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According to a report by Daily Mail correspondent Jack Gaughan, via City Xtra, the club have held post-retirement role discussions with Manchester City favourite Fernandinho and there is even a growing possibility of the midfielder extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium after recent performances.

The Brazilian has been a mainstay since signing at Eastlands back in the summer of 2013, making 347 appearances in all competitions whilst scoring 24 goals and assisting 28 others as a defensive midfielder (Transfermarkt).

He has been a pivotal member of the squad over City’s last few Premier League title triumphs under Pep Guardiola and has continued to play a role when called upon this campaign.

The 36-year-old captained City to a stunning victory over Paris-Saint Germain in their Champions League semi-final tie midweek after being handed the nod over Rodri, and his gritty performance highlighted exactly why supporters love him.

Now, Mail journalist Gaughan says there is a ‘growing possibility’ of the midfield colossus extending his contract after recent performances and the club have even held discussions with him over remaining at the club post-retirement.

Flocking to this claim, many Sky Blues have understandably erupted – find all of their best verdicts from social media down below.

Man City fans erupt over Fernandinho news

“I am on my knees, give him whatever he wants”

Credit: @amlmcfc

“YEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @ManCitehzen

“VAMOSSSSSS”

Credit: @onemilli19

“Let’s gooooo”

Credit: @deyab_mcfc

“GIVE IT HIM. KEEP HIM HERE FOR A LIFETIME”

Credit: @FouldsAshley

“Sign him for another 10 years”

Credit: @itscharly19_

“Give him a 50 year contract imo”

Credit: @mohameddamiin2

In other news: Man City fans blasted this PSG ‘clown’ after what he said, find out more here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Brighton beast Yves Bissouma…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies have held talks over a potential deal for the midfielder and face competition from elsewhere for his services.

The report claims that the club are also willing to part ways with academy product Sean Longstaff, amid interest from fellow top-flight side Everton.

Cabaye 2.0

Howe could find Newcastle’s new midfield hero in Bissouma by bringing him to the club. The Mali international could be Yohan Cabaye 2.0 for the Magpies by running the middle of the park and scoring outrageous goals from distance.

Cabaye enjoyed a fantastic spell on Tyneside as he produced 18 goals and 14 assists in 93 matches. He was capable of delivering moments of magic for the Toon, including long-range strikes against Liverpool and Manchester United, and Bissouma is a player who could provide a similar impact.

The Seagulls man scored a sensational goal against Everton in the Premier League last season and a stunning long-range effort against Blackpool in the FA Cup. This shows that, much like Cabaye was, he has the talent to score goals out of nothing and lift Newcastle from difficult situations by scoring a world-class goal to change a game.

Gary Lineker once dubbed the midfielder an “exceptional footballer” on Twitter and it is easy to see why when you look at his statistics for Brighton in the Premier League. He has averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.13 in the division for Graham Potter’s side, proving that he can deliver consistently brilliant performances at this level.

Last season, he averaged a score of 6.98 across 36 appearances in the top-flight. He made 4.7 tackles and interceptions per game and is currently averaging 5.5 this term to highlight the defensive strength he brings to the table. He is able to regularly win possession back off the opposition whilst carrying a goal threat and producing top-class displays each week.

Therefore, he could be a sensational addition to Newcastle’s squad and Howe must ensure that the club can secure a deal for him. The £29k-per-week gem could be the new Cabaye, midfield hero, on Tyneside and lead the team to survival in the second half of the season, judging by his displays for Brighton in the same league.

AND in other news, “They are…” – Chris Waugh drops key NUFC transfer update that’ll delight fans…

Sunderland are back in action this afternoon, with an away clash against Cambridge United next up for the Black Cats in their latest League Out fixture.

Speaking ahead of the match, Black Cats manager Lee Johnson revealed that in addition to the already injured trio of Dennis Cirkin, Denver Hume and Niall Huggins, he will also be without Aiden McGeady for a period of eight to 12 weeks with a knee injury.

Furthermore, it has been reported by the Sunderland Echo that Luke O’Nien is also a doubt for today’s match as he has apparently seen a surgeon to assess the best way to deal with a persistent shoulder problem.

With this in mind, here’s how we feel Sunderland could line up against Cambridge and what changes could be made from the team which started their 1-1 draw against Shrewsbury Town in midweek. We expect four alteration to the starting line-up for today’s trip to the Abbey Stadium.

