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Fulham have been dealt a further blow in their bid to keep Antonee Robinson at Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a move for the 23-year-old defender in the summer transfer window, with the Cottagers thought to be demanding a fee in the region of £10m in order to part with the left-back.

News of Wolves’ interest comes following an earlier report by the Daily Mail that Manchester City, as well as a number of other Premier League sides, are considering a move for the USA international ahead of next season.

Silva will be gutted

Having only joined Fulham from Wigan Athletic in what was a £1.9m deal last summer, the fact that Robinson looks set to leave west London after just one highly impressive season is sure to have left Marco Silva gutted.

Indeed, over his 28 league appearances for Fulham last term, the £6.3m-rated man helped his side keep four clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 1.9 clearances and winning five duels per game.

The 23-year-old also chipped in for his side going forwards, creating four big chances and making an average of 1.1 key passes in each fixture.

These returns saw the left-back Scott Parker dubbed a “quality” talent earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.89, ranking him as the Cottagers’ 12th-best player in the top flight of English football.

As such, considering the amount of potential Robinson appears to possess, if Silva were to lose his services this summer, it would not only damage the club’s chances of going on to secure an immediate return to the Premier League next season, but also see them lose a player who could well have been their first-choice left-back for many years to come.

However, with both Manchester City and Wolves being able to afford the American’s £10m asking price, it would very much seem as if Robinson could be on his way out of west London in the not so distant future.

In other news: Silva plotting Fulham swoop for “dangerous” £3.06m-rated gem, fans should be buzzing

While football didn’t end up coming home this summer, former Three Lions international Joe Cole has admitted he had faith in Gareth Southgate’s side to go far in the tournament.

Have suffered so much heartbreak and disappointment in major tournaments over the last 55 years, England fans could be forgiven for not having too much expectations of success heading into Euro 2020.

But Cole insists the signs were already there that this England team would produce a summer to remember. On Just Eat’s Home Advantage, he said: “I’ve been banging the drum for this team for years now.

“I couldn’t believe we weren’t getting more excited – I know we’ve been burned over the years when we’ve built up our expectations – but you look at the record, this team knows how to win games.

“And even in the first two games, Scotland and Croatia, I thought there was a nice balance. It wasn’t the team I would’ve picked in both games but I’m happy to let Gareth do his thing now because the decisions he’s made have all been impeccable.

“I was at the Czech game and the Germany game, and the fans lifted those players for sure.”

Throughout the tournament, Just Eat’s Home Advantage brought the best of food and football together, with Munya Chawawa ordering a takeaway with some of the UK’s favourites footballers each week throughout the tournament.

Footballing legends including the likes of Ally McCoist, Joe Cole, James Collins, David James, Casey Stoney, and Alan Hutton sat down with the Instagram sensation and shared their thoughts on everything from the teams, players and managers, to the best food to eat while watching the action.

The last episode saw the return of Scotland legend Ally McCoist, as well as ex England and Wales internationals, Joe Cole and James Collins. Check out the video below to see them catch up on the state of play, as well as some rather dubious initial predictions.

 Catch all the episodes from Just Eat’s Home Advantage here.

Leeds United must finally land Manchester United winger Dan James this summer amid Phil Hay’s transfer claim.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Scottish Mail on Sunday (p129: 11/07), as transcribed by TBR Football, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are continuing to track the Wales international.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show, The Athletic journalist of that name said: “That’s a question for Bielsa because Bielsa is forever interested in Dan James, and you probably remember last summer that before they did the deal for Raphinha, they were looking into the possibility of bringing Dan James in on loan from Manchester United. I don’t think it was ever really a possibility because it didn’t seem as though Solskjaer wanted him to go.

“I get the feeling that Bielsa will consistently be interested in Dan James, because he was very big on him when Leeds nearly got him from Swansea.”

Bielsa wants him

Bielsa’s side had reportedly agreed a loan deal with the Swans in the January 2019 transfer window, with the move being made permanent for around £8.5m if the Whites earned promotion.

However, it all fell apart in the closing stages, and James then made the move to Manchester United, where he has established himself as a regular part of the first team at Old Trafford.

