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Wolves have to sell to buy

Many Wolves fans have been left raging as a transfer update emerged from Tim Spiers.

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, the reliable journalist has shared that the Midlands club have to sell first before they can buy any more players before the summer window ends.

Romain Saiss, Owen Otasowie, Rafa Mir and Patrick Cutrone are the most likely ones to have to make away in order to raise the funds.

Bruno Lage’s squad does look particularly thin in some areas, especially in central defence given the injuries to Willy Boly and Yerson Mosquera (Transfermarkt), and so the fact that they are relying on selling players first has caused some outrage among the Molineux faithful, who are desperate to see more new faces come in.

Wolves fans on transfer update

These WWFC supporters raged as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one Wanderer even going as far as to claim that it is ‘pathetic’:

“Fosun & Jeff pack your bags and get out of our club clearly no ambition and just trying to make a quick buck #wwfc”

Credit: @WolvesBlogger1

“Tell me the club has gone backwards without telling me they’ve gone backwards…”

Credit: @JackShepherd93

“Club’s in tatters. As big as Man City they said.”

Credit: @MoutinhosWave

“Feeling pretty frustrated. It’s been clear for so long that #wwfc need a top quality CB, physical MF and to a certain degree a third striker. Selling Saiss, Cutrone, Mir and Otasowie is a big ask in a short space of time. It’s just all last minute.”

Credit: @paddyday90

“Fosun are becoming a joke. Spend or sell up. Simple.”

Credit: @wwfc2020

“Pathetic, the owners are killing us.”

Credit: @WolfgarRichie

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

Liverpool: Interest in Ben Davies confirmed

Sheffield United manager Slavisa Jokanovic has confirmed his club’s interest in signing Liverpool centre-back Ben Davies.

The lowdown

Liverpool spent £2million to bring Davies to Anfield in the January transfer window. It was something of an emergency signing, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all sidelined until the end of the season (via BBC Sport).

Davies, though, didn’t see a minute of action in the latter half of the campaign, sitting behind Nathaniel Phillips, Rhys Williams and loanee Ozan Kabak in Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order.

He did don the Liverpool shirt at the beginning of pre-season, featuring in a 30-minute mini-game against Austrian outfit Wacker Innsbruck, but he’s since returned to the UK to address a personal matter.

According to journalist David Lynch, the Reds are keen to arrange a permanent exit for the 25-year-old but accept that a loan deal is more likely.

The latest

Speaking ahead of United’s Championship season opener against Birmingham City, Jokanovic said (via Yorkshire Live): “Yes, I am interested in both players [the second being Sampdoria midfielder Ronaldo Vieira].

“People are on their way. We move and are expecting in these next few hours there can be some news.

“We are in different battles, but I hope we will bring in as soon as possible a new addition into the squad.”

The verdict

If a sale isn’t possible this summer, then Liverpool should look to line one up next year. They could do so by inserting a clause into the loan whereby the Blades would have to sign Davies if he played a certain number of games over the course of the season.

He cost just £2million but that was largely because he had only six months left to run on his deal. On the ability and experience he’s shown in the second tier, you’d think the Reds could at least double their money if he impresses on a temporary deal.

If Davies is to go elsewhere, Liverpool should ensure they keep Phillips around as an insurance option in the event of another injury pile-up.

In other news, fans react to a contract update from James Pearce. 

Shaqiri agrees personal terms with Lyon

Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri has taken a significant step towards the Anfield exit door after agreeing personal terms with Lyon.

What’s the story?

According to a report from French outlet L’Equipe, the 29-year-old has agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 giants, although the two clubs are continuing to negotiate a transfer fee.

The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter James Pearce recently that Lyon have seen their opening bid for Shaqiri rejected by the Reds, with other potential suitors across the continent also registering their interest in the Switzerland international.

“Lyon have made contact with Liverpool in the past 24 hours. Their initial offer fell a long way short of the club’s £12 million valuation. Lazio and Napoli have also registered their interest in Shaqiri in recent weeks. It remains to be seen whether Lyon return with an improved bid,” he wrote.

Fans will be absolutely delighted

Shaqiri outlined his desire to depart the club earlier in the summer after becoming frustrated with his lack of game time in an interview with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Football Italia).

“My contract (with) Liverpool expires in 2022, In 2018; I signed a four-year deal. The important thing at this moment in my career is to be able to play regularly, but that hasn’t always been the case in the last three seasons,” Shaqiri admitted.