In goal, we think Johnson will stick with Ron-Thorben Hoffmann to see if he can keep a clean sheet on this occasion.

For the defence, taking into account the current injury issues, we expect Johnson to go with Carl Winchester at right-back with Lynden Gooch dropping out after some much-maligned recent performances. Callum Doyle and Bailey Wright retain the centre-back positions, with Tom Flanagan coming in to fill in at left-back if O’Nien isn’t fit enough to feature.

Moving to the midfield, we can see Dan Neil keeping his place in the team but with Corry Evans coming in if Winchester is pushed back to defence.

On the wings, with Aiden O’Brien failing to impress against Shrewsbury, we think he will drop down to the bench, with Leon Dajaku – who is currently valued at £1.62m by Transfermarkt – coming back in on the right. On the left, we can see Johnson giving Elliot Embleton a chance to prove his worth once more; he comes in ahead of Nathan Broadhead on this occasion.

Given how he scored in midweek against Shrewsbury, it would make sense for Alex Pritchard to keep his place in the team behind top scorer Ross Stewart to see if he can add to his goals tally and secure a win for the travelling Black Cats.

Whether or not Johnson goes with the starting XI that we have suggested, he will undoubtedly be hoping that not only can his team secure a win and keep their charge for promotion alive, but also that his injured players will be able to make full recoveries and get back to action as soon as possible.

In other news: Johnson must ruthlessly axe “difficult” £6.5k-p/w Sunderland dud, he’s holding the team back

Loads of Everton fans have been reacting to some transfer news which has emerged on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

As per The Daily Mail, Arsenal are now plotting a move to sign the former Sheffield United striker, as Mikel Arteta plans for life without Alexandre Lacazette.

However, the Gunners would have to pay as much as £60m for his signature, and he is seen as the ‘ideal candidate’ to replace the Frenchman.

With their current problems with Financial Fair Play (FFP), it would not be out of the question for the Goodison Park outfit to sell Calvert-Lewin, should the right offer come to pass.

Of course, the Toffees would surely prefer to keep hold of him if they can, given the injury-enforced absence in recent weeks.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin transfer news

These Everton supporters gave their reactions to the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter, with some speculating that he will go, while others have been left raging over the possibility:

“Yeah he’s off”

Credit: @james_gavo3

“Nothing. More. Certain.”

Credit: @ShoeyEFC1234

“When it rains it pours”

Credit: @ElliotB1878

“So it begins”

Credit: @WillNSNO

“Championship, here we gooooo.”

Credit: @exiledtoffee

“Not now Dom…”

Credit: @bramleystand

In other news, find out what Farhad Moshiri revelation has left these Evertonians fuming

With Celtic’s season now more or less done and dusted, the preparation can begin for next term at Parkhead.

It will be one of the most important in the club’s recent history as they strive to achieve parity with their biggest rivals and reclaim their dominance of Scottish football.

On the chalkboard

There aren’t many positives to take from this season. The defending has been diabolical and errors have littered their play.

They have conceded 14 more goals than Rangers and have been left to rue some poor recruitment last summer.

Though, if we are looking for salvage points from a torrid campaign, look no further than Ismaila Soro.

The Ivorian arrived in January 2020 but had to wait until the end of the year to really make his mark in a Hoops shirt. He burst onto the scene during the win over Lille in the Europa League, a match where he produced a colossal ten tackles.

For a period of time, he was irreplaceable in the Bhoys side. When Soro has started this term, Celtic have lost just twice in the league.

Though, with Neil Lennon brutally moving him back to the bench, he has now only started just once since the end of January. Soro is also struggling to appear from the substitute’s bench.

That being said, he has caught the eye when he’s featured, making 2.3 tackles per game on average this term. With that in mind, he feels like the most natural successor to Scott Brown if he winds down his contract.

A sticking point

Soro might well be viewed as the internal heir to Brown’s throne but Celtic’s recruitment team could take things in a different direction.

That’s because the Hoops have consistently been linked with a move for Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy. Their interest initially arose last summer and then it re-emerged in January.

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James McFadden even recently told the media that he could come in and replace Brown. On a grand total of £50k-per-week at Selhurst Park, he’d presumably have to take a considerable wage drop to move to Glasgow.

That being said, he is out of contract in the summer and available on a free transfer. Soro, however, will have every right to be fuming with the Celtic hierarchy if they sign another midfielder, especially one of McCarthy’s calibre.

