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Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for FC Midtjylland midfielder Jens Cajuste as new manager Patrick Vieira continues to overhaul the first-team squad.

What’s the story?

According to Swedish newspaper Expressen, the Eagles are amongst several Premier League clubs keen on signing the highly-rated 21-year-old this summer.

The report claims that Leeds United, Wolves, Palace and Newcastle United are all in discussions over a move for the youngster, with a £12m price tag muted.

Vieira would love him

Despite his tender years, Cajuste has already racked up 69 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood side, attracting the attention of several top teams across the continent.

Expressen claim that Midtjylland have already rejected a £8.5m offer from Rennes earlier in the transfer window, but that a sale could be imminent after the youngster was missing from the Danish outfit’s Champions League qualifier against Celtic on Tuesday night.

The holding midfielder was a part of Sweden’s Euro 2020 squad, helping them reach the last 16 before losing to Ukraine in extra time.

Although he only played six minutes of their opening fixture, a 0-0 draw against semi-finalists Spain, Cajuste is very highly thought of in his homeland, and he’s expected to become a big player for Janne Andersson’s charges in the future.

His potential arrival at Selhurst Park would provide a significant boost to Vieira’s current options in the Palace engine room following the departures of James McCarthy and James McArthur.

The experienced duo exited the south London outfit following the expiration of their contracts last month, leaving a sizeable gap in the capital club’s engine room.

Chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedom appear to be targeting young talent with lots of potential this summer, with Michael Olise and Marc Guehi already arriving at Selhurst Park.

It’s a sensible strategy from the Palace hierarchy as the club had the oldest squad in the Premier League last season, and Vieira would surely love to add another youngster full of potential to his ranks.

Parish and co. may have to move quickly in order to secure Cajuste’s services, though, amid stiff competition from multiple domestic rivals, and the club’s supporters will surely be urging the Palace chief to get this deal over the line.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Guehi: Parish must complete Palace swoop for £8.5m “big prospect” 

Fulham have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Ike Ugbo to Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by All Nigeria Soccer, who claim that Scott Parker’s side have missed out on the signing of the Chelsea youngster, for whom there has been a great amount of interest in recent weeks.

It is reported that, along with Fulham, Monaco, FC Rostov, CSKA Moscow and Bologna have also failed in a bid to sign the 22-year-old this summer, with Watford, Eintracht Frankfurt and Genk being the remaining three teams in the race.

Parker will be gutted

Considering how highly Ugbo impressed during his most recent loan spell away from Chelsea, the news that Fulham will not be welcoming the centre-forward to Craven Cottage this summer is sure to leave Scott Parker gutted.

Indeed, over his 32 Jupiler Pro League appearances for Cercle Brugge last term, the £4.05m-rated youngster scored 16 goals and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £38k-per-week striker earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.79, ranking him as Yves Vanderhaeghe’s eighth-best performer in the top tier of Belgian football.

Ugbo also impressed on a previous loan spell at Roda JC Kerkrade in 2019/20, with the former England U20 international scoring 13 goals and proving three assists over 28 appearances in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie.

As such, it certainly appears as if the player whom the Belgian media dubbed “decisive” centre-forward would have made a fine addition to Parker’s attacking arsenal at Fulham ahead of next season – a campaign in which the Cottagers will be looking to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

However, unfortunately for the 40-year-old and his club, it now very much appears as if the Chelsea prospect will be plying his trade elsewhere next season.

In other news: Fulham dealt transfer blow over “immense” £31k-p/w beast that’ll leave Parker gutted

Former Wolves striker Steve Bull believes his old side have no reason to sell Adama Traore this summer, and has hinted that it could be an exciting next 12-18 months for the club if they spend the money they have.

Traore has been linked with a move to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in the past and, according to Goal, the 25-year-old winger had considered a transfer in the early part of the season when he was not playing regularly.

However, the same outlet are now reporting that he is close to signing a new contract at the club – if he stays he won’t be working under Nuno Santo following confirmation that he will be departing after Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.

And while Bull expects more interest in the player this summer, the legendary Wolves forward feels there is simply no reason to get rid of him, and believes the club are willing to go for it financially in the next year and a half.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Traore, he said:

“I don’t think Wolves need the money, so I don’t think they need to get rid of him.”

“When you get talk of clubs like that coming in, Tottenham, Liverpool, Man U, Chelsea, then they might have a sniff again.

“I don’t know. I think they’ve got rid of all the players they need to get rid of, and I think now they’re saying, ‘Spend the money [we’ve] got and we’ll see what happens in the next 12 to 18 months.’ “

While Traore has not been at this productive best this season, the Spain international continues to be a dangerous threat with his terrifying dribbling, averaging the most dribbles per league game in his squad (via WhoScored).