CIES now value him at the £60m mark, while former United teammate Andreas Pereira lauded the 23-year-old winger “explosive and so fast” in an interview to the official website last season.

That extra pace and ability to be a real threat in the opposition box – he has managed 13 goals and assists in 48 Premier League games despite not being a regular starter – could add another dimension to Leeds’ attack, particularly off the bench if Raphinha and Jack Harrison continue as the two starting wingers.

Given that Bielsa was close to his signing before, along with Hay’s comments that the Leeds manager will be “forever interested” in him too, it’s surely the perfect time for the Whites to get the Wales international this summer.

Meanwhile, Adam Pope has dropped an exciting Leeds United update…

Leeds United have suffered a potentially significant blow in their pursuit to sign West Bromwich Albion midfielder Matheus Pereira.

What’s the story?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Saudi side Al Hilal have made an initial offer of £5.9m (€7m) for the 25-year-old magician following an impressive 2020/21 campaign.

Several Premier League sides have been linked with a move for Pereira in recent weeks, including Leeds, but Konur claims Al Hilal are currently locked in talks with West Brom after making an opening bid.

Upgrade on Klich

Despite the Baggies’ struggles last season, Pereira enjoyed a fabulous maiden campaign in the Premier League, bagging 11 goals and providing a further six assists for his teammates in 33 appearances.

Although his efforts weren’t enough to keep West Brom in the top-flight, the Brazilian’s standout displays did enough to catch the eye of several potential suitors.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are one side credited with an interest in the diminutive forward, but the club’s hierarchy are going to have to act quickly in order to secure their man.

The Whites shocked many onlookers with their performances, finishing in an incredible ninth position following a 16-year absence from the Premier League.

However, Bielsa will be keen to build on that solid start to life back in the elite league and has already added former Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo to his ranks ahead of 2021/22.

Another position where the enigmatic Argentine tactician is expected to strengthen is in central midfield. Rodrigo de Paul was heavily linked with a move to Elland Road last summer, but the South American has since joined La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

Therefore, a move for Pereira appears to be a logical solution to Leeds’ needs. Poland international Mateusz Klich was a mainstay in the club’s engine room last term, but the numbers indicate that Pereira would be a significant upgrade on the 31-year-old.

As per WhoScored, Klich managed a respectable four goals and five assists while on league duty last season, falling behind the West Brom man on both metrics.

Pereira also outperformed him when it came down to the underlying figures as well, though, managing 1.2 dribbles per league game and 1.8 key passes compared to Klich’s tally of 0.4 and 1.3, respectively.

Signing Pereira would bolster an already impressive Leeds attack, but Director of Football Victor Orta will have to see off substantial competition for the £13.5m-rated ace’s signature.

And, in other news…Orta jets out to discuss Leeds deal for £26m “machine”, Bielsa will be over the moon 

Speaking live on air (via Football Daily), broadcast giant Sky Sports have now dropped a West Ham United takeover update.

The Lowdown: West Ham prospective buyers attempt swoop?

As first reported by the Daily Mail, a group of investors based in the United Kingdom have made a takeover bid for West Ham – reaching around £400 million.

Sources close to this development say the prospective takeover bid would’ve injected much-needed transfer funds into the club and hugely benefit manager David Moyes, all while transforming the surrounding area with outside investment.

After having their offer rejected by majority shareholder David Sullivan, the consortium which includes former QPR chief executive Philip Beard apparently remain determined to strike a deal.

The Latest: Sky Sports drop takeover update live on air…

Sky Sports, speaking live on air, have now dropped their own update after this development and shed light on the situation.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-news/” title=”West Ham news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

According to the broadcaster, GSB still ‘do not want to sell’ and any interested party must prove they have the finances to take West Ham to the next level.

“West Ham’s owners have turned down an informal approach to buy the club,” they explained (via FD).

“The offer lead by the former QPR chief executive Philip Beard was rejected because it was vague and not in the best interests of the club we’re told.

“David Gold and David Sullivan bought West Ham in 2010 and have regularly been approached by prospective buyers, now we’re told they do not want to sell, and anyone wanting to make a bid would need the finances to take West Ham to the next level.”

The Verdict: Disappointing?

