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Crystal Palace embarked on a mass overhaul of their first-team squad over the summer, allowing several experienced campaigners to depart before replacing them with exciting, young acquisitions.

And the early indications are that the capital club’s dealings were a huge success. The likes of Marc Guehi, Odsonne Edouard and Conor Gallagher have all hit the ground running at Selhurst Park, propelling Patrick Vieira’s new-look side to a memorable victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, while there can be little doubt over the incomings in south London, the club’s hierarchy arguably made a few mistakes when allowing some seasoned professionals to walk out the exit.

Winger Andros Townsend has been excelling at fellow Premier League club Everton in the opening weeks of the new campaign with five goals for the Toffees already, but defender Patrick van Aanholt is another who Palace chairman Steve Parish may have some regrets over.

After joining the Eagles via a £9.45m move in January 2017, the attacking left-back went on to make 134 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in the process.

His impressive performances for Palace saw him soon became a pivotal part of the English sides system under former manager Roy Hodgson, earning him 19 caps for the Netherlands senior setup as a result.

But while the ex-England boss brought stability to Palace during his tenure, Hodgson has left behind an imbalanced and unstable playing squad, with the Selhurst Park outfit having the oldest squad in the top flight in 2020/21.

Consequently, Van Aanholt was one of the players sacrificed to make way for the new era in south London and was phased out of the Palace starting XI in the final few weeks of last term, allowing promising full-back Tyrick Mitchell a chance to shine.

However, the now 31-year-old still made 22 Premier League appearances for Palace, recording 1.4 interceptions per game and 1.1 defensive dribbles per game, the third-highest totals in the Palace squad for each metric, respectively.

His departure on a free transfer in the previous window has left Mitchell as the only natural left-back in Vieira’s squad, while Van Aanholt’s eye-catching performances for Galatasaray in the Europa League will surely leave Parish and co. lamenting their decision to let the defender go.

And, in other news…Signed for £0, sold for £49.5m: Parish struck gold for Palace over £90k-p/w gem

Wolves have had an impressive start to the season, with new attackers Francisco Trincao and Hee Chan Hwang, joining the squad in the summer, they have managed to maintain a comfortable position in the top half of the table where they currently sit eighth after eighteen games played.

Hwang has been one of the notable performers in the team making an instant impact on the side since his arrival 4 months ago, with four goals in 14 Premier League appearances, making him the highest scoring player in the side so far this season.

Unfortunately for Wolves, the South Korean forward sustained a hamstring injury in the early stages of the clash against Brighton earlier this month, and it has now been confirmed that he will be out until at least February.

The club officially confirmed the news on the Wolverhampton Wanderers website stating;

“Hee Chan Hwang sustained a hamstring injury in the win over Brighton and is expected to return to play in February.”

Bruno Lage has had to get through the first half of the season with key players missing for large chunks of the campaign, with injury hits over the last few months to not only Hwang, but Willy Boly, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Pedro Neto and many more, with some still out of action.

The Wolves boss will be looking to the upcoming transfer window, which opens in the next few days, to add quality, fitness and availability to his squad as they challenge for a spot in Europe next season, but he may be able to save money by making a bold decision.

Morgan Gibbs White is currently on loan with Sheffield United, and is thoroughly enjoying the first team football he is experiencing with the side after making 16 appearances, scoring five goals and bagging four assists in the Championship already.

The Blades team mate, David McGoldrick, heaped praise on the youngster claiming he has “the world at his feet” after he opened the scoring against Cardiff in a 3-2 win;

“Yeah he’s got the world at his feet. You know, great kid, great player. He’s got all the ability in the world”, McGoldrick said after the win at Cardiff.

Gibbs White also weighed in on his season so far;

“Going to Sheffield United was the right move because I didn’t want to be sat on the bench at a Premier League team. I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Lage’s big decision

Despite the fact he is clearly thriving with the Championship side, Lage is plagued with virus outbreaks and particularly, an injury to an important goal-scorer in his team.

Which begs the dilemma as to whether the Wolves manager leaves the 21-year-old to continue to build confidence and experience, or recalls him from loan, bringing him back to the West Midlands club to make up for lost goal scoring opportunities in the absence of Hwang.

If Wolves were to bring back Gibbs-White it would free up funds for Lage to spend in other key areas that could use depth like their defensive and wing back positions, so it could be quite a positive move for the club.

But could also really disrupt the progression the forward is having away on loan if the manager can’t offer him enough first team football when Hwang returns.

