Fulham consider Anthony Knockaert sale

Fulham would be open to the idea of sanctioning Anthony Knockaert’s departure from Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that, following the recent arrival of Harry Wilson, Marco Silva’s side are now willing to listen to offers for the 29-year-old winger.

The report goes on to state that Tony Khan and the Cottagers transfer team will be contacting potential suitors for the forward over what remains of the summer transfer window, although it is thought that the former France U21 international’s wages could be a stumbling block to his departure.

Stealing a living

While Knockaert is undoubtedly a player who has the capability to be a match-winner in any given fixture, the fact that Scott Parker felt it would not harm Fulham by sending the winger out on loan last season, as well the club having just landed the rather impressive signing of Wilson, would very much appear to indicate the Frenchman’s time in west London could well be up.

Indeed, although his spell at Nottingham Forest last term was not particularly disastrous, the 29-year-old’s performances were also far from breathtaking.

Over his 34 Championship appearances for Chris Hughton’s side, the £2.7m-rated man scored just two goals, registered one assist and missed four big chances, as well as hitting the target an average of just 0.3 times per game.

However, rather bizarrely, these returns saw the man Hughton once dubbed a “fabulous” player earn a decent seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.93, ranking him as Forest’s joint sixth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

But, with Nottingham Forest having struggled at the wrong end of the Championship table last season, while Fulham will undoubtedly be hoping to secure an immediate return to the Premier League in their upcoming campaign, it would indeed appear as if Knockaert is no longer at the level Marco Silva requires.

Furthermore, with the 29-year-old reported to be taking home a whopping £35k-per-week at Craven Cottage, considering just how far the winger has slipped down the Fulham pecking order, this salary would not appear to reflect the Frenchman’s current status within the club.

As such, Khan must do all he possibly can to try and secure Knockaert a move away from Fulham this summer, as, if the forward does not feature in Silva’s first-team plans next season, spending £140k a month on the 29-year-old would be a significant waste of money.

In other news: Imagine him & Mitro: Khan must seal deal for £2.7m-rated “presence”, Fulham plan offer

Spurs legend tips quartet for summer exit - exclusive

Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts believes that a number of players ought to leave the club this summer.

Spurs are continuing their chaotic search for a new manager after a week filled with twists and turns.

Spurs reportedly broke off talks with the former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca, and were then reported to have approached former Italy international Gennaro Gattuso, before breaking off talks less than 24 hours later.

One appointment that has been confirmed is that of Fabio Paratici as the club’s new managing director of football.

Part of his remit is to both bring new players into the club and move them on, and Roberts believes that various first-team players need to move on.

He has cited Erik Lamela, Harry Winks and Lucas Moura as potential departures as the summer rolls on.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Roberts was asked if he would cash in on Lucas were a good offer tabled and replied: “Would I let him go? If the money was right, yes I would.

“You’ve got to get money in to spend, so yes there will be a few people on their way. Lamela, I think he’s another one, he’s had his time here now, you’ve got Harry Winks, I think Harry Winks needs to find somewhere else. There’s a few, Aurier too.”

Palmer thought Nuno left Wolves for Spurs

Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast that he thought Nuno Espirito Santo was nailed on to become the Tottenham manager following his shock departure from Wolves last week.

Just 48 hours before the Premier League season finished, the Portuguese made a surprise announcement that he’ll be leaving the Midlands outfit after four years.

Santo was then almost immediately backed into the favourite for the Spurs job, although Alasdair Gold confirmed that he’s not a candidate to replace his compatriot, Jose Mourinho.

Countless names have been linked with the vacancy in N17, with the likes of Roberto Martinez, Antonio Conte and even Mauricio Pochettino all being reportedly considered, although it doesn’t appear that Spurs are any closer to naming Mourinho’s successor.

But one man it won’t be is Santo despite taking Wolves from the Championship to the top-seven in the Premier League and then quarter finals of the Europa League, much to the confusion of Palmer.

He told Football FanCast:

“I am still quite bemused as to why Nuno left Wolves. Why has he stepped down? There’s no reasons why he stepped down, I thought he 100 per cent stepped down because he was in with a shout for the Spurs job.

