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Steve Bruce won’t walk away from Newcastle United even if he’s ‘annoyed’ by the club’s lack of transfer activity this summer. 

That’s according to Celtic great Frank McAvennie, who was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Newcastle made only one first-team signing during the summer transfer window and because £26.46million man Joe Willock was on loan at St James’ Park for the second half of last season, it could be said that they didn’t actually improve their squad.

The Magpies ranked 17th in the Premier League for total expenditure, above only Wolverhampton Wanderers, Watford and Everton (via Transfermarkt).

The club felt compelled to put out a statement addressing any criticisms of their predominant inactivity.

Bruce was asked for his reaction to that statement ahead of his side’s visit to Manchester United on Saturday, and he gave a response that the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope described as ‘prickly’.

Bruce made clear that he ‘wanted to bring in a couple of players, but it wasn’t possible’.

The latest

McAvennie doesn’t think the Newcastle boss will be tempted to tender his resignation despite a lack of backing. In fact, he made Bruce out to be fairly acquiescent.

“Bruce won’t walk, no chance, he hasn’t got it in him,” the pundit said.

“What makes you think he would walk away now after all the other stuff?

“Him not getting what he wants at Newcastle isn’t a new thing. He’s there until he gets sacked.

“There are few managers who would walk away on principle and Steve Bruce is not one of them.

“He can be annoyed, that’s fine. But he’s not going to do anything about it. He never does.”

The verdict

If there’s anything that could make Bruce contemplate an exit, perhaps it could be the hostility to which he is subject from the Newcastle faithful.

With much of the 2020/21 campaign played behind closed doors, he was largely shielded from any angst, but there were chants of ‘we want Bruce out’ and booes during the draw with Southampton prior to the international break (via The Guardian).

Perhaps he will eventually decide it’s an environment that neither he nor his players can thrive in.

In other news, could Newcastle pull off three deals in January?

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton has called for Bryan Gil to be unleashed on Thursday.

The Lowdown: Barely seen so far

One of five summer incomings at Spurs this summer, Gil has only appeared for two minutes in Premier League action this season after swapping Sevilla for London.

Gil, 20, started both games of the Europa Conference League qualifying success over Portugeuse side Pacos Ferreira but wasn’t called upon off the bench in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

With Heung-Min Son and Steven Bergwijn out, Spurs struggled to break down Palace’s defence and lacked any creativity in the final third, but those injuries mean the Spaniard could now start in France.

The Latest: Hutton calls for Gil involvement

Speaking to Football Insider, former Spurs defender Alan Hutton has claimed the barely seen summer signing must start on Thursday night against Rennes.

Hutton believes Gil could help Nuno Espirito Santo with his creativity and the Spanish winger has the ability to ‘unlock defences’.

“I like him. When he signed, I obviously looked him up and he looks really tricky and really good on the ball.

“He’s a player that can split open defences, and probably what they were crying out for the other day against Palace,” Hutton said.

“It would be nice to see him against Rennes and beyond because I think he could really unlock defences in the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Gil could make a difference

Last season in La Liga, Gil made 29 appearances for Sevilla, scoring three and assisting three times to help the club qualify for the Champions League.

Hailed a ‘very talented player’ by Kevin Campbell, Gil’s talent is likely to be showcased in Thursday’s Europa Conference League group stage qualifier and, if impressive against Rennes, will warrant the chance to feature in Sunday’s big game with Chelsea.

The absence of Son and Bergwijn means the door is well and truly open for the 20-year-old to impress and become a first-team regular for his new club so early in his career.

In other news, Spurs have made movements in securing the services of highly-rated midfielder. Find out more here.

Sheffield Wednesday shared an interview with Darren Moore following the 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

However, a number of Owls supporters on social media weren’t exactly impressed with the 47-year-old’s reaction to the result.

Lee Gregory’s second-half strike ensured Wednesday got back to winning ways at home after drawing with Shrewsbury Town and losing to Oxford United. The Owls are now level on points with Bolton and just a point outside the play-off places.

It was just a second win in seven League One games for Wednesday, who had less possession and fewer shots on goal against their opponents. Still, Moore admitted that he was really pleased with his team against a ‘wonderful’ Bolton side after having just 48 hours to work on a tactical change for the clash.

Wednesday fans react

The Owls posted the manager’s interview on their official Twitter channel shortly after the win at Hillsborough. Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘scary’ as many were left unimpressed.