Furthermore, he is a player that is probably worth keeping around at Molineux.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has provided a big update on Celtic’s pursuit of Ange Postecoglou on social media, confirming he does not expect the issues with UEFA to hold up a deal.

The Lowdown: Hoops reach compensation agreement

Celtic appear to be closing in on the 55-year-old after agreeing on a compensation deal with his club Yokohama F. Marinos on Thursday.

The Hoops will reportedly have to hand over a six-figure sum to the Japanese side in order to get Postecoglou out of his current contract.

Celtic have also applied for an exemption with UEFA for Postecoglou to manage in Europe, with Joseph providing some inside information on that news.

The Latest: Joseph brings positive Postecoglou news

Joseph took to Twitter to share the news on the exemption on Wednesday morning.

He was quizzed by a Celtic fan whether the club had given any indication of how long that process will take, to which he said:

“The club haven’t, but UEFA said this process could take “several weeks” at most.”

Joseph then added:

“Think that is worst case scenario. From what I’ve been told there is not expected to be major issues with this. Postecoglou has managed at the top level in Asia for 25 years, including as an international manager.”

The Verdict: All directions lead to a Postecoglou appointment

From the outside looking in, it appears as if Celtic are closing in on securing Postecoglou’s services.

Compensation has allegedly been agreed, Celtic are confident an exemption will be granted and Joseph doesn’t expect any major issues on one either.

However, rewind seven days and a deal for Eddie Howe dramatically collapsed after months of discussions, so, until a move for Postecoglou is officially announced by the club, Hoops fans will likely remain anxious.

In other news: Olivier Ntcham linked with surprise move to AEK Athens, find out more here.  

The relationship between Everton target Rafa Benitez and his previous clubs is an interesting one.

At Valencia, he is hailed an icon for his two La Liga successes and at Liverpool, he will always be a legend for winning the Champions League.

At Goodison Park, however, his name isn’t exactly met with favouritism. He dubbed the Toffees a “small club” back in 2007 and he is not exaclty the most popular man due to his allegiances with Anfield.

He isn’t exactly thought of in the greatest terms at Real Madrid either. The Spaniard was given the job at the beginning of the 2015/16 season but was sacked midway through the campaign in January.

Marcelo played under Benitez in Spain and the duo could be one that’s reunited at Everton this summer. Senior officials at Goodison Park are said to be on the verge of hiring Benitez as the club’s new manager after talks stalled with Nuno Santo.

This comes just days after interest was registered in Madrid’s legendary full-back, Marcelo.

The 33-year-old is coming towards the end of his career but he’d still be a magnificent capture for the Toffees. This is a defender who has been there and done almost everything there is to do in football.

He is one of the most decorated around with four Champions League titles to his name and could thrive under Benitez.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-manager-transfer-nuno-conte-wood-marcelo” title= “Read the latest Everton manager and transfer news!”]

The Spaniard extracted an enormous amount from the Brazilian back in 2015 by giving him attacking freedom down the left-hand side.

Marcelo quickly became indispensable to Benitez. Towards the end of October of that season, 61% of his passes had been in the opposition half while no Real player had managed more crosses.

He played as many key passes per game as both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale while recovering the same number of balls as German orchestrator Toni Kroos.

That was evidently a mesmeric campaign for Marcelo and if he can provide the same output under Benitez in Merseyside, it would be a terrifying duo.

The pair clearly get on with the Brazilian saying the following during the former Newcastle manager’s time in the Spanish capital: “Benitez is an amazing coach, very competitive. He talks to us a lot and shows us where we have to improve, he’s on top of it all to make us better.”

Taking home a wage packet of £266k-per-week, Marcelo will need to take a pretty hefty pay cut but if he is willing to do so as his career begins to wind down, Marcel Brands and co must sanction this move.

Everton may have Lucas Digne at their disposal but the opportunity to sign a player like Marcelo doesn’t come around very often.

AND in other news, Everton must complete swoop for “phenomenal” 28 y/o, he thinks Nuno Santo is “amazing”…

Watford are interested in a move to bring Josh Doig to Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Watford Observer, who claim that the Hornets have opened talks with Scottish Premiership club Hibernian regarding the transfer of the £450,000-rated 19-year-old.

The report added that, although no price has been agreed between the two clubs as of yet, a figure of around £4m is expected to be enough to get a deal over the line for the Scotland under-19 international, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal.

