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Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard appears to be edging ever close to the Old Trafford exit door after being linked with moves to both Barcelona and AC Milan.

What’s the story?

The 28-year-old has entered the final years of his current contract with the Red Devils and has reportedly rejected the offer of fresh terms amid concerns over his limited playing time.

And now, according to ESPN reporter Rob Dawson, two European football heavyweights have joined the race for his signature.

Dawson’s report states that: “Barcelona and Milan are among a host of clubs monitoring the situation, and Lingard is open to moving to either Spain or Italy as he plots the next step in his career.

“The opportunity to sign an experienced England international on a free transfer during a time when finances have been restricted because of the coronavirus pandemic has made Lingard an attractive prospect for a number of Europe’s top clubs.”

Solskjaer may be concerned

News that Lingard appears to be attracting interest from huge clubs abroad will surely leave United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feeling concerned.

The England international struggled following the Three Lions’ run to the World Cup semi-final back in 2018, but a short-term loan move to West Ham United back in January revitalised the versatile attacker’s career.

In just 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, Lingard scored nine goals and provided a further five assists for his teammates, playing a pivotal part as David Moyes’ charges finished in an incredible sixth position.

His outstanding performances saw Solskjaer reward him with another opportunity to impress at his boyhood club this season, deciding to sell Dan James to make room for Cristiano Ronaldo instead.

However, Lingard has found opportunities to impress extremely hard to come by in the opening weeks of the campaign, starting just one game and playing only 136 minutes of first-team football throughout 2021/22.

Despite his limited game time, the United academy graduate has still scored two goals and laid on an assist, adding further cause for frustration as he’s forced to watch on from the sidelines.

With Paul Pogba and Juan Mata also out of contract over the summer and Donny van de Beek’s future far from certain, the prospect of losing Lingard as well may be a daunting one for Solskjaer, and the Norwegian tactician could regret the creative talent’s departure.

And, in other news…Andy Mitten reveals promising Man Utd update, fans should be excited 

Reliable Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece has admitted that there is a Plan B for Louie Barry in January.

Barry was one of a number of academy players who were sent out on loan in the summer.

He joined League One side Ipswich Town, however, things haven’t exactly gone to plan for the centre-forward, who is awaiting his first goal under Paul Cook.

The 18-year-old has started just three games in all competitions and hasn’t featured in eight of the Tractor Boys’ 10 third-tier fixtures.

Preece was asked by one Villa fan in a Q&A for Birmingham Live on Wednesday about Barry and if the club were planning on recalling the forward in the winter window.

He revealed that Villa are monitoring Barry closely, with a possible plan to end his Ipswich stay before loaning him to a League Two side in the New Year where he would feature more regularly from the off.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Preece’s claim regarding Barry on Twitter on Thursday afternoon. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply…

“It was an absolutely terrible loan move.”

Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ

“Knew this would be the case. Not worked out at Ipswich.”

Credit: @AVFCFaithful_

“Jedinak needs to send him to Swindon”

Credit: @MasonUTFV

“Hope so, he’s losing important development minutes on the pitch atm. I say bring him home and loan him to Walsall”

Credit: @MikeKnott10

“Would be sensible. Clearly working well for Kesler Hayden, and even the National League was clearly a good move for Archer last season. If Ipswich don’t want to play ball then there’ll be much better spots for him elsewhere.”

Credit: @rad_nauseam

“Get him to Swindon”

Credit: @ViIlaI_

In other news: ‘When is it gonna end?’ – Many Villa fans react as ‘ridiculous’ news confirmed.

A tenth-placed finish in the league last season was not good enough for Everton, especially under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian had been brought in to guide the Toffees to Europe’s top table but their chances of doing so have dramatically decreased since he departed Merseyside.

What’s the word?

Everton now have Rafa Benitez at the helm but they’ve struggled to improve their options ahead of the new campaign this weekend.

They have signed three players for a combined £1.7m and it doesn’t look as though they’ll spend too much more.

That being said, they should make a late dart for Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga before the window closes.

Valued at just £18m by Transfermarkt, he was linked with a move to Goodison Park earlier this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week, Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy suggested he should have been signed already.

He said: “There’s no competition between Boga and Townsend. Boga is twice the player Townsend is – and then some.”