“But there will be a lot of people linked with the Spurs situation, and anybody will be honoured to be linked with Spurs, it’s a massive club.”

Millwall interested in Allan Campbell

Millwall are interested in a deal to bring Allan Campbell to The Den this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Gary Rowett’s side are one of a number of EFL clubs keeping a close eye on the Motherwell midfielder ahead of a potential move in the upcoming transfer window.

It is reported that the 22-year-old has decided to call time on his spell at Fir Park, with the £1.08m-rated man rejecting the offer of a new deal to remain with Graham Alexander’s side beyond the summer, with his current contract set to expire in the coming weeks.

Rowett must move

With central midfielder Shaun Williams being set for release by Millwall this summer, the position is undoubtedly one in which Rowett will be looking to strengthen in the upcoming transfer window.

And, considering just how much potential Campbell appears to possess, it is unsurprising to learn of the 47-year-old Lions manager’s interest in the Scotland U21 international.

Over his 34 Scottish Premiership fixtures for Well last term, the £1.5k-per-week man scored four goals and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and winning 4.7 duels per game.

These returns saw the midfielder average a SofaScore match rating of 6.82, ranking him as Alexander’s joint ninth-best performer in the Scottish top flight.

Indeed, the “highly-rated” 22-year-old appears to have an extremely promising future in the game, with his manager stating his belief that the youngster is a “shining example” for others at the club.

As such, with Rowett looking to build a side capable of improving on their impressive eighth-place finish in the Championship next season, the addition of a player with a future as bright as Campbell would appear to be a fantastic way to kick start Millwall’s summer transfer business, especially as he would cost the club nothing in fees.

In other news: Get it done: Rowett must sanction Millwall swoop for £4k-p/w “revelation” this summer

Club president reveals Spurs manager offer

Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena SER (via Sky Sports), Sevilla president Jose Castro has lifted the lid on a ‘dizzying’ offer made by Tottenham Hotspur for manager Julen Lopetegui.

The Lowdown: Tottenham search continues…

Spurs have seen a host of managers come and go out of contention when it comes to the hot seat.

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The Lilywhites have most recently botched talks for Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte, Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso – with the quest for a new manager seemingly showing no sign of ending.

Now, lifting the lid on another managerial offer made by Tottenham, Sevilla’s president has come out with a major claim.

The Latest: Castro lifts lid on Spurs offer…

Speaking to Cadena SER (via Sky), Castro explained that Lopetegui himself revealed the offer from Tottenham in a phone call – describing it as a ‘dizzying’ one.

“Julen rang me and told me. He said he’d received offers he’d not listened to in addition to a dizzying one from Tottenham,” explained the Los Nervionenses chief.

“But he said he doesn’t forget things and that he is very motivated here. We believed and believe in him, giving him a two-year contract extension, and I’m sure he will bring much more to the club.

“You see his ability and leadership every day. Some coaches are more driven by economic factors but Julen is very clear that he is happy here and he even said it would be very difficult to find a better place to work than here.”

The Verdict: Yet another sucker punch…

Described as a ‘very serious’ and ‘hard-working’ manager overall by president Castro in another interview (via The Athletic), this latest revelation comes as another managerial blow for Spurs.

The £2.5 million-per-year boss has enjoyed a rebirth since unceremoniously leaving the Spanish national team for Real Madrid, where he was sacked after just four and a half months.

Lopetegui would have fitted Tottenham’s desire for a manager who encourages open, attacking football – with the Spaniard’s teams known for their excellence in possession and patience in the build up (The Coaches’ Voice).

It appears now that the Spurs hunt continues, but chairman Daniel Levy is slowly running out of options.

In other news: Levy offered chance to sign ‘extraordinary’ £120,000-per-week ‘genius’ in Tottenham transfer discussions, find out more here.

Howe wants to launch three swift moves

Eddie Howe wants to ‘press the button’ on three transfer deals ‘at the earliest possible opportunity’ once he takes over at Celtic.

That’s according to Andrew Smith, a journalist at The Scotsman.