In the end, Wolves’ need right now is far more pressing, so Lage must seriously consider making that bold call.

In other news: Ruben Neves squashes rumours of a move away

Southampton could be set to offload as many as six first-team players in the summer transfer window according to journalist Tom Barclay, who was talking to GiveMeSport.

The lowdown: Overhaul incoming

Saints’ boss Ralph Hasenhuttl looks set to oversee a hectic summer at St Mary’s with six senior stars all out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt).

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On-loan striker Armando Broja also seems likely to head back to parent club Chelsea, as things stand, whilst it remains to be seen whether the south coast club will have money to spend following a takeover in January.

Now as the end of the 2021/22 campaign looms and another season in the Premier League beckons, three first-team regulars could already be on the transfer list…

The latest: Barclay predicts exodus

Talking to GMS, Barclay suggested that chief executive Martin Semmens could sanction a raft of high-profile departures this summer with Theo Walcott, Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond already tipped with moves away.

He stated: “I don’t know if they’d sell all of them. It depends on the offers.

“From what I’ve heard, they are open to offers on those three. There could be quite a few who leave Southampton. There could be five or six, so we’ll see.”

The verdict: Fresh faces needed

Having already secured top-flight football for another season the Saints are once again on the proverbial beach heading into what is ordinarily the business end of the campaign.

Whilst steering clear of the threat of relegation could be seen as mission accomplished, for the new owners and indeed Hasenhuttl, there is likely to be a strive for more success over the coming seasons.

Walcott, Djnepo and Redmond have managed a combined 41 Premier League outings so far this term (WhoScored), and as three attacking players would suggest that Semmens may already have set about what area of the squad is in particular need of strengthening.

Allowing the aforementioned trio to leave would not only free up the wage bill but also bring important funds into the club and may therefore be seen as a relatively small risk worth taking given the success of recent Hasenhuttl purchases such as Mohammed Salisu, Kyle Walker-Peters and Che Adams.

In other news: Journalist makes transfer claim involving Southampton! Find out more here.

Everton are plotting a move for New York City striker Valentin Castellanos as they look to bolster their attacking options in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, the 23-year-old is one of the Toffees’ attacking targets for this month, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of star forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

The duo have scored a combined six goals in 15 appearances during what has been an injury-hit campaign for both of them. However, The Sun have reported that the Merseyside club could be forced to sacrifice at least one of the two players.

Alongside Alexis Sanchez, Castellanos is one of Everton’s preferences for a replacement after scoring 23 goals and registering nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions for New York City last season on their way to winning their first MLS Cup.

The 23-year-old has plenty of potential and was praised by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola last month, who said: “I think he is a guy who will do the next step in Europe.

“What I saw when the scouting department talked to me, I know he’s a quality player and ready to make the next step to Europe and we will see where.”

Everton should swoop for Castellanos

At 23 years of age, Castellanos is still nowhere near his prime and should only improve; this would also means that his value will escalate further.

Everton haven’t particularly struggled in the final third this season, scoring 23 goals in 18 Premier League matches. However, their injury record this term has been a major issue, especially in attack, with the likes of Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Andros Townsend all facing lengthy spells on the sidelines.

There may be questions regarding the level at which the Argentine striker has been prolific, although 32 goal contributions in 36 games at 23 years of age is a very impressive return.

The Toffees could do with alternatives in attack, and swooping for a young player with bags of potential and an excellent scoring record could prove to be a shrewd long-term move.

In other news, Everton have been linked with this promising midfielder…

According to reliable reporter Gary Jacob of The Times, a transfer update has come out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Atletico Madrid striker and Juventus loanee Alvaro Morata.

The Lowdown: Spurs linked…

As manager Antonio Conte reportedly seeks a new forward addition before this window’s closure, with Alasdair Gold revealing it is one of the Italian’s four priorities, links have emerged to ex-Chelsea striker Morata.

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Indeed, a report out of Spain from El Partidazo de COPE recently claimed that both the Lilywhite and Newcastle United are in the picture to sign him before January 31 – with the overseas source even believing there is an offer from managing director Fabio Paratici.

Eligible striker targets are waring thin at Tottenham given long-time target Dusan Vlahovic has now sealed a blockbuster move to Juventus, while links to other names have been fairly scarce.

The Latest: Jacob makes Morata claim…

In what could be an opportunity for Spurs and Paratici, they have apparently been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Conte’s former star in a late window development.

