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According to a West Ham United source who was speaking to Football Insider, the Irons have ‘laid the groundwork for a January signing’ after a club announcement involving Winston Reid.

The Lowdown: End of an era…

Earlier this week, West Ham dropped a big announcement met with plenty of heartfelt reaction as they confirmed that the club and their former defender mutually agreed to terminate his deal.

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The New Zealand international had two more years remaining on his Hammers contract, which was due to expire in 2023, but he and West Ham decided to cut it short and part company after a memorable 10-year spell in east London.

After this decision, a Rush Green source has now shared some more positive news.

The Latest: Source makes January swoop claim…

Speaking to Football Insider, a West Ham source has now claimed that Reid’s exit will lay the groundwork for a January signing after they paid off his deal for less than the value remaining on his contract.

Indeed, as per their information, GSB agreed a pay-off with the 33-year-old reaching around £5m, a lower figure than the estimated £7m in salary which was still to run on his deal.

West Ham’s decision not only saves the club around £2m, but also frees up wage budget and delivers an extra squad berth for manager David Moyes ahead of the January transfer window.

The Verdict: Silver lining…

Reid’s exit from east London, while emotional given his long-serving cult hero status, was arguably a necessity in the eyes of financiers at West Ham.

Moyes deemed the defender surplus to requirements, having loaned him out twice since the start of 2020, and keeping him on the books for a minute longer served no purpose for the club.

It was high time that West Ham agreed to cut Reid’s extended stay short and part ways – but the player will always be remembered for fine moments on the field like his winner at home to Millwall in 2012 and the last-ever goal at the Boleyn Ground.

In other news: ExWHUemployee lifts lid on behind-scenes West Ham development in overhaul plan, find out more here.

Some Liverpool supporters are unconvinced by a report claiming the Reds believe Takumi Minamino will go up a gear this season.

Jurgen Klopp ended up bringing in just one player in the entire summer transfer window, with Ibrahima Konate arriving from RB Leipzig.

It was a summer that left many fans disappointed, at a time when their rivals have spent big and there appeared to be a need to strengthen.

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It could certainly be argued that another attacking player was needed – someone who was able to provide competition to the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.

According to the Liverpool Echo [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], however, Liverpool are confident that Minamino will benefit from a full pre-season and will be a handy squad player this season, despite struggling at Anfield to date.

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Liverpool fans react to Minamino claim

These Reds fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts, remaining unconvinced that the Japanese is ready to make the step up.

“Want to believe this but we’ve heard it all before for them or similar players to hardly get a game”

Credit: @Sean_Cousins95

“Minamino has benefited so much that he’s played a grand total of 0 minutes in 3 games”

Credit: @_Nathanshapland

“Pfffttttt”

Credit: @finallypipoy

“These Insiders will believe anything as long as they will save FSG a few bucks”

Credit: @la1lit

“That’s exactly why Klopp has shown zero faith in him so far in the league”

Credit: @JoshLFC1909

“We literally heard this last season”

Credit: @JamzLFC786

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to rumoured interest in one Premier League player. Read more here.

Atletico Madrid could target Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez if Jan Oblak is sold, according to Spanish outlet La Razon. 

The lowdown

Villa paid £17million to sign Martinez from Arsenal ahead of the 2020/21 season and committed him to a four-year contract. Transfermarkt now value the 29-year-old at £31.5m.

Martinez kept 15 clean sheets in his debut season at Villa Park – a tally bettered only by Ederson (19) and Edouard Mendy (16), ‘keepers for the Premier League and European champions respectively (via Premier League).

The latest

The report from Spain states that Atletico find themselves ‘on the brink of the salary limit’ after bringing Antoine Griezmann back to the Wanda Metropolitano from FC Barcelona. As a result, they could be forced to offload one of their ‘stars’ next summer.

Oblak, whose contract runs until 2023, could be the one to go if he doesn’t pen an extension. Atletico are aware that he may be open to the possibility of a ‘change of scenery’.

Martinez is already being considered as a potential replacement, with his performances having caught the eye of Diego Simeone.

The reigning La Liga champions recognise that it would take ‘a significant financial outlay’ to prise him away from Villa, but are confident Oblak’s sale would more than cover the cost.

The verdict

It’s no surprise that Martinez has caught the eye. His displays for Villa, and during his final season at Arsenal, have put him amongst the elite bracket of goalkeepers in the English top flight – some pundits even had him in their team of the season last term.

The prospect of competing for titles and playing Champions League football will surely tempt Martinez, but expect Villa to present Atletico with an almighty price-tag as they look to keep hold one of their best assets.

In other news, fans react to this award nomination. 

