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Speaking exclusively with Football FanCast, Carlton Palmer says that West Ham United’s decision to block Robert Snodgrass from playing for West Bromwich Albion was “nonsense”.

Snodgrass joined the Baggies on an 18-month deal for a nominal fee earlier this month, that will rise through bonuses should Sam Allardyce manage to keep The Hawthorns’ natives in the Premier League.

The midfielder was unable to represent his new side when Albion visited the London Stadium days after his deal was finalised, sparking a Premier League investigation after Allardyce claimed there was an agreement between the two sides for the Scot not to feature, something backed up by ExWHUemployee on Twitter which was presumably agreed to by GSB.

Snodgrass had played the full 90 minutes of West Brom’s previous game against Wolverhampton Wanders the weekend before, and returned to the starting line-up next time out at home to Manchester City and again featured against Fulham this weekend.

West Ham won the Baggies affair 2-1 through goals from Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio, which Allardyce deplored his side for allowing with no Premier League club conceding more often this season.

When asked if West Ham were wrong to stop Snodgrass from playing against them, Palmer told FFC: “Absolutely. To be honest with you, Sam was bitterly disappointed with the West Ham game.

“I don’t get it. I really do not get it and it happened to me before. A club sells a player, so West Ham clearly don’t want Snodgrass. He’s not been playing. He hasn’t played in ages, and they’ve sold him. Why should they be allowed to put a clause in that he couldn’t play against his former club?

“When I left Leeds United, George Graham didn’t want me. But he put a clause in [that] I couldn’t play against Leeds. It’s crazy. If you don’t want a player, you don’t want a player because you don’t think he’s good enough. He doesn’t fit in your team. So, if he doesn’t fit in your team, why are you putting a clause in that he can’t play against you? It’s nonsense.

“I think if Snodgrass plays against West Ham, they come extremely close to nicking a draw there. They’re vastly improved. Sam will have been disappointed that they conceded the goals that they do. And I think he’ll be looking to strengthen in that area. But, certainly, with Sam coming in, they’re improving all the time.

“Sam would have said to the club: ‘This is what we need to do, we need to bring better quality in’. He’s already said that openly. ‘We need better quality and to improve the squad that we’ve got’. I’m sure, knowing Sam, he’s always built on keeping clean sheets. So, he’ll be bitterly disappointed, as I saw with his interview with the goals that conceded against West Ham.

“And, in the last kick of the game, they could have nicked a draw, which would have been massive for them, because the next game is they’re playing Man City, who are bang in form.

“But you target games that you can get results in, and Sam would have targeted West Ham to nick a point. So, in his mind, he’s probably a point down because they’ve not got games to play with.”

Any such agreement between West Ham and West Brom for Snodgrass to not feature at the London Stadium would appear to go against Premier League regulations, which state that no club is permitted to have any influence over the availability of a player they do not own.

Snodgrass had been resigned to a bit-part role under David Moyes before his exit, playing just four minutes of top-flight football beside a key role in the Irons’ Carabao Cup efforts.

AND in other news, GSB may rue missed West Ham deal for “excellent” 10-goal striker…

Just when you think Sunderland are building ahead of steam, they are halted in their tracks.

The Mackems ended January with back to back League One victories but after yet another draw, they have now dropped out of the play-off places.

Drawing seems to be the order of the day for the Black Cats. Since dropping into England’s third tier, that result has occurred too regularly. They have dropped points in back to back matches now and despite having a new manager, the same old habits keep halting their progress.

Lee Johnson’s team are still yet to taste defeat on the road but after beating MK Dons 3-0 in the Papa John’s Trophy in midweek, you’d have been forgiven for thinking this would be another straightforward win.

However, it was anything but. Sunderland drew 2-2 with the Dons in a repeat of the fixture in the week. They were vibrant in attack last time out but on this occasion, they struggled to finish their chances.

Though, in forward areas, no player was arguably worse than Aiden O’Brien. It was Aiden McGeady who missed a late opportunity but at least he was actually getting in the right areas.

O’Brien struggled throughout the contest and despite a clever piece of play that produced an opening for McGeady in the first half, he was rarely involved.

The winger produced just 15 complete passes in the entire game, failing to put much pressure on the Dons defence. He attempted only one take-on and didn’t register a single key pass either.

Despite being on the pitch for just over 20 minutes and thus, having little time to make an impact, Jordan Jones was still more creative. He attempted the same number of dribbles as O’Brien and also provided a key pass.

With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a great surprise if he was in the XI from the off next time out. After all, the Rangers loanee started against Dons in midweek and caught the eye in their 3-0 win, completing a team-high four dribbles.

