West Brom edge closer to next appointment

West Brom are edging closer to making their next managerial appointment, according to emerging claims…

What’s the word?

The Mirror’s David Anderson delivered a fresh update on Twitter, in which he suggested that Chris Wilder was the Baggies’ top target and that, barring any late surprises, he will become the next manager of the Midlands club.

He posted: “Barring any late unforeseen hiccups, Chris Wilder will be West Brom’s new manager. Wilder is their No 1 choice and talks are continuing on finalising a deal.”

An encouraging sign

The 53-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Premier League basement boys Sheffield United back in early March, a decision which was perhaps unfair.

Wilder brought joy to thousands of Blades supporters by delivering their greatest post-war era, which included two promotions in four years, rising from 11th in League One to the Premier League – and very nearly into the Europa League.

In his first season in charge, United won the League One title with a whopping 100 points and did so by playing an attractive, free-flowing and attacking brand of football.

His recent experience and proven track record in the Championship makes him a very appealing candidate, especially as that’s where Albion will be playing next season and he’s available for nothing, so it’s no wonder that he’s the club’s top candidate.

An update like this should leave The Hawthorns faithful absolutely buzzing as it appears as if the Baggies are doing their business early so that Wilder has plenty of time to get in and make the changes required to get the team back into the Premier League.

Having won only five matches all season, the supporters need something to shout about and they might soon have it, with Wilder looking increasingly likely to be announced in due course.

His attacking football will be a vast change from what we’ve witnessed under Sam Allardyce, even if results improved somewhat under the 66-year-old. That should only please fans even more.

The Baggies look set to embark on an exciting new era at the club.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Lawrie Sanchez backs West Brom for promotion next season…

Alioski could stay at Leeds this summer

Leeds United defender Ezgjan Alioski could potentially stay put at Elland Road this summer, according to reports which have emerged from Turkey.

The Lowdown: Alioski tipped to leave

The North Macedonia international has been an excellent servant for the Whites, making 171 appearances and proving to be a popular character at the club since his arrival in Yorkshire four years ago.

Alioski’s current Leeds contract expires this summer, though, and he has been strongly linked with a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, with some even reporting that a pre-contract agreement had been made with the Istanbul club.

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The Latest: Fresh update emerges

There has been a new twist in the saga, though, with Karar reporting [via Sport Witness] that the 29-year-old could now stay at Leeds beyond this season.

Alioski, who has been hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Kevin Phillips, is now thought to be considering signing a new deal which has been offered to him at Elland Road.

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The Verdict: Time to move on?

While the prospect of Alioski remaining a Whites player is no bad thing, it does feel like this summer could be the right time to part ways.

At 29, he isn’t getting any younger, and Leeds signing a more conventional left-back could give the team an even greater balance – the North Macedonian was regarded as an attacker when he first came to the club, only switching to a left-back role in 2019.

If Alioski stays, he may have to accept that he could be reduced to a squad role moving forwards if Marcelo Bielsa brings in reinforcements at left-back, something which has been touted as a distinct possibility.

In other news, Leeds are believed to be interested in signing a central midfielder this summer. Find out who it is here.

QPR interested in Andre Dozzell

Queens Park Rangers are interested in a move to bring Andre Dozzell to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TWTD, who claim that Mark Warburton’s side, along with the likes of Brentford and Blackburn Rovers, are considering a move for the Ipswich Town midfielder upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the month.

It is reported that the Ipswich manager Paul Cook has informed the 22-year-old that he does not have a future at Portman Road and will subsequently be free to leave Suffolk in the coming weeks.

Bhatia must move

Considering just how important Dozzell was within the Tractor Boys’ side last season, the news that Cook has no intention of keeping the youngster on at the club this summer comes as something of a surprise.

Indeed, over his 43 League One appearances last term, the former England U20 international registered one assist and created 10 big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and 1.3 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £3.5k-per-week midfielder earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as the club’s joint seventh-best performer in the third tier of English football.

As such, the fact that QPR are considering a move for the player whom Paul Simpson dubbed an “incredible” talent this summer is hardly surprising, as the £810k-rated man appears to be a fantastic prospect for the future, as well as already being a considerable talent at present.

