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Tottenham Hotspur have made Danny Ings their top priority this summer, according to the Telegraph’s Matt Law.

It’s thought that new manager Nuno Santo’s preference to deploy a two-man attack next season has led to the North London outfit targeting the Southampton talisman this summer.

The 28-year-old, who turns 29 this month, is out of contract in 12 months time and it could lead to the Saints offloading their star man or risk losing him for nothing.

Ings, who earns around £75k-per-week, is valued at £20m by the South Coast outfit, whilst CIES Football Observatory put that figure at around €15m (£12.5m).

The Portuguese coach has used plenty of different systems throughout his managerial career but a two-pronged frontline is a frequent occurrence and that proved to be a very lucrative set-up for his former club, Wolves, until last season.

As described by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, former attacker Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez “combined beautifully” in a 3-5-2 formation – it’s no wonder that dream tailed off when Jota joined Liverpool for an initial £40m in September 2020.

Nuno could be looking to repeat this very partnership, especially as the aforementioned report suggests that Ings would be signed to partner wantaway striker Harry Kane, rather than replace him.

Prior to Euro 2020, stories surfaced linking the England international with an exit, with the 27-year-old talisman said to be wanting a departure this window. And as such, teams like Premier League champions Man City and Champions League winners Chelsea have registered interest.

But this latest development from Law suggests Kane is staying and that Nuno is eyeing up a lethal-looking frontline to get the Lilywhites back on top.

It was only two years ago that they reached the UCL final themselves and even during their worst domestic campaign in over a decade, they still reached the Carabao Cup final.

Ings has proven to be a prolific marksman at this level for several seasons. Southampton also struggled last term but the Englishman still found the net 13 times in all competitions, adding to his tally of 25 a year earlier, via Transfermarkt.

In the past, the former Burnley and Liverpool star has been likened to Robbie Keane, who was quite the hit in North London, whilst Ings has also been dubbed a “monster” and “unbelievable” due to his goalscoring exploits in recent years.

If Fabio Paratici and Daniel Levy can broker a deal for the Saints forward, then Nuno could well unearth his next Jota and Jimenez at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Either way, Ings alongside Kane is a mouthwatering prospect for a side that finished seventh last season.

AND in other news, Reliable journo drops exciting Spurs transfer update…

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith must avoid selling Morgan Sanson this summer as fresh transfer reports emerge over his potential exit.

What’s the story?

It’s been a rather frustrating first few months in English football for the January signing, making just nine appearances in the Premier League and that too only totalling 291 minutes worth of football.

Reports in recent days have suggested that Smith isn’t convinced by his midfield options, and that amid a potential move for Southampton and England star James Ward-Prowse, Villa are unimpressed by what Sanson has shown thus far.

And now, former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has said: “I don’t see why they wouldn’t sell him if he’s not producing. It’s only six months and sometimes you’ve got to give players a little bit more time. Not everyone settles well in this country.

“But if they are interested in a couple more midfielders then that could be a sign. There’s no shame in cutting your losses and moving on. People make mistakes. You’re never going to get every signing spot-on.”

Fans would be fuming

Speaking after his signing back in the January transfer window, Smith waxed lyrical about the kind of qualities the Frenchman could bring, saying: “He has got a big game mentality, he has played at the top of the French league for the last five years, played in the Champions League.

“He is a great technician and has great tactical awareness. He can play in a number of positions, can set up goals and can score goals. He has a bit of everything in his game so we’re really pleased with the acquisition.”Dubbed as a “warrior” by himself, the £17m-rated Sanson showed his qualities as a really effective box-to-box presence in his time at Marseille.Before his move to the Midlands, he averaged an impressive 1.8 tackles and 1.1 key passes per game in Ligue 1, both of which ranked him favourably compared to the rest of Villa’s squad. In fact, only two other players have averaged more tackles per match than him, while again, only three other have averaged more key passes too.Given that he only arrived in January, and had his fair share of injury issues too, there’s no questioning that Villa fans and Smith have yet to see the best of Sanson.It would be a ridiculous decision for the Midlands club to sell him so soon after his arrival, and without having first properly given him a chance to shine.It would be an admittance that they got it completely wrong in the transfer market back in January, and would be a very hasty mistake. Villa fans would surely be fuming at the club cashing in this summer without giving the player a real chance to prove himself.[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/aston-villa-dean-smith-transfer-window-premier-league-villa-park-emi-buendia-gregg-evans-gossip-rumours-update-news” title=”Read the latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news!”]It would be an unforgivable disaster from the club to make such a decision so soon into Sanson’s Villa career.Meanwhile, David Ornstein has dropped an exciting Aston Villa transfer update…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were delighted as the club revealed their new kit ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Gers enjoyed a magnificent campaign last time out as they won the Premiership for the first time in 10 years while going unbeaten in the division. As such, they will be competing in the Champions League third qualifying round next season, and they will be also be attempting to defend their domestic league title.

