he scores, 28 already this season, it casts a doubt on his ability to deliver.

Despite that, Steve Bruce is interested in the forward according to the Daily Star, and that has sparked debate amongst the Magpies’ fanbase as to whether or not he’d be a good signing.

With so many goals under his belt this term he’d surely be an upgrade on the likes of Joelinton and Andy Carroll, who have one goal between them, but many supporters can’t look past his poor discipline.

His second yellow card last Sunday was for simulation, which highlights the careless decision-making that has acted as a plague on his game, but if he eradicates that he could be a very good addition for Newcastle.

Even if he has played at a lower standard his goal record proves his finishing capability, and the confidence he must have should allow him to continue firing in the Premier League.

A football legend: Can you get over 80% on this Gazza quiz? Find out now…

He would provide energy up-front for Bruce’s side to get on the end of chances, as his average of five shots per game this campaign indicate, and that would prove useful, which is why some fans are keen for him to make the move to St. James’ Park.

Elsewhere, Daren Bent has shared his thoughts on the future of a promising Newcastle youngster, but there could be good news for supports in store.

Sunderland were in brilliant form last weekend as they overcame the challenge of Lincoln to win 3-1.

The Black Cats have led a revival over the festive period and despite winning just four of Phil Parkinson’s 17 matches in charge, they are now five games unbeaten.

A big part of that has been down to Chris Maguire who has five goal contributions in those outings, but as the transfer window opens, their squad is set to be bolstered by someone already on their books.

In his post-match press conference following the victory over the Imps, Parkinson confirmed that 23-year-old Ethan Robson would be returning from his loan spell with League 2 outfit Grimsby.

This provoked a host of fans to debate the midfielder on Twitter and they were full of praise for his attributes, suggesting Robson should be in the side now he’s been recalled.

A host of supporters drew comparisons with George Dobson, suggesting that the returning midfield man was, in fact, better than one of the players already at Parkinson’s disposal.

Dobson is someone who has divided opinion amongst the fanbase this term so it’s hardly surprising that they’ve taken this opportunity to take a subtle dig at him.

It’s hard to suggest someone who’s been playing in the division below is better than a player who has featured regularly in League 1 but he’s certainly caught the eye with three goals and a solitary assist. Dobson, on the other hand, has no goal involvements all season.

With Parkinson suggesting there had been interest from other clubs about taking him on loan, some fans are keen to see Robson remain in the Black Cats’ team and get a place in the starting XI or the matchday squad.

More comparisons were made with fellow individuals in the side, including Grant Leadbitter. One supporter suggested that the returning loan man offers more than the former Middlesbrough player and it’s hard to speculate against that argument.

The 33-year-old makes fewer tackles, dribbles and key passes per game than Robson. Given those facts, there is certainly a reason to keep him around once he returns to the Stadium of Light.

Two further Sunderland supporters were merely delighted with the news as one claimed it was about time he returned to the club.

Can you remember how much each of these transfer icons cost? Only experts will get 100% on our quiz…

Robson has been impressive with his all-round approach to the game this term, contributing to four goals while making 3.1 tackles per outing in the process.

Meanwhile, the heir to Aiden McGeady’s throne has emerged at Sunderland…

West Bromwich Albion have faltered in recent weeks.

They have won just one game in their last seven Championship outings yet if you took a look at the league standings, you wouldn’t have realised as the Baggies still sit top of the table.

Slaven Bilic’s side have struggled to turn draws into victories, which was most noted when holding the lead twice against Charlton Athletic at the weekend, only to return to the west Midlands with a frustrating point.

Albion are also the league’s top goalscorers with a total of 50, but in recent weeks, they have failed to find the net as regularly as they would have liked – just twice in their last seven matches have they notched two or more goals against the opposition.

It has led to West Brom legend and former centre-back Ally Robertson calling for the club to sign a striker this month in order to secure promotion, and he may well have a point.