Furthermore, with Dozzell being available on a free transfer, a deal for the midfielder would also be extremely kind on the Rs’ finances, leading us to the conclusion that Amit Bhatia simply must do everything he can to get a deal over the line for the Ipswich star this summer, as his signing would not only benefit Warburton’s side on the pitch, but he would also represent excellent value for money.

In other news: QPR handed transfer boost over “fantastic” £2.1k-p/w starlet that’ll delight Warburton

Arsenal want Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves

Many Wolves fans have been flocking to a transfer update involving Ruben Neves.

As per The Times, Arsenal have begun work on a deal to try and sign the former FC Porto midfielder in the summer window. He has been made available for sale in order to try and raise some funds for the incoming Bruno Lage to spend in the market.

Neves has been a key player for the Midlands club over the past few seasons, from being part of the squad which won promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and then being a mainstay in the team ever since.

The Portugal international averaged more tackles (2.4), interceptions (1.8), shots (1.9), passes (54.9) and long balls (5.3) per game in the top flight than both Leander Dendoncker and Joao Moutinho in the 2020/21 campaign (WhoScored), showing just how important he is to the heart of their midfield.

It is not a surprise that many Wolves fans do not want him to leave, especially to go to a rival Premier League club.

Wolves fans react to Neves transfer update

These Wolves supporters flocked to the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter, with one describing Neves’ potential departure as a ‘terrible idea’:

“Don’t need this first thing on a Sunday”

Credit: @bigafizzy

“It’s a weird one because he deserves so much better than being at a club run the way we are, but selling Ruben would be the final straw.”

Credit: @ashleynixon95

“@ThekidEG please my guy don’t do it”Credit: @bibb_wwfc“Selling one of you best players to a rival is a terrible idea. This is a massive shout sacking the best manager in 40 years and selling your best midfielder – if we have a few uninspiring purchases and a bad run of fixtures Lage will be under huge pressure.”Credit: @tommartin5“I really hope this a lie. @rubendsneves_ is ours haha and part of the pack. @Wolves do not sell him please!”Credit: @celders23“This better not happen bc we will be in serious trouble”Credit: @CharlesMaiden6In other news, find out what transfer update has left these Wolves fans fuming.

MCFC fans rage at Jesus news

Manchester City fans were livid after it was revealed Juventus are interested in signing Gabriel Jesus on loan without an obligation to buy.

Brazil international Jesus made the move to City in 2017 from Palmeiras in his homeland, and has done relatively well with the Citizens. In 195 games for the club, he has managed 82 goals as well as 32 assists even though he has not always been a guaranteed starter under Pep Guardiola (Transfermarkt).

However, he managed just nine goals in 29 Premier League appearances last term and came in for criticism from the club’s supporters as well.

Now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, he may leave the Etihad Stadium this summer to move to Juve. It has been suggested the deal could be for a loan, with the Italian outfit not needing to commit to a permanent transfer.

The news was shared on Twitter by City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Jesus news below

“Once again we are the worst club at selling players… what’s the reason letting gabby go with loan???”

Credit: @Ali_Szn14

“We got the worst technical director in the world. Txiki is a joke. That Berrera guy is also a joke. Sack them both they do this club more harm then good. Are you mad? A loan without the obligation to buy. Just sack them.”

Credit: @Achillaes

“Most txiki deal in history”

Credit: @Piggy1117

“we’ve got to be the worst club in the world at selling players”

Credit: @McfcRobbo23

“I’m not even surprised anymore, txiki and ferran been sabotaging the club since they joined”

Credit: @jmm_rox

“This guy deserves some respect. Consider financial respect”

Credit: @PeterKimpeterk1

In other news, Man City fans want to sign this Champions League-winning midfielder.

CPFC: Fans react to Okay Yokuslu links

Crystal Palace and Leeds United have both been credited with an interest in Celta Vigo midfielder Okay Yokuslu this week.

And a number of Eagles fans have been giving their thoughts on the rumours on social media.

According to El Desmarque, cited by Sports Witness, both Palace and Leeds are in the picture to sign the 27-year-old.

