Wolves fans love Lorenzo Insigne rumour

A number of Wolves supporters are excited after they were linked with an audacious move for Napoli and Italy winger Lorenzo Insigne.

Bruno Lage’s side picked up a vital three points on Sunday afternoon, winning 1-0 away to Southampton to move up to 14th in the Premier League.

Raul Jimenez’s second-half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides, on what was a much-needed positive day at the office.

The hope is of course that Wolves are eyeing up potential new signings to take them up another level in the future though, and according to journalist Ekrem Konur [via Talking Wolves on Twitter], they are keen on the idea of bringing Insigne to Molineux.

The £43.2million-rated Italy Euro 2020 winner’s contract at Napoli expires at the end of the season, at which point he will be able to leave on a free transfer.

Wolves fans excited by Insigne rumour

These Wolves fans took to Twitter to show their excitement at the news.

“Imagine Insigne, Sanches and Botman in January”

Credit: @Ethanwwfc_

“I’m sorry, what now!? This would be insane. FORZA INSIGNE”

Credit: @LStradomsky

“Would be unreal but not happening”

Credit: @WolvesNumber37

“Wait there’s no way, if this happens then that’s mad”

Credit: @TheWaddd

“Yes please”

Credit: @Wolvoryan04

“Unreal player”

Credit: @mattywolves21

In other news, some Wolves fans have criticised one player’s performance against Southampton. Read more here.

Deadline Day: Celtic want Carter-Vickers

Ange Postecoglou has been incredibly busy this summer as Celtic strive to improve upon a dismal 2020/21 campaign.

The Hoops have signed no fewer than nine new first-team players but a further three could arrive before the window slams shut at 11pm.

What’s the word?

Celtic are looking to conclude deals for Jota and Giorgos Giakoumakis but those aren’t the only deals Postecoglou and Dominic McKay are wrapping up.

The Daily Record revealed earlier this morning that the Bhoys wanted to sign a centre-back on loan and they may have discovered their man.

That’s according to Sky Sports News who revealed during their deadline day broadcast (14:25pm) that they were interested in a defender from Spurs.

Their reporter Paul Gilmour provided an update on Cameron Carter Vickers, saying: “Celtic loan interest in him” before revealing that “Tottenham would prefer him to leave permanently.”

Fans surely buzzing

With Carl Starfelt and Nir Bitton struggling in the early months of the campaign, signing another central defender on the final day of the window should leave Celtic supporters elated.

Starfelt scored a shambolic own goal against AZ Alkmaar last week while Bitton was sent off against Midtjylland in the Champions League.

His shambolic marking also led to Hearts’ winner on the opening day of the season when he was beaten to the ball by John Souttar.

Consequently, signing Carter-Vickers in the remaining hours of the window could be an almighty boost to their chances of regaining the Premiership title.

The American centre-back has just recovered from an injury and therefore, would be able to slot straight into the team following the international break.

Vitally for Postecoglou, the defender is calm with the ball at his feet, which would allow the manager to continue his preferred route of passing the ball out from the back.

During a loan spell with Bournemouth last term, Carter-Vickers completed 84% of his passes. Furthermore, he won a tally of 2.8 aerial duels per game, a number that was only beaten by Jullien, Bitton and Welsh from centre-backs still at Celtic.

Therefore, he could give them an extra dose of physicality at the heart of defence. His experience of the British game should also be crucial in helping him to adapt to life at Parkhead.

This would undoubtedly be a smart signing and one that pleases the fanbase.

AND in other news, Journo reveals who Celtic may sign after Jota & Giakoumakis, it’s shrewd work by Ange…

Andre Gray key to QPR’s promotion push

Having seen his Queens Park Rangers side get their 2021/22 Championship campaign off to a highly impressive start, with the Rs picking up 11 points over their opening five fixtures of the season, Mark Warburton would have undoubtedly been worried his side’s unbeaten league record was about to come to an abrupt end with 11 minutes left to play against Reading on Saturday.

Indeed, heading into the closing stages of the fixture, the west London side trailed the hosts by three goals to one, with QPR very much looking as if they were heading for their first defeat of the new season.

However, just 13 minutes after being brought into the game, debutant Andre Gray pulled one back for the visitors, before Stefan Johansen dramatically levelled the scores in injury time, ensuring the Rs would be heading back to London with a share of the spoils.

And, while the Norway international’s late equaliser would have delighted Warburton in the moment, it is Gray’s first goal for the club which could well prove more valuable to the 59-year-old over the course of the season.