With Jack Diamond also starting among the subs, O’Brien has plenty of players trying to take his place in the team. If the latter keeps demonstrating the consistency he played with today, he will be out the side quickly.

O’Brien was a liability for the Mackems on Saturday, and Johnson should seriously consider dropping him.

AND in other news, 1 goal in 15 games: SAFC ace who left Parkinson fuming has been a passenger for months…

Jamaal Lascelles has dropped some behind-the-scenes insight into the Newcastle United dressing room at half-time in their loss to Chelsea on Monday night.

Speaking to NUFC TV (via The Chronicle), the captain of the St. James’ Park faithful revealed that ‘things were said’ at the interval as Steve Bruce’s team found themselves 2-0 down thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Timo Werner.

Newcastle need to do better

Although the harsh words seemed to have rallied up the Magpies, given that they did not conceded in the second half, they need to be performing so much better if they are to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The North East club are currently only six points off of the drop zone in 17th spot, with 14 games still left to play in the 2020/21 term (BBC Sport).

It does not get any easier for the Toon as they travel to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday evening, as Bruce will be looking for a much better start from his side than the one that faced up at Stamford Bridge a few days ago.

Nonetheless, perhaps it is encouraging that those harsh words were said as it may end up spearing the players on for the rest of the season.

In other news, find out what inside claim has been dropped on Mike Ashley from one former NUFC man here!

Everton loanee Anthony Gordon produced a lively performance as Preston North End beat Huddersfield Town 3-0 in the Championship on Saturday.

Gordon moved to Deepdale on Deadline Day last month after sealing a last-ditch temporary switch for the remainder of the season, chasing the prospect of regular first-team football.

Carlo Ancelotti had only awarded the 20-year-old three starts in seven games across all competitions this term, but Gordon has already started three of five second-tier outings with the Lilywhites.

The Toffees product’s last outing in royal blue came in a 14-minute cameo at home to Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, having helped Everton through to the fourth round with an assist against Rotherham United 15 days prior.

Despite his role in Cenk Tosun’s early opener and him baffling the Millers’ with his vision and pace, Gordon was slammed for displaying poor body language as the £4.5m-rated prospect let his promising start fade into a miserable afternoon.

Ancelotti’s decision to send Gordon out on loan a week later is now proving a masterstroke, with the youngster getting regular action and being praised for his efforts under Preston boss Alex Neil.

After the Lilywhites romped to a 3-0 win at home to Huddersfield on Saturday, Lancs Live lauded Gordon’s efforts and noted how the Liverpool-born winger was lively throughout the first half and caused the Terriers’ issues with his pace and skill.

Carlos Corberan’s John Smith’s Stadium natives were often forced into fouling Gordon to get him off the ball, while Deepdale Digest compared the Everton prospect’s performance to ex-Blues forward Aiden McGeady for how he is taking control of Preston’s set-pieces and how he‘looks a class act’.

McGeady moved to Deepdale on loan from Everton for the 2016/17 season, in which the current Sunderland attacker scored eight times and assisted nine goals in 34 Championship games.

Gordon is yet to open his account for goals or assists under Neil, but he fashioned a range of chances during his lively afternoon at home to Huddersfield over the weekend.

The midfielder’s closest attempt saw the ball curl over the bar whilst the Terriers searched for an equaliser at 1-0 and he ended his 77 minutes on the field with three shots – far eclipsing his Championship average of 1.2 per game to date, per SofaScore.

Gordon also met his average 1.6 key passes by creating one goalscoring opportunity and he dominated in the duel up against Huddersfield right-midfielder Juninho Bacuna.

While Bacuna lost 10 of his 11 contests on the ground, Gordon won eight of his nine.

The Everton talent also dribbled past opposing players twice from three attempts – only Scott Sinclair (3) and Greg Cunningham (3) made more for either side.

Ancelotti will no doubt be pleased with how Gordon has taken to life on loan with Preston, and he’ll be keen to see his early promise provide results down the stretch ahead of a return to Goodison Park this summer.

AND in other news, Everton are tracking a prolific 15-goal winger backed to reach another level…

Like many of Sunderland’s players, Lynden Gooch has spent a fair time on the treatment table since Lee Johnson took over the reins as Mackems boss.

The attacking midfielder was injured more or less when he first walked through the door and unfortunately, following the club’s 1-0 win over Swindon he could be out again.

The American was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark with a calf problem. Johnson hopes the problem won’t be a long one, because judging by his display before being substituted; he was one of Sunderland’s main threats.

Gooch hasn’t produced his best form since Johnson walked through the door. The 25-year-old has scored just once since October for instance.

That being said, he was back to his effervescent best on Tuesday evening. His performance didn’t produce a goal or assist but he was a vibrant ball of energy.