Friction between West Ham fans and the club’s owners is no secret and there have been large protests past seasons over their decision making and how the Hammers are run (Evening Standard).

In particular, a large section of fans were disappointed at West Ham’s progression since they were asked to leave their spiritual home of Upton Park for the London Stadium – with the board previously promising a world class team and failing to deliver (The Guardian).

While they have qualified for the Europa League group stages next campaign, it was arguably very unexpected given the lack of investment and more a real overachievement by manager David Moyes.

As such, there may be a fair number of Irons fans who are disappointed by this latest update from Sky.

In other news: West Ham in contact to sign 23 y/o, lucrative five-year contract already discussed…find out more here.

Rafael Benitez could win some Everton fans over with the signing of Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, former Toffees defender Michael Ball has told The Transfer Tavern.

Benitez remains a controversial appointment following his spell with Everton’s neighbours Liverpool.

The Spaniard has so far brought in Asmir Begovic, Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray as he looks to stamp his mark on the squad.

And if reports in Italy are to be believed, then the trio of new signings could be joined by Senegal international Koulibaly.

According to Calciomercato, the Merseyside club are trying to sign the £43.2m-rated 30-year-old in this transfer window. Get that over the line and Ball believes Benitez’s popularity at Goodison Park may just go up.

“That could get some fans on board a bit more,” the ex-Everton full-back said. “A big signing, whether it’s Koulibaly or somebody else.

“You brought Benitez, who backs himself as a top coach, into the football club to improve the players that are already there, but fans always like to see new faces.”

Everton were thought to be interested in Ben White, with the Daily Mail previously reporting that they were planning to foil Arsenal’s plans to sign the 23-year-old. But with that now dead in the water, perhaps the Toffees do end up making a serious push for Koulibaly.

Celtic have ‘stepped up’ talks with reported target Cameron Carter-Vickers of Tottenham Hotspur, as their search for defensive reinforcements rolls on [Daily Record].

The Lowdown: Celtic start off 2021/22 in disappointing fashion

Progressing into the new campaign, new Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou will be agitating to get new signings in the door following an opening day defeat to Heart of Midlothian [BBC].

Having made some inroads from a recruitment perspective, Celtic have managed to acquire additions Carl Starfelt, Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada, Osaze Urhoghide and Liam Shaw [Transfermarkt].

They are now closing in on a sixth new face according to recent developments.

The Latest: Talks continue for Carter-Vickers; loan deal not an option

Celtic have stepped up talks with 23-year-old Carter-Vickers as they look to add defensive cover moving further into 2021/22 [Daily Record].

Despite being keen to explore the option of bringing the United States international in on loan, this scenario has now been quashed as they player wishes to leave north London for good.

Spurs are said to have an asking price of around £5 million for his services, which could cause issue with Anderlecht and Club Brugge also linked with a swoop.

The Verdict: Carter-Vickers would be an astute signing for Celtic

In desperate need of depth at the back, Carter-Vickers would prove to be an astute signing who could retain significant sell-on value in the long-term.

In 2020/21, Southend-born Carter-Vickers featured 26 times on loan at Bournemouth, registering two goal contributions, one goal and one assist [Transfermarkt], as the Cherries made the Championship play-offs.

Furthermore, he impressed with his awareness to danger throughout the year, recording an average of 3.6 clearances per game [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘very good’ by former coach Jonathan Woodgate, Celtic should look to secure his signature as a matter of priority [Bournemouth Echo] – he is young enough to sell on for profit in the future but experienced enough to improve the first XI immediately, boasting eight USA caps already.

In other news, an England international is willing to take a pay cut to join the Hoops.

An update has emerged on Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, regarding Leeds’ interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to GiveMeSport, Leeds United have identified Rangers central midfielder Glen Kamara as a potential target this month.

The report claims that the Whites are keen on a deal for the Finland international, who is reportedly valued in the region of £10m.

Bielsa would love him

Victor Orta must sanction a deal for Kamara before the end of the transfer window. He could be a terrific addition to Marcelo Bielsa’s midfield and couldbe the ideal replacement for Mateusz Klich in the starting XI.