Must sign him

Like Clancy states, Boga is evidently a better player than one of the players they’ve brought in.

Consequently, Benitez could take his Everton attack to a new level by securing the 24-year-old’s services.

Once of Chelsea, the left winger was described as a “supreme talent” by former Blues coach Michael Beale.

It’s clear to see why too. Boga is a nightmare for defenders and is capable of dominating opponents with his incredible dribbling ability.

During the 2020/21 campaign, the Ivorian completed 3.2 dribbles per match, a number that was only bettered by Rodrigo de Paul in the whole of the Italian top-flight.

If we compare that figure to those already at Everton, it’s streets ahead of anyone. Their top dribbler last season was Richarlison who completed 1.8.

To elaborate on his ability with the ball, Boga ranks in the 97th percentile for dribbles completed by players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

With the attacker displaying a keen eye for goal in Italy, he has the potential to be devastating in the Premier League too. This is a move that would improve Everton’s offensive line significantly.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano delivers worrying Everton transfer update, fans must be fuming…

West Ham United were denied a victory by Brighton and Hove Albion late on at the London Stadium on Wednesday night, making it three games without a win in the Premier League.

The Irons took an early lead through Tomas Soucek after the towering Czech colossus headed home an inswinging corner from Pablo Fornals and they looked to be heading towards all three points until Neal Maupay bagged a sensational bicycle kick in the 89th minute.

David Moyes must now be concerned by his side’s form, having not picked up a win since their stunning 3-2 triumph of Liverpool before the international break.

Several members of his starting XI have underperformed substantially across their last three outings and it could well be time for a shake-up, and one player who has looked rather poor, particularly against the Seagulls is veteran Craig Dawson.

The 31-year-old has only been brought in due to Angelo Ogbonna’s season-ending injury blow, so it can’t be too much of a coincidence that the Hammers are winless in the Italian’s absence.

Dawson just isn’t good enough to replace him long-term and he once again proved that in front of Moyes this week.

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

Per SofaScore, the former West Brom and Watford colossus was West Ham’s second lowest-rated player (6.4) and that’s hardly a surprise considering he lost a whopping 84% of his six duels. To lose four of five aerial battles is certainly shocking for a 6 foot 2 central defender.

He was at fault for the visitor’s equaliser, being too soft in allowing Maupay the time and space to pull off the spectacular, and he was lucky to have not allowed Adam Lallana to score earlier in the second half.

‘Poor on the ball,’ is how the Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser went on to describe Dawson before mentioning his two mistakes. Indeed, he made just seven passes all game, losing possession four times from his 19 touches.

The vastly-experienced defender, thought to be earning around £52k-per-week in east London, just isn’t good enough to be Moyes’ no.1 choice alongside Kurt Zouma.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that a new centre-back is said to be on the agenda this January.

AND in other news, Newman could seal bargain West Ham swoop for £12m-rated “monster” who silenced Antonio…

Manchester United could be set to receive a significant boost to their transfer budget this summer after Andreas Pereira was linked with a move to Fenerbahce.

What’s the story?

According to Fred Caldeira, a journalist for Brazilian outlet TNT Sports, the Turkish giants are interested in signing the 25-year-old midfielder over the coming months, but only if United lower their €25m (£21.2m) asking price.

The report also stated that an unnamed Premier League side is keen to secure Pereira’s services, with the Brazilian said to be focused on a club who can offer him regular starts after experiencing several loan spells in recent years.

He’s been shocking

After returning from a 12-month stint in La Liga with Valencia during the 2017/18 campaign, Pereira was rewarded with a spot in United’s first team setup the following season.

He initially struggled for game-time under previous manager Jose Mourinho but was given an opportunity to shine by his successor, making 15 appearances under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the second half of the campaign.

The Norwegian kept faith with the midfielder throughout 2019/20, starting him on 25 occasions in all competitions.

However, Pereira failed to take his opportunity at Old Trafford. The attacking midfielder scored just two goals and provided only four assists, falling way below the standard required of a United midfielder. Also, his 6.55 WhoScored rating for the season was well inferior to midfield colleagues Bruno Fernandes, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay and Fred.

His shocking performances saw Solskjaer ship him out on loan to Italian outfit Lazio last season, but he failed to make an impact at the Stadio Olimpico and is once again looking for a way out of his United nightmare.

