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Fans of Southampton have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Saints confirmed that James Ward-Prowse returned to the club from international duty early.

Having been called up by Gareth Southgate for England’s World Cup qualifying fixtures against San Marino, Albania and Poland last month, Ward-Prowse went on to make his fifth and sixth appearances for the national team, scoring the first goal of his international career in the 5-0 rout of San Marino.

However, prior to England’s 2-1 victory over Poland on Wednesday evening, Southampton confirmed in a statement on their club website that the midfielder had returned to St. Mary’s sooner than expected as a fitness precaution.

And, after Saints shared this news on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing to be furious at the prospect of the club captain potentially being ruled out of Southampton’s upcoming fixture against Burnley.

So, what exactly did these Southampton fans have to say in reaction to the news regarding James Ward-Prowse?

“Hope he’s ok, would be gutted if he misses a minute for us after not missing any so far.”

@lacbeckett

“He better not be injured I stg.”

@harrisonlegg1

“We gotta hope he’s not injured otherwise we’ve got a real problem.”

@newington13

“If he’s injured imma cry.”

@ryanrd1905

“Player who is never injured gets injured by England.”

@shirleymush

“Idk tbh. He better not be injured though. He can keep his streak of consecutive games.”

@Ronan97653347

In other news: loads of Saints fans pleaded for this ‘no brainer’ deal for this ‘superb’ £60k-p/w star – find out more here!

Arsenal could sign their dream Alexandre Lacazette successor in Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

What’s the story?

Mikel Arteta’s side are likely to need a new centre-forward this summer, with both Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette having their contracts come to an end at the Emirates come the summer of 2022, meaning both of their long-term futures remain uncertain.

According to The Telegraph, the Gunners are interested in signing Edouard this summer, although they are set to face intense Premier League competition from the likes of Leicester.

Perfect Lacazette successor

As well as his contract coming to an end, reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that a couple of clubs across Europe are keeping an eye on Lacazette’s situation amid a potential move for him in the summer.

And if Lacazette does leave, then Edu could sign a perfect replacement for him in his much younger French compatriot, Edouard.

The Celtic star has been a prolific campaigner for the Hoops, and this season has already seen him break the 20-goal barrier mark, including netting away at the San Siro against Milan in the Europa League.

Former Hoops boss Neil Lennon has raved about the centre-forward before, and insisted that he remains such a vital part of the side.

He said: “He’s hugely important (to us), he’s an outstanding footballer, talismanic almost, he’s so talented, so cool and he had two great finishes. He’s up there with some of the best we’ve had over the last 20 odd years.”

The £13.5m-rated ace just has that canny knack of scoring goals and being in the right place at the right time, and at just 23-years-old, has got all the time in the world to further develop into a genuinely top-class striker.

As Arsenal have already seen with Kieran Tierney, there is real value and talent to be had north of the border in Scotland, and Edouard could once again represent another piece of shrewd business by Edu.

Out with the old, and in with the new. The Celtic star is exactly the kind of player Arsenal should be looking to sign this summer.

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Red Star Belgrade winger Andrija Radulovic recently and the 18-year-old could prove to be an excellent addition to Pep Guardiola’s side in the future.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, the Citizens are interested in signing Radulovic and have opened talks with the Serbian side about signing him, having already tracked the youngster for over a year.

It is suggested that City have been keeping an eye on him since he scored against Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-0 win in the UEFA Youth League, which has also seen Spurs track the teenager, although City are the favourites to sign him.

They also report that Radunovic is unlikely to challenge in Guardiola’s side at first, so would likely be sent back to Red Star on loan, or to one of City’s affiliate clubs from around the globe.

Would he be a good signing?

In 13 appearances for Red Star’s senior side, Radulovic has managed an impressive two goals and two assists, so he is clearly a promising youngster and he looks to have a big future in the game.

Barcelona, Benfica, Inter and AC Milan have all also been linked with him in the past, so it seems clear that he is a man in demand and that plenty of the top scouts around the world feel that he has what it takes to make it at the top.

The Serbian U19 international has been also been compared to current Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri, who has won two Champions League titles with Bayern Munich and Liverpool in his career, so if Radulovic could have a career similar to his, then he would surely prove to be a solid addition at the Etihad.

Given that he is valued at just £1.17m by Transfermarkt, it seems as if the 18-year-old could be a bargain signing for City this summer, especially if he goes on to realise his obvious potential with Guardiola’s side in the future.