“3 points is 3 points but that was truly dreadful. People pay decent money to watch football & don’t want to see 11 men behind a ball trying to hold on in League One.”

Credit: @SwfcFan12

“Nothing worse than watching a Darren Moore interview. It’s painful”

Credit: @BonningtonAlex

“It’s on a loop. ‘Difficult. Reshuffle. Move on’”

Credit: @dan_tays

“Scary. Obviously the main thing is the 3 points but it was yet another shocking performance. Hate the way we play under him.”

Credit: @Peter070714

“Jeez. Makes Monk look entertaining”

Credit: @astring30

“Very poor”

Credit: @verns290117

In other news, find out which Owls player is now back in training.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his first-team squad before the window closes.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, the Reds are one of several Premier League clubs to have been offered the 18-year-old’s services this summer, with the rest of England’s traditional ‘Big Six’ also in the mix for his signature.

The report states that West Ham United, Leicester City, Wolves and Everton are also in the running to secure Moriba’s signature after Moriba’s representatives held talks with multiple interested parties after contract negotiations with Barca reached an impasse.

Moriba’s current deal at the Camp Nou has fewer than 12 months to run, and with an agreement over fresh terms yet to be reached, the Catalan giants are believed to be looking for a potential buyer.

Klopp would love him

Liverpool have been credited with an interest in several central midfielders in recent weeks after Gini Wijnaldum’s departure left a substantial void in the club’s engine room.

A trio of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner did a solid job against Norwich City on the opening day of the new season in his absence, but Graeme Souness outlined his belief that Klopp needs reinforcements in that area of the pitch after the 3-0 win at Carrow Road.

“I’d like to see Liverpool spending a few bob, but they score goals for fun”, he told Sky Sports (as reported by the Liverpool ECHO).

“I think it was very easy to look at Liverpool and talk about their front three and say how special they were, but I think a lot of their great play came from the three midfield players. (Gini) Wijnaldum’s gone, (Jordan) Henderson’s a year older, James Milner’s a year older.

“I know they’ve got some good kids coming through. I saw them against Osasuna on Monday night, I was up there watching that game. I’d like to see something else in midfield. It’s going to be a long hard season,” Souness concluded.

Bringing in Moriba would be seen as a major coup for the Anfield outfit given his potential and the level of competition for his signature, meaning Klopp would surely love the opportunity to work with such a talented youngster.

Former Barcelona B manager Garcia Pimienta lauded the teenager and Konrad de la Fuente last year after the duo put in an outstanding performance for the reserve side, saying: “Both Ilaix and Konrad have been decisive. Ilaix has a lot of merit because he is a first-year youth, but Konrad is third, and in such an important match they have shown that they have an incredible future.

His natural quality and potential to improve would make Moriba a dream Wijnaldum replacement, but Liverpool will have to see off several domestic rivals for the £22.5m-rated gem to make this deal become a reality.

And, in other news…David Ornstein drops major Liverpool update that will leave fans absolutely buzzing 

Leeds United are monitoring Dundee United starlet Kerr Smith amid a potential deadline day beating transfer move.

What’s the story?

While Marcelo Bielsa’s side have had a fairly quiet summer transfer window thus far in terms of first-team recruitment, they have made some notable signings when it comes to academy level, bringing in the likes of Amari Miller and Kristoffer Klaesson in particular.

Now, The Scottish Sun claim that the Whites have got their eye on 16-year-old centre-back Smith, and are one of several clubs interested in luring the teenager south of the border.

The report adds that Dundee are set to cash in one of their prized assets before the transfer window closes.

Fans will love it

Speaking about him earlier this year, Dundee United’s academy chief Andy Goldie said: “Kerr’s not the only one who had interest from down south, he rightly grabbed the headlines, but there were other ones like Lewis.

“They’ve both made the transition from central midfielder to centre-back and that’s coincided with a sharp acceleration in their development and, therefore, in the interest they were gathering with some of the biggest clubs across Europe.”

Despite his age, Smith has already made his debut in the Scottish Premiership for Dundee United, and that’s a real testament to his ability and attitude as well – something his teammate was quick to point out.

Speaking in April, fellow defender Mark Connolly said: “Kerr, who played beside me, was fantastic. He’s 16 years of age and it’s incredible.”

The 6 foot starlet ties right into the kind of impressive youth signings Leeds have made over the last couple of seasons. Fans will surely be buzzing with the kind of fine work the club are doing in securing a very bright future at Elland Road.