Despite both Charlie Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu reaching seven goals for the season, and Kenneth Zohore’s recent emergence with two from two, the Baggies could do with another option in attack.

So far this transfer window, they have been linked to plenty of attack-minded players, but the best of the lot would almost certainly be Che Adams – that’s if they can prise him away from his difficult spell at Southampton.

Their interest was cited by the Daily Mail at the start of the month.

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The 23-year-old joined the south coast side in the summer in a £15m deal from Birmingham City and has found life difficult in the top-flight with no goals and just the one assist from 16 appearances.

It is believed that the Saints hierarchy would be open to loaning him out with an obligation to buy this month, even despite manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s claims over keeping him.

Leeds are likely to be Albion’s nearest contenders for his signature so they must do all they can to clinch him. His prolific campaign across the border in the Midlands last term shows why he would be the best striker at the club.

Per WhoScored, Adams averaged more shots per game than what both Austin and Robson-Kanu have managed this season – West Brom currently rank seventh for shots at goal in the division, so he’d improve that substantially, you’d imagine.

The 5 foot 9 forward also earned more free-kicks as he was fouled 1.5 times per match while he also contributes more to his teammates having averaged 1.5 key passes per game – over double what the Baggies pair have managed this campaign.

This means he could bring the likes of Grady Diangana, Matt Phillips and Matheus Pereira even more into play as if they weren’t lethal enough already – the trio have all directly contributed to ten or more goals individually.

Can you score at least 80% on this Ultimate Premier League Quiz? Test your knowledge now…

And at just 23, he would further offer the club a long-term option in the role with both Austin and Robson-Kanu entering their 30s.

Luke Dowling must sanction a swoop for him and the deal involved could well suit the club as it has very Pereira-like feels – according to reports from The Athletic, Southampton would want a £1m loan fee and then £10m in the summer, that sounds like far better business than clinching 29-year-old Dwight Gayle for circa £10m.

While in other news, West Brom are plotting a move for a prolific speedster who has been lighting up the Champions League this season…

Tottenham confirmed the signing of Gedson Fernandes today and now according to The Daily Mail they have been offered the chance to sign Emre Can from Juventus.

Jose Mourinho has had to settle on rotating between Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko and Eric Dier for the majority of the games in charge so far, and the signing of Can could allow him to bring in someone with Premier League experience.

In fact, towards the end of his spell with Liverpool he was much fancied by Jurgen Klopp, playing 38 times in 2017/18, including the Champions League final.

Some Spurs fans are keen on the player, possibly due to his impressive form with the Reds, and as a result they would support a move for the German, not least because he may be an upgrade on their current options.

Can’s 25 caps for Germany highlight the quality he has, and though his lack of game time at Juventus is a negative mark against him, it should be considered that he is competing for minutes with some of the best midfielders in Europe, such as three-time Serie A winner Miralem Pjanic.

The fact he is out of favour with only two starts this term means he could be available for a cut-price deal, and that should appeal to supporters, as should the fact that he has averaged 2.4 tackles per game throughout his career and is still only 26-years-old.

The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?

Despite that, there is a significant amount of opposition to the signing amongst the Spurs fanbase, with different arguments suggesting he has flopped at the Italian giants and is no longer the player he once was.

The transfer rumours don’t stop there, nor does the fan reaction, with Tottenham supporters reacting to another exciting player who has been linked to the club in recent days.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have hailed Gedson Fernandes after his cameo performance against Watford on Saturday.

The midfielder came off the bench to make his debut, having been signed on loan from Benfica earlier this week.

He replaced Giovani Lo Celso but was unable to spark a turnaround for his new employers as Spurs were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw with the Hornets.

Calling all Tottenham fans: How much do you really know about Spurs’ new hero? Find out below…

Nevertheless, supporters liked what they saw of their new signing.

It feels remarkably early to make any sort of judgement on Fernandes.

He is just 21 and has barely played any football at all this season; he had clocked just 630 minutes this term before his move, accounting for seven full games.

