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Serie A expert Conor Clancy has expressed his doubts over why Romelu Lukaku would want to move to Chelsea this summer from Inter Milan.

Various reports have suggested that the Blues have made a number of bids for the Belgium international in this transfer window.

The Daily Telegraph have reported that Lukaku would be willing to join Chelsea, the club he left in 2014 after making just 15 first-team appearances at Stamford Bridge, if the two clubs could agree a big-money deal.

Inter are said to value the Belgium international at £100m but Chelsea are willing to pay him £250,000-per-week and make him their most expensive player ever.

The Blues sold Lukaku to Everton for £28m and he has since played for Manchester United and Inter, enjoying a prolific spell at the latter.

The striker has made 95 appearances for Inter and has scored 64 goals, while also registering 16 assists, and Clancy, who is the editor-in-chief of Forza Italian Football, does not think it makes any sense for Lukaku to make a shocking return to west London.

He said: “I don’t see why he would. He’s so disrespected in England as well, it’s a joke. I don’t know why Lukaku would want to leave Inter, where people kiss the ground he walks on, he’s absolutely idolised there and rightly so.

“He’s a phenomenal player and he’s been brilliant since he came to Serie A. So, no, I don’t know why he’d want to go back to England, to be honest.”

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur youngster Dennis Cirkin has already arrived at Sunderland to complete his north London exit after an agreement was reached over the weekend – with the Lilywhites accepting a six-figure bid.

The Lowdown: Cirkin on the move…

Reliable reports indicate that the promising starlet is indeed on his way out of Tottenham this summer.

Journalist Charlie Eccleshare of the Athletic backed Football Insider’s first claim that a Sunderland move was on the horizon, taking to Twitter last week and saying that the exit is ‘expected to go through’.

Alasdair Gold also believes that the 19-year-old is on his way out, as explained on his YouTube channel, with the journalist stating that Cirkin ‘looks like he’s going to move on permanently’.

The Latest: Cirkin exit imminent…

As per FI, bringing an update, they claim that the defender has arrived on Wearside to complete his move from Spurs to Sunderland.

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Indeed, they say Cirkin is now joining the Black Cats after Tottenham accepted a six-figure bid for his services – with talks having progressed and an agreement reached over the weekend.

Personal terms have also been agreed on a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light with a Sunderland source explaining that Cirkin was even there yesterday for a medical and to put the finishing touches on his move – coming after he rejected the offer of a new deal at Spurs.

The Verdict: Real shame…

Spurs may be about to lose an exciting prodigy in the left-back area and one who was garnered real praise in the past.

Former Lilywhites boss Jose Mourinho described Cirkin as a player with ‘a lot of quality’ almost immediately after his arrival at Tottenham to succeed Mauricio Pochettino (The Metro).

As he prepares to seal his move away from north London, supporters could be somewhat dejected at this transfer, but it is arguably understandable given the amount of competition in Cirkin’s position.

Sergio Reguilon, Ryan Sessegnon, Ben Davies and Japhet Tanganga can all play at left-back, leaving Cirkin’s first team chances under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo slightly limited.

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘Buzzing’, ‘Game changer’…Many Tottenham fans erupt as ‘beautiful’ news confirmed, find out more here.

Some Liverpool supporters have been heaping praise on Alisson after the goalkeeper made a stunning save against Norwich City on Saturday.

The Reds made a great start to the 2021/22 Premier League season, picking up a 3-0 victory at Carrow Road.

It was a performance which suggested that Jurgen Klopp’s side will again be title contenders, especially as they won so convincingly without the likes of Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago in the team.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah scored the goals for Liverpool on the day, but one other moment stood out at the other end of the pitch.

Alisson made a miraculous save late on, quickly following it up with two more in the process, as he ensured that he left Carrow Road with a clean sheet.

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These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to laud the Brazilian’s “unbelievable” triple save, footage of which was shared by @LFCTransferRoom, as he continues to be a colossal performer for the Reds.