If Smith can be added to the likes of Miller and Klaesson this summer, and the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville, among others, over the previous one, then it will be a real masterclass from Victor Orta in building a top-rate academy.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star proved why Bielsa must sell him…

Former Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson has announced his retirement from professional football. 

The 37-year-old was most recently with Chris Hughton’s side, but departed when his contract reached a conclusion at the end of the 2020/21 season.

But he didn’t make a single appearance for the Reds in the 2020/21 league campaign, as Forest finished 17th in the Championship table, in what was a disappointing season for the City Ground faithful.

In the campaign prior to that, Forest finished seventh in the second-tier standings, with Dawson making 19 appearances in total for the Reds in that campaign.

Dawson signed for Nottingham Forest in his second spell back in 2018, and made 121 appearances in total for the Reds over two separate spells with the club.

Speaking after his departure from the City Ground was confirmed this summer, Nottingham Forest Chairman, Nicholas Randall issued high-praise for Dawson, and labelled him as the ‘model professional’.

Now, plenty of Nottingham Forest supporters have taken to social media to react to the news of Dawson’s retirement, with many wishing him well for the future.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from Twitter, via the Nottingham Forest social media account, below….

Forest fans hail Dawson

“Need to find a space for him on the sidelines, the passion he shows is infectious.”

Credit: @PearceWh97

“Glad that he finished his career where it all began. All the best for whatever the future holds.”

Credit: @Willh1985

“Love the man. Get in the coaching staff!”

Credit: @NFFCRY

“Forest legend.”

Credit: @Hughtxn

“Legend. Great career and right time to bow out.”

Credit: @Trickyred1

“Absolute legend.”

Credit: @rbikysx

“Hero x.”

Credit: @mattnffc_

“My Captain.”

Credit: @carpo_yeah

According to a report by Sport Bild, as translated and shared by Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur are among the ‘most promising candidates’ to sign Borussia Mönchengladbach midfield colossus Denis Zakaria.

The Lowdown: Paratici cooking…

It has been quite the busy summer for new managing director Fabio Paratici as he aims to oversee a major summer rebuild at Spurs.

The Italian has already orchestrated a plethora of outgoings and incomings at N17 and going by reports, he doesn’t seem to be quite done there as he attempts to strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo’s hand before 2020/2021.

Now, Sport Bild have some news of another new target for Tottenham.

The Latest: Spurs among favourites to sign Zakaria…

As per the German news outlet, Tottenham are among the favourites to sign Zakaria from Monchengladbach this summer and it is believed there is ‘no longer any doubt’ he will leave the Bundesliga side.

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Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal are named as the most promising candidates from the Premier League, whereas both Napoli and Roma are also attempting to lure him away from Borussia-Park.

Monchengladbach are also prepared to offer a 50 per cent discount on their midfielder, originally wanting €40 million (£33.8m) but will entertain bids of around €20m (£16.9m).

The Verdict: No brainer?

Potentially landing Zakaria for a fee even close to £16.9m should immediately send off alarms in Paratici’s head, even despite the player’s recent fitness issues.

Still young at 24-years-old, the Switzerland international is a technically gifted and composed presence in centre midfield – having averaged an impressive 88% pass accuracy over his minutes in the Bundesliga last season (WhoScored).

Out of all Tottenham regulars with at least 10 league starts, only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg managed a better success rate, and we believe Zakaria could be an ideal player to compete with Oliver Skipp for a place in front of Spurs’ back four.

Lauded as ‘incredible’ and a ‘very complete footballer’ by ex-Monchengladbach boss Marco Rose (Sky Germany via Planet Football), signing the 6 foot 3 monster for a discount fee would be a brilliant move by Paratici.

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘Game changer’, ‘Buzzing’…Tottenham fans erupt as ‘beautiful’ news confirmed, find out more here.

Aston Villa target Will Hughes is training with Watford’s Under-23’s, according to The Athletic, cited by Birmingham Live.

And a number of Villa fans have been having their say on a possible Midlands move following the latest development.

Hughes was again linked with a move to Villa Park last week, with reports suggesting Dean Smith is keen on the central midfielder.

Hornets goalkeeper Ben Foster urged the 26-year-old to stay at Vicarage Road and snub a move to Villa in a YouTube video at the beginning of the month.