Therefore, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely look to bring Radulovic to the Etihad ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Txiki must avoid transfer disaster over 25-goal “winner”, Pep would be fuming

Leeds must win the race to sign Crystal Palace star Patrick van Aanholt in this summer transfer window amid reports linking him with a move elsewhere.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side have got their eye on signing the Dutchman on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

However, Football Insider now claim that Galatasaray have offered a contract to Van Aanholt as they look to beat the Whites to his signing, with the Turkish giants also the team who have supposedly agreed a deal to land Leeds’ Gjanni Alioski.

Premier League proven

Van Aanholt is battle-hardened in English football, having played 209 times in the Premier League, and would surely be more of a guarantee in terms of hitting the ground running at Elland Road.

His more attacking style of play as a left-back is also right up Bielsa’s wheelhouse, with Gus Poyet, his former manager at Sunderland, saying: “You need to be really on top of him for his defensive duties and maybe have people around who can help him to maintain the mentality you need to defend. He’s a very offensive full back. He has an explosive ability to go forward and help the team to create chances.

“I would say use him as much as you can on the offensive side, and convince him to help with his defensive duties. But that’s his character. It is what it is. We can’t change that and he can’t be a different player than he is.”

The £55,000-a-week earning Dutchman would be a shrewd signing for Leeds given his Premier League experience and the fact he would arrive as a free agent once his contract expires.

It’s a deal which Victor Orta and co should be all over.

Meanwhile, Leeds must surely rue letting this star leave…

Many Wolves fans were heavily critical towards forward Adama Traore during their Premier League clash against local rivals Aston Villa.

The 25-year-old started on the left-hand side of an attacking three but found himself interchanging with Pedro Neto during certain moments of the game.

Traore has been heavily linked with a move away from Molineux and was slated by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp before the kick-off, astonished that he has not made any goal contributions during the 2020/21 campaign.

Last season, Wolves slapped a £70m price tag on the Spaniard’s head as both Liverpool and Manchester City were interested in his services.

Despite his slump in form, Traore still managed to secure his first set of international caps for Spain, but we suspect the club won’t get such a hefty fee if they decide to cash in this time around.

With all this in mind, supporters lambasted Traore and believe that he has lost interest in playing for Wolves, as you can see below.

Traore in Molineux bad books

“What’s the point of Adama?”

Credit: @csayers83

“Has Adama Traore forgotten he is the fastest player on the pitch?? The man doesn’t want to run this first half”

Credit: @craiglewis1993

“Unless Traore gets the ball to feet he’s useless, offers zero off the ball movement, sooner Podence back the better, Traore is an impact sub only, such a waste of talent, if he hasn’t developed a footballing brain by now I don’t think he ever will.”

Credit: @jamiewalters23

“Maybe Traore could move more, get into space to actually receive a pass”

Credit: @Ashbe_87

“Traore….you really selling yourself at the moment! Dream move back to the championship on the cards !!”

Credit: @Pukkawolf

“Doesn’t offer anything always wants the ball to feet and if he doesn’t get in he doesn’t care. When he gets the ball he either gets fouled gives it away or kicks it out”

Credit: @Jackbar83877495

In other news, Tim Spiers responds to Wolves exit rumours regarding ‘outstanding’ gem.

Some Sunderland fans were left to blast the display of Callum McFadzean despite their 2-0 away win at Portsmouth in the EFL League One on Tuesday night.

Lee Johnson’s men raced into an early lead through Charlie Wyke before doubling their lead a few minutes into the second half as Jordan Jones ensured that all three points were going to the Stadium of Light faithful.

However, while there were some very good performances by the Black Cats, McFadzean’s flattered to deceive some SAFC supporters.

The former Sheffield United man lost out on seven of his duels in the game, and also failed to record a single successful dribble, interception, key pass or cross from the left-back position (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball no fewer than 24 times in the match, the most out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Sunderland fan reaction to McFadzean display

These Sunderland fans blasted his performance on Twitter, with one fan even going as far to claim that the 27-year-old is ‘useless’:

“I’d love to know what LJ thinks of Vokins, because McFadzean is literally scared of the ball… (and useless) #safc”

Credit: @lambo_82

“God help us if McFadzean is in the 11 at Wembley… #SAFC”

Credit: @RokerPark150705

“Someone teach McFadzean to complete a 5 yard pass please #safc”

Credit: @brettd1981

“McFadzean is definitely up with the worst players I have ever seen can’t pass can’t head the ball #safc”

Credit: @Safcftm2016

“10 minutes in and can already see McFadzean is an accident waiting to happen #PORSUN”

Credit: @j_rennoldson23

“They seen McFadzean is the weak link and targeting him. You’ll get something from that.”