The holding midfielder also has interest from his native Turkey, however, his agent admitted there is no desire to move to the Super Lig this summer.

Yokuslu made 16 Premier League appearances on loan with West Brom last season after joining for the second half of the campaign, one of which came in a 1-0 defeat to Palace in March.

It seems as if the Eagles hierarchy like what they see in the Turkey international, despite not having a first-team manager in place.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Yokuslu on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with many excited at the links and one describing it as ‘positive news’.

“Our team has been crying out for a proper dm since Jedi left so this would be perfect”

Credit: @Connormzz

“Yokuslu, Gallagher & AMN midfield is legitimately world-class.”

Credit: @SWPalace

“Some positive news”

Credit: @CPFCMax9

“Streets need a Yokuslu x Jairo pivot”

Credit: @Sumo08112

“Yes please”

Credit: @Phillyconcarne

“I’ll get his shirt if he joins”

Credit: @Reid_Jenden15

In other news: Eagles keen on Premier League striker, find out more here. 

The Athletic reporter shares big Son contract news

Writing on Twitter, journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke of the Athletic has shared big news coming of Tottenham Hotspur involving Son Heung-min’s mooted new deal.

The Lowdown: Son committing?

Tottenham have long been touted to extend Son’s stay in north London with reports as far back as October last year detailing a bumper contract offer was on the table (Football Insider).

However, amid the coronavirus pandemic and all the financial complications which accompany the crisis, Spurs put new deal talks with the 28-year-old on hold until they were in a more stable position (Evening Standard).

The Latest: Athletic reporter shares big update…

Writing on Twitter, Pitt-Brooke has now shared a big update on the situation after an off-field financial development.

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Indeed, Spurs have paid back their £175 million loan from the Bank of England through a private placement scheme organised by Bank of America (The Athletic).

Tottenham have raised £250 million through BOA, effectively ‘converting short term debt into long term refinancing’, and Pitt-Brooke believes that has now put the club ‘in position’ to confirm Son’s new deal.

“Tottenham repay £175million Bank of England loan, putting them in position to confirm new Son Heung-min contract.” he explained on social media.

The Verdict: Big news for Spurs…

Tying down superstar Son to a fresh contract is, arguably, the most crucial thing on Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici’s to-do list apart from finding a new manager.

The South Korea forward enjoyed the season of his life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over 2020/2021 and was only second to Harry Kane in terms of importance.

As per WhoScored, he tallied a very impressive 17 goals and 10 assists for Spurs in the Premier League alone whilst averaging the most key passes per 90 (2) out of any Lilywhites player.

His fine form was rewarded with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year ahead of some very stiff competition, beating the likes of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.

Securing his future is certainly a non-negotiable and this update provides real encouragement.

In other news: Spurs will now swoop for £31.5m-valued ‘leader’ with Paratici calling, find out more here.

Leeds dealt potential Nahitan Nandez blow

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their attempts to bring Nahitan Nandez to Elland Road this summer, with Inter Milan showing an interest in snapping up the midfielder.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Nandez move

Marcelo Bielsa has been linked with signing a host of players this summer, as he looks to take his Whites squad up another level.

One individual who has been tipped to make the move to Leeds is Cagliari favourite Nandez, who chipped in with two goals and assists apiece in Serie A last season.

Midfield is an area that Bielsa could be looking to improve in, with arguably too much pressure on Kalvin Phillips to perform at times, leading to interest in Nandez.

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The Latest: Inter emerge as rivals

According to Il Giorno [via Sport Witness], Inter are keen on acquiring the Uruguay international’s signature, despite Leeds’ interest.

The Serie A champions are reportedly willing to include Radja Nainggolan and Andrea Pinamont in a deal to sign the 25-year-old.

The report claims they are trying to ‘snatch’ the midfielder from the ‘clutches’ of the Elland Road outfit.

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The Verdict: Potential big blow for Leeds

Although no bid has been made by Inter, this is a worrying update, considering their standing in the current game, having just been crowned Italian champions and with Champions League football to offer next term.

The situation could end up being similar to Rodrigo de Paul, who is expected to join Atletico Madrid, with a bigger club usurping the Whites in a deal for a top player.