The Athletic suggest that Hughes, who has 12 months remaining on his contract, will now train with Watford’s U23’s until his future is resolved one way or the other.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the update on Hughes training with the U23’s, asking fans if he would fit the bill at Villa Park.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many against any possible move for the midfielder and one describing it as ‘strange’.

“NOOOOOOOO. Not what we’re after. Plus I would rather keep Hourihane!”Credit: @8Tsang”With all due respect it seems a waste of a squad position when we already have better in McGinn, Luiz and Nakamba with uncertainty still over Hourihane. Not that Hughes is a bad player but hardly what’s needed to push us to the next level.”Credit: @JamesCourten”Would have a couple of years ago. Seems a strange move now.”Credit: @SteveSomewhere”No a few years back at Derby he was on the upgrade, career has gone backwards since.”Credit: @sparkym5″Ward Prowse please Sir”Credit: @feed_me_sport”This transfer has Steve Bruce or Sean Dyche written all over it”Credit: @MrWayneGarton

In other news: ‘It’s almost time’, ‘Lange officially the best’ – Many AVFC fans react to Bailey news.

Rangers announced the signing of John Lundstram earlier this week and he could prove to be an excellent addition to Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox ahead of next season.

The former Sheffield United man was available on a free transfer after his exit from Bramall Lane and Ross Wilson worked quickly to bring him to Ibrox ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Gerrard’s thoughts on Lundstram signing

After he was announced on Monday, Gerrard had this to say about his arrival:

“John is a player I have known for some time and knew he would enhance our squad.

“Having played in the Premiership, he has the undoubted quality to enhance our midfield with his technical ability and physicality and I was impressed with his attitude and ambition when we spoke over recent weeks. John is a winner and knows what is required to succeed at a club of this stature.

“He will add steel and presence to our midfield along with his quality which makes our squad much stronger, and to procure a player of John’s profile and experience is very pleasing.

“Myself and the staff are looking forward to working with John. We know he is also very excited to get started at Rangers.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Rangers transfer rumours and news!”]

Will he be a good addition at Ibrox?

Although Lundstram’s performances with Sheffield United last season were less than impressive, as he managed no goals and two assists in 28 Premier League appearances, his previous performances in the 2019/20 season suggest that if he can rediscover his best form at Ibrox, he will quickly prove himself to be an excellent addition to Gerrard’s squad.

The 41-year-old arguably needed to add some depth in midfield ahead of next season, especially when you consider that Glen Kamara has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, whilst Scott Arfield and Steven Davis will turn 33 and 37 respectively next season, so long-term replacements for those two were definitely required.

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Although the former Oxford United man may struggle to break into the impressive midfield of Davis, Kamara and Joe Aribo at first, added competition is only a good thing for Rangers, and the signing of Lundstram should help them improve ahead of next season, as they look to defend their Premiership title and make a mark in the Champions League.

And, in other news… Gerrard handed big boost with Ibrox “warrior” ahead of new season 

A number of Liverpool supporters have been expressing their delight at the news that Alisson is set to sign a new long-term deal at Anfield.

The Brazilian has been a colossal figure for the Reds since joining from Roma in 2018, proving to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, as evidenced by winning The Best FIFA Goalkeeper two years ago.

Alisson’s arrival coincided with Liverpool winning both the Champions League and the Premier League, with his consistency between the sticks playing a huge role in those successes. He kept 21 league clean sheets in his first season at Anfield, conceding just 22 top-flight goals in an ever-present campaign (Transfermarkt).

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Not only that, but the 28-year-old even heroically scored a winning goal in the dying seconds at West Brom last season, further etching his name into Reds folklore.

The hope is that Alisson remains a Liverpool player for the rest of his career, and according to journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, he is on the verge of extending his stay to 2026. Discussions are thought to be in the ‘final stages’, in what would represent a huge boost for Jurgen Klopp.

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Liverpool fans delighted with Alisson update

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the news about the Brazilian goalkeeper.

“HERE WE GO”

Credit: @mikeevanteo

“Best goalkeeper in the world! Great news!”

Credit: @CurtyCM

“Let’s Go!!!”

Credit: @Simms_SAHD

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @nra_25

“Another 5yrs siuuuuu”

Credit: @Sambadancer9

“YESSSSSSS. Salah next PLEASE”

Credit: @Callum__Moran

In other news, some Liverpool fans have bemoaned an update regarding one Reds player. Find out who it is here.