Giaretta must move

Following the confirmation that Achraf Lazaar, who only joined up with Xisco Munoz’s side in February, will be leaving Vicarage Road at the end of his contract in the coming weeks, the Hornets appear to be in need of reinforcements at left-back ahead of their upcoming Premier League campaign, with only Adam Masina as an out-and-out option in the position at present.

Considering how impressive Doig was for Hibernian this season, it would very much seem as if the 19-year-old would be a hugely astute signing for Cristiano Giaretta to complete this summer.

Over his 28 Scottish Premiership appearances for Jack Ross’ side this season, the SFWA Young Player of the Year scored one goal, registered three assists and created two big chances, as well as helping his side to keep four clean sheets and averaging 0.8 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 1.1 clearances per game – culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 6.65.

What makes these returns all the more impressive is just how young Doig still is, with the defender appearing to possesses enormous potential that he looks on course to fulfil in the coming years.

This is something with which Rangers manager Steven Gerrard clearly agrees as, following a fixture between the Gers and Hibs back in April, the 40-year-old stated his belief that Doig has “huge potential,” while his own manager claimed that he is already an “excellent” player.

As such, Giaretta should be doing all he can to get a deal over the line for Doig this summer, as the left-back is a player who could not only play a huge role in Watford’s future, but also in the club’s bid to remain a Premier League side beyond next season.

In other news: Watford gain huge transfer boost over “outstanding” £3k-p/w gem, Xisco will be buzzing – opinion

Leeds United favourite Stuart Dallas is reportedly set to be offered a ‘double your money’ deal at Elland Road following some influential performances this season.

The Whites have enjoyed an excellent campaign, sitting ninth in the Premier League and rarely looking relegation-threatened at any point. Therefore, it is no surprise to see Victor Orta and co already planning for next season and beyond.

There have been a number of standout performers for Marcelo Bielsa’s side and Dallas has certainly been one of them, excelling with his versatility and influence. The 30-year-old has scored seven goals and registered two assists in the league, with his match-winning double away to Manchester City particularly memorable.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Leeds to offer Dallas new deal

According to Football Insider, Leeds are willing to offer the ‘underrated’ Dallas a ‘big-money new contract’ as a reward for his performances, likely double his current £23,000 per week.

A Leeds source has told the outlet that negotiations are set to take place once this season reaches its end, with the Northern Ireland international’s current deal expiring in 2023, in what looks to be the latest of a long line of popular Orta decisions.

Transfer Tavern take

Giving Dallas a new contract is a no-brainer, considering the nature of his displays this season and his enduring importance to this Leeds side. Only Patrick Bamford has scored more in the Premier League for them this season, while his tackling record is the fifth-best in Bielsa’s squad too (WhoScored).

Every squad needs a player of his ilk – someone who can often be unheralded but is cherished by his teammates, a little like ex-Whites man James Milner, who ironically has also performed both in midfield and at left-back.

Dallas may not be getting any younger, but his fitness levels remain superb and there is no reason why he can’t continue to shine for several more years.

In other news, a big-name rumoured Leeds target has reportedly made a key decision over his future. Read more here.

Wayne Rooney’s Derby County left-back Lee Buchanan is attracting interest from the Premier League ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are considering a move for the £1.8 million-rated defender ahead of the upcoming transfer market.

While no figure is quoted in the report regarding how much Derby would be demanding for the 20-year-old, the fact his current deal at Pride Park expires next summer may force the Championship strugglers into a sale.

Derby must not repeat Bogle mistake

Despite having made five appearances in the Championship last season, 2020/21 has undoubtedly been Buchanan’s breakthrough campaign at Pride Park.

So far this term, the 20-year-old has made 34 appearances in the second tier, over which he has provided three assists and has made an average of one interception, 1.6 tackles and 0.4 key passes per game, culminating in a respectable average SofaScore match rating of 6.68.

And, considering how well the England U21 international has fared at Championship level so soon after breaking into the Derby first-team, it would appear as if the defender will continue to improve as he gains more experience in the league.

Indeed, Rooney has stated his belief that Buchanan is already a “top player” and that he would “argue he’s one of the best young left-backs in the country.”

As such, Derby must do all they can to avoid a repeat of the £3.47 million sale of Jayden Bogle to Sheffield United last summer, when the Rams sold one of their brightest stars for just over half of his market valuation of £5.67 million – with the right-back now being worth £6.3 million.

So, come the end of the season, whatever league Derby happen to be playing their football in as of next year, Rooney should make the signing of Buchanan to a new deal his absolute priority, in order to retain one of the club’s most promising young players for as long as possible, as well as increasing his value in the event the club wish to cash in on the defender at some point in the future.

