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West Bromwich Albion manager Valerien Ismael may not enter the transfer market again this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Alan Nixon, with The Sun journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that the Frenchman is more than happy with the players he currently has at his disposal at The Hawthorns, suggesting the 45-year-old may not be pursuing too many more incoming signings over what remains of the summer transfer window.

Nixon went on to claim in a further post that there are similarities between Ismael and the Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa, in that both coaches prefer to operate with smaller squads than the vast majority of managers.

In response to a fan asking whether Albion’s quiet summer looked set to pick up pace anytime soon, the journalist said: “Coach seems happy enough with what he has.”

Then, in response to another fan stating their belief that the club are in need of a central midfielder, Nixon said: “There’s a bit of the Bielsa about Ismael. Quite happy with small squads and stick with them.”

Fans will be fuming

While it is all very well and good operating with a small squad, with Bielsa proving at Leeds that a manager can be extremely successful with a limited number of players, there nevertheless is a very clear line when a manager not bringing in additions to his squad becomes irresponsible.

Indeed, as the second fan quoted above states, Albion are extremely short of options in the middle of the park, with only Jake Livermore, Alex Mowatt and Romaine Sawyers – who has recently been linked with a move to Stoke City – capable of operating in central midfield naturally.

The Baggies also appear rather thin on the ground on the left-hand side of defence, with only Conor Townsend in the first-team squad as an out and out left-back, while it would also appear as if Ismael could use the addition of a new centre-forward this summer.

As such, if the Frenchman does not go on to bring in reinforcements in the positions stated above, and any of the players who can operate in the respective positions pick up an injury or simply lose form, the potential for West Brom’s promotion hopes to slip away would appear very real indeed – an outcome that would leave fans of the club fuming.

In other news: Steve Madeley reveals major West Brom transfer development, Ismael will be buzzing

Former professional footballer Nigel Jemson is expecting Liverpool to further business in this transfer window.

The Reds completed the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate from Red Bull Leipzig for £36m earlier on in the window but haven’t made any further additions since.

The Anfield outfit have been linked with many names this summer, with reporter Matthew Scianitti posting that sources told TSN Sports that if Lille chose to sell Jonathan David this summer, then Liverpool have the Canadian high up on their list of potential additions.

Whilst CaughtOffside reported that the representatives of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez are attempting to get their client a move to Anfield this summer.

And Jemson fully expects Liverpool to conclude more deals before the summer transfer window closes, exclusively telling Football FanCast: “I’m a bit of Liverpool supporter, they’ve made an addition to that squad, I’m sure they’re going to make another couple of signings.”

Despite injuries to the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Fabinho last season, Liverpool still managed to finish third in the Premier League to secure Champions League football for another season.

Give those issues, Liverpool fans will be pleased if Jemson’s prediction is correct, with a lack of squad depth ultimately preventing Jurgen Klopp’s side from successfully defending their Premier League crown last term.

Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest update on Manchester City’s interest in Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane and it’s one which will likely delight City fans.

What’s the word?

After the signing of Jack Grealish was completed earlier this month, it seems clear now that Kane is Pep Guardiola’s top target in the transfer window, as he looks to bring in a world-class striker capable of replacing Sergio Aguero at the Etihad.

The England captain may well have made it clear that he wants to leave the North London outfit but chairman Daniel Levy has other ideas and has so far rebuffed any offers made by the Citizens.

However, it appears as if City aren’t giving up the chase after Romano suggested:

“Manchester City are not giving up on Harry Kane deal. Man City board preparing a new bid for €150m – if Spurs stance will change. Tottenham have not received any new proposal for Kane yet, and want to keep him – Man City strategy is to be ready… and wait.”

Will Man City sign Kane?

With the new Premier League season just a few days away, Manchester City still have just Gabriel Jesus and Liam Delap as the natural striker options in their squad, with the latter looking likely to head out on loan to a Championship side before the window closes.

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Although they were comfortable in winning the Premier League last season, a lack of squad depth up front arguably cost City in the latter stages of last season, and a clinical striker such as Kane could prove to be the difference for Guardiola’s side next season as they chase success in the Champions League next year.

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The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are all sure to challenge City strongly for the title next season and whilst some City fans might be worried that they have not yet added a striker to their ranks, they will be delighted to hear Romano’s update that they are preparing another bid for Kane.

And, in other news… Guardiola handed huge Man City boost with “exceptional” beast

According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension managing director Fabio Paratici, have lodged an offer to sign Shakhtar Donetsk defender Dodo – and they have already received a reply.

The Lowdown: Spurs in right-back market?

Amid the exit links surrounding Serge Aurier and even Matt Doherty, Tottenham have been touted to add a new right-back to Nuno Espirito Santo’s ranks before the transfer window closes on August 31.