The lowdown

The report said that ‘it is hardly revelatory’ that Howe is expected to be appointed in the coming days. He is set to become the long-term successor to Neil Lennon, who resigned at the end of February.

Celtic finished a full 25 points off their arch-rivals Rangers in last season’s Premiership, their run of nine consecutive titles ended in spectacular fashion.

The combination of a new managerial appointment, the need to strike back from this desperately poor campaign and the potential departures of players like Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer, as well as the exit of long-serving captain Scott Brown, means that a ‘comprehensive squad overhaul’ may be in the offing at Parkhead.

The latest

Smith reported that Howe wants the ‘jigsaw pieces to fall quickly into place’ when he takes over.

As well as transfers, that includes the appointment of his backroom team and of a sporting director to ‘synergise’ the new operation.

Howe, whom the Daily Record also expect to take up his new role this week, is tipped to greenlight a flurry of moves straight off the bat once he takes the reins at Parkhead.

The verdict

Howe may already have been identifying targets for a number of weeks. After all, it was first reported back at the start of April that he had held constructive talks with the club.

It wouldn’t be a surprise, then, if it was simply a matter of ‘pressing the button’ when he’s officially in his post.

For Celtic fans, multiple early signings would constitute an encouraging statement of intent and symbolise the beginning of a new era.

In other news, a third source has weighed in on the reported Eddie Howe timeline. 

Phillips drops Charlie Wyke transfer claim

Lee Johnson’s Sunderland could find it difficult to keep Charlie Wyke at the Stadium of Light this summer.

That’s according to Black Cats legend Kevin Phillips, who claimed in a recent interview with Football Insider that it will be difficult for Johnson to retain the services of the striker if the Wearsiders do not achieve promotion to the Championship this year.

What’s the talk?

The 28-year-old has been linked with a number of Championship clubs in recent weeks, with Keith Downie claiming that Cardiff City, Middlesbrough, Millwall and Nottingham Forest are all interested in the striker, whose contract at Sunderland expires at the end of the season.

Phillips said: “Sunderland fans will not thank me for it but if you score 30 goals in League One and you don’t go up clubs will come knocking. That is natural, it almost goes without saying.

“From the player’s point of view, I am sure he wants to have a crack at a higher level because he is 28 now. I think it would be extremely difficult to keep hold of him if they don’t go up.”

Johnson will be gutted

So far this season, Wyke has been in remarkable form over his 42 League One appearances for Sunderland, scoring 25 goals and registering three assists as well as averaging a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.35, ranking him as the club’s best performer in the division.

In addition to his league form, the £6,400-per-week striker has also bagged five goals over seven appearances in the EFL Trophy, taking his total to 30 goals in all competitions for the season.

As such, it is indeed no wonder that a number of Championship clubs are reportedly interested in signing the 28-year-old this summer – as Phillips has hinted, it seems as if Wyke is a level above League One.

If the Black Cats once again fail to secure a path out of the third tier via the play-offs this season, it would not be at all surprising for Wyke to leave the Stadium of Light in the summer, something which would undoubtedly be a nightmare for Johnson and Sunderland supporters.

In other news: Sunderland suffer yet another “huge blow” ahead of Plymouth, Johnson must be livid – opinion

Liverpool given Berge encouragement

Liverpool have potentially been handed a boost in their pursuit of Sheffield United’s Sander Berge this summer.

Having previously been linked with a move for the Norwegian as recently as two months ago by EuroSport, the Reds will now be buoyed to know that a move could now be even easier.

With his current employers now destined for the Championship, he is now even more affordable with his release clause dropping from £45m to £35mm according to Sky Sports.

Whilst Berge has not been as eye-catching this season due to a combination of poor form and persistent injury issues, he still has time to reach his considerable potential.

The 23-year old earned plenty of admirers in his time with former club Genk, making 31 appearances in all competitions in his final season in Belgium and scoring four goals.

He continued that upward trajectory following his move to Bramall Lane, making 16 appearances and playing a huge role as the Blades secured ninth place in their first campaign back in the Premier League.

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Berge earned considerable praise for his performances too.

Blades icon Tony Currie described the £16.2m-rated midfielder as “massive” whilst current Reds boss Jurgen Klopp labelled him as a “very interesting player”.

