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Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for FC Copenhagen defender Victor Nelsson as Patrick Vieira looks to strengthen his first team squad.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, the Eagles are interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer after an impressive campaign in his homeland.

The report claims that Copenhagen are set to demand a £10m fee for their prized asset, with several clubs in Germany and England also interested in acquiring Nelsson’s services.

Patrick Vieira needs him

Vieira has succeeded Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park following a long, drawn-out process, but a tough job awaits the former Nice manager in south London.

Several first-team players departed the club on free transfers when their contracts expired at the end of June, leaving Palace seriously light on numbers. Experienced trio Scott Dann, Gary Cahill and Mamadou Sakho were amongst those shown the exit door, leaving James Tomkins as the only recognised centre-back on the club’s books.

Adding at least two central defenders will surely be a top priority for Vieira ahead of the upcoming campaign, and the Frenchman certainly needs quality additions such as Nelsson.

The Denmark international made 30 appearances for Jess Thorup’s side in all competitions throughout 2020/21, with his impressive performances earning him his first international cap back in November.

Nelsson’s standout displays have reportedly attracted the attention of several top clubs across the continent, so Vieira may have to move quickly in order to secure his man.

Other exciting targets such as Marc Guehi and Joe Worrall are also believed to have caught the eye of the Palace hierarchy, but the Copenhagen beast would represent a quality addition and good value for money.

He would also address the Eagles’ ageing squad issue, providing an element of youth to a defence which had been rapidly maturing – the south Londoners had the oldest average age of any Premier League side in 2020/21.

Therefore, Palace supporters and Vieira are likely to be urging chairman Steve Parish to get this deal over the line and done before the 2021/22 season starts, providing the new manager with the tools required for a successful campaign.

In other news…Palace contemplate big-money move for “extraordinary” £20m gem, Vieira will be buzzing 

A number of West Ham fans have taken to Twitter to slam comments made by David Moyes regarding transfers.

Club insider ExWHUemployee took to social media to share a screenshot of a football.london article, which transcribes comments made by David Moyes.

These comments provide insight into the club’s transfer philosophy, which has been a major talking point throughout the January window. Moyes was quoted saying: “Extra bodies don’t count for anything, it is like a sugar rush but eventually, it wears off. You are better off trying to get the right players and if not, sticking with what you have got.”

These West Hams slam Moyes’ comments

Lots of Hammers fans flocked to ExWHUemployee’s post on Twitter, taking to the comments to express their frustration with the club’s lack of activity during the January transfer window.

Many fans were in disbelief, unable to believe that the club are not chasing numerous additions, despite the squad’s lack of depth with multiple competitions still up for grabs.

The biggest priorities lay in the heart of defence, where Angelo Ogbonna is out for the season, and up front, where there has still been no replacement for Sebastien Haller one year on from his departure.

Here’s what some Hammers had to say:

“Lack of vision to progress to the next level is criminal from this man”

Credit: @whumaan

“Moyes basically said we done a brilliant job losing to Leeds”

Credit: @NathWHU_

“This hasn’t become a problem just in January, we started the season short of a striker, that was in Aug, nearly 6 months ago. We’ve had 6 months to sort this and are down to 2 weeks now, ridiculous! Plus spending 30€m on Vlasic, who we didn’t really need”

Credit: @GILLER07

“It seems strange a year on from Haller the club have no solution. We did well on Lingard loan and those goals and assists helped us close the Euro spot but a 3rd window without perm in flow is poor management. Yes the right character only.”

Credit: @frostefroste

“This is a flat out bad opinion. It assumes that everyone in the world is either brilliant or rubbish, real world has shades of grey. Can we not just get a few ‘pretty good’ people for the squad please – just upgrades on Masuaku Yarmolenko & Diop, they DONT have to be A1 starters.”

Credit: @johnnyhammer5

“We are so frustrating sometimes”

Credit: @Luke96475753

According to a report by Record, via Sport Witness, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte may have been handed a boost as the club pursue Benfica star Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Tottenham make contact over Nunez…

The Lilywhites are allegedly in contention to sign the Uruguay marksman this summer alongside a plethora of other Premier League clubs.

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Sharing news last week, 90min claimed Tottenham have already made contact with the striker’s entourage alongside the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester United.