As they try to do so, they will need a kit befitting of their recent success, and judging by the reaction of many supporters, they may have just that next season. On Saturday, the 55-time Scottish champions revealed their new home kit for the coming campaign. As usual, it is predominantly blue, but there is also gold lettering to celebrate their silverware last time out.

The kit was revealed on the club’s official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from Gers fans. These supporters took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the “stunning” new strip.

Also, you can check out the full video of the kit launch below:

Let’s see what these Rangers fans had to say about the new kit

“Take my money… yaaaas”

Credit: @andyshea

“That too is an absolute beauty”

Credit: @1872Rck

“That’s got me buzzing for the season ahead.”

Credit: @mintyboy85

“Magnificent”

Credit: @JimboJofre

“Absolute goosebumps! The Captain, same again.”

Credit: @Albertz1974

“Its actually stunning up close. Photos don’t do it justice”

Credit: @Scotty24891

In other news, Rangers are set to receive a 40% discount for this 21-year-old.

Aston Villa can demand any fee they want for Manchester City target Jack Grealish this summer, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned.

Grealish continues to be linked with a move to Manchester City. In fact, ESPN recently reported that Pep Guardiola views the England international as important as Tottenham’s Harry Kane, another rumoured target.

The same outlet also claims that Villa value Grealish at £100m, and Palmer believes the Midlands club are well within their right to ask for that sort of money for their captain.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Grealish’s future, the ex-England player said:

“It’s very difficult to put a price on players. You’re talking about Jack Grealish, Villa are saying now he’s worth over £100m. You’re taking him into the Ronaldo bracket at that money.

“But, you know, he’s signed a new contract and they can ask for whatever money they want for him.”

For that kind of money, Grealish could find it difficult to secure a transfer before the start of the new season if he does really want out.

However, as Palmer mentioned, he signed a new long-term contract not too long ago, so it really is not unfair for Villa to ask for the fee that is currently floating about.

Rangers have been dealt a big blow in their quest to bring Bright Osayi-Samuel to Ibrox in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Approach made

As per TumSport (via Glasgow Live), the Ibrox faithful have made an approach to sign Osayi-Samuel.

However, both Celtic and AS Monaco are also said to be interested in the Fenerbahce ace, but no offers have been made as of yet.

The Latest: Transfer blow

According to Football Insider, the Glasgow club are set to miss out on the signing of Osayi-Samuel for the second consecutive window after being in the race for him back in January.

A source has told the news outlet that Fener do not have any plans to sell the Nigerian in the current market, meaning that Steven Gerrard’s team may have to start pursuing other targets.

The Verdict: Would have been a good signing

Osayi-Samuel would have certainly been a good signing for the Light Blues, but it looks as if a deal may not happen.

Described as a ‘dangerous’ player by former Gers manager Mark Warburton when he was playing for QPR back in November, the winger could have certainly added an extra X-factor.

Particularly dangerous with the ball at his feet, Osayi-Samuel averaged no fewer than 2.8 successful dribbles per game while in the EFL Championship in the 2020/21 season, and two a match in the Super Lig.

No Gers player averaged more than 1.9 dribbles a game in the Scottish Premiership in the last term, suggesting that Osayi-Samuel would bring an extra element of directness to the team and would certainly have been a valuable member of the squad.

In other news, find out what big transfer claim has been dropped on one Rangers target here!

Wolves are moving closer to appointing a new manager after Nuno Espirito Santo decided to leave Molineux behind.

It’s thought that only a work permit hearing stands in the way of Jorge Mendes client Bruno Lage becoming the new permanent boss, and the Old Gold have been smart in moving so quickly to find a replacement with the transfer window coming up – but have they been too swift in doing so?

Wolves have had a number of successors to Nuno in mind for a while now, so it may just be a case of knowing what they want. Jeff Shi and Fosun haven’t just considered those attached to Mendes, either.

The Athletic claimed that both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have been considered by the Wolves hierarchy. The former Chelsea would seem a good addition for the sake of the young players coming through in the Midlands but it’s hard to dismiss the ex-Liverpool captain either.