Dubbed a “class player” by Roy Hodgson, the 30-year-old has 42 caps for Ireland to his name and 267 Premier League appearances under his belt.

With that in mind, he’d surely come to Paradise in a bid to start ahead of Soro. For someone who has been so impressive whenever he’s played, this would be an almighty blow to his aspirations.

The 22-year-old immediately came in and made the Bhoys look like a better defensive outfit. When he started his first game of the season in the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock in December, he helped Lennon’s men keep their first clean sheet since early October.

He has been the glue that binds this team together at stages this term. That being said, in recent months, he has been dislodged by the wise old head in Brown. Thus, if McCarthy arrives, it would only further hinder his chances of regular football at Parkhead.

Considering how impressive he’s been, this would understandably be a bitter pill to swallow.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Ajer: Celtic must unleash rarely-seen “tower” next term, he’s a big “weapon”…

Premier League giants Manchester United have withdrawn their interest in Celtic goalkeeper Vincent Angelini, according to a report from Stretty News.

The report claims that the Red Devils’ recruitment team had begun sounding out the Scot’s availability, however, a move from Parkhead is no longer on the cards.

Leeds, Everton and Fulham join race

Brighton are reportedly waiting to get the green light from Celtic over a potential trial for Angelini, according to the Daily Record.

However, Stretty News added that Everton, Fulham and Leeds United have also enquired about the 17-year-old alongside the Seagulls.

Angelini has snubbed a new deal at Parkhead and looks set to leave Glasgow in the summer when his current contract expires.

Transfer Tavern take

With so many sides seemingly keen on the teenager, it feels as if Celtic could be losing a future star in the summer.

Angelini is yet to make a first-team matchday squad for the Hoops, and it sems as if his Parkhead career will come to an end before it even got going.

Another youngster who Celtic fans will know more of, Karamoko Dembele, also looks set to leave the club over the coming months, according to reports, meaning it could be a damaging summer for the Hoops in regards to prospects breaking through.

In other news: Club open talks with Celtic defender ahead of summer move, find out more here. 

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has bemoaned Josip Juranovic’s absence through injury ahead of the clash with Ross County.

The Lowdown: Juranovic out of clash

The Hoops face a crucial Scottish Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon, making the trip to fifth-place Ross County for what could be a sticky fixture.

Celtic have a small cushion over Rangers at the top of the table, but any slip-up could be key and they will have to make do without Juranovic this weekend.

The Croatian is missing for a number of weeks through injury, meaning Ralston is expected to slot in at right-back against Ross County.

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The Latest: McAvennie backs Ralston

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said Juranovic’s absence is significant, but stuck by Ralston at the same time:

“Juranovic is a wonderful defender. We all know I have been critical of Tony Ralston but he loves playing in the role Ange is currently giving him.

“I have no problem, with him coming in. It’s a shame for Juranovic because it’s one hell of a blow for him. He’s a brilliant player and he’s done so well against good players. Kent couldn’t get near him in the last few times we have played Rangers.

“It’s a man down but Celtic have to get on with it. That’s the only thing they can do at this point. Ralston has a few goals and assists so he does do a lot going forward.

“Hopefully he can play as brilliant as he did at the start of the season.”

The Verdict: Big game for replacement

Ralston may not be loved by McAvennie but he has proven to be a good squad player this season, starting 20 matches in total and chipping in with four goals.

While Juranovic is arguably the first-choice right-back, the 23-year-old should have no issue filling in, doing his job and helping Celtic pick up three more valuable points.

Having strong squad depth is vital to any title charge and that is the case with the Hoops, with players of Ralston’s ilk able to come in and perform when required.

In other news, a pundit has bemoaned something that will affect Celtic next season. Read more here.

Liverpool’s woes in front of goal continued as they played out a stalemate with Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

One player who will have disappointed Jurgen Klopp with his display was Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Dutch international, who is widely expected to leave Anfield in the summer when his contract expires, put in an uncharacteristically poor display against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

As per SofaScore, the former Newcastle United man earned a 6.5 rating for his performance, marking him as the worst Liverpool player of all of those who started the game.

The 30-year-old midfielder was limited to just 63 touches of the ball against United and completed 38/45 passes, resulting in a solid, if unspectacular, 84% pass success rate. However, this was lower than his season average of 88.6%, suggesting that his passing was below his usual standards against the Red Devils.