It is also believed that West Ham are showing an interest, backing Fabrizio Romano’s previous point that Nunez could be one of the ‘big name’ transfers of the summer window.

However, according to a fresh update, it appears that Conte may now have an ‘advantage’ over Spurs’ competitors.

The Latest: Record share Spurs update…

According to Portuguese news oulet Record, via Sport Witness, Tottenham do indeed have a ‘small advantage’ in the race for Nunez, with teams who are closer to Champions League qualification apparently having a better chance of signing him.

This propels Spurs above the likes of West Ham and Newcastle in the pecking order, but it is claimed that Manchester United are currently head of the queue as it stands.

The Verdict: Boost for Conte?

In a potential boost for Conte, Record’s update also exemplifies the sheer importance of European qualification for Spurs as the 52-year-old looks toward a vital run of fixtures leading to the end of 2021/22.

Tottenham’s finish could gift them either a stronger or weaker footing in the summer transfer market as Fabio Paratici aims to attract the cream of the crop.

Nunez, who has scored an incredible 28 goals in all competitions this season, would certainly boost Conte’s sparse centre-forward options at N17, with Breaking The Lines scout writer Maxi Angelo raving over the ‘incredible talent’.

Valued at around €80m (£67m), Benfica are willing to sell for much less than his €150m (£125.2m) release clause, but a move would still require significant investment on Tottenham’s part.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder! Find out more here.

Rangers have enjoyed a sublime start to life with Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Glasgow after two wins from two since his official arrival at Ibrox.

The Gers have beaten Sparta Prague, in the Europa League group stage, and Livingston, in the Premiership, and are now looking to make it three wins in a row.

They face up against Hibernian, who they recently lost to in the semi-final of the League Cup, in the league as they look to build on their 3-1 win at the weekend.

How many changes will he make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with John Lundstram, Fashion Sakala and Scott Wright coming in.

With a busy festive schedule set to hit the Gers in the coming weeks, van Bronckhorst may need to make changes to his side based on more than just individual performances from week to week. He may need to offer minutes to players to keep them fresh and rest others to avoid burnout.

The first change we are predicting is John Lundstram coming in for Glen Kamara, with the back four and goalkeeper staying the same. Per SofaScore, the Finland international was dribbled past twice and lost six of his 11 duels against Livingston, which could open the door for the ex-Sheffield United man to step in and have his chance to shine.

FFC published an article explaining why Ryan Kent should be axed from the team, after back-to-back disappointing displays under the Dutchman’s reign. Sakala replaced him off the bench against Livingston and scored the third goal for the Gers with a composed header, which could see the £8.3k-per-week Zambian start on the left of the attacking four tonight with the ex-Liverpool man cut from the XI.

Finally, Wright could start out wide on the right ahead of Ianis Hagi. With a busy schedule coming up, van Bronckhorst could keep the Romanian winger fully fit by resting him for this clash, whilst also offering Wright an opportunity to come in and show that he is deserving of more minutes in the coming weeks and months for the Gers.

The 24-year-old has one goal and an average of 1.3 chances created per game despite only starting three games in the Premiership this term. This suggests that the potential is there for him to be a threat in the final third, but he needs to go and show that he can do it on a consistent basis – starting with Hibs.

AND in other news, GVB must brutally axe £18k-p/w Rangers “wizard” vs Hibernian, he’s been a passenger…

Celtic find themselves in a solid position in terms of their hopes for securing the SPFL title.

In his first season in charge of the Hoops, Ange Postecoglou has taken Celtic to the top of the league table with 33 games played.

With a six-point gap over their Old Firm rivals Rangers in second place, the Bhoys have won 26 games, drawn four and lost three throughout the season.

However, one player that hasn’t contributed that much to Celtic’s campaign is midfielder Ismaila Soro.

With 19 appearances to his name across all competitions, the 23-year-old has only started six of them, highlighting just how far down the pecking order he is.

Even when the £10.5k-per-week midfielder has been able to get on the pitch, he hasn’t been particularly impressive, earning himself a rather uninspiring overall rating of 6.46/10 from WhoScored for his league performances.

This makes him the third-lowest rated player to start at least one league game for the Bhoys this season.

Having been linked with a transfer move away from the Parkhead club during the previous January transfer window, the upcoming summer window could now be the right time for the Hoops to move him on.