Credit: @widger123

In other news, find out who else was slammed for his display against Pompey here!

Some Manchester United fans have been left to slam some early team news ahead of their home game against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday evening.

As per French news outlet L’Equipe, the former AS Monaco man ‘should not’ be able to play against Graham Potter’s team after an injury that he suffered to his knee while on international duty with France against Kazakhstan.

The publication also claims that it is ‘not guaranteed’ that he will play any part in their first leg in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Granada either.

While Martial has not been very prolific so far in the 2020/21 term, scoring a mere seven goals in 36 games in total over all competitions (‘man of the match’ display in their 2-0 away win over Manchester City in the Premier League in March.

Manchester United fans on Martial update

These Red Devils slammed the update on Martial after it was shared on Twitter, with one member of the Old Trafford faithful even going as far as to claim that it was ‘stupid’:

“Advantage Brighton and Granada”

Credit: @MysticalMartial

“We’re finished”

Credit: @ZoldyckArixn

“Wow this is stupid”

Credit: @SiyawaJr

“Advantage Brighton”

Credit: @UtdAbbas

“At this rate, we are behind in the race for top 4.”

Credit: @techguy1016

“I hate this game”

Credit: @Rafiudabosss

In other news, find out what Fabrizio Romano update has left MUFC fans fuming here!

According to Diario Madridsta, Manchester United have reportedly identified Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane as the perfect partner for Harry Maguire.

What’s the word?

United have been linked with a number of centre-backs, including Sevilla star Jules Kounde, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeks to strengthen his back four.

But it’s now been suggested by the Spanish publication that Varane is being viewed as a possible alternative.

Significant upgrade on Victor Lindelof

Offensively, Solskjær’s side have been pretty decent this season – scoring 46 goals in 22 games, that being the most out of any other team in the Premier League.

At the back, however, they have been anything but solid, having conceded three times in as many games prior to the Premier League fixture with Southampton. Furthermore, they have shipped more goals (27) than the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea this season.

If United opt for Varane and make him a key cog in the starting line-up, he’ll easily plug the gap in the defence. He’s averaged 1.4 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per 90 this term in La Liga, earning himself a solid WhoScored match rating of 6.74 overall in the process – this while playing for a team who look far from their best (Madrid lie 10 points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid).

For context, that’s still higher than Victor Lindelof (6.64), which suggests that he would be an immediate upgrade on the 26-year-old. Per WhoScored, the Frenchman’s defensive stats outweigh the Swede in key areas, averaging more interceptions, making far less fouls and boasting a far better passing accuracy when it comes to switching the play – 3.9 accurate long balls compared to two.

His teammate and former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has hailed him as one of the best defenders in history. He recently told franceinfo: “Karim Benzema is very friendly and down-to-earth. He’s here to score goals and win matches. I think he’s shown once again this year that he’s quite simply the best.

“Then you have Raphael Varane. I’ve come across some fantastic defenders during my career, such as John Terry and Vincent Kompany.

“I think that although [Varane] is still young, he’s already one of the best centre-backs of all time. His partnership with Sergio Ramos is wonderful.”

Unlike Lindelof, who has had his fair share of critics over the past couple of years, it’s fair to say that Varane could be the difference-maker. With a big-money centre-back in Harry Maguire already at the club, United could find another high-profile partner for the England international in Varane.

The fact that Solskjaer has used an abundance of centre-backs next to the former Leicester man is quite telling about how he just hasn’t quite found the solution yet, with the likes of Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Marcos Rojo among others being given a run-out. But in the £63m-rated Varane, they would be getting someone of serious pedigree and who has played at the highest level for both club and country.

If those at Old Trafford want to assemble a new-look backline, the World Cup winner might be their best bet.

