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2021 has been a frustrating year for Sunderland as they ended another League One campaign without promotion back to the second tier.

Lee Johnson’s side were unable to fight their way back to the Championship and are currently battling through the 2021/22 season in hope of finally achieving their goal.

They currently sit third in the table after 22 games and have put themselves in an excellent position as 2021 comes to a close. Johnson’s men were also able to make it to the quarter-finals of the League Cup in 2021, losing 5-1 to Premier League side Arsenal recently as they failed to make it to the last four.

It remains to be seen what 2022 will bring for the club and its supporters, but we do know what has happened in 2021 so far.

So, take our massive, bumper, Sunderland quiz of 2021 and see if you can get 100% – only true Black Cats fans will get all of them right!

A number of Manchester United supporters are delighted after Ralf Rangnick confirmed that Edinson Cavani would stay put at the club beyond January.

The Uruguayan has enjoyed a wonderful playing career, excelling in the likes of Italy, France and England, not to mention scoring 53 goals in 126 caps for his country.

Cavani has struggled for playing time at United this season, though, only starting three matches in the Premier League, leading to speculation surrounding his future.

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With Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford last August, it has seemingly been harder to fit the 34-year-old into the team’s plans. It appears as though Cavani will not be leaving United this month, though.

Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to share these emphatic comments from Rangnick on the veteran Uruguay striker: “Cavani will definitely NOT leave in January. We spoke about Edi and he knows that I will definitely not let him go — we will definitely need Edi. He’s amazing.

“I told him from the very first day, for me he is a highly important player. He’s staying.”

Man United fans love Cavani latest

It is an update which has been met with resounding positivity by these United fans on Twitter, who provided their thoughts on Rangnick’s comments.

“Excellent”

Credit: @capt_bluntschli

“This news. I love it.”

Credit: @AshishRogers1

“SIUUUUUUUU”

Credit: @wheezingblud

“I am in love! I can’t deny! Our center forward is the king of Uruguay!”

Credit: @Gusti_Neg

“After that celebration for the 1st goal against Burnley I knew he wasn’t leaving.”

Credit: @_GrassIsGreen_

“I am in love”

Credit: @joshrushby_

In other news, a journalist has talked up United’s interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

The January transfer window is in full swing and Newcastle have been busy as they get to work on improving Eddie Howe’s squad.

Kieran Trippier has already been brought in from Atletico Madrid and Burnley forward Chris Wood is also reportedly on the verge of arriving at St. James’ Park.

However, there could be more incomings at Tyneside before the end of the month as there are still positions in the team where signings could be mae.

Save the season

One player Howe could sign to potentially save the club’s season is central defender Sven Botman, as he would arrive in an area where the side needs strengthening the most.

The Athletic recently reported that the Ligue 1 side are desperate to keep him until the end of the season, stating that Newcastle’s chances of signing him are ‘all but over’. Whilst it is hardly promising for the Magpies, it also does not 100% rule out a move in the current window.

This leaves the club with a bit of wriggle room to work in and they could piece together an attractive enough offer to change Lille’s mind. It was previously reported that they would not sell Botman under any conditions unless they received £45m or more for his services and this could be the magic number for Nick Hammond to hit.

£45m would be a club-record transfer for the club and it could be worth it as the Dutchman could solve a major issue for the Magpies.

Howe’s side holds the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League, with 20th-placed Norwich the only team worse off than them. They have conceded a whopping 42 goals in 19 matches, letting in 2.2 goals per game and keeping just one clean sheet all season.

AC Milan and Italy legend Paolo Maldini once dubbed Botman a “great player” and his statistics for Lille in Ligue 1 back that comment up. Last season, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.08 as he helped them win the league title whilst keeping an incredible 20 clean sheets.

This shows that he can perform consistently to a high level whilst functioning as part of a solid defence, which is exactly what Newcastle have been missing so far this season.

Therefore, he could come in and provide a major upgrade to the backline and possibly save the club’s campaign by adding a defensive toughness that was absent before, helping them to keep more clean sheets and win more points.

Howe must now ensure that he can get a record-breaking deal over the line for him before the window slams shut.

