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West Bromwich Albion are set to have a fight on their hands to keep goalkeeper Sam Johnstone at the club over the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his current contract at the Hawthorns and has already reportedly attracted the attention of West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

And now, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, fellow Premier League outfit Southampton have joined the race for Johnstone’s signature, with the Saints keen to secure his services over the winter window.

The report states that: “They (Southampton) are willing to pay rather than wait until he becomes a free agent in the summer. But Johnstone, 28, is settled at the Championship Baggies and looks ready to wait until the end of his contract to decide on his next move.

“And the fact he is now No. 2 in the international squad while playing in the second tier means there is no need for him to jump ship sooner. Both West Ham and Tottenham have pencilled in offers for Johnstone if he leaves, while West Brom have let him know there will be a lucrative deal to stay.”

Ismael concerned

Despite the report stating that Johnstone is likely to remain at West Brom for the remainder of the campaign, Baggie’s boss Valerien Ismael will still be concerned at this latest revelation.

Johnstone has started ten of Albion’s 11 Championship fixtures so far this season, keeping four clean sheets and conceding just seven goals.

But perhaps more importantly, the Manchester United academy graduate has adapted to Ismael’s style of play with relative ease.

A recent article published by The Atheltic revealed Johnstone has completed 31 keeper-sweepings and has made six-headed clearances already, which is the same as his last three campaigns combined.

Alongside this, he is also down on saves per game and catches per game as he has been forced to become a more modern goalkeeper and appears to be coping well with the change.

Therefore, Ismael will be worried that Johnstone’s potential departure could derail West Brom’s promotion push, condemning them to another campaign in the second tier of English football.

After all, he is one of their most important players and is now a prominent member of the England set up too.

And, in other news…West Brom set for big injury boost ahead of Birmingham, Ismael will be buzzing

A number of Liverpool supporters are unhappy after an update regarding Xherdan Shaqiri, Harvey Elliott and the Reds’ transfer business emerged.

It has been a quiet summer at Anfield to date, with Ibrahima Konate the only player to arrive at Anfield.

Liverpool have been doing their best to offload some of the deadwood, however, with Shaqiri one of those individuals, having only made five Premier League starts last season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to Lyon recently, but as things stand, he remains a Reds player.

According to The Daily Mail‘s Dominic King, Elliott’s rise at Liverpool this summer means Liverpool are unlikely to sign a replacement for Shaqiri, with the teenager deemed a good enough player to fill in.

This has naturally led to some frustration surrounding the Reds’ continued lack of spending, with many still wanting another attacking player brought in.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-copy-4/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans unhappy at Shaqiri update

These Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to show their anger at the update.

“Clowns, don’t want to hear any complaints when we start falling apart next season”

Credit: @SnowHalliburton

“This club kills me man”

Credit: @bayowaaaa

“You see how as Shaqiri is about to be sold it’s no longer we have to sell to buy? FSG are a disgrace”

Credit: @agyeitah

“No way are FSG using an 18 YEAR OLD to be the Gini replacement AND our attacking depth???”

Credit: @VirgilLFC

“This club isn’t serious”

Credit: @SoLockedIn

“Why did my dad have to support this team man”

Credit: @kany3west3_

In other news, some Liverpool fans have also fumed at another transfer update. Read more here.

Manchester United’s attempts to secure a replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have taken a significant blow after both Luis Enrique and Julen Lopetegui were ruled out of the running. 

What’s the story?

The Spanish pair were believed to be part of an extensive list of managerial targets being considered by the Old Trafford hierarchy, but it appears as though they will now have to turn their attention to alternative targets.

According to well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, neither Enrique or Lopetegui are interested in joining United, with both men focussed on their current positions.

He tweeted: “Luis Enrique won’t be involved in any talk with Manchester United. He’s only planning for the World Cup with Spain and he’s not gonna change his mind. #MUFC Sevilla manager Jules Lopetegui also denied Man Utd job chance: ‘It seems absurd to me’.”

Man Utd fans will be gutted

News that both the Spanish national team manager and Sevilla boss aren’t interested in taking charge of the Red Devils will leave large sections of the club’s fanbase feeling wounded.

Enrique and Lopetegui have cultivated enviable reputations as highly-regarded tacticians for their impressive work in their homeland, but the lure of Manchester isn’t what it once was.