He also lost possession on 12 occasions and won just five out of 13 total duels, resulting in a success rate of just 38%, suggesting that the United midfielders had the better of him on a number of occasions.

For example, Scott McTominay won 11/15 of his duels during the game and earned an impressive 7.3 rating, suggesting that he was the more impressive of the two midfielders at Anfield on Sunday.

In Wijnaldum’s last Premier League appearance against Southampton, he lost possession on just four occasions and won four out of eight total duels, suggesting that his performance against Manchester United was way below his usual standards.

Back in 2019, Klopp had this to say about the Dutch midfielder:

“Is he the perfect midfielder? From the skillset 100 per cent. He has all the things you need.”

However, his performance against United was far from perfect and you worry that as exit rumours continue to grow, the midfielder may not be fully focussed on Liverpool, which may lead to disappointing performances in the future.

It will be interesting to see if the 30-year-old is selected from the start in Liverpool’s next game, when they take on Burnley at Anfield on Thursday.

And, in other news… Klopp can sign his next Coutinho at LFC in 26 y/o who scores and assists

Tottenham Hotspur are no closer to finding out who their next manager will be but several interesting names have been linked to the vacancy.

Whoever is appointed in North London, they will have a huge task on their hands this summer as this current Spurs squad is in dire need of a rebuild, if not at the very least, a freshen up.

According to The Athletic, the next manager will have some extra talent on his hands as out-on-loan duo Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon are set to return from their respective clubs.

One name linked to the role is Fulham boss Scott Parker and given he’s worked with the latter, it could benefit the Lilywhites in the long run.

It is thought that Daniel Levy “thinks the world of” the 40-year-old, as per Football Insider, so if he does become their next boss, then Sessegnon’s career at Spurs could be in line for a massive boost.

The 20-year-old, who can play anywhere down the left flank, has only made 12 senior appearances for the club since Levy invested a whopping £25m into his signature back in the summer of 2019.

What is also in Sessegnon’s advantage is the fact that he has been playing for a Bundesliga outfit in Europe, whereas Skipp – as outstanding as he has been – has only featured in the Championship.

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The young wide man has played 27 times in all competitions, where has delivered two goals and two assists. He has displayed his impressive defensive ability, managing two tackles per game in the Bundesliga, which is the second-most in Hoffenheim’s squad, as per WhoScored.

He could become genuine competition to Sergio Reguilon at left-back, and provide added cover to Heung-min Son further up the pitch.

Sessegnon has also thrown his weight behind Parker getting the job.

When asked about the potential of a reunion in North London, he told talkSPORT: “That would be very good! Everyone knows the relationship I have with Scott. He’s a top guy, top man and a top coach. He’s just an all-round great guy.”

There are plenty of reasons for and against hiring Parker. Fulham’s relegation will not put a glowing light on his credentials, though what is certain, he could be the best man to bring Sessegnon through as a future star at the club.

After all, he was once dubbed a “big, big talent” and a “fast wide player”. Parker would be game-changing for the England U21 starlet.

AND in other news, Spurs handed huge boost over £30m “wonderful talent”, Levy’s surely licking his lips…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leicester City striker Brian Deane believes Ben Chilwell’s move to Chelsea has worked out well for all parties.

Chilwell, who came through the ranks at Leicester, departed the King Power for Stamford Bridge last summer in a £50m deal.

Since then, Leicester have gone on to win the FA Cup, beating Chilwell’s Chelsea 1-0 in the final, while the 24-year-old left-back has not always been an automatic starter under Thomas Tuchel.

In fact, the German left him on the bench during that clash at Wembley, instead opting for Marcos Alonso.

Nevertheless, Deane feels his old side, Chelsea and Chilwell will still all be pleased with the transfer. The ex-Leicester player told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“I don’t think it was a bad decision for him to go to Chelsea. I think it was a good decision for Leicester because they got a lot of money for him and they can bring somebody else in, which they have done and it’s been seamless.

“I think Chelsea have brought somebody in who they feel might be at the club for the next five or 10 years, so I think it works well for everybody. I don’t think Ben Chilwell’s got any regrets; I don’t think Leicester have any regrets.

“I just think it’s one of those that works for everybody.”

While he, of course, missed out on the FA Cup to his former side, this could still end up being an incredibly successful season for Chilwell and Chelsea, who will be aiming for Champions League glory next Saturday when they take on Manchester City.