He started the game at wing-back but after being moved further forward to give the team added impetus in the second period, stood out above many of Sunderland’s other attackers.

Gooch was a constant thorn in the opposition’s defence, proving successful with a total of three dribbles. That tally happened to be the best of anyone in red and white on Tuesday evening. Not only that, but Gooch’s record bettered his season average of 1.3 dribbles per game.

It was a dynamic performance from the attacker who in the words of reporter James Hunter, was Sunderland’s “biggest goal threat.”

What typified Gooch’s performance was his aggressive nature. He lost just one of his six duels – winning a percentage of 83.3%. Those types of qualities have been eye-catching under Johnson and it’s one of the reasons the manager loves him so much.

Speaking about the tricky forward in January, the manager admitted: “I think he’s got composure which could do with an element of improvement. Technically, physically and charisma, he’s got all of that to go and be successful at this level.

“He’s a tough little cookie and he wants to battle and bite. I like that,” Johnson added.

Gooch epitomised that before he went off against Swindon, transitioning well between the areas of the field in which he was asked to play. His versatility is an asset; let’s just hope he now doesn’t have to spend another period of time on the sidelines.

AND in other news, Never mind Wyke: Sunderland star who won 9 duels continues to be “outstanding”…

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been giving their thoughts over a potential permanent deal for Ross Barkley on social media.

That’s after Marlon Harewood shared his views on the attacking midfielder, with the former Villa striker believing Barkley will want to make his move permanent in the Midlands.

Barkley initially impressed at Villa Park but he’s managed just one goal involvement in his last 11 Premier League appearances and has had to make do with a place on the bench in recent weeks.

Chelsea’s huge asking price

Reports last month suggested that Villa would need to smash their transfer record, which stands at the £28m plus add-ons deal to bring Ollie Watkins to the club, to land Barkley on a long-term basis.

Chelsea will ask for a fee in the region of £40m this summer, with Thomas Tuchel’s stance on Barkley not yet known.

However, Harewood, talking to Football FanCast, gave Villa the green light in regards to a permanent deal for Barkley.

Harwood’s comments were shared on social media in a story by @AVFC_News on Thursday evening, who asked supporters if a deal will happen.

Villa supporters not keen

“Hopefully not. Will cost us 20-30 million as well. Really needs to step up his game. He hasn’t proven himself yet imo”

Credit: @SSaultyyy

“Ramsey over Barkley anytime and spend the cash elsewhere…”

Credit: @Mrb47016877

“#nothanks”

Credit: @villa_vernon

“He needs to step up then if he wants the move. Imo he’s not done enough for us since joining”

Credit: @villaman101

“Very much doubt it if he can’t even retain his place in the starting line-up.”

Credit: @joeinpoole

“Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!”

Credit: @AstonZillaFC

In other news: Many Villa fans have hit out at Dean Smith for his training ground comments, find out more here.

Whilst Filip Helander scored the all-important equaliser for Steven Gerrard’s Rangers side against Slavia Prague on Thursday evening, he was the standout performer for the Ibrox outfit for more reasons than one at the Sinobo Stadium.

The Swedish centre-back was in the right place at the right time to turn in Ianis Hagi’s cut back in the first half but he also performed superbly from a defensive point of view.

As per SofaScore, the defender would earn an impressive 7.4/10 for his performance, which was the highest of any Rangers player on the night. During the game, Helander made three clearances and one interception as he helped Rangers withstand dangerous Slavia attacks, particularly in the first half.

It was a physical battle for a lot of Rangers players on Thursday night but the 28-year-old centre-back regularly came out on top against Slavia’s attackers, as he impressively won all four of his ground duels, and four out of six of his aerial duels, resulting in an overall success rate of 80% – comfortably the best of any Rangers player, as per SofaScore.

The centre-back, who reportedly earns £10k per week at Rangers, also won four free kicks during the game, which helped to alleviate the pressure under which Gerrard’s side regularly found themselves; and he and Goldson worked well together to limit Slavia striker Jan Kuchta’s influence on the game, as he completed just seven passes during his time on the pitch.

It was important that Rangers didn’t gift possession back to the hosts, and Helander’s long passing was solid as four out of eight of his efforts found a teammate, whereas only two of Goldson’s nine efforts found a Rangers shirt, which gives the Swede the edge over his centre-back partner.

Therefore, whilst Helander will be lauded for his equalising goal, he was extremely solid at the back for Gerrard’s side and was arguably the star performer for a number of reasons.

In other news… Dribbled past 5 times: Rangers gem still has a lot to learn despite Gerrard praise

With Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy now 34 years of age, the club will surely be searching high and low for his successor.