AND in other news, “Still trying”: Keith Downie issues five-word NUFC claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Czech Republic international Patrik Schick…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie has provided an insight into how much money Bayer Leverkusen want for the centre-forward, whilst also dropping claims on the club’s overall search for a number nine to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad.

He Tweeted: Newcastle in desperate need of a striker before Saturday. Multiple names have been linked (whether offered up or actual interest) at different times. Solanke, Schick, Wood, Azmoun, Origi…the list goes on. Getting one in without being ripped off the problem! #NUFC.”

Downie then revealed Schick’s valuation: “We understand there’s been no actual approach from Newcastle to Burnley for Chris Wood. And Leverkusen want £50m for Patrick Schick which would make anything there very difficult. Newcastle’s new owners finding out just how difficult this window is to work in #NUFC.”

Gutted

This will surely leave Newcastle fans gutted as it suggests that a deal for Schick is not on the cards due to how much Leverkusen want for his services.

The 25-year-old has had an incredible season in the Bundesliga and could be a phenomenal signing for the Magpies this month. He has scored 17 goals in 15 appearances for the German outfit, averaging a WhoScored rating of 7.60, and has one assist to his name. This comes after he managed five goals in five games at the European Championships in the summer for his country, showing that he can do it on one of the biggest stages.

His record in previous seasons is also impressive, albeit not to the same degree as his current form. Schick netted 19 times in 35 Bundesliga starts for Leipzig and Leverkusen combined between the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns, proving that he can beat the goalkeeper on a consistent basis.

Therefore, he could provide an added goalscoring threat to Howe’s side in the Premier League. Schick has proven that he can score goals in the Bundesliga and at international level and supporters will surely be gutted that it appears as though he will now be priced out of a move by his club.

It will now be down to Howe and his team to identify alternative targets and ensure that they are able to get the best possible deal for the Magpies, both financially and in terms of what they offer on the pitch.

AND in other news, NUFC eye bid for £17m gem Shearer dubbed “absolutely sensational”, Howe surely elated…

Pete O’Rourke says he ‘could see’ John Lundstram leaving Rangers during the January transfer window.

The lowdown

Lundstram only joined Rangers in July after leaving Sheffield United on the expiry of his contract.

The Englishman has made 23 appearances for The Gers in all competitions, but only started eight of their 20 Scottish Premiership matches prior to the winter break.

Three players have already sealed moves away from Ibrox so far this month – Nathan Patterson left to join Everton, while Ben Williamson and Stephen Kelly made loan switches to Raith Rovers and Salford respectively.

The latest

Asked if Lundstram could make a move away before the window closes, O’Rourke said it was a possibility.

He thinks the midfielder may be frustrated with how his six months at Ibrox have panned out.

“I haven’t heard too much on it but I could see it possibly happening,” he told Give Me Sport.

“It hasn’t really worked out for Lundstram since his free transfer up at Rangers. He’s been in and out of the side.”

The verdict

There are significant financial incentives for Rangers if they do offload Lundstram. First and foremost, they’d be clearing his £22,000-per-week wages (the fifth-highest salary in the squad) off the books.

But in theory, they’d also be able to bank a decent transfer fee. With two and a half years still to run on his contract, Lundstram is valued at £4.95million by Transfermarkt.

The 27-year-old ‘has come under criticism for some of his performances’ this season, according to one journalist, but former manager Steven Gerrard defended him and dubbed him an ‘absolute powerhouse’.

Perhaps Rangers will be receptive to offers without actively looking to sell him.

In other news, fans flock to these comments from a departing player.

With Aston Villa being rather busy in the January transfer window bringing the likes of Lucas Digne, Robin Olsen and Philippe Coutinho to Villa Park, it seems as though one reported transfer target for the Midlands club will not be following in the footsteps of their new trio of winter signings this month.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent transfer report from Birmingham Live by journalists Ashley Preece and John Townley, a deal to bring in Atletico Madrid and former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is now unlikely.

The Uruguayan is set to stay with the La Liga club for the remainder of the season after it was previously reported that the Midlands club had sent a proposal to the striker to make a move to Villa Park.

The report also added that Suarez “will assess his options when he becomes a free agent in June.”