Blackstock 2.0

Having got off the mark so quickly for QPR, Warburton will feel vindicated about his decision to bring the £70k-per-week centre-forward to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on transfer deadline day, as Gray clearly still possesses the ability to play a huge role in the club’s push for promotion this season.

Indeed, the 30-year-old has demonstrated previously that he is an extremely capable goalscorer in the Championship, having scored 17 goals and registered eight assists over 47 appearances for Warburton’s Brentford side back in 2015/16, as well as 25 goals and 10 assists over 43 appearances for both Brentford and Burnley in 2016/17 – firing the latter to promotion.

As such, with the £3.6m-rated man having bagged his first league goal for QPR just 13 minutes into his debut, we would not bet against Gray going on to replicate this previous form once again this term, perhaps even surpassing the hauls of former Rs striker Dexter Blackstock in 2006/07 and 2008/09, when the forward scored 13 and 11 Championship goals respectively.

And, if the player Xisco Munoz dubbed a “brilliant” talent can indeed refind his goalscoring form for the west London side, it would undoubtedly provide the club’s already strong chances of securing a top-six finish this term with a considerable boost, something that would delight everyone associated with the club.

In other news: Forget Willock: “Unbelievable” £8k-p/w beast stole the show for QPR in August

Ball drops verdict on "shock" Everton swoop

Michael Ball doubts Everton will make a move to sign striker Salomon Rondon in this transfer window.

The Toffees have been linked with a swoop to sign the former Newcastle United forward as they look to strengthen their forward line.

Rondon is still under contract with Chinese club DL Pro, but The Sun reports that he could well be released from his contract as they look to cut costs.

That could see the Venezuela international available on a free transfer, and has led to links with the Toffees.

New Everton boss Rafael Benitez worked with the striker at both DL Pro and Newcastle, and he has remained prolific in China, scoring 14 goals and laying on seven assists in 28 games.

Still, Ball does not think that a move to sign the 31-year-old is viable, due to his age.

During his spell in the Premier League under Benitez, Rondon scored 11 times in 32 games.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Ball said: “Yeah, that was a shock one. A very surprise link, he’s over in China, I think, and obviously, he’s scoring goals, he’s 31, he’s got the experience of the Premier League.

“But is it a long-term one for the club? I don’t think that’s going to be one that’s going to get over the line.”

Pundit tells Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris to sign new deal or leave

Graham Roberts has exclusively told Football FanCast that Hugo Lloris needs to extend his contract or leave this summer.

The Frenchman has about to embark on his tenth season in north London since signing from Lyon back in 2012.

However, the World Cup winner, who was ever-present for the first time in his Premier League career in 2020-2021, has entered the final 12 months of his deal and can therefore leave for nothing in 2022.

Nuno Espirito Santo has already reacted quickly and seemingly put plans in place for Lloris’ eventful departure by signing Pierluigi Gollini on loan from Atalanta.

Gollini, who would already appear to have moved ahead of Joe Hart in the pecking order, has been signed to become Lloris’ successor from next summer once he finally leaves, but Roberts doesn’t think Tottenham should miss out on a transfer fee for Lloris.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“If he doesn’t sign a contract, he has to go because we don’t want to lose him for nothing.”

Asked whether there’s a possibility Lloris could leave this summer, Roberts added:

“Maybe. If he doesn’t sign a contract, you don’t want to play a goalkeeper that at the end of the season is going to walk out.”

Spurs have already lodged Damsgaard offer

According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, via Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur have already made their first offer to sign Sampdoria sensation Mikkel Damsgaard.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Damsgaard…

As per The Evening Standard, managing director Fabio Paratici now has his eyes firmly on strengthening the creative positions in Tottenham’s team after sealing Cristian Romero from Atalanta.

Damsgaard is one of the targets on Spurs’ agenda alongside former academy player Noni Madueke, according to that report, with La Repubblica (via Calciomercato) now bringing a further development.

The Latest: Spurs have already made Damsgaard offer…

As per the newspaper from Italy, Tottenham have actually already made their first offer to sign the 21-year-old rising star this summer.

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They claim the bid is ‘higher than €20 million (£17.04 million)’ but nowhere near Sampdoria’s €40m (£34.02m) asking price, which club president Massimo Ferrero is demanding for his services.

Spurs’ first offer looks unlikely to be accepted as a result but a ‘good starting point’ for negotiations could be a figure in and around the €30 million (£25.5m) mark.