Liverpool fans hail Alisson’s triple save

“How will I tell my kid that Norwich didn’t score from this…”

Credit: @piyongchy

“Our God between the posts”

Credit: @SJay320

“Unbelievable goalkeeping”

Credit: @megbalc

“If anyone ever doubts that @Alissonbecker the best keeper in the world I say just look at this and still try and say he’s not. There’s no doubt in my mind he’s different level to the rest, YNWA”

Credit: @LiamGranby

“Just brilliant. World Class”

Credit: @aadil_fakir

“That was an incredible save, my God”

Credit: @FlamngLiverbird

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted after an update emerged on one Reds player. Read more here.

West Bromwich Albion winger Robert Snodgrass appears to be edging closer to a return to first team football.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Express & Star, Baggies manager Valerien Ismael revealed that the Scotland international was getting closer to a return to West Brom action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a recurring back injury, with the Frenchman claiming that the 33-year-old is “hungry” to reclaim a spot in his starting XI.

It would appear as if Snodgrass was eager to send his manager a message during a recent appearance for Albion’s under-23 side, scoring two goals in their 3-2 victory over Burnley on Monday evening.

Ismael will be buzzing

The Championship fixture against Sheffield United on Wednesday may come slightly too soon for Snodgrass, but considering the Scot’s impressive performance for the under-23s, it would certainly not appear long before the winger is back in around the Baggies first team squad on a matchday.

With Ismael currently having no real natural options in the wide attacking areas of his side, the return of Snodgrass would certainly appear to be a huge boost for the Frenchman, who must be buzzing with the progress the 33-year-old is making.

Indeed, despite his advancing years, the former West Ham attacker proved during his last full season in east London that he had the ability to play an influential role in Albion’s hopeful promotion push this season.

Over his 24 Premier League appearances back in 2019/20, the £38k-per-week winger bagged five goals, provided five assists and created five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 0.9 shots and making 1.4 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £1.35m-rated winger earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as the club’s sixth-best player in the top flight for that season.

As such, a fully fit Snodgrass would very much appear to be an important player for a mid-table Premier League side, let alone one playing their football in the Championship, with his impending return undoubtedly delighting both Ismael and West Brom fans alike.

In other news: Ismael must unleash £23k-p/w West Brom “leader” vs Sheffield Utd, could be a game-changer

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge insists that Japhet Tanganga was never likely to move to Galatasaray in this transfer window.

The Tottenham Hotspur defender was the subject of a loan bid from the Turkish club earlier this summer.

It was reported that Spurs actually accepted the offer but Bridge now insists that Tanganga was never keen on the move.

Indeed, he has remained with Spurs and played at right-back in the surprise 1-0 win over Manchester City on the opening weekend of the season, while he also featured in the 1-0 win over Wolves.

Tanganga has made a total of 25 appearances for the club’s first-team, and can play as both a full-back and a centre-back.

He is now likely to remain with the club beyond the end of the transfer window, particularly given his superb performance against City, in which he played a key role in Spurs keeping a clean sheet, and helping to keep quiet Jack Grealish, who was making his debut for City.

Bridge said: “I did hear the Galatasaray stuff was genuine and he didn’t really have any interest. I always found it a bit of a bemusing one because, firstly, Spurs have really got to watch their homegrown quota and I was a little bit surprised when I read about Tanganga.

“I got it in the sense that he’s had a lot of injuries and he needs a season on loan, I just didn’t think the Turkish league was the right place where Spurs could watch him develop.”

Journalist Anthony Haggerty has told Football FanCast that Celtic should have looked to sign Gary Cahill.

Ange Postecoglou has already made a couple of defensive additions but has been unable to add another centre-back to his ranks as he looks to improve on last season’s struggles at the back.

And prior to Gary Cahill signing for Bournemouth following his release from Crystal Palace, the 6 ft 4 centre-half was available on a free transfer.

