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West Ham have emerged as contenders to snap up rumoured Leeds United target Nahitan Nandez this summer, as the battle to sign him goes on.

The Lowdown: Constant Nandez rumours

The Whites have been endlessly linked with a summer move for the Cagliari midfielder, with his future still very much up in the air.

A switch to Inter Milan has been mooted, too, with the Uruguayan looking likely to leave his current club, while the Yorkshire outfit seek an additional midfielder to add quality and depth behind Kalvin Phillips – Lewis O’Brien has also been linked.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], West Ham are also eyeing up a move for Nandez, who has won 41 caps for Uruguay to date.

Leeds’ interest is still mentioned as well, though, with the report stating that ‘Leeds are ready to return’ for the 25-year-old.

Cagliari are thought to be willing to drop Nandez’s release clause from €36million (£30.7) to €25-26million (£21.3m-22.1m), acting as a boost to those chasing his signature.

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The Verdict: Leeds must win the battle

Nandez, who currently earns £42,000 per week, has shone in Serie A in the last two seasons, scoring four goals and registering five assists from a defensive midfield role, shining in front of the back four with a career average of two tackles per game.

He has the quality to come in and make a sizeable difference to Leeds’ midfield, dovetailing with Phillips and making them even more formidable.

Fans would likely love his feistiness too – the tackling prowess and 16 yellow cards in the last two league campaigns suggest he has the makings of a cult hero at Elland Road.

It looks set to be a real battle to sign Nandez, but the Whites must do all they can to bring him in.

In other news, it looks unlikely that a deal for a rumoured Leeds target will go through. Find out who it is here.

Ex-Everton defender Michael Ball believes that Dennis Zakaria would be a good signing for the Toffees. 

According to Christian Falk, Everton along with Arsenal and Tottenham are interested in the Borussia Monchengladbach defensive midfielder, but face competition from AS Roma and Napoli for his signature.

Zakaria, who can play just in front of the defence as well as at centre-back and central midfield, has made 128 appearances for Monchengladbach where he has scored nine goals and provided seven assists.

The 24-year-old also featured for Switzerland at Euro 2020 this summer, playing against both Wales and Spain, with the latter knocking the Swiss out of the competition on penalties.

Zakaria’s form has attracted interest from clubs around Europe, with Real Madrid the latest who are reportedly interested in his signature. [DefensaCentral].

On the reports linking £27m-rated Zakaria with a move away from the Bundesliga, former Everton player Michael Ball exclusively told Transfer Tavern: “Over the couple of weeks we’ve seen it in the media with links Arsenal, Tottenham.

“So obviously he’s showing some kind of good from and good ability to attract those types of clubs, so if Everton are involved in that, obviously is a good sign.

“Defensive midfielder could be an option Everton are looking at.”

The Toffees have already completed three summer signings, with Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic all arriving at Goodison Park.

Martin Dubravka is set for an extended period on the sidelines through injury and it comes as a big blow for Newcastle United, according to Steve Howey.

The goalkeeper has yet to be involved this season and Magpies boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that Dubravka will be out of action for another eight weeks after undergoing foot surgery during the summer.

Dubravka, who played every minute of Slovakia’s Euro 2020 campaign, has been Newcastle’s first-choice shot-stopper for a number of years.

Having made the permanent switch from Sparta Prague following an impressive loan spell at St James’ Park, the 32-year-old has gone on to make 103 appearances for the Tyneside club.

Dubravka’s early-season absence, along with second-choice goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s battle with Covid-19, has resulted in academy product Freddie Woodman featuring between the sticks in every fixture so far this term.

But former Newcastle defender Howey concedes his former employers will miss Dubravka’s experience.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “It’s a big blow and bad news about Dubravka.

“There’s nothing you can do about it. Newcastle have just got to deal with it and try to do the best they can.

“Sometimes a player’s misfortune is another one’s opportunity and this is a huge opportunity for Freddie Woodman to stake his claim.”

Carlton Palmer has warned Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff over joining Everton, worried about the amount of game time he would get over there.

The Toffees and Southampton are interested in signing the midfielder, with Newcastle United slapping a £10million price tag on the 23-year-old.

Longstaff is available for a cut-price fee after entering the final 12 months of his £1,000-per-week contract at St James’ Park.

Benitez, who was appointed as Everton’s new manager in June, is looking to reunite with Longstaff after working with the central midfielder during his stint in charge of the Magpies.

The Spaniard has already linked up with former Newcastle winger Andros Townsend since taking charge at Goodison Park, while Demarai Gray and Asmir Begovic have also sealed switches to Merseyside during the transfer window.

But former Premier League midfielder Palmer believes Longstaff, who has made 71 appearances for Newcastle, may be better off remaining on Tyneside as he would not be a certain starter for Everton.

Palmer exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “He is a talented young player and I do see him going at some point, but I don’t see that happening just yet.

“He would be crazy to leave Newcastle to go to Everton and sit on the bench. He has got to play because, as a young player, that enhances your reputation.”

Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Crossley believes that Phil Jones would bring experience to Fulham.

90min reported that the Cottagers are one of a number of Championship clubs interested in the Manchester United outcast with a loan move the most likely scenario.

The 29-year-old didn’t feature at all last season for the Red Devils due to injury, but he did return to make his first appearance for United in 18 months in a behind closed doors friendly against Burnley earlier this month.

With the Red Devils bringing in Raphael Varane this summer, you would imagine that drops Jones down the pecking order to fifth choice centre-back at Old Trafford and so a temporary move away could be a good option for him in order to get some much needed game time.

Crossley believes that Jones would bring experience to Fulham, telling Football FanCast: “I like Phil Jones, I think he’s a good player. But it just worries me about how injury prone he is but he’s obviously a top, top player.

“You don’t get signed by Manchester United if you’re not a top player. So, again you do need experience around the squad and maybe Phil Jones is that one just to give that extra little bit of experience.”

Fulham have made a brilliant start to life back in the Championship under Marco Silva, picking up 13 points from a possible 15 so far and sit top of the table, conceding just three goals in the process.

West Ham United fans won’t be impressed with the latest claim surrounding PAI Capital’s reported second takeover bid…

What’s the word?

Over the weekend, The Sunday Times reported that the consortium would be preparing another offer for the east London outfit after they saw a £400m attempt rejected by majority shareholder David Sullivan.

A spokesman for the firm told them: “PAI Capital has assembled a top-tier team of respected executives … the group has carefully prepared and submitted a second innovative bid which it believes will be successful and crafts a new vision for the club, stadium and park …We hope to be able to share positive news very soon.”

However, Irons insider Sean Whetstone at Claret and Hugh has poured cold water on this suggestion in a series of tweets.

“Sorry but I guarantee that it will not! The board never considered the first approach as a formal bid & there is no chance that further bids will be accepted, absolutely none! No proof of funds have been provided in the formal legal sense & they have not had full access to books,” he said.

He then added: “Does TC release statements through Central now? I had no idea he had become his spokesman. Internet rumours that a second bid has been verbally agreed are nonsense. Too many people are being misled with misinformation. Time will soon tell but you could be waiting a while!”

Fans won’t be happy

This latest development will certainly leave many around the London Stadium absolutely reeling.

There are mixed emotions about the potential takeover of the Hammers, particularly as ex-players like Rio Ferdinand are involved, and that leaves a sour taste in the mouth of some.

However, the vast majority of supporters have been longing to see GSB out the door.

During back end of the 2019/20 season when West Ham were staring down the barrel of relegation to the Championship, the Irons faithful protested against the board.

In one game against Liverpool at Anfield, fans unfurled banners that were very much anti-GSB – One read: “Run like a circus – Owned by clowns”, whilst another read: “GSB out – Sold a dream, delivered a nightmare.”

Later that summer, after David Moyes pulled off a miracle with one game to spare, the fans were furious with the club’s hierarchy once more. This time, the exit of Grady Diangana on a permanent basis caused another protest.

And it doesn’t stop there as fan group Hammers United are planning another display against GSB ahead of their clash with Manchester United later this month.

It’s clear that people want GSB gone from the club and this interest from PAI Capital poses a very good chance of that happening, so this claim from an inside source is unlikely to go down well.

He suggests that there will be no second bid and that it is all “nonsense”, so that’ll seriously dent the hopes of those that are in the aforementioned camp.

Now with the transfer window over, this saga could well rumble on for the foreseeable future.

AND in other news, Moyes must mercilessly axe West Ham’s forgotten £70k-p/w dud, he’s stealing a living…

Many Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter following an official club post showing images of Conor Gallagher from their last two matches.

The 21-year-old has made an excellent start to life in southeast London since his season-long loan move from Chelsea, registering three goal contributions in four games.

Those were marked in clever fashion by the Eagles’ official Twitter channel, with the first letter O in ‘Conor’ replaced by a football emoji to signify his brace against West Ham, and then a capital A in his surname to mark his assist in the weekend win over Tottenham.

The emoji-laden pun was duly accompanied by images of him celebrating a goal against the Irons and playing a pass in the victory over Spurs respectively.

In light of the official club post, loads of Crystal Palace fans took to Twitter to express their delight at the post, and indeed Gallagher’s performances so far at the club.

Palace fans react

Replying to the official Crystal Palace Twitter account, here is what some fans had to say about the “perfect” midfielder:

“I think he will end up staying with us.”

Credit: @CPFCSaint1976

“There is going to be heartbreak at the end of this season. This guy is something else”

Credit: @apfarrington

“If Loftus-Cheek was given his shot at Chelsea, Conor 100% will also be going back. I don’t think he’ll be here next year, especially if he keeps up these performances”

Credit: @CPFC_WH

“Just throw £30m at him, perfect McArthur replacement”

Credit: @paIaceawayy

“This boy is incredible”

Credit: @cjbearcpfc

“One of our recent greatest imports. Hope we can keep him with us for longer”

Credit: @RonaldOkoth__

In other news, the timeline for the return of a Crystal Palace player from injury has been revealed. Find out more here.