The former Fleetwood Town man has enjoyed a remarkable career at the King Power Stadium, scoring a total of 144 goals for the club and lifting a Premier League crown.

However, he is not going to last forever. With the striker seemingly slowing down having only scored once in his last 12 Premier League appearances, fellow striker Kelechi Iheanacho has stepped up.

The Nigerian could be the perfect successor for Vardy and he was hiding under the Foxes noses the whole time.

The former Manchester City starlet arrived at the King Power Stadium with plenty of promise but failed to deliver initially, scoring just ten goals across his first two seasons in the East-Midlands.

However, he is now in the midst of his joint-most productive campaign at the club with ten goals and four assists in all competitions.

Whilst that does not match Vardy’s incredible output, with the veteran already on 14 goals for the season, Iheanacho has stepped up during his dry spell.

The Nigerian’s lethal hat-trick against Sheffield United made it six goals in his last three domestic matches and it was the first time he had netted in three consecutive league games in his career.

It’s no surprise then that he is brimming with confidence.

That is shown in his personal statistics too, with £13.5m-rated striker attempting on average more shots, dribbles and key passes per game than in his career this season, according to WhoScored.

He is now also becoming more and more crucial to Leicester. Throughout the past two seasons, Iheanacho’s Premier League goals have been worth seven points alone to the Foxes. That figure only seems likely to increase as he continues his incredible run of form.

Even Brendan Rodgers seems prepared for the passing of the gauntlet, with the Northern-Irishman continuing to give the Nigerian “big responsibility” at the King Power Stadium.

With the search for Vardy’s eventual replacement still ongoing with links to Odsonne Edouard, Leicester could actually have found their man in the form of the ever-improving Kelechi Iheanacho.

AND in more news, take a look at our analysis of the Nigerian’s hat-trick performance against Sheffield United at the weekend…

Queens Park Rangers have won three of their last four in the Championship and will be looking to build on that when they head to Reading this afternoon.

Mark Warburton’s side pulled off a stunning comeback in midweek – after going behind 2-0 early in the first half to Millwall, they fought back after the break to clinch all three points.

That edged them into the top half.

But what sort of lineup could we see at the Madejski Stadium? Here’s our predicted QPR XI ahead of kickoff…

There could be as many as three changes to the side that saw off the Lions on Wednesday evening.

Warburton is likely to stick with his tried and tested 3-5-2 formation, as well as the back three that started at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, which means Yoann Barbet partners Rob Dickie and the match-winning Jordy de Wijs in front of Seny Dieng.

However, the first alteration could come at right wing-back in a move that sees Todd Kane axed from the starting lineup. He has been underwhelming in recent matches – failing to manage above a 6.31 WhoScored rating in their last three outings – so he could be replaced by Osman Kakay, rather than Albert Adomah, who came off the bench for him in midweek.

Lee Wallace keeps his place on the other flank.

In midfield, we could see the final two changes, as Geoff Cameron is dropped in favour of Dominic Ball. The 25-year-old dynamo has started 22 times this season, but has only played a total of 16 minutes since the Barnsley defeat five games ago. His introduction allows a rest for the veteran Rs skipper.

Fulham loanee Stefan Johansen is in line to keep his spot over Sam Field, despite the West Brom man pushing for more game time.

Whilst Illas Chair, who provided an assist for de Wijs’ equaliser from the bench, is favoured to Chris Willock in the no.10 role.

Both Charlie Austin and Lyndon Dykes should keep their partnership going, meaning there is no place for Macauley Bonne this time out.

AND in other news, Forget Dykes: QPR monster who had 92 touches stole the show for Warburton on Wednesday…

Leicester City could be in line to sign Cengiz Under on a permanent deal after Corriere dello Sport have reported that AS Roma ‘hope’ that they can sell him.

As per the news outlet, the East Midlands club exerted the option to take him on loan for the 2020/21 term for €3m, with the further option to buy for €23m, equating to a total of €26m (£22.3m) should they wish to sign him permanently.

However, the Italian publication also claim that it would be ‘difficult’ for Brendan Rodgers’ team to exert this option, although it has not been ruled out.

Leicester should not give up on Under

The Foxes should not give up on Under just yet, despite his rather tame return for them. The Turkey international has only managed to score a mere two goals and make a further three assists in 19 games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt), and would surely have been hoping for better numbers.

However, at just 23 years of age, the winger still has a lot of potential and is a more than feasible squad option for LCFC to have.

He has even earned the highest of praises from footballing legends Francesco Totti and Christian Vieri, which should not go unnoticed.

Nonetheless, Under is a player that Leicester should be considering signing on a permanent basis if they are not already thinking of doing.

In other news, find out what FA Cup news has left Foxes fuming here!