If he can get back to those performances levels then Berge would certainly be a very accomplished midfield player.

That is exactly what Liverpool need heading into next season.

As it stands, the Reds are set to lose Dutchman Georginio Wijnaldum upon the expiry of his contract with Berge representing an extremely viable replacement for him at Anfield.

So with his asking price having taken a significant drop in recent weeks, Liverpool and Michael Edwards really have been handed considerable encouragement in their pursuit. Time will tell if they choose to make a move.

AND in more news, read more about the considerable injury blow that Liverpool were handed ahead of taking on Southampton…

WHU fans react to Moyes news

Many West Ham United fans have been reacting to the news that David Moyes believes a combined fee of £45m for Jesse Lingard and Tammy Abraham would be fair.

The Hammers have enjoyed a fantastic campaign, finishing in sixth place in the Premier League – that means they will be embarking on a Europa League run next term. As such, Moyes and the rest of the club will need to plan ahead and start thinking about new signings they can add to the squad.

The Irons have been heavily linked with moves for both Lingard (Daily Mail) and Abraham (The Athletic) this summer. According to West Ham website Claret & Hugh, Moyes believes that both players could be signed permanently for a combined fee of £45m.

Lingard has just one year left on his deal at Manchester United (Transfermarkt), while Abraham’s exclusion from the Champions League final squad for Chelsea indicates that he is not a part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

The former excelled on loan at West Ham this year, scoring nine goals in 16 games, while the latter was Chelsea’s joint-top scorer for the season with 12 goals despite often being overlooked by Tuchel.

The news was shared on Twitter by @WestHam_Central and it duly attracted plenty of attention. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the development – one said that David Sullivan should get an ‘owner of the year award’ if the Irons pull off this double coup for £45m.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Moyes’ stance

“That’s fair because Jesse is 28 on the last year of his contract and Abraham didn’t even get into the 23 man squad last night for Chelsea”

Credit: @ConorWHUFC

“That’s a good deal for them both”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Yes now get it done”

Credit: @JameswhufcJones

“Both would be big signings for West Ham hope they get it done”

Credit: @TylerDub93

“If we get Lingard and Abraham both for £45 million, David Sullivan should get Owner of the year award.”

Credit: @CLARETnBLUESguy

“I don’t think so, £35m alone will be for Lingard”

Credit: @theveryintrepid

In other news, many West Ham fans were livid over this snub.

Man Utd Predicted XI vs Granada

Manchester United take on Granada on Thursday evening looking to book their tickets to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.

The Red Devils are in an enviable position having won 2-0 in Spain last time out thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, whilst they also come into the second-leg off the back of a 3-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Could Ole Gunnar Solskjaer be tempted to make any changes to his side?

In a simple answer, yes. We are expecting the Norwegian to ring the changes with as many as seven alterations.

The first should occur in goal where Dean Henderson will once again make way for David de Gea.

The Spanish goalkeeper will also be shielded by a somewhat shuffled defence. Harry Maguire is suspended for the game and with Eric Bailly still not yet available having tested positive whilst on international duty, this could see Axel Tuanzebe afforded just his second opportunity in the Europa League this season.

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Meanwhile, Alex Telles has been preferred by Solskjaer in European ties and he’ll start with Luke Shaw also suspended. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof should be retained in the starting XI.

There should also be another couple of alterations in the centre of the park. With such a comfortable position heading into the second-leg, Fred could be rested in place Donny van de Beek. Nemanja Matic should also replace the suspended Scott McTominay.

Moving into attack, Bruno Fernandes is likely to start once again but Paul Pogba should be switched out on the left for winger Daniel James.

Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani, who turned in a great showing against Spurs, could also drop out of the starting line-up. The Uruguayan forward, who earns £210k per week at Old Trafford, might well be swapped for the in-form Mason Greenwood.

The 19-year-old has scored in three out of his last four matches in all competitions and will be partnered with fellow England forward Marcus Rashford to lead the Red Devils’ attack.

AND in more news, Manchester United have been handed a huge boost in their Camavinga pursuit…

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