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West Bromwich Albion could be set to name an ex-Premier League manager as their replacement for Steve Bruce…

What’s the latest?

According to Football League World, Scott Parker is one of a few names being considered for The Hawthorns hot seat.

The report also notes Chris Wilder as another potential candidate, with both managers having been sacked this season by their respective clubs.

With Bruce having officially been relieved of his duties yesterday morning, and a game against Reading on the horizon, Ron Gourlay will be keen on finding his replacement sooner rather than later.

He can turn them around

Although he had started the season poorly with AFC Bournemouth, he has twice shown his prowess with regard to getting teams promoted from the Championship.

Associated with an attractive brand of football, his first success was bringing Fulham straight back up to the Premier League after Claudio Ranieri had taken them down.

During what was a tumultuous COVID-ridden season, he led his side to fourth before beating Brentford in the play-off finals to secure an instant bounce back.

During this time, his side scored 68 goals in 46 games and missed out on automatic promotion by just three points.

He did struggle after a lack of backing and unfortunately could only bring them back down. After leaving by mutual consent, he would then be given the Cherries job only to take them up too.

This time, he did manage to find the automatic promotion spots, as his side finished second behind a rampant Fulham side.

During this campaign, he twice won player of the month in September and October and led his side to concede the fewest number of goals in the league, whilst also scoring 74.

His ability to take underperforming Championship sides and mould them into promotion candidates is sensational, and his fresh ideas born from his youth clearly are effective in this division.

One of his moves, in particular, has been replicated across world football, with his kick-off tactic leading to Hunter Godson labelling him a “tactical mastermind” with even those at PSG clearly attracted by what he does on the training ground.

The 41-year-old would be the perfect manager to turn them around and get them back fighting for promotion, however, history suggests he might struggle should they return to the Premier League.

Yannick Bolasie may well have been a fan favourite during his time at Crystal Palace but his form since leaving emphasises how well the club did to sell him for £25m.

The DR Congo international joined Palace from Bristol City in 2012 and was a regular for the Eagles in his four years at Selhurst Park, making 144 appearances in total, in which he contributed 13 goals and 30 assists.

While he was never prolific in the Premier League, his superb skills on the ball certainly won over a lot of Palace supporters, while his overall performances were not to be sniffed at either.

His final season at Selhurst Park saw him contribute five goals and three assists in the top flight, averaging a superb 7.14 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

That was enough to convince Everton that he was worth £25m and he made the move to Goodison Park in the summer of 2016, signing a five-year deal with the Toffees.

He started well with the Toffees, as one goal and four assists in just 13 Premier League appearances earned him a strong 7.20 rating from WhoScored before a cruciate ligament rupture ruled him out for more than a year.

Sadly, he was never the same player and would manage just one more Premier League goal for Everton in another 18 appearances for the Toffees.

Loan spells with Aston Villa, Anderlecht, Sporting Lisbon and Middlesbrough would follow, as Everton surely rued giving the ageing winger a five-year deal, and eventually, they cut their losses on Bolasie and released him on a free transfer when his contract expired.

A move to Turkey would follow, with the 33-year-old now plying his trade with Caykur Rizespor, with whom he has managed just two goals and one assist in 28 appearances.

While he was unfortunate to suffer such a terrible injury and was a fan favourite at Crystal Palace, those at Selhurst Park deserve a huge amount of praise for selling him for £25m, as his career since leaving has been something of a disaster.

It looks as though the hierarchy cashed in at exactly the right time with the current squad now going from strength to strength, especially in the positions that Bolasie occupied.

Aston Villa haven’t had the best start to their Premier League campaign and now with Diego Carlos picking up a serious injury, the club are on the search for a new defender in the remaining days of the transfer window, with a potential opportunity emerging.

What’s the latest?

According to French news outlet Le Parisien, Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Abdou Diallo.

As per the report, the player is available for £8.4m this summer and despite talks not starting yet between the two clubs, Diallo would be keen for a move to Villa Park.

The defender also has interest from other Premier League clubs with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United both named as linked clubs.