The Verdict: Perfect for Spurs…

Signing Damsgaard, in our opinion, would be the cherry on top of an already impressive window so far for Tottenham.

Paratici has undergone an extensive Lilywhites rebuild with the departures of Toby Alderweireld, Joe Hart, Erik Lamela, Juan Foyth, Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga – shifting deadwood and making space for marquee arrivals.

The Lilywhites have already secured most of their main targets but adding Damsgaard into the mix would really be a masterstroke by Tottenham’s new managing director.

He is arguably one of the most exciting youngsters in world football with there already being a ‘gigantic buzz’ around him in Denmark, according to his former youth coach Kasper Kurland (inews.co.uk).

The starlet’s sensational free-kick against England in their Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley could only be a glimpse into his ability, especially considering he has drawn comparisons with former Spurs favourite Christian Eriksen.

In other news: ‘My understanding’…Sky Sports reporter drops on air Kane update for Spurs, find out more here.

Pundit unsure about Bamford’s Leeds deal

Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes that Leeds United may have rushed their decision to hand Patrick Bamford a new contract.

The Lowdown: Bamford extends Leeds stay

The 27-year-old enjoyed a superb 2020/21 season for the Whites, scoring 17 goals in the top flight and helping them finish ninth in the table in their first campaign at that level since 2003/04.

Bamford has been rewarded for his excellence, with the striker signing a new five-year deal at Elland Road last Thursday.

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The Latest: Agbonlahor unconvinced

However, Agbonlahor isn’t convinced that Bamford has done enough to justify a new-and-improved contract is, telling Football Insider that the ex-Chelsea marksman needed to prove himself for longer.

The former Aston Villa striker said:

“I think it’s a bit of a rush to give him that deal, to be honest. He’s had one really good season but you want to see if he has second season syndrome himself or if he can do it again this season. You can decide on the contract maybe halfway through this season.

“Marcelo Bielsa might see stuff that we don’t see. Maybe they want to tie him up because other clubs are after him. If it was me, I’d probably wait and see how he does this season.”

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The Verdict: Key season for Whites star

Although Agbonlahor’s comments are a little harsh, there is an element of truth to what he’s saying, considering that Bamford – who ex-Leeds ace Brian Deane called a “confidence player” and “very intelligent” – has still only had one prolific season in the Premier League.

The 2021/22 campaign is a big one for the Leeds hero, with second season syndrome always potentially on the cards for strikers, due to opposition defenders sussing them out and gaining a greater understanding of their style of play.

Bamford needs to prove that his superb form last season was no flash in the pan, enjoying another relentless campaign in front of goal and backing up the club’s decision to give him a new long-term deal.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided a key Leeds United transfer update. Read more here.

Spurs in talks over Cristian Romero deal

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks regarding a deal to bring Cristian Romero to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports, who claim that Fabio Paratici has submitted an offer of £34m plus £8.5m in bonuses for the Juventus centre-back.

The report continues by stating that personal terms are not expected to be a problem between Spurs and the 23-year-old, with the director of football planning to offer the Argentina international a five-year deal with the option of a sixth.

And, speaking recently to TuttoMercatoWeb, Italian agent Furio Valcareggi stated his belief that Tottenham should do all they can to land the defender this summer, saying: “He’s a great player, very good. Prandelli, who managed him, said that he had never seen such a strong player.

“If I were Paratici and Tottenham, I would take him immediately. You will put the defence in place for 10 years. Just like if you take Koulibaly, he sets your defence in one fell swoop. He’s the Ronaldo of defending.”

Cya Sanchez

With it being no secret that Tottenham have been looking to bring in additions in the centre of defence this summer, as well as the fact that the club are reported to be in talks with Sevilla regarding the sale of Davinson Sanchez, it is rather unsurprising to learn of Spurs’ interest in a move for Romero.

Indeed, should Sanchez go on to secure a move away from north London ahead of next season, while Paratici also manages to get a deal over the line for the Juventus man this summer, it would very much appear as if Tottenham will have made a significant upgrade on the Colombia international.

Over his 31 Serie A appearances while on loan at Atalanta last term, the £31.5m-rated man highly impressed for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, helping his team keep seven clean sheets, as well as making an average of a whopping 3.1 interceptions, two tackles, 2.2 clearances and winning 6.9 duels per game.

The centre-back also chipped in for La Dea in an attacking capacity, scoring two goals, registering two assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.3 key passes per match.