With the ongoing pandemic continuing to restrict football clubs’ ability to purchase their top targets in the current transfer window, offloading unwanted fringe players is the easiest way to boost the coffers. Therefore, Solskjaer must brutally axe the £7.2m-rated Pereira this summer, allowing United room to manoeuvre in the transfer market and potentially financing a deal for a new defensive midfielder.

Pereira put himself in the shop window with a stunning strike against Brentford in a pre-season friendly in midweek to highlight his technical ability, meaning that potential buyers should be easier to attract.

He is undoubtedly a talented player as that goal showed, but the midfielder doesn’t have the consistent ability to succeed at United, and Solskjaer must move him on ahead of the upcoming campaign in order to fund moves for potential upgrades.

In other news…“Reasonably far down the line” – Journalist drops big MUFC claim which may worry fans 

Bristol City appear to have moved ahead of Celtic in the race to sign Leeds United left-back Barry Douglas after opening talks with the player, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Hoops links

The Hoops were name-checked with an interest in the 31-year-old earlier this month by the Lancashire Telegraph.

Rivals Rangers were also credited with an interest in the full-back, whose Elland Road deal expires in a matter of weeks.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa called Douglas an ‘impeccable professional’ when he moved to Ewood Park on loan last season, with the Scot going on to make 31 appearances under Tony Mowbray.

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The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider ran a story on Douglas on Tuesday morning after being informed by a recruitment source.

They claimed that Bristol City have opened talks with Douglas, who also has interest from Turkey and the United States.

The player’s wish is to remain in England, so it seems as if a potential move to Celtic Park has taken a hit.

The Verdict: Postecoglou could do with a left-back

Diego Laxalt returned to AC Milan following his loan spell at Parkhead last month, so new boss Ange Postecoglou could do with a left-back addition this summer.

It appears as if that may not be Douglas following the latest update, with Greg Taylor the only left-back on the books at Celtic Park at this moment in time.

If Postecoglou is after a left-back who is soon to be available for nothing, he could look at fellow Leeds man Ezgjan Alioski, Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand or even Liverpool youngster Yasser Larouci, with the trio just three left-backs at English sides who could be free agents soon.

In other news: Celtic transfer news emerges on ‘excellent’ ace; Postecoglou edging closer to first signing, find out more here. 

Liverpool could yet have some business to complete on deadline day, with reliable journalist James Pearce revealing the future of centre-back Nat Phillips is hanging in the balance.

The Lowdown: Phillips out of favour

The 24-year-old did admirably for the Reds last season, filling in at the back in the absence of key injured trio Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

Phillips hasn’t featured at all yet in 2021/22, however, and with Ibrahima Konate coming in to add to the depth in the heart of defence, he is effectively surplus to requirements at Liverpool.

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The Latest: Pearce provides update

According to The Athletic’s Pearce [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Phillips could still leave in the hours before the transfer window closes.

It is claimed that Anfield officials believe late offers will arrive for the Englishman, who is valued at £12million.

It looks like Liverpool’s business is not done yet.

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The Verdict: Time to leave, Nat

Phillips should always be appreciated for the job he did last season, but he remains a limited defender who isn’t at the level required moving forward, in terms of his quality on the ball – only 0.4 key passes per game in the Premier League in 2020/21 – and lack of pace.

He needs regular football in order to continue maturing as a player, which is something Jurgen Klopp simply cannot offer him barring another catastrophic injury crisis.

Hopefully, a bid comes in for Phillips and he can leave permanently, acting as an ideal scenario for all parties.

In other news, Liverpool are eyeing up a deadline day signing – find out who it is here.

Many Wolves fans have been left pleading for the Midlands club to sign Duje Caleta-Car as a transfer update emerged.

As per Sky Sports, they are now interested in signing the Marseille ace before the summer window ends, but face an uphill battle to try and convince the player to join, as he wants to play European football.

However, the Ligue 1 team need to sell players before the deadline, and Caleta-Car is currently rated at €20m (£17m).

The Croatia international was a key player for Marseille in France’s top flight in the 2020/21 season, winning no fewer than 3.7 of his duels per game, while he also averaged 3.9 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per match, helping his side keep five clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

Nonetheless at 24 years of age, he has not hit his peak yet, and could be a solid option for Bruno Lage in the centre of the defence.