The 41-year-old is currently in charge of Rangers, where he has masterminded a remarkable revival for the Light Blues. Celtic were vying for a tenth successive Premiership crown this season but were absolutely demolished by Gerrard’s men, who finished on 102 points as they went the entire league campaign unbeaten.

The standard of football is lower in the Scottish leagues but it’s hard to overlook an accomplishment like that, particularly after how long Rangers went without a league title.

What was most impressive, however, was his defensive record. Wolves were particularly abject in this department in 2020/21, keeping just ten clean sheets in their 38 league games. By contrast, Gerrard stabilised the Rangers backline as they shipped only 13 goals in the Scottish Premiership, keeping a remarkable 26 clean sheets. Across all competitions, they enjoyed a mightily impressive 34 shutouts.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-transfer-news-guedes-toney-shaqiri-neves” title=”Read the latest Wolves transfer news!”]

Wolves lacked goals this season with Raul Jimenez missing since November but they did not give themselves a chance at times with some lacklustre defending. A 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Burnley last month is ample evidence for where it has gone wrong.

The Liverpudlian could have a significant impact on the Wolves defence and he also carries himself brilliantly. Gerrard has always been a fabulous leader and that has transferred into his man-management as a coach.

Speaking about the former England international earlier this year, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “He’s done magnificent. He really has, both on and off the field.”

The multi-Premier League winner continued: “A press interview can lose you your job in management. But Steven’s press conferences are fantastic. He’s cool, he’s composed, he gives the right answers. He’s really top because it’s an art.”

The Rangers boss is not a master of his craft yet but, if this season has told us anything, it’s that Gerrard will likely develop into a top-class manager. Surely Wolves want a piece of that?

AND in other news, Fosun buy Toney in £110m spending spree, Neves axed: How Wolves may look under Lage…

Yan Valery’s season has certainly not gone to plan, with the young right-back shipped out on loan to Birmingham City in the January transfer window, where he has struggled to impress.

The defender lost his regular spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side when Kyle Walker-Peters first arrived on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020 and once his transfer to St Mary’s was made permanent, it was always going to be a struggle for Valery to get regular game time at Southampton.

The 22-year-old, who was labelled a “weak link” by Athletic journalist Dan Sheldon, made just one start in the Premier League for the Saints, which came in a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal where he was regularly exposed, so it was perhaps no surprise to see him turfed out on loan, despite the lack of back-up to Walker-Peters at the South Coast club.

When the former Spurs man was injured, we saw the likes of Moussa Djenepo, James Ward-Prowse and Jan Bednarek all feature at right-back, which certainly suggests that Valery wasn’t held particularly high regard by Hasenhuttl.

During his time with Birmingham City, who until recently looked in real danger of relegation this season, Valery has made just seven appearances in the Championship, of which just two have been starts, which again, doesn’t bode particularly well for his future at Southampton.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-southampton-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=“Latest Southampton news, transfer rumours and more!“]

Hasenhuttl spoke recently about the development of some of the players out on loan, saying:

“Some have done well, a lot of them did not even play in the Championship or League One, so you can see how difficult it is for them that they don’t even there perform well,” Hasenhuttl has openly admitted.

“We have a few loan players that are coming back. The way back is not easy for them. That means we have to look for new options.”

The Austrian certainly seems to be hinting that it is going to be difficult for Valery to re-establish himself in his side in the future after a disappointing couple of seasons, so perhaps we will see him depart St Mary’s on a permanent deal this summer.

Certainly, if Southampton bring in the full-backs they are seemingly in the market for ahead of next season, there will be little room left for Valery in Hasenhuttl’s side in the future.

And, in other news… Just 9 passes: £5.4m-rated Saints dud was awful again vs LFC, Ralph surely fuming

Swansea City manager Steve Cooper has emerged as a managerial target for Crystal Palace.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, with the transfer insider claiming in a post on Twitter that, following the news of Roy Hodgson’s departure from Selhurst Park at the end of this season, Crystal Palace could look to appoint Cooper.

Romano said: “Official. Crystal Palace confirm Roy Hodgson to step down as manager at the end of the season. Frank Lampard is one of the options as the new manager, also Steve Cooper is on the list as a potential candidate. Crystal Palace board will decide in the next few days.”