The 35-year-old had been a regular at Palace since leaving for Chelsea two years ago and would not only have brought a wealth of experience in both the Premier League and Champions League – competitions his defending has helped the Blues to win – but he’s also already got a relationship with Joe Hart following their time together with England.

Stephen Welsh and Carl Starfelt have started the last five matches in all competitions together, but those two are just 19 and 26 respectively.

With that in mind, Haggerty told Football FanCast:

“I would still like them to bring in another centre-back and the one I have been talking about his Gary Cahill – I think he could do a job for Celtic.

“Gary Cahill is an ideal short-term signing for Celtic.  And all that experience that he could bring to the backline would’ve been phenomenal.”

Many Wolves fans have been left lauding a transfer update involving Duje Caleta-Car.

As per RMC Sport, the Midlands club have now reportedly made an offer to try and sign the Marseille central defender worth €15m (£12.8m).

However, West Ham United are also following him, and could turn up with a bid of their own.

The Croatia international was a key player for his team in Ligue 1 in the 2020/21 term, winning no fewer than 3.7 of his duels per match, while he also averaged 3.9 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per game, keeping five clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

He would certainly give Bruno Lage another handy option in his squad, but it is not known whether their bid will be accepted with the deadline looming.

Wolves fans on Caleta-Car transfer update

These members of the Molineux faithful lauded the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter, with one WWFC supporter even going as far as to claim that Caleta-Car would be a ‘huge signing’:

“Scenes if we get him and Botman”

Credit: @liambagnall9

“We really are going all out now aren’t we”

Credit: @DaneWWFC

“Yesssssss”

Credit: @Millenwwfc

“Supposedly we’ve been linked with Botman and this lad, either would be a huge signing in an area we need it most”

Credit: @Brokeboi2000

“Obviously would prefer Botman but this would be a great signing too!”

Credit: @FPL_BakedBeans

“Botman is clear but I’d take him as well”

Credit: @Lamela2b

In other news, find out what transfer update has Wanderers buzzing here!

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has backed summer singing and new Tottenham Hotspur starlet Emerson Royal for stardom in north London.

The Lowdown: Spurs snap up new royal…

As confirmed on deadline day, Spurs finally bolstered their right-back options with the signing of Emerson from Barcelona.

Spurs had been linked with a plethora of full-back options on that side throughout the window, with the likes of Max Aarons, Tariq Lamptey and Takehiro Tomiyasu also linked.

Alas, with the latter man heading to Arsenal instead, Spurs snapped up the Brazilian in a last-minute swoop.

The Latest: Emerson backed for Spurs stardom…

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky pundit and former Premier League striker Campbell has been left overjoyed by his signing and insists the South American youngster can thrive at Tottenham.

Indeed, still only 22-years-old, the former Betis starlet comes to Spurs with the potential to have significant sell-on value as well as comparisons with Brazil legends like Maicon and Daniel Alves.

Campbell backs the hype and insists he is ‘perfect’ for the club.

“Let me tell you, this guy is very, very good. He is all action. He is up and down, very quick and loves to attack,” the pundit explained.

“The way Spurs play, with the full-backs bombing on, he is perfect. He is relentless down the flank because he is an incredibly fit guy. He also has good quality on the ball so I expect him to quickly become a fan favourite there.

“For £25.7million? It is cheap money.”

The Verdict: Get excited?

Still with plenty of years ahead of him, the Lilywhites have many seasons to see the very best of Emerson and it is justifiable to start getting excited.

He comes as an arguably perfect replacement for departed defender Serge Aurier and his attacking threat is there for all to see.

Emerson notched four assists from out wide for Betis last season and attracted more fouls on average per 90 (2.1) than any Spurs player managed in the Premier League (WhoScored) – perhaps highlighting his real trickiness.

In other news: ‘Finished article’…Sky pundit in awe of Spurs youngster who’s an ‘improved version of Ndombele’, find out more here.