Southampton’s first-team have won one of their five competitive matches in all competitions so far this season, with their only victory coming against Newport County in the League Cup.

The Saints have drawn three of their four Premier League matches, sharing the spoils with Newcastle, Manchester United and West Ham whilst also losing to Everton.

Another competition Southampton are competing in is the EFL Trophy. It is composed of League One and League Two outfits, with a smattering of Premier League youth sides, including the Saints’ U21s.

They, unfortunately, were unable to add to the club’s wins this season as they lost 1-0 to Leyton Orient in their opening group stage match.

Results are not the be-all and end-all in academy matches, though, despite them playing against a senior side. The most important facet is the individual performances and development of the players in the team, rather than how they play as a unit.

One player who caught the eye against Orient, in spite of the defeat, was central defender Dynel Simeu. The centre-back joined the Saints on a permanent deal from Chelsea in the summer and has not been seen at first-team level, as he is yet to make his senior bow.

Simeu was handed the highest SofaScore rating (7.7) of any player in the match, including the Orient players, as he stood out in defence. Per SofaScore, he won an impressive 85% of his duels on the pitch, winning nine of his 11 ground battles and eight of his nine headers.

He was up against a tricky opponent in Tyrese Omotoye. The teenager is on loan at Orient from Premier League side Norwich – where he made three appearances in the Championship as the Canaries won the title. His involvement in the first-team suggests that Norwich see potential in him, but Simeu was able to lock him up with his strong defending.

Per SofaScore, Simeu made seven clearances and five tackles, whilst also making one block and four interceptions to cut out Orient attacks. This highlights how impressive he was for the young Saints and why the overall result is not always the most important aspect of a game.

Simeu will surely have caught Ralph Hasenhuttl’s eye with this performance. He was able to stand out as the best performer among his fellow academy prospects and the senior Orient players, which will delight the Austrian head coach as it suggests that he has the potential to make the step up to first-team football further down the line.

Of course, he will need to perform consistently and prove that this is not a one-off, but Hasenhuttl will have been impressed by how effective Simeu was with his defending against the League Two outfit.

AND in other news, £34k-p/w gem’s value has risen 143% since Southampton exit, Ralph made a huge mistake…

Celtic icon Frank McAvennie is keen to see more of new signing Cameron Carter-Vickers, following an impressive debut against Ross County last weekend [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers enjoys stellar debut

Linking up with Scottish giants Celtic on the last day of the summer transfer window, the 23-year-old will be looking to secure regular football after being on the fringes at Tottenham Hotspur.

Of course, the Unites States international has made a brilliant start to life at Parkhead. In his first start, Carter-Vickers managed to score, keep a clean sheet and also pick up the official Celtic man of the match award [BBC].

Former Bhoys man McAvennie was pleased with what he saw from the central defender, whilst he would like to see how he will get on against tougher opposition.

The Latest: McAvennie eager to see more of the United States international

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, the 61-year-old said: “I was in contact with a few Celtic people at the game and I heard from them. They were saying Carter-Vickers was massive at the back, a big rock.

“He brought a shape to the defence, a solidity. Keeping a clean sheet is always a good thing and apparently he was a big part of that.

“The goal was pretty lucky but if you don’t shoot you don’t score so fair play to the boy. It sounds like a brilliant debut by all accounts.

“We need a player like him, he could be huge for us.

“It was a pretty easy test though, I’m interested to see what happens when he comes up against better sides”.

The Verdict: Carter-Vickers has the platform to become a key player at Celtic

Correctly, popular ex-pro turned pundit McAvennie is quick to point out that sustaining his good form over an extended period of time is paramount for Carter-Vickers.

However, he enjoyed an excellent loan spell at Bournemouth in 2020/21. Solid at the back, the Tottenham youth product managed to make an average of 3.6 clearances per fixture across last term [WhoScored], helping the Cherries to the play-offs.

If the American can continue his form across the campaign, he could well be a major part in the Hoops’ chase for Scottish Premiership title glory.

In other news, Celtic have sent a player to an injury specialist. Find out more here.

Former Manchester City star Michael Ball insists that Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be targeted by the big clubs in the Premier League if he can continue to improve at Elland Road.

The England international has emerged as a key player for both Leeds and England in recent seasons.

Phillips played a key role as the Three Lions reached the Euro 2020 final, losing on penalties to Italy, and has made four appearances for the Whites in the Premier League thus far this season.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a potential move to City next summer, with one report in Spain claiming that he could move for a fee of around £26m.

Ball believes that he needs to take the next step and become more consistent if he is to earn a move to a top-four club such as City, although he thinks that his asking price is such that top clubs will already be sniffing around.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Ball said: “Can he go to that extra level? And when he goes to that extra level consistently, the big boys like City will be looking to bring a player like him in.

“And if they can get him for that value, I think a lot of clubs will be interested.”