Should this finally happen, one figure that Celtic have been mentioned with that could be an ideal replacement for Soro is Coventry City midfielder, Gustavo Hamer.

Back in March, it was reported that the Bhoys are interested in signing the midfielder, who has found the back of the net three times this season and provided 10 assists this season prior to Coventry’s match against AFC Bournemouth.

Described as being like a “terrier” on the pitch that has “a lot of technique and skill on the ball” by Dutch football expert Michael Bell, Hamer has shown that technique by racking up a total of 162 crosses in the Championship this season.

Having also made a total of 42 tackles and the second-highest number of interceptions out of anyone in Coventry’s squad, the 24-year-old could be an ideal all-round replacement for Soro.

Labelled as an “unbelievable” player by Marko Marosi, Hamer is reportedly valued at £5m by his current club, which, in our view, is a fee that the Hoops should definitely consider coughing up to sign the midfield machine this summer, especially if they manage to get rid of Soro.

In other news: Big blow: Insider drops major behind-the-scenes Celtic claim, Ange will be fuming

As per a report by 90min, an interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim has dropped with the Lilywhites now eyeing Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: Paratici, time to get working?

After Spurs humbling 1-0 defeat away to Vitesse in the Europa Conference League, managing director Fabio Paratici has been urged to get working on the signings of alternative attacking options.

As well as being short of natural centre-forwards bar Dane Scarlett and Harry Kane, the club’s wide options are also a point of contention.

Injuries have already occurred to the likes of Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn while Lucas Moura could be slowly reaching the twilight phase of his career.

As the January transfer window slowly approaches, news has emerged on what Spurs ‘may be willing’ to offer Dembele.

The Latest: Spurs ‘may be willing’ to offer Dembele wage increase…

As Tottenham eye the Barcelona forward, along with several other clubs, his current side are working to try and tie him down with a contract extension.

His current deal expires in 2022 and agreeing fresh terms is proving difficult for Barca, especially considering their financial situation and the fact Dembele wants a pay rise on his current wage in excess of £200,000-per-week.

This is where Paratici and Spurs come in, with the 90min report claiming they could be one of several interested sides now ‘willing to offer the money he wants’.

The Verdict: Worth the gamble?

Despite being called ‘frightening’ by Lionel Messi himself, offering the Frenchman over £200,000-per-week could be a very risky move by Paratici.

Dembele’s injury record speaks for itself and could be a real bone of contention to any Spurs move regardless of his ability, not to mention multiple incidents of behavioural issues affecting his career in Catalonia.

In other news: Matter of time: Yet another Spurs player eyeing N17 exit, he’s already said yes…find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited after it emerged that the Reds are expected to wear their new Nike away kit away to Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp’s men face one of their biggest games of the season this weekend, making to trip to Old Trafford for a fierce clash with United.

Liverpool are in superb form at the moment, thumping Watford last Saturday and winning away to Atletico Madrid in midweek, but this will be a stern test even despite their hosts’ questionable form.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under huge pressure and United don’t look on the Reds’ level currently, but they have the attacking quality to win matches in an instant.

According to This Is Anfield [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Liverpool will wear their new Nike away strip for the first time on Sunday, giving fans a chance to see it on the biggest stage of all.

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Liverpool fans react to kit claim

These Reds supporters reacted to the news on Twitter, with many seeing this is a ‘good omen’.

“Finally”

Credit: @stackz1shot

“We winning 6-0”

Credit: @lulusityy

“Finally. I hope this kit be our good omen”

Credit: @Hananliverpool

“Looks great”

Credit: @sean99o82

“I’m wearing mine all day then”

Credit: @TheOrigin__96

“Such a beauty”

Credit: @quindelamore

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming at one piece of news ahead of the United clash. Read more here.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has told Football FanCast that Tottenham’s priority before the transfer window closes is bringing in another centre-back and striker.

Nuno Espirito Santo has already added goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and defender Cristian Romero from Atalanta to his squad, whilst promising young winger Bryan Gil joined from Sevilla, with Erik Lamela going the other way.

However, Tottenham’s struggles to offload the likes of Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez and Moussa Sissoko has affected their spending in the window.

Juan Foyth and Toby Alderweireld have both been moved on, but there appears a general lack of interest in Santo’s squad.