Gerrard needs him badly

There is no doubt that Steven Gerrard’s priority focus will be to replace his newly-signed injured centre-back, especially with the manager already extremely limited in the number of options he has in the back-line.

Villa have lost two and won one of their first three Premier League games, as well as taking a comfortable victory from their Carabao Cup second round clash with Bolton Wanderers, and Gerrard will be keen to keep up that winning momentum going but will struggle to do so if a new defender isn’t signed soon.

After stripping Tyrone Mings of the club captaincy a few weeks ago, the Villa boss has put himself in a sticky situation in terms of holding together a harmonious defensive set up, so the opportunity to sign Diallo could not come at a better time for the manager.

The Senegalese defender who was hailed “powerful” by FSV Mainz sports director Rouven Schröder has found himself out of favour in Christophe Galtier’s side with Diallo left on the bench over the first four games of the season, so a move to Villa could be the perfect chance for the 26-year-old to get a fresh start over in the Premier League.

Over his 12 league appearances for the French champions last season, Diallo delivered one assist, tallied up a 90% pass completion rate, made 1.8 tackles, 1.1 clearances and took 69.2 touches per game, as well as winning 62% of his duels combined and successfully completing 73% of his dribbles.

As a result, it is clear from his output last season that the forgotten defender is hard working, likes to get stuck in and has the talent to be reliable and consistent when selected to start, so it could be a major coup for Gerrard in his attempt to strengthen his defence.

With that being said, the powers at Villa Park must act fast to beat off any competitors in the final days of the transfer window, as Diallo could be a fantastic addition to the team and comes with a very modest price tag too.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is seemingly determined to bolster manager Thomas Tuchel’s options at Stamford Bridge as an exciting claim surfaces involving Leicester City star Wesley Fofana.

The Lowdown: Chelsea keep busy…

Following Boehly’s acquisition of the Blues, it’s safe to say the Premier League giants have kept busy with a flurry of major bids.

Having just signed exciting left-back Marc Cucurella from Brighton, hijacking English champions Man City in the process, it is now believed that Tuchel’s side are chasing the signing of another star centre-half.

This is despite landing Senegal star Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli with Chelsea seriously on the hunt for more options.

The Latest: CBS journalist makes exciting Fofana claim…

Writing on social media, CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an exciting update on Fofana after their ‘latest bid’.

The reporter claims, even if their marquee ‘over £70 million’ offer is snubbed, Chelsea will not stop there and are determined to keep pursuing the Foxes star.

Jacobs explained:

“Chelsea’s latest bid for Wesley Fofana is over £70m and won’t be the last one made if rejected. Brendan Rodgers again said Fofana isn’t for sale, but Todd Boehly means business. Fofana is Chelsea’s number one target between now and when window shuts.”

The Verdict: Keep pushing…

There is little doubt Fofana would be a stellar upgrade to Tuchel’s back line.

The Frenchman missed the vast majority of last season through injury but his 2020/2021 statistics indicate he is a serious player.

As per WhoScored, Fofana completed that year as one of Leicester’s top five best performing players – making an impressive 3.3 clearances per 90 whilst averaging their second-highest number of interceptions.

At just 21-years-old, the defender’s potential is sky high and there is little surprise he is seemingly Chelsea’s number one defensive target.

Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha has long been tipped for a move away from Selhurst Park, with AS Roma most recently linked to the Ivory Coast international.

However, with the winger now being 29 years old, it can be assumed that eventually, a decline will begin.

This could welcome the introduction of Burnley winger Dwight McNeil, who could make an ideal replacement for the Ivory Coast international, as well as offering a different dynamic. It could revolutionise how Patrick Vieira wants to play, and offer more balance as he continues to add pure entertainers to his squad.

Back at the start of July, Pete O’Rourke spoke of how the pulling power of the French manager could be the deciding factor in tempting the winger to Selhurst Park.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “Patrick Vieira, we know what a player he was in the Premier League, he’s a Premier League legend, so I’m sure he does have a lot of pulling power for players, and it does look like he is building an exciting young team at Crystal Palace right now.