In other news: Lost possession 14x: Derby dud who completed just 7 passes massively let Rooney down – opinion

Tottenham Hotspur are playing with fire amid fresh claims over mooted managerial target Roberto Martinez…

What’s the word?

According to a report from Football Insider, the North London side have held three rounds of talks with the current Belgium national team boss and despite claims from elsewhere that Martinez isn’t on Spurs’ radar, FI report that he is in fact one of three men on their shortlist.

There is also a belief that Spurs are confident in appointing their next manager within the next few days, though it remains to be seen what his involvement in this summer’s European Championships would mean for their chances.

The 47-year-old’s enthusiasm and desire to improve the squad have stood out in the recruitment process but question marks remain over his recruitment record.

Bye-bye Kane?

It’s no secret that Daniel Levy has to get his next appointment absolutely spot-on – there is too much at stake after another season of disappointment.

Much of the Lilywhites fanbase have been protesting against the chairman, as well as the club’s owners, the ENIC Group, in recent weeks and that’s largely down to the culmination of several years of underachievement and a lack of ambition.

Now Spurs have been rocked with the bombshell that leading superstar Harry Kane wants out, which would only add to their woes and set them back even further.

Both Manchester clubs and even Chelsea are just three of the teams eyeing up the £150m-rated striker, and all three would be fantastic destinations for him considering they are all competing in a European final this week.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-managerial-updates-transfer-news-rumours-gossip-and-more-levy-kane-enic” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, managerial gossip, transfer rumours and more!”]

If Levy even wants to stand a chance at keeping him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, then he must appoint a manager who could genuinely get them a step closer to achieving their first silverware since 2008.

Martinez is not that man.

His overall record in the Premier League, across seven seasons with Wigan Athletic and Everton, is nothing short of abysmal. He has won only 30% of his 265 matches in charge – by comparison, Jose Mourinho won 52% of his matches in charge of Spurs, and was still sacked.

Even Christian Gross had a better win rate in charge of the club (33%).

Martinez promised so much at Goodison Park, too, but ultimately he failed to deliver and the Merseyside giants only regressed under his tenure – leading to Jonathan Wilson suggesting to Eurosport that there were “systemic” problems that have no signs of being fixed, whilst others have brandished him “stubborn” and “pathetic.”

Even with Romelu Lukaku as his top goalscorer, the Spaniard failed to guide the side past tenth place in his final two years in charge – not even Kane would be able to carry Spurs to much improvement under him, surely?

It’s no wonder he wants to leave to achieve his dreams as he’s already got the club on his back, contributing towards a whopping 54.4% of all their goals scored in the Premier League during the 2020/21 season.

The appointment of Martinez could well push Kane closer to the exit door in what would be a devastating blow to Spurs, both on and off the pitch. Levy must approach this situation with caution and look to avoid the Belgium boss at all costs.

It’s a catastrophic disaster waiting to happen.

AND in other news, Levy can land Spurs their next Eriksen in £40m “special talent” who’s a “game-changer”…

Manchester United face Granada on Thursday evening aiming to gain an advantage in the first-leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final meeting.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men travel to Spain having returned from international action with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at the weekend.

Could the Norwegian be tempted to make many changes for the clash against the Spaniards?

There could potentially be sweeping alterations throughout the starting XI with potentially as many as four changes expected.

The first of those should occur in goal where Dean Henderson has become the club’s No.1 choice. This game then might be the perfect opportunity to reintroduce David de Gea who has not made an appearance since late February.

Elsewhere, there should also be a slight alteration in defence. Alex Telles has been preferred to Luke Shaw in Europe so will likely be handed another start on Thursday evening. He will line up in defence alongside Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

There should also be another slight alteration in midfield from Solskjaer. Paul Pogba is only just returning from injury so having started against the Seagulls, it could be too much of a risk to play the Frenchman again. Scott McTominay could return in the £54m-rated midfielder’s place.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-man-united-transfer-rumours-and-news-old-trafford-macheda-solskjaer-lingard-ousmane-dembele-anthony-martial-injury-rabiot-van-de-beek” title=” The latest Man United transfer rumours and news from Old Trafford…”]

The final Red Devils’ change should occur in attack where the team are enduring a slight crisis. Anthony Martial is potentially out for the rest of the season according to Solskjaer, whilst there are also question marks over Marcus Rashford’s availability to start.

The latter should be replaced by Daniel James, who will be supported by Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani.

Mason Greenwood meanwhile will remain after netting in the win against Brighton.

AND in more news, have a look at which defensive powerhouse Manchester United must now sell…