The Poland international averaged a fairly dismal WhoScored rating of 6.51 in the Premier League last season, which suggests that Leeds could land an upgrade on his position with a new signing. He started 28 league matches and did contribute with four goals and five assists, but his rating shows that he was unable to consistently deliver quality performances.

Kamara, meanwhile, enjoyed an excellent season with Rangers last term. He averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.90 in 28 Scottish Premiership appearances and a score of 6.90 in 10 Europa League starts. This shows that he was able to turn up week-in-week-out and put in superb displays on the pitch, domestically and in Europe.

Of course, he was playing in a Rangers side that we dominating games more often than not, but his performances were very, very consistent, and that’s what managers want from their players.

His former manager at Dundee United, Neil McCann, hailed him as a special talent and said that he is receptive to taking instructions from his coaches.

He said: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect.

McCann added: “He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

These comments from McCann will delight Bielsa as it highlights the midfielder’s ability to beat the press whilst also being willing to improve. The Argentine coach would love to have a player who is prepared to take on advice to improve himself or do a specific job on the pitch, which is why the former Marseille boss would surely love to have Kamara if Leeds were able to get him to Elland Road this summer.

Orta must get a deal over the line for the Finnish enforcer in the coming weeks. It could improve Leeds’ chances of being able to compete in the top half of the table, as he would surely improve their midfield options if he comes in.

AND in other news, “He’s not good enough” – Exclusive: Palmer drops verdict on LUFC target after £30m claim…

Crystal Palace are weighing up the future of on-loan forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report on Wednesday led to a number of Eagles fans sharing their thoughts on social media.

TEAMtalk claim that Patrick Vieira is considering ending Mateta’s loan early as he has other targets lined up.

The 24-year-old made the move to Selhurst Park back in January on an 18-month loan with the option to buy next summer.

Mateta, on £32,000-a-week with parent club Mainz, has scored just once in his seven competitive games as a Palace player.

Vieira has been busy when it comes to signings this summer but is yet to bring in a striker, and it appears as if Mateta’s future in London is up in the air.

Palace fans react

Both @cpfc_xtra and @CPFCtransfersHQ shared TEAMtalk’s claim regarding Mateta on Twitter on Wednesday.

This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply, with many seemingly wanting the Frenchman to stay.

“Wow!”Credit: @ianace0″Would be harsh to terminate this one. I feel Mateta has a lot to prove and is desperate to score goals for us”Credit: @Alexjackd”Don’t.”Credit: @cpfcboiling”Not surprising! Shows we are after someone else if true though!”Credit: @SeanPalace21″NO”Credit: @cosmoreed”I dont really want to unless the guy who comes in is really good. Mateta is class and your gonna bin him off after 1 pre season”Credit: @HAZZAMATTAZZ1

In other news: ‘Only we would do this’ – Lot of Palace fans react to ‘epic’ club post. 

Newcastle United have made a major breakthrough in their hopes of signing Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested that while Steve Bruce’s side may have agreed a fee with the Gunners over the England U21 international, a stumbling block had appeared in the form of personal terms with the midfielder.

And now, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed: “Joe Willock has agreed terms with Newcastle (per @mcgrathmike@footyinsider247) for permanent move from Arsenal. 21yo to head north today & expected to start medical tomorrow morning before completing move for fee of above £20m @TheAthleticUK #NUFC #AFC.”

Newcastle fans will be buzzing

Having agreed a fee with Arsenal, fans would surely have been optimistic at seeing Willock return on a permanent basis, but news of the two parties being a distance apart on personal terms would have been very worrying.

This latest news is sure to have everyone associated with the club rocking.

If you needed any proof of just how much Newcastle fans have fallen in love with Willock, and how much they want him to stay, then you only have to look at the St James’ Park faithful serenading him during his post-match interview against the Blades.

The 21-year-old has been a breath of fresh air for a Magpies side who desperately needed his fresh injection of pace and energy, and his ability to break into the box and time his runs have resulted in some match-winning contributions.

He bagged eight in 14 games following his arrival, and set a new record by becoming the youngest player in Premier League history to score in seven consecutive matches.

It’s exactly why Ornstein’s latest update on Newcastle’s move for Willock will have fans absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could sign a dream Joe Willock partner in this star…