“He had a good first season in charge and made some good signings as well, so I’m sure if Dwight McNeil was to make the move to Crystal Palace, Patrick Vieira would play a huge role in that, and his pulling power might help him to make that move to London.”

Crystal Palace were reportedly willing to pay £10m for the star.

Although he went all of last season without a goal, he still managed an impressive 7.03 average SofaScore rating. His contribution to his teams is clearly more than goals and assists, and this is outlined by his underlying stats.

He sits in the 99th percentile for blocks, the 98th percentile for interceptions and the 88th percentile for tackles. He could act as a facilitator for the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

However, he was recently likened to a player who was once one of the best in the world, with Joe Cole claiming McNeil is “like Di Maria”.

High praise indeed, and although his actual stats may not set the world alight, his other contributions could perhaps far outweigh what Zaha has brought to Palace. He could allow the youngsters to truly explode for the London outfit.

AND in other news: “It’s been a given…”: Journo drops big transfer update, CPFC supporters will be gutted

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has dropped a claim regarding the current summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

Speaking after seeing his side beat Wiener Viktoria 7-0 in their first pre-season game of the summer, the Hoops boss had this to say about what transfer business he’d like to see take place before the window shuts.

He said: “I still think there are one or two areas where we need some more robustness in terms of the squad, just some quality in depth. I wouldn’t expect too many but there are still one or two areas I’m looking to strengthen knowing what’s ahead for us.

“We are definitely looking to bring in one or two more before the window closes. Again it is about identifying what we want and making sure they fit all aspects and we are working towards that.”

Celtic fans will be buzzing

Celtic have secured permanent deals for Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer, as well as seeing Daizen Maeda make his stay at the club permanent following his loan spell last season. The Parkhead club have also brought in Benjamin Siegrist and Alexandro Bernabei so it’s been a rather active window.

If supporters weren’t already delighted with the business done, the idea that Postecoglou is still looking to bring at least one or two more players in will be very exciting for everyone involved.

In terms of the areas that Postecoglou could be referring to in his latest comments, a new midfielder should be at the top of the priority list. The club have seen Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton leave Glasgow following the end of the previous SPFL campaign so more cover should arrive in Glasgow before the window slams shut.

The Hoops have already been diligent with their business but supporters would no doubt be delighted if they saw their central areas strengthened in the coming weeks.

With their preseason period kicking off with a rather hefty victory, it shows the Bhoys are already in an extremely promising position ahead of the new campaign, one where they’ll certainly be hoping to have another successful season.

AND in other news: “Soon..”: Journalist drops big Celtic transfer claim that’ll have supporters gutted

Everton are reportedly now eyeing up a second centre-back on a free transfer after James Tarkowski.

The Lowdown: Tarkowski transfer ‘done’

As per the Liverpool Echo, the deal to take the 29-year-old to Goodison Park is now ‘done’, although it is not expected to be officially announced until the end of the month.

The defender will join the Toffees as a free agent, having let his contract at Burnley run down this summer.

The Latest: Mbemba eyed by Everton

As per A Bola (via Sport Witness), Everton are now eyeing up a move for Chancel Mbemba, who is also out of contract at the end of the month as his time with FC Porto comes to an end.

Fiorentina, Trabzonspor, Lyon, Marseille, AC Milan and Real Betis are also thought to be interested in his signature, although the Toffees are said to have an advantage in that the 27-year-old would prefer a return to England, where he used to play for Newcastle United.

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The Verdict: Risky

Even though they would be signing him on a free, bringing Mbemba to Goodison Park would be a risky move by Everton.

His last spell in English football did not really work out, as he was part of a Magpies team which were relegated from the Premier League in the 2015/16 season, and he only played 59 times over three years at St James’ Park (Transfermarkt).

However, he was a domestic double recently, and has been described as a ‘fast’ and ‘tough’ defender by former Anderlecht team-mate Steven Defour, qualities that Frank Lampard will surely be seeking in his backline.

Mbemba has had a troubled past in England, but given that he is currently rated at £15.3m by Transfermarkt, signing him for free could be worth the risk.