“This is why I told Liverpool that I feel ready for a new challenge. They accepted my wish and will seriously consider the offers that will come. They will not stop me.”

After joining Liverpool for just £13.5 million from Stoke City back in 2018 thanks to a relegation release clause, Shaqiri made a solid start to life on Merseyside, scoring six goals and providing five assists in 30 appearances.

However, a string of minor injuries has seriously hampered his progression and limited the diminutive forward’s time on the pitch, meaning he’s only started 18 Premier League games over the last three seasons.

Therefore, a large section of the club’s supporters will surely be delighted that Shaqiri is nearing the exit door. Although he can be a top-class performer on his day, the former Bayern Munich ace failed to show his best form on a consistent basis under Klopp’s tutelage, eventually becoming a liability to the German tactician.

The proceeds from his sale would add a significant boost to Liverpool’s relatively limited transfer budget, potentially allowing Klopp to secure one of his much-needed transfer targets before the window closes.

Furthermore, Liverpool must free up a space for a non-home grown player if they want to make a foreign signing of their own so Shaqiri’s exit could allow the Reds to bring in a new face, something that would delight the club’s supporters.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Liverpool transfer update that’ll have the fans buzzing 

West Ham offered Barcelona flop

West Ham United have been offered the chance to sign Philippe Coutinho this month…

What’s the word?

According to the Sunday Mirror (August 15th, page 74), the Barcelona attacking midfielder has been offered in a cut-price deal to a trio of Premier League teams, including the Irons.

Arsenal and Everton are the other two teams listed as the cash-strapped La Liga giants desperately try to get the Brazilian off the wage bill after his failed £142m transfer from Liverpool in January 2018.

It’s claimed that any interested club would only have to pay around 60% of his £7.7m-per-year salary, which is around £96k-per-week. The Hammers’ top earner is currently Andriy Yarmolenko, who is thought to be on around £115k-per-week at the London Stadium.

Creative outlet

West Ham still remain interested in Jesse Lingard, as revealed by assistant manager Stuart Pearce to talkSPORT earlier this week, but should any move for him fall through, then Coutinho must absolutely be considered.

He’s had a tough time at the Nou Camp, struggling with injuries and form, on top of the pressure of that whopping fee.

However, his stint at Liverpool was one to remember, so if David Moyes can get him back to that level, then the east Londoners would be getting one hell of a player. Across 201 appearances for the Reds, the creative midfielder delivered 54 goals and 45 assists at a rate of one every 150 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-the-latest-gossip-and-much-much-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham team and injury news, transfer rumours, gossip and much, much more!”]

At his best, Coutinho is clearly a world-class talent who possesses skills that very few have. He did show a glimpse of returning to such form during a loan spell at Bayern Munich, where he won the treble and contributed towards that with 11 goals and nine assists. That was only two seasons ago.

During his time in Germany, the former Liverpool star averaged 2.2 key passes every 90 minutes – a feat which would see him sit top of the charts at the London Stadium last season, managing more than the likes of Lingard (1.1), Vladimir Coufal (1.3) and even assist-leader Aaron Cresswell (1.6), via WhoScored.

Evidently, Moyes somewhat lacks a playmaker who can cut open defences with a perfectly-timed pass or a deft piece of skill. That’s where Coutinho can help fill a void.

Speaking about such an ability, the 29-year-old’s fellow countryman Roberto Firmino waxed lyrical. He said (via Goal): “He’s phenomenal. You simply can’t say that he’s not a magician. He has magical powers. He produces plays that don’t exist, that you couldn’t make up.”

Valued at £27m and capped 63 times at international level, there’s no doubt that Coutinho has something special about him. He may well have struggled in Spain but a fresh start in the English capital could be exactly what he and West Ham need this season.

Moyes and co must consider a swoop for him before August 31st.

AND in other news, Forget Antonio and Benrahma: £27m-rated machine stole the show for West Ham at Newcastle…

Exclusive: Ex-Sheffield Wednesday star confused by striker link

Former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Mark Crossley insists he is confused by links with Portsmouth striker Ellis Harrison.

The News has reported that Wednesday are interested in a deal to snaffle Harrison away from Pompey in this transfer window, although no fee is attached.

Portsmouth paid £425,000 to sign the striker but he has not exactly been prolific during his time at Fratton Park.

Indeed, in 71 games, the 27-year-old has scored just 16 goals for the club, netting just four times in the league last term.