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted positively to Jurgen Klopp’s fresh update on Andy Robertson’s ankle injury.

The Reds have finished their pre-season schedule following an impressive 3-1 win over La Liga side Osasuna at Anfield on Monday night. However, Robertson was unable to feature in that game, having limped off with an ankle injury against Athletic Bilbao 24 hours earlier.

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The severity of the Scot’s injury looked serious on first viewing, with some fearing the worst, especially after last season’s bad fortune in that department.

However, speaking after the win over Osasuna [via journalist Dominic King on Twitter], Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Robertson is facing weeks out rather than months. That means the 27-year-old could even return before the September international week, or if not by then, shortly after it.

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Liverpool fans happy with Robertson update

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the news, which one Kopite described as “lovely stuff”, with positivity in the air overall ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener at Norwich City.

“2-3 games is great news tbf”

Credit: @Bennet24_LFC

“Phew”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

“Thank the heavens”

Credit: @icy7_YNWA

“Huge boost”

Credit: @TRK8_LFC

“Lovely stuff”

Credit: @KevDublin

“How on earth… maybe it will be our year again”

Credit: @IsMiseShane

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been left fuming over one transfer rumour. Read more here.

Newcastle United are now reportedly keen on signing Amadou Diawara before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Diawara impresses

Diawara has come off the back of an impressive individual 2020/21 season with AS Roma, helping them finish in seventh spot in the Serie A table.

The Guinea international was particularly impressive in their UEFA Europa League campaign, winning no fewer than 3.1 of his duels per game in the competition, as well as averaging 2.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.3 clearances per match (Sofascore).

The Latest: Newcastle keen

As per Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the St. James’ Park faithful are now ‘interested’ in a potential move for Diawara, who needs to be sold by Roma to make room for a new central midfield player.

Wolves are also reportedly keen on his signature, but he has turned down the option of joining the Midlands club.

The Verdict: Sign

The North East club could certainly do with some more bodies in the middle of the park ahead of the new 2021/22 Premier League season, and Diawara would fit the bill.

Once dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by Italian agent and scout Robert Visan back in 2018, the 24-year-old still has a lot of potential, and has already shown that he is more than capable of playing at a high level with his performances in European competition.

Currently rated at just £12.6m by Transfermarkt, Diawara could turn out to be an absolute bargain, should the Tyneside club be able to sign him of course.

In other news, find out which ‘exciting’ international NUFC have made an offer for here!

The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser wouldn’t rule out a move to Tottenham for Southampton striker Danny Ings this summer.

The 29-year-old Saints forward was in inspired form last season scoring 13 goals in all competitions, and has 46 in 100 appearances for the south coast outfit in total, and with only one year remaining on his current contract, Southampton may look to cash in on their prized asset this summer and avoid the risk of losing him on a free next year.

Eurosport also confirmed earlier this week that Spurs were observing the situation of Ings, with Rosser telling TT: “Ings might be looking a bit higher but if nothing comes from City, United or Chelsea someone like that and Spurs come knocking with a nice little wage offer.

“The chance to live in London and play at the stadium, there’s not too many that would turn it down, so I wouldn’t rule it out.”

After failing to qualify for Champions League football last season finishing seventh in the league table, Spurs hired former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo as their new manager and he will be looking to bring in his own players this summer.

With that in mind, although Espirito Santo will want to keep hold of his best players, Spurs may have to delve into the transfer market for a new striker, with Harry Kane heavily linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur stadium this summer.

Manchester City are edging closer to the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa, but a recent report has suggested that would make any move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane very difficult this summer.

What’s the word?

Grealish and Kane have emerged as Pep Guardiola’s two top targets for the Citizens this summer and the former looks close to completing a move to the Etihad in a deal worth around £100m.

However, Manchester Evening News journalist Liam Corless has claimed that the deal for the Villa captain could see City end their interest in Kane, unless they are able to raise a significant amount of money through player sales between now and the end of the window.

As Spurs will likely demand well in excess of £100m for their talismanic striker, with chairman Daniel Levy clearly keen to keep him in North London, it simply isn’t financially viable for Manchester City to bring him in as well as Grealish in the same transfer window without significant sales.

A blow for Guardiola?

It seems baffling that City are seemingly prioritising a move for Grealish over the £108m-rated Kane when you consider the options that Guardiola currently has in their respective positions.

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Whilst the Spanish manager can boast talents such as Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez on the wing, he has just Gabriel Jesus available as a senior striker in his squad following Sergio Aguero’s exit earlier in the summer.

Although the Citizens were sensational at times last season, they lacked a clinical striker on a number of occasions towards the end of the season and were punished by Chelsea in the FA Cup and Champions League, so signing a world-class talent such as Kane should really have been City’s priority ahead of the new season.