The duo join Ajax boss Erik ten Hag in exiting the race to become Solsskjaer’s successor, with the whole affair threatening to turn into a rather embarrassing circus for the Glazers and co.

It was recently reported by ESPN that United have had an initial approach rebuffed by Paris Saint-Germain as they attempt to prize Mauricio Pochettino away from the French capital, meaning an interim manager is now likely to take the reins.

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Several intriguing candidates such as Ralf Rangnick, Ernesto Valverde and Rudi Garcia have emerged as favourites for that particular role, but that approach is unlikely to go down well with the supporters.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired back in 2013, the 20-time English champions have been through six temporary and permanent managers. The time for stability and long-term planning has now arrived.

Therefore, Romano’s latest revelation regarding Enrique and Lopetegui will be hugely disappointing for everyone associated with United, and they’ll be hoping for a quick resolution to their managerial conundrum.

And, in other news…Big Man United manager update issued live on Sky Sports, fans will be concerned 

Manchester United have approached former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde as they look to appoint an interim manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal. 

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been linked with several star names as they search for Solskjaer’s successor gathers pace, but a first-choice candidate appears to have been chosen.

According to news relayed by well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United chiefs have made contact with Valverde as they look for a short-term solution to their managerial vacancy.

He tweeted: “Manchester United board had a direct contact with former Barça manager Ernesto Valverde today, as per @JamieJackson___#MUFC. No decision made yet – he’s one of the five candidates in the list in case Mauricio Pochettino won’t be allowed to leave Paris Saint-Germain.”

Man Utd fans should be pleased

Although the prospect of another interim manager is not something that will get too many United fans off their seats, the idea that such a well-respected and proven tactician is being lined up as his alternative should at least provide some form of comfort.

In fact, after hearing of the big twist that Pochettino might be more difficult to lure away from PSG, seeing Valverde linked with the club should have supporters rather pleased.

Considering Valverde’s success, he certainly seems like a very good option if the Red Devils cannot lure the Argentine back to England as feared. After claiming three league titles and two Greek Cups across two spells with Olympiacos and taking charge of over 300 games in the Athletic Bilbao dugout over two separate stints, Valverde got his big break as Barca boss back in 2017.

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During his time in Catalonia, the 57-year-old guided the Blaugrana to consecutive La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey crown before being sacked in January 2020, but he’s been out of work ever since.

In Jamie Jackson’s original report, it’s claimed that Valverde has already held talks with football director John Murtough and that the Spaniard has begun identifying transfer targets ahead of the January window.

“It is understood Valverde has discussed with John Murtough, United’s football director, taking over on a temporary basis, with the club conscious that having worked with Lionel Messi at Barcelona he would be at ease managing Cristiano Ronaldo,” wrote Jackson.

“Valverde has started sounding out potential players he could add to strengthen the squad should he be appointed.”

Only time will tell if United and Valverde can agree terms on his temporary appointment, but supporters should view his arrival as the best of a bad situation.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops big Man Utd manager update that’ll surely leave fans gutted

Manchester City are said to be really confident of signing Aston Villa star Jack Grealish this summer, as their summer recruitment drive intensifies [Pete O’Rourke via Football Terrace].

Enjoying a superb 2020/21 campaign, the 25-year-old registered an incredible 19 goal contributions in 27 fixtures for the Villains; seven goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt].

Having been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad this window, the Sky Blues could be about to accelerate the process following recent reports.

O’Rourke, who was speaking in the latest issue of The Football Terrace podcast, claimed that City are ‘really confident’ of striking an agreement for the England international, which would cost around £100 million [City Xtra].

In light of this news, loads of Manchester City fans flocked to Twitter to share their opinions on the recent reports.

Manchester City FC fans react:

Replying to popular Manchester City fan outlet City Xtra, here is what some fans had to say about the update, and they don’t seem particularly confident…

“Next week: Man City are even more confident of signing Jack grealish The week after: BREAKING Jack grealish signs villa extension”

Credit: @7Mcfcmax

“Different day, same story”

Credit: @MB264738

“really confident FC now”Credit: @dekmcfc”BRUV YOU SAY THE SAME THING EVERY DAY ARE WE EVER GONNA SIGN HIM”Credit: @philgoatden3″Just get it done, Damn it man”Credit: @Ziniology”Confidence ain’t enough”Credit: @fredijeh2In other news, Manchester City fans react to a transfer update.