Indeed, according to Jacob, writing for The Times, the Spain international has reportedly been placed on the table and Tottenham could sign him on a loan deal.

The Verdict: Take it?

The 29-year-old has endured a mixed senior career to say the least, showing signs of real promise last season during his first year on loan in Turin.

Morata racked up 11 Serie A goals and 11 assists under ex-boss Andrea Pirlo over 2020/2021 – not even including his six goals in eight Champions League appearances that year.

However, at Chelsea, the Spaniard’s poor final season return of five in 16 Premier League outings saw him part company for Atletico.

He was perhaps most in-demand when playing for Real Madrid at the end of the 2016/2017 season – with his former club even once placing a £90 million price tag on his head (The Sun).

Morata, clearly, comes as somewhat of a mixed bag.

However, on loan, it could be a gamble worth taking given Spurs are arguably in dire need of an alternative to Harry Kane.

In other news: Spurs now preparing last minute marquee bid to sign ‘special’ forward for Conte, find out more here.

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Gerard Deulofeu scored a hat-trick in Watford’s 5-1 win over Cardiff City in the Premier League on Friday night.

The Spaniard opened the scoring in the 18th minute, before netting twice in the space of two second-half minutes to secure the match ball.

Deulofeu now has six Premier League goals for the season and looks back to his best after missing the start of the campaign with a foot injury.

The Everton fans were closely watching what has happening in Wales and many took to social media to comment on the attacker’s treble.

Indeed, the now 24-year-old turned out for the Toffees during the 2013-14 season on loan, before joining the club on a permanent deal in July 2015.

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

Deulofeu scored eight times and registered 19 assists in 75 games for the Merseyside outfit and it seems that the club’s supporters still miss him.

Indeed, a selection of the Twitter reaction to his hat-trick can be seen below:

Nottingham Forest confirmed on Thursday that tickets for their trip to West Brom later this month have sold out.

And, as to be expected, a number of Forest fans were quick to share their positive thoughts on the news on social media.

Forest have been a club on the up following Steve Cooper’s appointment back in September. He’s won four of his eight games in charge so far, losing just the once, with The Reds now eight points clear of safety.

Forest revealed earlier in the week that a sold-out allocation of 2,200 fans will make the trip to Reading on November 20.

And now, Cooper’s side will once again be backed in full numbers, with a trip to The Hawthorns on Friday, November 26 selling out.

Forest thanked fans after all the tickets were snapped up, labelling the backing as ‘magnificent’.

Forest fans react

This is what these Forest supporters had to say in reply to the official club post, with many hailing how fans have ‘gone wild’ and one labelling it as ‘unbelievable’.

“Over three weeks away and sold out already. Fantastic showing again.”

Credit: @WPacey_89

“Reds have gone wild this season. Tickets selling out quickly”

Credit: @NottinghamGupta

“Unbelievable support once again. Cannot wait.”

Credit: @jackbryan8

“Absolutely tremendous support both home and away! That’s both Reading and now WBA sold out”

Credit: @BrodieJohn

“Very good from the fans!”

Credit: @JoeLolley2

“I was fortunate enough to get a ticket but it’s pretty ridiculous how it wasn’t based on loyalty points”

Credit: @RedDogGary

Wolves have a number of wingers in their squad, and with all of them competing to be a starter in the side, there is little room for obvious error when the opportunity arises for a starting position in the team.

Bruno Lage decided it was Francisco Trincao’s time to shine in the line up against Brighton away from home last night in their midweek Premier League fixture, that saw the side take their first three-pointer in five games, securing a 1-0 win at the AMEX.

Despite the win, Lage took to his post-match conference to make an honest statement following Trincao’s mistake in front of the dugout in the final third which led to Wolves conceding a corner, and spoke briefly about the 21-year-old’s time with Wolves so far:

“Sometimes he needs to understand the game better,” Lage said. “That’s the big experience for him and what he can learn.

“If you look at the first 15, 20 minutes, every time he tried to link the game, they counter-press and we lost the ball.

“After that he tried to link the game the way we wanted. In the Premier League there is always a good tempo and a good rhythm, and when you come from outside (England) you need to adapt.”

The Portuguese winger has had inconsistencies in his performances so far, with just one goal and not a single assist in his 14 appearances for Wolves so far this season compared to his position competitor, Daniel Podence, who has offered two goals and two assists for the side in fewer appearances.

He struggled to make an impact on his side last night against Brighton, losing the ball every 2.8 times he touched it which only continues to add to Wolves lower possession record away from home. That sits at an average of 44.1% in the Premier League, compared to 53.2% when the side plays at Molineux.