Swansea disaster

Having managed within the Liverpool academy for a number of years, Cooper was then appointed in the England youth setup, taking control of the U17 side – where he led a team including the likes of Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Rhian Brewster to the U17 World Cup title.

Despite having no previous experience in professional football management, Swansea City then took a chance on the 41-year-old, appointing him as the new head coach at the Liberty Stadium in the summer of 2019.

Considering a manager of Graham Potter’s now apparent calibre had only managed a 10th placed finish in the Championship with the Swans in the season prior, it was perhaps unexpected that Cooper managed to guide the side to a top-six finish in his inaugural season in charge of the club, with his side narrowly missing out on reaching the play-off final after a 3-2 aggregate defeat to a very impressive Brentford team in the semis.

However, Cooper has proven this year that last season’s achievement was no fluke, with the Swans once again securing a top-six finish in the second tier, with his side currently holding a 1-0 advantage over Barnsley in the semi-final of the play-offs.

As such, it would appear that things are very much on the up at the Liberty Stadium under the 41-year-old, and it is unsurprising to hear that a Premier League side in Crystal Palace are keen on appointing the coach as Roy Hodgson’s successor this summer.

Although, Jason Levien allowing the manager to leave Wales without a fight would be something of a disaster for the Swans, as it would very much seem as if the club’s recent upturn in fortunes is a direct result of Cooper’s influence – and it would be highly advisable for the Swansea owner to do all he can to convince the coach that staying at the club would be the best thing for him, as it certainly would be the best thing for the club.

In other news: Bye-bye Ayew: Swansea must seal summer deal for “fantastic” 15-goal star – opinion

Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke has put pen to paper with a new two-year contract, as reported by The Independent.

In a move that will delight the Selhurst Park faithful, the Belgian international is set to be a key player for the Eagles heading into 2021/22.

Few could argue against the award of a new contract, after an impressive 2020/21 season saw the 30-year-old net ten goals in 30 Premier League fixtures [Transfermarkt], with most of those coming towards the end of the campaign.

Set to partake in Belgium’s EURO 2020 campaign, his experience, goal threat and strength will continue to give opposition backlines plenty of food for thought – on average, the target man successfully wins around 6.8 aerial duels per match [WhoScored].

Given his physical threat and recent rediscovery of his eye for goal, there is little wonder loads of Crystal Palace fans have flocked to social media to sing his praises, following the latest developments, which was confirmed by the club on Twitter.

Fans gush over Benteke contract news:

Upon hearing about his contract extension, here are what some of the Palace diehards had to say about the news:

“PLAYER OF THE SEASON”

Credit: @paIaceawayy”Just made my week lads, love you@chrisbenteke x”Credit: @CiaranCPFC”Inject it”Credit: @JSB93x”Great news. Now please sort out the new manager”Credit: @briansparrow191″6 months ago I never thought I’d be buzzing to see this news”Credit: @Dazzaedwardo”TEARS ARE STREAMINGGGGGG”Credit: @SamWaters1994In other news, a reported Crystal Palace target is now available on a free transfer.

Some Middlesbrough fans were fuming at the performance of Everton loanee Yannick Bolasie in their 2-1 loss to QPR in the Championship on Saturday.

The former Crystal Palace and Aston Villa winger actually scored the goal at the Riverside Stadium to get Boro back in the game after going 2-0 down early in the first half, but some supporters were not happy with certain aspects of his overall performance.

Bolasie lost six of his duels, the most of any of his teammates to set foot on the pitch, and he also failed to record a single successful dribble or long ball, losing possession on 13 separate occasions in the match, the fourth-most out of his teammates (Sofascore).

The DR Congo international will need to improve in key areas if he is to have a future at Goodison Park, where he hasn’t played in almost three years.

Middlesbrough fans slam Bolasie

These Boro fans on Twitter slammed the on-loan Everton winger’s performance against QPR:

“Bolasie should have had a hattrick I’m really disappointed with his lack of ball control”

Credit: @Keithhutch30

“Bolasie with the touch of an elephant”

Credit: @LeeStocktonlee1

“Watmore did so well and Bolasie had the touch of an elephant. Unbelievable Jeff!”

Credit: @OOTfirebobby

“What a mess they made of that! Bolasie’s first touch is awful. #boro”

Credit: @4TheLoveOfBoro

“Why doesn’t Bolasie just shoot man”

Credit: @ConnorReney10

“Why can Bolasie not hit it first time hahaha”

Credit: @Joeatkinson98Me

In other news, find out what big Toffees claim on Alisher Usmanov has been dropped!