As a result, Crossley is doubtful about the potential deal, insisting that Wednesday have enough up front at this stage, having brought in both Florian Kamberi and Lee Gregory this summer.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, the ex-goalkeeper said: “Yeah, it’s a strange one for me. I think if you look at Kamberi, who no one knew too much about, but I liked what I saw on Saturday.

“I think Darren Moore is maybe looking at that and going ‘yeah, I like what I’ve seen, maybe a striker is not my main priority’. I’d like to think it’s just a rumour, to be honest.”

Wednesday have been in fine form throughout the start of the League One season and have yet to lose, drawing with Charlton Athletic and beating both Doncaster and Fleetwood Town.

Aston Villa: Fans react to Buendia and Martinez call ups

Aston Villa confirmed on Monday afternoon that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and record signing Emiliano Buendia have both been named in the Argentina squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. 

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to the update on social media.

Martinez and Buendia are set to be involved for their country in three World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela, Brazil and Bolivia next month.

However, that could have a knock-on effect for when they return to the Midlands.

Argentina is currently on the UK Government’s red list regarding travel to England, meaning a 10-day period of hotel isolation would be required for the pair before players can return to Villa.

Sky Sports reported on Monday that clubs could prevent their players from travelling to red list countries unless an exemption can be made regarding quarantine.

But as it stands, it appears as if Martinez and Buendia will be representing their country next month.

Villa fans react

Villa posted the news regarding Martinez and Buendia on their official Twitter page. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘shocking’.

“Oh no”

Credit: @LukeKing_

“Shocking”

Credit: @marathesayu

“Noooooo”

Credit: @Rebecca99254561

“This is not good news.”

Credit: @SirSmuglasEllis

“Not happy with this. Frustrating we could be losing some of our best players for at least 1 game if not more.”

Credit: @AVFCFaithful_

“No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no No no no no no no no no no”

Credit: @SebastianBacon8

In other news: Many AVFC fans give their thoughts as another player departs.

Celtic: Derek Rae shares Georgios Giakoumakis update

Derek Rae took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to provide Celtic with a boost in their attempts to sign VVV-Venlo striker Georgios Giakoumakis.

The Lowdown: Terms agreed

The Hoops have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old for just over a week now.

Ange Postecoglou personally called the Greece international over a Parkhead switch, with Giakoumakis impressed by the approach.

Terms have reportedly been agreed between the two clubs for the striker, and it now appears as if Werder Bremen are out of the running for Giakoumakis.

The Latest: Rae’s post

Giakoumakis held face-to-face talks with Bremen over a deal, however, the Bundesliga side struggled to finance a move.

The German side were moving on to alternative targets, with Rae revealing details of a transfer for Marvin Ducksch from Hannover, labelling it as an ‘important’ development when it comes to Giakoumakis.

“Important one here for Celtic as well as Werder Bremen fans. Bremen are on the cusp of signing Marvin Ducksch from Hannover. Medical expected tomorrow. This will have the effect of ending Bremen’s interest in Georgios Giakoumakis, as I expected”.

A move for Duksch has since been announced by Bremen.

The Verdict: Time for Celtic to wrap up a deal

With Bremen now seemingly out of the picture, it appears as if the Hoops have the perfect chance to get a transfer over the line.

The quicker the better for Dominic McKay and co, as securing Giakoumakis could then give Celtic the chance to cash in on Odsonne Edouard in the final days of the window.

Should that materialise, Celtic may actually come out of the window with a profit, which could be viewed as a shrewd summer for the Hoops.

In other news: Celtic now looking at late swoop for ‘fantastic’ defender alongside Liam Scales move.  

Presenter says Spurs did not see Bamford as Kane replacement

JustJoe Football ShowJustJoe Football Show presenter Joe Wainman insists Tottenham Hotspur never saw Patrick Bamford as a potential replacement for Harry Kane during the transfer window.

England captain Kane was heavily linked with a move away from Spurs after he publicly confirmed he wanted to depart his boyhood club having grown frustrated at a lack of silverware.

It led to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admitting he was keen to sign Kane, but a deal could not be done and last season’s Premier League Golden Boot winner eventually revealed he would remain in north London by taking to social media days before the closure of the transfer window.

While it initially looked as though Kane would force a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Leeds United striker Bamford was linked with a switch to Spurs.

However, a transfer failed to materialise as Bamford signed a new five-year deal at Elland Road and former All Leeds TV anchorman Wainman insists the Whites’ frontman would not have been an ideal replacement for Kane.

He told Football FanCast: “It’s great to have him tied down to the club.