With that first statistic in mind, it’s clear to see why Tim Spiers described him as “sloppy” in possession earlier this term.

As a result of these poor performances, Lage must make the decision to axe the consistency that Trincao lacks into the team in the attacking third, especially during the congested fixtures coming up over Christmas and New Year, where Wolves can pick up a lot of points and will need to have trustworthy players to elevate their chances to get more comfortable in the top half of the table.

Wolves have an option to buy Trincao for £25m when his season long loan from Barcelona ends in the Summer of 2022, but the forward will have a lot of convincing to do for the club to feel that they should secure a permanent move for him, and prove that he can make a positive impact on the side’s efforts to secure European football next season.

Lage will have to now assess how he is going to move forward with his attacking options, as Wolves have been hit with a devastating blow to their starting side with Hwang Hee-Chan getting injured during the game last night, which could give Trincao the chance to redeem himself.

For now, however, he definitely deserves to be axed; his performances have not been good enough.

In other news: Adama Traore attracting January transfer interest

Manchester United have been in the process of appointing their next manager to take charge at Old Trafford this summer, and with Erik ten Hag the favoured manager to take the role new information has emerged about his potential coaching team that will work with him at the club.

What’s the word?

According to Chief Football Writer for The Mail on Sunday, Rob Draper, ten Hag is lining up Robin van Persie to join his management team at Man United this summer.

Draper tweeted late on Saturday night:

“Van Persie being lined up as Man Utd asst – but ten Hag still in talks, no deal yet.

“Ten Hag still wants assurances over how club will be run…”

Supporters will adore him

Van Persie provided a fairy-tale during his first season at Old Trafford, with the Dutch striker scoring “goal of the century” as claimed by Sir Alex Ferguson, to guide Manchester United to their 20th Premier League title victory in 2013.

The star forward scored 58 goals and provided 21 assists during his three-year tenure with the Red Devils, so the idea that he could come back and become part of the management team to guide United back to the glory days that once were will surely delight supporters who adore him.

The two time Premier League golden boot winner has the invaluable experience earned with Arsenal and Man United that could give ten Hag a real insight into the challenges of the league and can certainly help the current squad understand what it means to win trophies at the club.

Van Persie retired from playing football in 2019 hanging up his boots at 35 years old, and has since been making an impact in his assistant manager role at Feyenoord Rotterdam after being promoted from his technical coach role last summer. Coming back to the Premier League to work alongside ten Hag would be a huge next step in his career on the sideline.

With that being said, Manchester United have not even officially reached an agreement with the Ajax boss, and until ten Hag is confirmed we don’t expect other members of the coaching team to be decided until the deal is done, but the idea of Van Persie returning to the club will surely have supporters very excited.

In other news: MUFC make “shock approach” for “cold” £50m “warrior”, it’s bye-bye Rashford

Tottenham Hotspur officials watched Valencia duo Jesus Vazquez and Cristhian Mosquera in action for Spain Under-19s on Wednesday, according to Super Deporte (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The young Spaniards played out a 2-2 draw with Austria in an Under-19 European Championship qualifier.

Mosquera, 17, lined up at centre-half, with Vazquez, 19, stationed on the left side of the back four.

Both players were apparently ‘on top form’, delivering ‘outstanding’ performances in front of their potential suitors.

Mosquera has made five appearances for Jose Bordalas’ senior Valencia side, while Vazquez has made 11, including four La Liga starts.

The latest

Tottenham were one of a whopping 18 clubs to send ‘top’ officials to run the rule over Vazquez and Mosquera.

They were impressed by the players’ physicality as well as their technical skill.

The report stresses, though, that both are ‘contractually protected’, with their deals running until 2025.

And they specify that Mosquera’s deal includes a €25million release clause (£20.8million).

The verdict

It’s going to be difficult to land either of these players given the extent of the competition.

Super Deporte remarked that it felt like ‘half of Europe’ were in attendance on Wednesday, with the likes of Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain also casting a watchful eye over proceedings.

Spurs’ recruitment team will perhaps look to capitalise on their prior relationship with counterparts at Valencia, having negotiated a loan move for Bryan Gil late in the January transfer window.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has named Mosquera among an ‘extremely talented’ crop of rising Spanish stars, but will Spurs be willing to shell out nearly £21million for a player with so little experience, or will they try to reach a compromise?

In other news, read this pundit’s take on a potential blockbuster Spurs transfer.