Celtic had a frantic summer as Ange Postecoglou and Dominic McKay got to work quickly on repairing the rubble of a disastrous 2020/21 campaign at Parkhead.
They added a host of first-team names to their ranks while also bolstering the reserves who are taking part in the Lowland League this term.

What’s the word?

The window only slammed shut just under 48 hours ago but the Hoops are already plotting who they want to sign in January.
They have been targeting two players in the top-flight of Irish football after initially turning to Liam Scales in the transfer window.
One of the players who Celtic are planning to scout this week is Drogheda teenager Killian Phillips.
They will watch the player on Friday and then decide whether to bring him to the club on a permanent basis in a few months time.
That’s according to reporter Daniel McDonnell who initially took to Twitter to say: “Celtic are tracking Sligo Rovers prospect Johnny Kenny. He’ll be watched on Friday and is on their long term radar. Drogheda’s Killian Phillips is also being monitored.”

Their new Ajer?

At just 19 years of age, Phillips is very much a player for the future.
Coincidentally, he also looks like a similar type of player to Liam Shaw. Celtic signed the youngster from Sheffield Wednesday after agreeing to a deal before the summer got underway.
That being said, despite his versatility as a defender and a midfielder, he is yet to make his debut for the Bhoys.
That characteristic reminds us of a certain Kristoffer Ajer. The Norwegian arrived at Celtic as a 17-year-old but he was a defensive midfielder when he walked through the door.
Ajer was transformed into a centre-back and it’s there where he’s really cut his teeth as a professional footballer.
He’s now signed for Brentford in a deal worth £17.5m but his heir apparent – Leo Hjelde – also headed for an exit.
However, by signing Phillips, they could make up for the loss of Hjelde.
The Drogheda teenager is a midfielder by trade but is also capable of playing further back in defence. It’s that versatility that reminds us the most of Ajer when comparing the duo.
Phillips also played on the wing in Ireland last season. That wasn’t something that Ajer had in his locker but he did feature as a rampaging full-back on the odd occasion.
Although the Irishman wouldn’t be an instant player for the first-team, his future in the game looks immense.

AND in other news, Celtic may have just repeated their John McGinn howler…

BBC Match of the Day regular Danny Murphy has said he is ‘amazed’ that Jesse Lingard hasn’t left Manchester United after a successful loan at West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Lingard remains at Old Trafford, for now

Lingard enjoyed the form of his life in the second half of last season as he scored nine and assisted five for West Ham after joining on loan.

His performances were a key tool in the Hammers qualifying for the Europa League group stage for the first time in their history and he was linked as a Hammers target throughout the summer.

But with only 12 months remaining on his contract and Bruno Fernandes ahead of the 28-year-old in the pecking order, Lingard opted to stay at the Red Devils and fight for his place.

The Latest: Murphy surprised by the decision

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Premier League midfielder Murphy said: “I’m amazed he hasn’t gone, for himself. He’s just got the bug back, he was brilliant at West Ham. I’ve always been a big fan of Lingard, even when people criticise him.

“He’s what I call a really intelligent footballer, when to run behind, when to come in the space. He can play in a variety of positions with his intelligence. I really like him.”

With Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford and Fernandes one of the first names on the team sheet, Murphy went on to predict Lingard’s future.

“He’ll probably end up out on loan, first chance he gets.”

The Verdict: Move waiting to happen

Lingard’s departure from Old Trafford seems inevitable given his limited chances and contract situation. Lingard’s belief in his own ability to break into the United team is a testament to his confidence and character, but it looks like he will often be used from the bench.

West Ham’s upturn in form and quality whilst he was out on loan last season was clear and Moyes will be monitoring the situation closely, especially with the added fixtures from participating in the Europa League.

One element of his future that will remain on Lingard’s mind will be his England chances for the World Cup next year, so perhaps another mid-season loan to London could materialise in January.

In other news, a former Hammers defender has praised the ‘consistency’ of international ace. Find out more here.