The 28-year-old striker is clearly keen on a move , with reports earlier today claiming that he has failed to turn up for training at Tottenham Hotspur but if City do complete a move for Grealish, it seems as if they will have to sell a number of first-team options before even considering a bid for the England captain.

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City fans certainly won’t be happy with this update, as they too will surely have been hoping to sign a clinical striker this summer, and now it seems as if a deal for Kane is going to be very difficult for the Citizens to complete and if they are to sign him, they may need to cash in on another star player.

And, in other news… Imagine him and Foden: Txiki can secure City’s future with swoop for “very strong” 18 y/o

Leeds United aren’t actively on the lookout for another left-back in the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic‘s Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Alioski moves on

With Ezgjan Alioski moving on after his contract expired, the Whites are arguably looking a little light in the left-back department.

Junior Firpo has arrived from Barcelona, but Leif Davis’ potential loan move to Bournemouth could leave the Brazilian as the only option there.

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The Latest: Hays gives key update

Hay dropped his latest update on Friday, revealing (via Twitter) ‘where Leeds United are in the transfer market after tying up Junior Firpo’.

He states that Leeds are ‘not actively pursuing a replacement’ for Alioski as things stand, even if it hasn’t been completely ruled out.

The report states that Stuart Dallas is seen as a possible option at left-back, having ‘filled in successfully’ there, while Davis is described as ‘on the fringes’.

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The Verdict: Potential risk by Bielsa?

Although Leeds still appear to be relatively well-stocked at left-back, Davis leaving would change that, with Dallas preferably used in midfield.

That makes not bringing in someone a risk by Marcelo Bielsa, particularly if Firpo picked up an early injury or took time to settle at his new club – let’s not forget he only started three times in La Liga last season.

A big name isn’t required, considering Firpo looks first-choice, but sufficient cover will keep squad depth strong and enhance Leeds’ hopes of enjoying another successful season.

In other news, a pundit has made a big claim over the future of one Leeds star. Find out who it is here.

Last season saw Wolves hit by several big injuries to crucial players such as Raul Jimenez, Pedro Neto and Jonny Otto, with all missing periods of the campaign.

With Nuno Espirito Santo opting to work with a smaller squad to get the best out of his players they got found out when fringe players were thrown in, and Bruno Lage doesn’t want that to be the case this season, according to Steve Bull.

A lot of the time last campaign, the Wolves side often picked itself with fans and the opposition knowing who Nuno was going to pick as it had been a very similar team for the past three seasons, but Lage will be arriving with fresh ideas and a new approach to Premier League games.

Lage likes to implement a high energy and pressing style of football and with that comes a higher risk of injuries especially on players that rely on short bursts of pace, such as Adama Traore, and this could be why the new manager wants to increase his squad size.

Only 15 players started more than 10 league games for Wolves last season which highlights how Nuno only put his trust in particular players that he knew well, but Lage will look to increase the options he can choose from, according to Bull as he spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“I think Lage wants to have as many players as he can so hopefully in two weeks’ time we’ve got a few more on the books and have got a bit more of an insight into the squad.”

There have been a lot of links with Wolves’ top players leaving Molineux this summer and when Nuno is appointed as Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager, he could look to raid his former club with Conor Coady the latest tipped to follow his former manager.

Everton have been given a boost in their pursuit of Denzel Dumfries in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Dumfries wanted

There have been numerous reports over the past few weeks of Dumfries being wanted at Goodison Park.

Bild claimed (via Sport Witness) that the Merseyside club are among the ‘hottest contenders’ to sign the PSV right-back as they look to try and find a long-term replacement for the ageing Seamus Coleman.

The Latest: Dumfries boost

Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad, PSV manager Roger Schmidt has gifted Rafa Benitez’s team a boost in their pursuit of Dumfries, as he talked about the futures of both him and Donyell Malen.

He said: “I no longer expect them to return to De Herdgang. It was already clear after last season that they wanted to take a step abroad. I still expect that.”

The Verdict: Sign now!

Given his dazzling displays at Euro 2020, in which he scored two goals in the group stage from right-back (Sofascore), there is sure to be a lot of interest from a number of top European clubs in signing Dumfries, especially after the comments from his manager.

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Described as an ‘absolute massive talent’ by pundit and former Premier League manager Alex McLeish when speaking to Football Insider last month, the Dutchman also scored four goals and supplied nine assists in 41 matches across all competitions in the 2020/21 season at club level (Transfermarkt), further showcasing his attacking credentials.

The Toffees will surely need to act fast if they are to get this deal over the line.

In other news, find out what recent news has left these Everton fans fuming