The likes of Zeki Celik, Max Aarons and Tariq Lamptey have all been linked with Spurs this summer, while Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu can also operate in that position.

Konur has now brought news of a Paratici offer for yet another Spurs right-back target.

The Latest: Spurs submit Dodo offer…

As per the Turkish reporter on social media, Spurs have now made a €20m (£17m) offer to Shakhtar for their defensive ace, with the Ukrainian club swiftly replying.

It is explained by the journalist that Tottenham’s bid has been rejected as Shakhtar rate him at around €40m (£34m).

Along with Spurs, Bayern Munich lodged a bid of their own amounting to roughly €25m (£21.2m), with that offer also being rejected outright.

The Verdict: Move on…

Given that Spurs are also eyeing moves for Pau Torres and Lautaro Martinez (The Times), we advise Paratici to move on from this chase if £34m is indeed the price for Dodo.

Stepping up talks for Tomiyasu to play as a right-back is arguably far more fruitful, considering that he would cost around half of that amount, according to Sky Sports.

Tottenham certainly cannot afford to splash such a huge amount on that position if they wish to add a potent attacker like Martinez or Dusan Vlahovic.

In other news: ‘Terminate his contract’, ‘Huge problem’…Sky Sports news has many Spurs fans talking, find out more here.

Many Crystal Palace fans have been left slamming the display of Cheikhou Kouyate in their home game against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

The Senegal international returned to his more natural position in the centre of midfield after playing a lot of the 2020/21 season in central defence (Transfermarkt), but he really struggled to make the adjustment against the Bees.

He was guilty of giving the ball away many times throughout the match, especially in the first half, and also lost a lot of his own individual battles in the middle of the park.

With Jairo Riedewald sitting on the bench, Kouyate may fear for his place in the starting line-up under new manager Patrick Vieira, especially in midfield, if he continues to put in poor performances like this one at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace fans on Kouyate display

These CPFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one Eagle even going as far as to claim that he is the ‘weakest link’:

“Kouyate is so bad on the ball”

Credit: @DanHuff23

“My knees feel weak every time Kouyate touches the football”

Credit: @localpla8tic

“Kouyate needs to go. Clearly the weakest link”

Credit: @hollaatmefelix

“Started well enough. Then they got the measure of us. We don’t seem to be able to keep going. And Kouyate has been terrible.”

Credit: @jimbo2556

“Kouyate bit of a mare.”

Credit: @CHSCPFC

“Kouyate nowhere near good enough to play the CDM role in the new system”

Credit: @wblack85

In other news, find out which club post had Eagles talking here!

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has revealed that Aston Villa striker Wesley will be leaving the club on loan in this summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Brazilian missed Dean Smith’s side’s 6-0 thrashing of Barrow in the Carabao Cup second round, and it now appears that he missed the game due to an imminent move away.

And now, in a tweet posted after Villa’s victory over the League Two side, Evans revealed that the striker will now be heading back to Belgium to join Club Bruges on a season-long loan.

Villa fans will be worried

While Danny Ings’ arrival certainly puts Wesley down the pecking order at Villa Park, it’s a bit of a questionable decision from Smith to let the Brazilian go this summer, even on a temporary basis.

Ollie Watkins was a man of steel last season in the Premier League, only missing the one match all campaign, but whether that level of fitness can hold up for a second successive campaign remains to be seen.

Add to that the fact Ings missed several games last season for Southampton with a knee injury, and of course has ruptured his ACL previously, and Villa could be left really short up front if they suffer some misfortune.

Standing at 6 foot 3, and with a real aerial presence, he offers something completely different to the hard running and movement of Watkins, and gives Villa a different dimension either to come off the bench or even to start when Smith wants to rest his main striker.

With Keinan Davis also already gone out on loan, Smith is certainly taking a gamble by letting another one of his squad options go before deadline day closes.

Villa fans may be very worried if Wesley departs, and the club suffer some injury problems – especially considering Watkins has already missed some game-time already this campaign.

Meanwhile, Villa are plotting a late swoop for this star…

A number of Liverpool supporters have bemoaned an update regarding their rumoured interest in Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The Reds have had a quiet summer transfer window, with rivals such as Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea all spending huge sums of money.

Ibrahima Konate is still the only signing Liverpool have made since the end of last season, with the centre-back arriving from RB Leipzig.

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One player Jurgen Klopp has been linked with bringing in is Bissouma, who has been a key man for Brighton in recent years, making 98 appearances for the Seagulls.

Unfortunately, Liverpool’s interest has been shot down by The Athletic‘s Andy Naylor on Twitter, who claims that it ‘isn’t true’ that the Reds have made an opening bid for the midfielder.

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Liverpool fans fume at Bissouma latest

These Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to show their frustration at the update.