It would be a big blow to miss out on Nandez, considering the defensive quality he has – he averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.5 clearances per game in the league last season.

Bielsa needs adequate support for Phillips after winning just two of the nine fixtures he missed in the Premier League last season.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for a player currently impressing at Copa America. Find out who it is here.

Wolves could sign Sam Johnstone this summer

Bruno Lage has barely had a chance to breathe since being hired as the new manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He is faced with a busy transfer window as the Portuguese tries to lay his own blueprints down at Molineux.

What’s the word?

Wolves could lose a number of their most consistent performers this summer, with Ruben Neves and Rui Patricio linked with exits. The goalkeeper has been touted with a move to Roma, but it’s thought that Lage is keen on keeping him in the Midlands.

However, if he does move on, a replacement will evidently be required. John Ruddy has penned a new one-year deal with the club but isn’t up to the standard of being first choice.

One option for Wolves is Danny Ward but, according to The Athletic, another name under consideration is West Brom stopper Sam Johnstone.

The Baggies star has been linked with an exit from The Hawthorns on a number of occasions since their relegation from the Premier League and could cost in the region of £20m.

Bye-bye Rui

Patricio was undoubtedly one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s favourite players at Molineux. He became one of the Portuguese’s first signings when they came up from the Championship and he went on to miss just two league games in the space of three years.

The 33-year-old has been a consistent figure in English football but if Johnstone really is on Lage’s radar, they’d be foolish not to accept an offer from Roma for his services.

The Baggies ‘keeper was picked in the England squad for the European Championship, a fine reward for his remarkable form in 2020/21.

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Described as a “diamond” by Steve Bruce, Johnstone was one of the most impressive and reliable figures between the sticks in the top flight last term. According to FB Ref, who provide data courtesy of Stats Bomb, no Premier League goalkeeper made more saves than Johnstone’s tally of 161 last season.

That’s indicative of the amount of defending Albion had to do, but his save percentage is also better than Patricio’s.

The England international stopped 70.6% of the shots which were taken towards goal, while the Wolves number one denied 68.6% of attempts.

With that in mind, he’d be a small upgrade on what the Old Gold already have at their disposal. However, Johnstone is still only 28, meaning that as a goalkeeper he should still have the best years of his career ahead of him.

This would be a smart investment by the Wolves hierarchy.

AND in other news, Wolves eye swoop for “special” £24.3m-rated gem, he’s a great Neves replacement…

Agent contacts Spurs with Correa on offer

According to a report by Corriere della Sera, via Sport Witness, the agent of Lazio forward Joaquin Correa has contacted Tottenham Hotspur over a potential deal – with his client having now ‘decided to leave’ Serie A.

The Lowdown: Tottenham on the hunt for new forward?

As reported, Tottenham’s main priority will be a new centre-half to shore up their backline ahead of 2020/2021, with the club apparently eager to make at least one or two signings in that area.

However, with Carlos Vinicius now returning to Benfica and no permanent deal for him triggered, Spurs have also been touted to search for new attacking options this window.

The Latest: Agent contacts Spurs…

Now, as per Corriere della Sera, Correa’s representative has made contact with both Tottenham and Arsenal over a possible deal as his client searches for a new club.

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The Lazio forward is said to have already made up his mind about leaving this summer, communicating ‘clearly’ and ‘conclusively’ to his club over a wish to depart.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito is said to ideally want around €40 million (£34.4m), but in another possible boost for Tottenham, he knows that the Italian club will possibly have to settle for a lesser amount.

The Verdict: To be considered…

Standing at a towering 6 foot 2, the attacking powerhouse has been described as a ‘formidable player’ by former manager Simone Inaghi.

However, having scored only eight goals whilst assisting three others in 25 Serie A starts over 2020/2021, we believe other mooted attacking targets like Marcus Thuram come as better value for money, as Correa hasn’t yet shown consistent end product.

It is unclear how much Lotito is willing to settle for below his £34.4m wish, but it would have to be considerably less in this financial climate to make this a worthwhile move.

In other news: Tottenham negotiations now underway for this possible signing, find out more here.

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