Gerrard will be gutted

Having scored a total of 433 goals in 683 club appearances throughout his career, it’s not hard to see what Suarez would be able to offer Villa if he made the move to the Midlands club this month.

Labelled as an “assassin” in the past by former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique in terms of his clinical nature to finish chances in the penalty box, Suarez would have been an exciting prospect for the Villa fans see at their club given his previous experience in the Premier League with Liverpool and clear ability to score goals on a regular basis.

The idea of seeing the forward not only play alongside his former Liverpool and Barcelona teammate Coutinho, who have played together on 115 occasions but also seeing him feature under Gerrard who he played with at Liverpool as well, would have been an incredibly exciting idea for Villa.

With the Midlands outfit aiming to end the season as high up the table as possible, the boss will surely be absolutely gutted to miss out on the chance to add a deadly striker such as the 35-year-old to his ranks.

With a January move for the veteran attacker now unlikely, Gerrard will have to make do with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings as his two senior strike options and hope they can end the season strongly with plenty of goals under their belts.

Looking beyond that, Villa should still keep an eye on Suarez’s situation in the summer when his current contract runs out to see if the £9m-rated striker would be willing to make a return to the Premier League.

In other news: Lange can replicate Digne masterclass as AVFC plot move for “phenomenal” £10m dynamo – opinion

Leeds United have been dealt a huge injury blow concerning Patrick Bamford.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Athletic’s Phil Hay revealed that the centre-forward, who was withdrawn after just 23 minutes of the Whites’ 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, looks set to be ruled out of action for around six weeks – something that all but ends the England international’s season.

Regarding Bamford’s lastest knock, the journalist said: “Might well be season over for him.”

Marsch will be gutted

Considering the fact that Bamford has already missed nine Premier League fixtures due to an ankle injury and 11 league games as a result of a pulled hamstring this season, the news that the 28-year-old now looks set for at least another six weeks on the sidelines is sure to have left Jesse Marsch gutted.

The prolonged absence of last season’s 17-goal striker has undoubtedly contributed to the rather bleak situation in which Leeds currently find themselves – sitting just seven points above the relegation zone, with both 18th placed Watford and 19th placed Burnley having games in hand on the Whites.

Indeed, with the £18m-rated hitman managing just nine Premier League appearances so far this season, over which he has scored two goals, it is abundantly clear why Leeds have bagged 13 times fewer than after the same amount of games last term.

As such, the fact that Marsch’s side now look as if they will be without the services of the £74k-per-week forward over their final eight games of the current campaign is sure to come as a huge blow to the American manager, as, despite a relatively healthy cushion between Leeds and the drop zone, the 48-year-old will be well aware that his side are by no means out of the woods just yet.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals huge Leeds United development, supporters will be devastated

Everton’s Premier League status ahead of next season still hangs in the balance as they continue to flirt with the chance of relegation in 17th, however it has not stopped the club being linked with signings this summer, as fresh interest emerges from Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Newcastle United are ready to sell their star player Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, with Everton joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in the pursuit to secure the signature of the French winger.

90min reports that they understand Everton are ‘keeping tabs on the situation’ although their interest is likely to only gain more traction if Frank Lampard can seal another Premier League season for the Toffees.

Other reports claim he could be worth somewhere in the region of £50m.

Richarlison replacement

Due to Everton’s disastrous season, Richarlison has been linked with a number of moves away from the club with both Arsenal and Manchester United being tipped to sign the Brazilian winger this summer, and if it was the case that the Everton star did leave come the end of the season, Saint-Maximin could be a worthy replacement.

The £93k-per-week Newcastle wizard who has scored five goals this season, has been highly praised during his time on Tyneside, with Gary Neville even hailing the 25-year-old “breathtaking” after his performance against Leeds United earlier in the season.

Neville told Sky Sports: ‘To see his speed, his movement, it’s absolutely breathtaking.”

If you compare Saint-Maximin to Richarlison it’s clear to see who is having the better impact on his team this season, with the Magpies winger more successful in his aerial duels, tackles and dribbles, as well as offering a higher shot and pass accuracy according to Soccerment.

With that being said, although the loss of Richarlison would be a shame as he has become a fan favourite, if Farhad Moshiri could fetch an eye-catching transfer fee for the Brazilian and then follow up by signing Saint-Maximin as a replacement in the same window, it could be a huge upgrade for Everton.