“We are so broke”

Credit: @svkShailendra

“Of course it’s not true. We’re standing by to watch whilst the whole footballing world moves on around us”

Credit: @AS93_LFC

“Nice one Andy, cheers for ruining my Friday la”

Credit: @joshdennyy_

“Liverpool shot down again”

Credit: @ChallinorTSC

“I slowly accept we ain’t signing player anymore”

Credit: @dnlfc_

“Water is wet lol”

Credit: @Arun_LFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans are keen for the Reds to signing a player who shone at Euro 2020. Read more here.

Get French Football News features writer Adam White has exclusively told Transfer Tavern that he expects Jonathan Bamba to remain at Lille amid links with West Ham United on deadline day.

Reliable Irons insider ExWHUemployee said on his show, via Patreon, on Tuesday lunchtime that the east London outfit were in last-gasp talks to try and bring the attacker to the London Stadium before the 11pm deadline tonight, with discussions with the player’s agent ongoing.

The Frenchman helped Lille to a shock Ligue 1 title win last term scoring six goals and providing a further 11 assists in 38 French top-flight matches, although his best campaign in front of goal came in 2018-19 when he netted 13 times in the same number of appearances.

White doesn’t believe the 25-year-old has been in top form in 2021 to date, and believes he will stay at Lille, as he told Transfer Tavern: “As far as we understand at GFFN, Jonathan Bamba is expected to remain at Lille unless a late bid, that hasn’t materialised yet, arrives for the player.

“His career with Lille has been very up and down so far. Before Christmas last season he was perhaps the most important player for a team that eventually won the title, playing with a swagger and intensity as well as an end product that has often been lacking.

“However, since Christmas, his form has trailed off to the point where he wasn’t even a guaranteed starter at the end of the season before falling off a cliff this season. He’s been playing like a player who wants to leave.”

West Ham have been relatively busy in the transfer window to date, bringing in the likes of Alphonse Areola and Kurt Zouma, while Nikola Vlasic followed on deadline day from CSKA Moscow.

The Hammers are also being linked with a late swoop for Spartak Moscow’s Alex Kral, with a deal reportedly on the cards.

Pundit Joe Wainman insists that he was hoping Leeds United could qualify for Europe this season before the start of the transfer window, but has since downgraded his expectations.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side had a relatively quiet window.

Across the first few months of the window, they signed Junior Firpo from Barcelona, Jack Harrison from Manchester City, and Kristoffer Klaesson from Valerenga.

At the back-end of the window, though, Leeds secured the signature of Daniel James from Manchester United, with reports claiming that they paid £25m for his services.

Still, Wainman remains relatively unconvinced by the window in general, and thinks that the club have to temper their expectations in terms of attempting to qualify for Europe.

The former All Leeds TV presenter said: “Before the window opened, I’m going Europe. We can maybe get Europe, top 10.

“Now that the club have tempered expectations, the window wasn’t as huge as we’d like. I’m more relaxed about where we’ll be. Of course, as a fanbase you want to progress year on year, but when you’re in the Premier League, it’s not really realistic, because by that means we’d be winning the league in a couple of seasons and it’s not realistic, so it is what it is.”

Leeds have endured a terrible start to the season and have yet to win a game, losing 5-1 to Manchester United on the opening day and drawing with both Everton and Burnley.

Liverpool have been handed a major boost regarding the fitness of Takumi Minamino ahead of their upcoming Champions League fixture.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by This Is Anfield, the Liverpool winger was back in first-team training with Jurgen Klopp’s side following his recovery from a minor fitness complaint – which caused the 26-year-old to withdraw from international duty with Japan early and ruled him out of the club’s victory over Leeds United on Sunday.

Klopp will be buzzing

While Minamino is by no means a guaranteed starter in the Liverpool side, having featured from the off just 12 times in his career at Anfield to date, the return of the forward ahead of the Reds’ tantalising fixture against Milan will undoubtedly have Klopp buzzing.

Indeed, while the trio of Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah appear the most likely options to start for Liverpool on Wednesday evening, Minamino’s presence on the bench will provide the German manager with a different route when making substitutions in the latter stages of the fixture, in comparison to the victory at Leeds.

In the game at Elland Road, the 54-year-old had no other choice but to introduce Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Jota in the closing stages of the match, playing the midfielder in the middle of a front three.

And, while this did not cause any problems with his side 2-0 up against 10 men, should the Reds be pushing for a late goal against the Serie A side on Wednesday, the option of adding Minamino to their attack would certainly appear to be a much-preferred move than once again bringing Oxlade-Chamberlain on.

With Divock Origi seemingly out of the picture, it’s a major boost for Klopp to have a natural attacking player available to him from the bench this evening.

In other news: Signed for £8m, now worth £58.8m: Edwards struck gold for Liverpool with £50k-p/w gem