“Obviously, there were links to Tottenham. I don’t think he was ever going to be a replacement for Harry Kane. You have to be realistic.”

Forest handed double injury boost

Nottingham Forest have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their upcoming Championship fixture.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by Nottinghamshire Live, both Loic Mbe Soh and Jordi Osei-Tutu could be in contention for the visit of Cardiff City this Saturday, as both defenders have made good progress in their respective recoveries from injury.

Mbe Soh has been out of action since he picked up a groin injury in Forest’s season-opening defeat against Coventry City, while Arsenal loanee Osei-Tutu has missed the club’s last three fixtures due to a hamstring injury sustained against Blackburn Rovers.

However, the report by Nottinghamshire Live claims that Osei-Tutu’s targeted return date is Wednesday, while Mbe Soh’s is Saturday.

Hughton will be buzzing

While Chris Hughton did secure the signings of defenders Max Lowe, Mohamed Drager, Djed Spence and Rodrigo Ely in recent weeks in order to prove him with greater depth across the various positions at the back, the return of both Mbe Soh and Osei-Tutu will nevertheless have left the 62-year-old manager buzzing.

Indeed, while Mbe Soh only managed 45 minutes on the pitch against Coventry prior to his injury, the 20-year-old centre-back highly impressed for Forest, playing the ball to Brennan Johnson to create the Reds’ opening goal, as well as making one tackle, one interception and two clearances.

Meanwhile, the return of the 22-year-old versatile full-back Osei-Tutu provides Hughton with another option on either the left or right-hand side of his defence, something that will not only be extremely useful for the Forest manager in the Cardiff clash but also over the course of the club’s Championship campaign.

As such, with it looking as if the 62-year-old could have a full squad to chose from for the fixture at the City Ground on Saturday, Hughton will certainly be hoping that his side can finally pick up their first win of the Championship season against the Bluebirds.

In other news: Reliable journo sheds light on Forest’s deadline day disaster, Murphy will be gutted

Wolves may have a future star in Kandola

The life of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ U23 manager James Collins is an ever-changing one.

At the moment, Wolves pride themselves on bringing players through with a heavy dose of their recruitment focused on landing the stars of tomorrow.

Only this summer we saw the Old Gold head into the market and sign Louie Moulden, Bendeguz Bolla, Joe Hodge and Harvey Griffiths for the academy team.

That being said, it has been tricky in the early stages of the season for Collins who saw a meaty part of his squad gutted and shipped out on loan.

Dazzling winger Theo Corbeanu headed for a temporary spell in the EFL while he was joined by the likes of Ryan Giles, Taylor Perry and Luke Matheson to name a few.

In total, 12 members of the U23 squad were given chances to earn first-team football elsewhere.

That includes one of their gems; Christian Marques. The Portuguese is rated highly at Molineux and has starred for Collins in the ‘Conor Coady role’.

However, new to that position after Marques headed to Belenenses in Portugal on loan, is Kam Kandola.

With the aforementioned defender and Nigel Lonwijk not in the U23s this season, it has given the 17-year-old a chance to step up.

He has duly done that for Wolves and has performed exceptionally well since being handed his chance by Collins. In fact, the boss sounds rather surprised with his rapid progression in the early weeks of the campaign.

Speaking to the official Wolves website, he noted: “The good thing about players going out is a young player gets an opportunity to show us what he can do. Kam [Kandola] is a super kid, but last week, was I sure he was going to do as well as he has done, probably not?

“He’s done excellent, he’s kept two clean sheets, he’s been good on the ball, he’s been relaxed, he’s not made many mistakes – the boys surprise you.”

With Collins mentioning Kandola’s ability in possession, it immediately makes you think of the club’s captain, Coady.

He is a ball-playing centre-back and completed 88% of his passes in the Premier League last term.

Our only glimpse of Kandola against senior opposition dictates he could be a similar player in the future. During a penalty shoot-out win over Wigan in the EFL Trophy, the teenager scored a vital spot-kick after the game had finished level.

The centre-back’s confidence is clearly immense and that was replicated in his performance during the 90 minutes. He completed 86% of his passes, which included four long balls that were spread forward.

Furthermore, he made six clearances and was dribbled past just once while playing in the middle of a back three.

Of course, there is a long way to go before Bruno Lage considers him in the first-team but if he continues like this, a call-up could be on the cards before the season is done and dusted.

AND in other news, Move over Traore: £53k-p/w Wolves gem who won 10 duels stole the show for his country…

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