The signing could turn out to be a superb piece of business for the club, especially if they can convince Dominic Calvert-Lewin to stay, giving the Toffees boss the opportunity to form a fierce attacking partnership between the Frenchman and their current star striker.

Ultimately, Lampard must focus on maintaining top-flight football at Goodison Park over the rest of the season if the club have any chance of attracting players of Saint-Maximin’s calibre and keeping hold of some of the key players in their current squad.

In other news: “Pretty likely…”: Insider drops huge Everton claim that’ll have Frank Lampard fuming

Speaking to Calciomercato.it TV, journalist Fabio Santini has made a major claim on late Wednesday night concerning big name Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte’s future.

The Lowdown: Conte concerns…

The Italian, appointed last November after the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, has overseen a Spurs resurgence with the Lilywhites now seriously in contention for Champions League football next season.

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However, with a crucial summer ahead, much has been made over whether Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy will give Conte sufficient enough backing to take his side to the next level ahead of a first full 2022/2023 campaign.

Calciomercato also recently lifted the lid on a clause in the Italian’s contract which would allow him to leave at the end of this season despite his deal actually running out in 2023.

Conte has openly hinted at a possible early exit to the press before, with Santini now making a very worrying claim live on air.

The Latest: Santini makes major Conte claim…

Speaking on Calciomercato.it TV, Santini claims the 52-year-old is set to leave Spurs with negotiations ongoing over a move to Paris-Saint Germain, who intend to part company with their current boss Mauricio Pochettino.

“He does not stay in London,” the reporter claimed.

“I know thanks to a source very close to him. And at the moment there is a negotiation with the Parisians.”

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs…

If this claim comes to fruition, there is little doubt it would come as a big blow for Tottenham given there are few managers in world football on Conte’s level.

The ex-Inter Milan boss has won silverware at nearly every club he has been to and you could make the argument Levy would seriously struggle to find a replacement to match Conte’s pedigree.

That being said, with Pochettino leaving PSG in this scenario, Spurs would potentially have a top candidate to succeed Conte ready and waiting.

A report from The Telegraph also recently stated that Levy would be straight on the phone to his former Tottenham manager in the event of Conte’s potential unceremonious exit.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder, find out more here.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their interest in Brighton attacker Leandro Trossard…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are now interested in a deal to sign the Belgian winger as they have added him to their list of potential targets.

The report claims that the Toon are eyeing a move for the £15.3m-rated gem as they look to bolster their squad heading into the 2022/23 campaign. He is out of contract in the summer of 2023 and it remains to be seen whether or not Brighton will be able to pin him down to a new deal.

Howe will love it

Eddie Howe will surely love this prospective swoop from the Tyneside club, as Trossard is a proven Premier League performer who can come in and add to the Magpies’ options out wide.

Toon legend Alan Shearer once dubbed him “outstanding” and it is easy to see why when you look at the 27-year-old’s statistics in the top flight. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.02 this term, after a score of 7.03 last season, and has produced 10 goals and six assists since the start of 2020/21.

This shows that Trossard is delivering consistently impressive displays whilst chipping in with goals and assists from out wide. He has proven that he can perform in the Premier League, as shown by these statistics, and that is why Howe would surely love to have him at St James’ Park.

Instead of bringing in a player without experience in the English top flight, whether they come from the lower leagues or abroad, Newcastle can sign a player that they know can deliver. Whilst it is impossible to guarantee that he will be a good player for the Toon, the statistics suggest that he has a very high chance of being a strong addition to the squad.

It could also be a fantastic move by the club from a financial point of view. If Brighton are unable to tie down Trossard to a new deal, PIF could strike a bargain for the Belgian as they could tempt the Seagulls into selling for a cut-price fee.

Albion will lose him for nothing next year if he does not put pen to paper on an extension, and the Magpies can use that as leverage to secure a great piece of business.

It is now down to PIF to make sure that they are able to convince Brighton to part ways with the Belgian ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, as Howe will be buzzing if he is able to work with the 27-year-old next term.

AND in other news, NUFC now eye swoop for “breathtaking” £36m-rated phenomenon, he could be Ginola 2.0…