Add that to the fact he has not played in the Premier League before, and has also been played in a number of different positions – he has been deployed on the right, the left and in attacking midfield this season for example – and one has to believe that he needs a fair amount of time to get up to speed in a Spurs shirt.

Positivity is all well and good, but Spurs fans are really jumping the gun here. It will help nobody to over-hype the youngster after just ten minutes against Watford and formulating entire opinions on such a short stint on the pitch could, in the end, make some of the above fans look rather silly.

Meanwhile, there has been a huge update on Giovani Lo Celso’s future.

Philippe Coutinho’s career has gone backwards since leaving Liverpool in January of 2018.

The Brazil international moved to Barcelona, and it looked as though it was the next step in an upward trajectory. However, after just 76 appearances for the Blaugrana, he was sent on loan to Bayern Munich at the start of the campaign, and it now looks as though he won’t be staying in Bavaria beyond this season either.

The big fat Liverpool quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Anfield?

According to El Desmarque, the Bundesliga champions do not want to pay the €120m (£101.2m) purchase option. The report also adds that Jurgen Klopp would have turned down the chance to re-sign the 27-year-old for €108m (£91m), with names like Fabian Ruiz and Isco being more of interest to the Liverpool manager.

Whilst he may not be the player he once was, the six goals and five assists he has managed in 16 Bundesliga matches indicate that the quality is still there.

Call yourself a Premier League expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?

Were Liverpool right to turn that offer down? Our writers give their verdicts.

Domagoj Kostanjsak

“Even though Coutinho used to be Liverpool’s key man, Jurgen Klopp has already long moved on from the system that made the Brazilian into the star he would eventually become. But both his failed stint at Barcelona and the ongoing campaign with Bayern Munich have proved that Coutinho is very much a system-specific player that needs the whole team centred around him in order to thrive. At the moment, I just can’t see him slotting into the current Liverpool squad nor do I feel Klopp needs a player of his profile at all. For me, this would have been a waste of money and honestly, it’s a spot-on decision by the German to decline the offer to take him back.”

Matt Dawson

“Jurgen Klopp has taken this Liverpool side from one that was quickly fading down the Premier League table to one now on the verge of winning the very same trophy. Their transformation has been nothing short of outstanding and the last thing they need is to bring someone like Philippe Coutinho back to Anfield. The Brazilian is a player of days gone by and has no future in the mesmeric team that Klopp is building. Coutinho may have creativity in abundance, registering five assists and six goals in the Bundesliga this season, but Liverpool are better off pursuing someone for the future – not an ex-player who could have cost them £91m. This is the right stance, one that shows just how far the Reds have come.”

James Beavis

“Liverpool are absolutely right to take this stance on Philippe Coutinho. Jurgen Klopp currently has a tight-knit squad who clearly have an exceptional attitude and mentality given how good they have been over the course of the last 18 months especially. The Brazilian blotted his own copybook when he handed in a transfer request via email at Anfield in the summer of 2017 in order to force through a move to Barcelona, and a potential bad egg to disrupt this settled team is the last thing the Merseyside outfit needs.

“That action in 2017 was perhaps a sign of his character, and Klopp has had the last laugh since his departure following two Champions League finals, 97 points in the top flight last season and looking to be on course to win their first-ever Premier League title this term.”

Jonathan Radcliffe

“Whilst the general opinion seems to be that Klopp was right to turn down taking Coutinho back to Liverpool, I believe that it could be a missed opportunity from the 52-year-old. Yes, the potential fee would have been a big one, but at 27 he still has plenty of football left in him. In the Premier League, the Brazil international was a revelation – in his last 45 matches in the English top tier, he had 20 goals and 13 assists. His work-rate is also underappreciated – he averaged 2.8 tackles per match at last year’s Copa America and managed well over one per game during his time in the Premier League. His career may not have gone on the trajectory many expected, but he still has the pedigree to be a star. In this case, Klopp got it wrong.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans have slammed this star after his dreadful display against Wolves.