Wolves fans on Caleta-Car transfer update

These members of the Molineux faithful pleaded for WWFC to sign Caleta-Car as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that they were ‘begging’ for his signature:

“Please Jeff”

Credit: @AutismLWHF

“I’m begging”

Credit: @eve_elizabethxx

“The man we’ve been dreaming about”

Credit: @charliewwfc_

“PLEASE AND THANK YOU JEFF”

Credit: @alexdunnesf

“This is more like it”

Credit: @roneilcallo

“Yes please”

Credit: @le_tr0llface

In other news, find out what transfer claim has Wanderers buzzing here!

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Burnley midfielder Robbie Brady on a free transfer ahead of the summer window.

What’s the story?

According to The Mirror’s John Cross, the 29-year-old is wanted by several clubs, with his contract at Turf Moor set to expire over the coming months.

The report claims that Watford, Southampton and Scottish giants Celtic are set to rival the Eagles for Brady’s signature.

Parish must avoid

Palace have been left in a state of limbo following the departure of Roy Hodgson, who brought a sense of stability to the south London outfit during his four-year stint at the club.

Although the former England boss did a commendable job with the Eagles, recording finishes of 11th, 12th, 14th and 14th, he’s arguably left the first team squad in a rather poor state.

With 14 players coming to the end of their current deals at Selhurst Park, Wilfried Zaha continuously being linked with a move away from his boyhood club and serious injuries to youngsters Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson, the task facing Hodgson’s successor is a daunting one.

The Eagles had the oldest squad in the Premier League last season, and it’s a major issue which needs addressing in the transfer market over the summer by chairman Steve Parish.

Many of the Palace players set to become free agents are either in their 30s or fast approaching that landmark, and the arrivals of Eze (22) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (23) appeared to indicate that Parish was beginning to address that particular issue.

However, bringing in Brady would completely go against that philosophy. Although the Republic of Ireland international is a useful asset to have for a mid-table top-flight team, his injury issues and age (29) make him an inappropriate target for Palace at this moment in time.

In five seasons at Burnley, the versatile winger never made more than 19 league appearances in a single campaign for Sean Dyche’s men.

With left-back Patrick van Aanholt set to depart Palace and winger Andros Townsend potentially following suit, the arrival of Brady as their potential replacement would make little sense, and Parish must avoid the temptation to find a quick, short-term solution to Palace’s extensive issues.

In other news… Parish heading for huge transfer mistake over £7.2m-rated dynamo, Palace need him

Everton are in a vulnerable position this season and have now found themselves in the relegation zone following their defeat in the Merseyside Derby, however, despite the struggles the club are still linked with transfer interests this summer.

What’s the latest

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Calciomercato), there are several Premier League clubs interested in signing Torino player Wilfried Singo, including Everton.

The report suggests that the club could make an offer for Singo, competing with Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Leicester to secure his signature this summer.

Better than Iwobi

The 21-year-old has been performing at a high level for his Italian club, and has been deployed in predominantly a right midfield position this season but can also play right-back.

Singo, who was hailed a “revelation” by journalist Matteo Bonetti, has become more of an attacking threat for his Serie A team this season scoring three goals and contributing four assists, winning the majority of his duels (58%), making 1.6 tackles and 1.4 clearances on average per game, proving he can impose an attacking threat as well as providing defensive qualities.

With that being said, the Ivorian national could be the perfect upgrade for Alex Iwobi this summer following a disappointing stint at Goodison Park over the last three years.

Iwobi has only scored seven goals in 91 appearances for Everton, and despite playing on the left compared to Singo on the right, the impact in comparison that the latter could provide for the club would be huge if he can emulate his performances for Torino on Merseyside next season.

Frank Lampard has been giving Iwobi his second chance in the team since arriving in January, becoming a consistent player in the team and despite scoring the winner against Newcastle United last month has otherwise not positively impacted the team to secure safety from relegation this season so far.

Everton may have competition to sign the in-demand £13.5m-rated star, and it could be much harder to add Singo into the team if they drop into the Championship this season and Premier League clubs make a move for him. Therefore, the Toffees boss will need to work hard to make sure that he can secure top-flight football in the remaining games.

AND in other news: Frank set for disaster on “fabulous” £5.1k-p/w gem, EFC supporters may not forgive him