AND in other news, Manchester United should get rid of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer outcast Diogo Dalot this summer…

It’s a measure of just how far Aston Villa have come in such a short space of time, that Dean Smith and his side will be incredibly disappointed to have not come away with at least a point against Manchester United on Friday night.Villa were good value to get a positive result at Old Trafford – they had 15 shots to United’s 19, and had double the amount of corners as the Red Devils too (10 to 5) – but a controversial VAR call in the second-half ensured that wasn’t to be the case.Paul Pogba appeared to trip himself up inside the box, and Bruno Fernandes dispatched it to seal a 2-1 win for the hosts. But whilst Villa will rightly feel aggrieved at VAR, they should also look a bit closer to home for why they didn’t get anything from the game. Namely, Ollie Watkins’ disappointing performance.The summer signing from Brentford started life at Villa Park like a house on fire, scoring six goals in his first seven Premier League games, including netting against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.But the goals have dried up considerably since then, with the £27m-rated ace now having gone eight games without finding the back of the net in the top-flight.And on Friday, Watkins looked as poor as he’s ever been for Villa.As per Sofascore, he finished with a 6.5 match rating, the worst of any Villa player on the night. He lost 12 of his 18 total duels, and conceded possession ten times too.Whilst his effort couldn’t be questioned – he constantly tried to run into the channels and chase down hopeful long balls on the counter – his touch and finishing seemed to desert him.He missed one official big chance, whilst he could hit the target with one of his three attempts. That’s also not to mention he completed just 13 passes in 90 minutes, registering just 32 touches in total.That led to Villa Views on Twitter to call for him to be given a break, with Keinan Davis instead starting in his place.

Whilst Smith will rightly be angry with VAR, he’ll also be very frustrated with Watkins’ lack of impact at the other end.

Mike Ashley could put any fears of relegation to bed by sanctioning a deal for Newcastle United to sign AFC Bournemouth forward Joshua King in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, King is proving to be a problem for a number of his potential suitors by demanding a mammoth £120,000-per-week contract to leave the Vitality Stadium this month.

Newcastle, Aston Villa and Fulham are all said to be tracking the Norway international’s situation, while Everton may shelve their plans to replace Cenk Tosun with King if he refuses to lower his demands as they only see the 29-year-old as a potential squad player.

Newcastle are happy to wait until the end of the season to welcome King to St. James’ Park as he is due to be a free agent in the summer, and thus avoid having to pay Bournemouth the rumoured £15m they are said to be demanding.

King believes he is deserving of a huge pay rise on his current £45k-p/w deal to leave Bournemouth this month, as he will be able to negotiate lucrative terms and a sizeable signing bonus if he leaves the south coast as a free agent like Ryan Fraser achieved last year.

Callum Wilson also joined the Magpies from the Cherries in the previous transfer window for £20m and signed a £46k-p/w contract.

King penning a £120k-p/w deal would make the Norway international Newcastle’s top-earner by some margin, with Joelinton currently the best-paid player on £86.5k-p/w terms.

Should Newcastle sign King?

Newcastle should do all they can to bring King to St. James’ Park in the January transfer window and reunite the forward with his former Bournemouth teammates Fraser and Wilson, as the 29-year-old may prove to be the difference between United being relegated or staying in the Premier League.

The Toon will well and truly be in a relegation fight if they lose at Arsenal on Monday night, where defeat or a draw will extend a six-game winless run in the top-flight that stretches to eight in all competitions after bowing out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Just seven points currently separate Newcastle from the drop zone, with no side claiming fewer points (2) than Steve Bruce’s men since the Toon last won a league game, while only Burnley, Southampton (3) and Fulham (2) have scored fewer goals (4).

King has struggled with injuries this season and tested positive for coronavirus, but struck twice and provided an assist in Bournemouth’s FA Cup win over Oldham earlier this month and once again offered creativity despite the Cherries losing 1-0 at home to Luton on Saturday.

The 29-year-old took a joint-game high three shots at the weekend and directed two on target (also a joint-game high), while delivering one of his side’s nine key passes as Jason Tindall saw the Cherries spread the creative burden evenly, per WhoScored.

King also made the second-most successful dribbles (2) among all who featured for either side with a 100% success rate, won two of his three aerial duels and offered two tackles from two attempts for the joint-second most by a Bournemouth player.

His performance was enough to take his seasonal averages to 1.0 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.4 dribbles attempted a game, with efforts on goal every 44.9 minutes and a chance created every 74.8 minutes.

Wilson comparably offers a shot on goal every 47.5 minutes in the Premier League, where he is Newcastle’s top-scorer with eight goals in 15 games, and having another player who produces at a similar level could allow Ashley and Bruce to forget about facing relegation this season.

AND in other news, a £2m-rated Newcastle target’s potential has been questioned by his current side.