There’s also the ongoing Harry Kane saga, although following Carlos Vinicius’ return to Benfica, Spurs want to bring in another frontman regardless of whether the England captain leaves.

Meanwhile, according to Sky Sports, Tottenham are interested in signing Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma as they look to improve defensively before the window slams shut.

And Bridge told Football FanCast that one player at each end of the pitch is what the hierarchy want:

“My understanding is it’s another defender and a striker they’re focusing on. And I look at the date and the way it’s going for Spurs, and we mentioned the outgoings, they’re struggling.”

Aston Villa’s great season last year went hand in hand with the brilliant form of former captain Jack Grealish, but it wasn’t just him.

Villa were on course for a European challenge before the pandemic took hold of their squad and Grealish’s injury coincided with a poor run of form that saw them crash down in the table.

The likes of Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash and Anwar El-Ghazi all played their part too at both ends of the pitch as Villa bounced back from escaping relegation on the final day of the previous season to a mid-table finish.

One of the main aims of the summer transfer window of 2020 was to get Grealish some much needed help, and they found that in former England international Ross Barkley on a season-long loan move from Chelsea.

Barkley started the season relatively well playing as the number ten behind Watkins and being given some attacking freedom alongside Grealish, with the team set up to protect their creative instincts.

He scored twice in his first four appearances for the team in the Premier League, but soon found his performances dwindling following a hamstring injury that kept him out for several weeks.

Upon returning to the team, the attacking midfielder scored just once in eight games before being relegated to the bench and that would turn out to be his final goal contribution for the season. It was only January but Barkley had already shown that on a consistent basis, he wasn’t the answer to the problems Dean Smith and Aston Villa had been suffering with the previous year.

His presence was barely missed and as questions were raised about whether or not he’d be signed permanently, it became clear that the club were thinking twice.

His poor form saw him labelled as a “liability” by journalist Gregg Evans and ultimately it was decided that the £110k-per-week loanee wasn’t worth the investment. Villa have since put their money to good use, signing all of Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings in the forward positions this summer while also promoting youngster Carney Chukwuemeka to the first-team fold.

It’s turned out to be a stellar decision by the club and board, with Johan Lange ultimately finding a better solution for the club’s issues and also creating a pathway for youngsters to make it into the senior side. It’s safe to say ignoring a permanent switch was a masterclass.

Since returning to Stamford Bridge, Barkley has been restricted to just 270 minutes of football across eight appearances in all competitions with zero goal contributions to his name. Chukwuemeka, by comparison, has featured for 250 minutes in the Villa first-team and has earned plaudits throughout the year too.

Chelsea don’t want or need him, but neither do Aston Villa and that’s credit to the decision making last summer. They certainly struck gold in that department.

AND in other news, John McGinn could be Steven Gerrard’s new Jack Grealish.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara tweeted an image of his ‘new season preps’ on Friday afternoon, and it’s fair to say it went down well with the Anfield faithful.

Thiago linked back up with his team-mates on 28 July after featuring for semi-finalists Spain at the European Championships.

He was unable to play a part in the Reds’ 60-minute friendlies against Serie A side Bologna on Thursday due to a minor fitness concern.

How serious is Thiago’s issue?

In an interview with the club’s official site, he explained that he is trying to limit muscular discomfort but said he is aiming to be fit for Liverpool’s season opener against Norwich on 14 August. The shot of him training, then, will certainly be encouraging for fans.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Fabinho provided the Reds with a boost by playing 30 minutes against Bologna. The Brazilian, along with Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino, had only returned from his holiday the previous Sunday.

Liverpool have two more friendlies pencilled in before the Premier League kick-off, facing Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna at Anfield on Sunday and Monday respectively.

Liverpool fans buzzing over Thiago image

“He’s gonna rip the league apart next week onwards”

Credit: @zubinofficial

“THIAGOOOOOO”

Credit: @ahmedlfc

“yes laaaa!!!!! good to see you back maestro”

Credit: @oliharrington97

“Welcome back king”

Credit: @murphyscottg

“Let’s go goat!! Big season incoming”

Credit: @lewinh0_

“What a thing of beauty you are Thiagoooo”

Credit: @3rdEyeofShiva

In other news, James Pearce’s update on Divock Origi got a lot of fans talking.