Nuno Espirito Santo is interested in bringing Wolves pair Pedro Neto and Conor Coady to Goodison Park, should he take the Everton hotseat [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Everton still technically without a manager with pre-season around the corner

Technically, the Toffees are still managerless since the shock exit of former boss Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid at the start of this month [BBC].

Despite this, the Merseyside outfit have still been linked with the likes of Matheus Nunes and Danilo D’Ambrosio as they look to prepare for the 2021/22 season. However, attention now seems to have turned towards Neto and Coady as they step up their summer recruitment drive in the North-West.

The Latest: Toffees size up a triple deal of Espirito Santo, Coady and Neto

As it stands, the Portuguese manager is in ‘advanced talks’ to take the reigns at Everton ahead of pre-season [Guardian].

Subsequently, he is rumoured to view his two former players as figures who could improve the quality of an Everton side that narrowly missed out on European football in 2020/21 [Football Insider], after keeping pace for most of the campaign [Sky Sports].

However, the Blues may face some hurdles in order to obtain their desired pair. Rumoured to be paying considerable wages to select first-teamers, they may have to move a few players on in order to access funds for Neto and Coady.

The Verdict: Neto and Coady would be quality additions to the Goodison Park fold

There is little doubt that the two internationals would improve an Everton squad that is in need of fresh impetus. Last season, Wolves captain Coady made 40 appearances for the West Midlands side; registering a solitary goal [Transfermarkt].

More impressively, the defender showed his domineering nature as a centre-back regularly for Wolves, making an average of 3.5 clearances every 90 minutes for the Wanderers [WhoScored].

On the other hand, £16 million signing Neto managed 11 goal contributions across 36 games for his current employers; five goals and six assists [Transfermarkt]. Whilst across the year, he obtained a consistently higher matchday rating than anyone else in the Wolves squad, equating to 7.11 out of 10 across the 2020/21 campaign [WhoScored].

As Everton look ahead, Neto and Coady could bring familiarity and quality for their prospective manager to utilise. The Blues should look to try everything they can to get the deals over the line.

In other news, Barry Fry discusses a potential Everton managerial appointment.

According to journalist Tom Leach, Southampton’s Yan Valery is set to complete a season-long loan move to Olympiacos in Greece.

The Lowdown: Not long left

It is has been a busy transfer period for the Saints, who have brought in six new arrivals throughout the window (Transfermarkt).

Now, the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit look set to turn their attentions to outgoings instead.

The Latest: Valery close to Olympiacos

As per Leach, £2.7m-valued Valery (Transfermarkt) is set to move on loan to Olympiacos, undoubtedly Greece’s biggest club with more than double the Super League titles of their closest counterpart.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has said he is happy for the 22-year-old to leave the club on a temporary basis and continue his development elsewhere.

The Verdict: Makes sense

This is a deal that makes perfect sense for all involved. Southampton brought in Valentino Livramento from Chelsea which means, along with Kyle Walker-Peters, the Saints have two options at right-back. That has only pushed Valery down the pecking order.

Hasenhuttl has previously called the defender “fantastic” a couple of years ago (via Read Southampton) – he is someone with plenty of ability, but he needs to play. Should the move to Olympiacos go through, this is a move Valery can grab with both hands.

In other news, Southampton fans were far from happy with this contract news.

An update has emerged on Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga, regarding Crystal Palace’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Eagles are in contact with Sassuolo over a deal for French attacker Boga.

The Tweet does not go into any further details, with no transfer fee mentioned or how open to a transfer the Serie A side are for the ex-Chelsea man with less than 48 hours to go before the window slams shut. However, L10 Sport reported earlier this summer that they rejected a £20m offer from Atalanta for his services.

Fans will be buzzing

Crystal Palace fans will be buzzing with this news as it shows an ambition from the club to significantly strengthen their squad further before the end of the transfer window on Tuesday. Patrick Vieira must now ensure that he can get this deal over the line for his fellow countryman, to bolster his attacking options alongside the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise and the injured Eberechi Eze.

After three Premier League matches, Conor Gallagher is the only player who has scored for Palace and Christian Benteke is the only player with an assist. This comes after only two players managed more than four league goals last season and two players provided more than three assists, suggesting that Palace’s squad is not overflowing with attacking quality.

Therefore, bringing in a player who could score and assist goals at a decent rate could get the fans excited and that is what Boga could do. The Frenchman has produced 18 goals and five assists over the last three seasons, whilst starting this season off with one assist in two Serie A appearances.