These returns saw the £31k-per-week defender earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as Atalanta’s sixth-best performer in the top flight of Italian football.

In comparison, Sanchez failed to hit anywhere near the heights of Romero over his 18 Premier League appearances last time out, with the 25-year-old helping Spurs keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of just 0.8 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 4.7 clearances and winning 5.4 duels per game.

These metrics saw the £65k-per-week man earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.80, ranking him as Tottenham’s 11th-best performer in the English top flight.

As such, with Romero being younger, on less money and appearing to have a much higher ceiling than Sanchez, moving the Colombian on for the Argentina international this summer would very much seem to be something of a transfer masterclass by Paratici.

In other news: Paratici can land Nuno a serious Winks upgrade with THFC swoop for “really clever” ace

Danny Mills makes Alfredo Morelos claim

Danny Mills has suggested that Glasgow Rangers may only receive £9m for striker Alfredo Morelos if they sell him this summer.

The Lowdown: Morelos linked with exit

The Colombia international has been heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer, with Porto particulary interested in his services (Antena 1).

There have been reports of a €17m (£14.6m) agreement being close (A Bola) as the Gers look to receive a big fee for their star striker.

The Latest: Mills makes surprise claim

However, speaking to Football Insider, Mills believes the Gers may only pick up £9m from the sale of the Colombian. He said:

“It’s not a huge figure for somebody who can score your goals, somebody who’s got real quality and will be a pain in the backside at times.

“If they’re setting the price of £13million, you may get him for £9million plus a couple of add-ons.

“It’s pretty cheap in this day and age, realistically. There’s not a huge amount of risk in that.

“If you get 18 decent months out of him at that price then you’ve got your money’s worth.

“He’s a very good goalscorer, so there’s no reason why he can’t make that step across.”

The Verdict: Worth more than that

In Scotland, clubs will always struggle to make the kind of money their counterparts south of the border are able to when it comes to selling players, but for Mills to suggest that Morelos is only worth £9m is ludicrous. The 25-year-old is already valued at £10.8m (Transfermarkt) and has proven to be a top player for the Gers, scoring 94 goals in 182 games.

Quite frankly, it would be embarrassing if the Gers only sold him for £9m. They know deep down that their star players will eventually move on, but taking a lower fee would send out the wrong message. They must make it clear that they will not be taken to the cleaners by Europe’s more affluent clubs.

In other news, this Rangers man has received a four-game ban.

Staveley on issues with Newcastle takeover

Amanda Staveley has given an insight on some potential issues with the proposed takeover of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Staveley speaks out

Staveley, who is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group looking to take over at St James’ Park, has now given a number of public interviews ahead of the club’s arbitration case against the Premier League this month.

She spoke to Sky Sports referencing a letter that she wrote urging both the UK government and football regulators to ensure that the arbitration process is to be made public, and admitted in an interview with ITV journalist Chris Conway that she remains ‘committed’ to the deal.

The Latest: Staveley insight

Speaking to Tyne Tees (via The Chronicle), Staveley has now given some insight on the potential issues surrounding the takeover with regards to piracy and human rights, and what the consortium has been told about them by the Premier League. She revealed:

“We’ve been told by the Premier League that those sort of issues are not the reason why this transaction has not proceeded.

“I would like to say, and I can’t speak for PIF, or the Saudi state, I can just put my opinion forward, but I have seen incredible change in Saudi in human rights and particularly on the piracy issues.

“Saudi have said they want to be transparent about piracy.

“They’ve shut down BeoutQ, diplomatic relations have improved with Qatar which is incredibly important.

“There’s always going to be commercial issues in sport, it’s business and we have to find a compromise.”

The Verdict: Transparency key

It is no surprise to see Staveley reference transparency once more in her interview, given that she has called for the upcoming arbitration process to be made public.

This time, she has claimed that the Saudis have said they want to be transparent about their piracy issues, and have duly shut down pirate TV channel BeoutQ and improved their diplomatic relations with Qatar.

The question marks over piracy and human rights do not seem to be too much of a problem for the Premier League when it comes to their potential approval of the takeover, and it all seems to be boiling down to the forthcoming arbitration hearing.

There is no doubt that the results of the proceedings will give a much clearer indication over the direction of where the bid is heading, and Staveley will be hoping that it goes in her favour.

In other news, find out what promising Mike Ashley insight Lee Ryder has dropped on the potential takeover

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