The £16k-per-week gem’s ex-coach at Chelsea, Michael Beale, also once lauded, saying: “The most unique talent and I’m talking in a window of being 13/14 and he just beat the other team possibly on his own is a young boy called Jeremie Boga.

“He just beat teams on his own, such a lovely boy. I thought wow, this boy is a supreme talent. he can stop and go and over three or four yards, he can just drift past you.”

This, along with his statistics in Serie A, shows that he has talent and could be a quality signing for the Eagles if they can get the deal over the line.

If he is able to translate his goalscoring talents over from Italy to the Premier League, then he could be an excellent addition to the team and a player the fans would love to see play at Selhurst Park.

AND in other news, Get it done: Parish must sanction CPFC deal for £15m beast with “magic in his feet”…

There is no agreement yet between Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The lowdown

Madrid are on the hunt for a new manager after the departure of Zinedine Zidane.

Ancelotti has already had a spell in the dugout at the Santiago Bernabeu, taking charge between 2013 and 2015.

He didn’t manage to win the league title with the Spanish giants, but did lead them to the Champions League and the Copa del Rey in 2013/14 (via Transfermarkt).

They then followed that up with the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup later in the year.

Ancelotti joined Everton on a four-and-a-half-year contract in December 2019 after the sacking of Marco Silva.

The latest

Romano confirmed that Real Madrid are ‘in talks’ with the Italian and are ‘pushing’ for his return.

But that’s as far as the proposed deal has got for now:”No agreement signed yet as he’s under contract with EFC,” he tweeted, ten words which are surely music to the ears of the Toffees faithful.Â

Romano also added that a potential alternative to Ancelotti, former Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte, has yet to be directly contacted.

The verdict

It would be an almighty blow if Everton lose Ancelotti. Appointing him was a statement of the club’s ambition, and so losing him after so little time would be seen as somewhat of an embarrassment for the club.

Supporters will have to hope that Real Madrid’s financial difficulties prevent them from buying out the 61-year-old’s contract, with Romano seemingly confirming that his current deal at Goodison could prevent a stumbling block for a possible return to Spain.

Given the fan reaction – Everton News Feed called it ‘devastating’ – when news broke that Ancelotti could leave the club, perhaps Romano’s update can serve to calm the waters.

In other news, fans reacted to this star’s omission from his country’s Euro 2020 squad.Â

Celtic are weeks away from potentially lifting the SPFL trophy if they continue to put points on the board under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

With 34 league games played, the Parkhead club have won 27, drawn four and lost three, giving them a six-point gap over their Glasgow rivals Rangers in second place.

While the Hoops boss won’t want to disrupt the rhythm that his team are on, having not lost a league game since September, one potential change to the team that we think he should consider, either for the remainder of this season or for their next campaign is to unleash Karamoko Dembele.

They have already lost the services of one promising young player in Ben Doak of late and with Dembele’s own future in doubt, proving to him that he has a pathway to regular first-team minutes is of vital importance.

As a product of the club’s youth system, the 19-year-old has made just ten senior appearances for the Bhoys, scoring one goal in the process.

His first senior appearance came all the way back in 2019.

Having spent most of the season out with an ankle injury, the attacker was an unused substitute for Celtic’s two final league games in February before making his first appearance in their 2-0 win over St. Mirren last month where he came on as a late substitute.

Since then, the teenager has not been involved in a senior matchday squad.

Earlier this month, Dembele’s performance in a youth game against Rangers B caught the attention of talent scout Jacek Kulig, who took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the young Celtic figure.

He said: “Been a while since I last saw him live. Still far from being a physical monster but his dribbling skills, trickery, and flair are on a very high level.”

Even though Kulig said that the youngster may not be at his peak physically, we feel the best way for the attacker to improve this side of the game is to get as much experience of playing senior football as possible.

Given the position that Postecoglou’s side find themselves in at the top of the league table, now could be the ideal time to give Dembele a consistent run of games to see if he can set himself up to be a regular first-team figure in their next campaign.

Also, if the Hoops are not able to work out a permanent deal for current loan star Jota, having a player like Dembele to unleash could be an ideal option for the 56-year-old moving forward.

In other news: Time to go: Ange must finally axe Celtic’s £2m Parkhead flop, he’s stealing a living