In other news, find out what big Farhad Moshiri update has now emerged

Fresh news over West Ham United’s stance in their hunt for Christian Eriksen has emerged.

What’s the word?

According to a report from the Daily Star, the Hammers deployed scouts to watch the former Spurs man in Denmark’s 2-1 victory over Austria.

Amidst their latest actions, it is said that West Ham are one of several clubs considering a bid for Eriksen, who is of course available on a free transfer this summer with his six-month contract at Brentford set to expire at the end of this month.

As per the same report, it is said that sources who are close to Eriksen insist that he could still choose to stay at Brentford, who have offered the Denmark international a new contract.

Imagine him and Rice

Having secured his Premier League return against all odds, Eriksen endured a mightily successful campaign that reestablished his prowess at the top level.

The scouts who were sent to watch the 30-year-old would have had their reasoning in signing him boosted, with the current Brentford star chipping in with an assist in his side’s victory in the Nations League.

Whilst he has enjoyed positive numbers internationally this season, his metrics have also been solid domestically speaking, having acquired five attacking returns in the form of one goal and four assists in 11 appearances for Thomas Frank’s side this season.

A move to West Ham presents an opportunity to boost these metrics further, with more attacking freedom to be had in Moyes’ 4-2-3-1 system that features midfield solidity in the form of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek.

The former has established himself in the elite category when it comes to interceptions with his average of 2.76 seeing him placed within the 95th percentile, as per FBref.

Though it’s his ability in possession that would serve a greater purpose to Eriksen, with the 23-year-old’s consistency to both carry and pass the ball into the final third a surefire catalyst for Eriksen’s end product. The England international’s 6.60 passes into the final third and average of 2.36 carries into the final third are yet again elite metrics.

For Brentford, he has asserted himself as the sole chance creator, but having scored eight or more goals in four separate seasons at Spurs, we know he is capable of increasing his goal return – especially bearing in mind the 52 Premier League goals scored throughout his career.

A partnership between Rice and Eriksen, who has been dubbed “unreal”, could be detrimental to the rest of the Premier League.

In other news: Moyes could land his own Kane with West Ham bid for “dangerous” £155k-p/w goal-machine 

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension transfer chief Fabio Paratici, have opened talks to sign a ‘scary’ player for manager Antonio Conte, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new defender…

As reliably reported, a central defender is high on Conte’s list of priorities this summer window with the two top targets appearing to be RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and Inter Milan sensation Alessandro Bastoni (The Athletic).

The latter man in particular is heavily linked with a move to north London and the Premier League with much being made over whether he could be Tottenham’s next summer signing.

If Spurs can’t get their man, Paratici and co may have to turn to other options, with Sport now claiming there has been an interesting development involving Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly.

The Latest: Paratici opens talks?

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According to their information, Spurs and by extension their sporting director have ‘turned to’ the entourage of Serie A’s colossal centre-back to ‘start talks’.

Chelsea and Juventus have also made contact with Koulibaly’s representatives, but according to this report, the Senegal star favours a move to Barcelona.

The Verdict: Pull out?

The £183,000-per-week star, labelled ‘scary’ by Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti, certainly holds no shortage of quality.

As per WhoScored, Koulibaly averaged more clearances per 90 than any of his teammates in the Italian top flight over 2021/2022 whilst finishing the season as Napoli’s fourth-best performer in terms of average match rating.

Once valued at a whopping £130 million release clause, if his club wish to make any money, they may have to sell for considerably less this summer as Koulibaly enters the final year of his deal.

Taking all of this into account, a deal for the 30-year-old may actually be worth pursuing given Conte’s love for experienced and proven players.

In other news: Tottenham will now attempt eight-figure agreement to sign ‘incredible’ speedster…find out more here.

Noel Whelan has been left delighted by some Glasgow Rangers injury news on Kemar Roofe.

The Lowdown: Fit for Frankfurt?

As cited by football.scotland, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has insisted that the ‘intention’ is to have Roofe fit for the UEFA Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt, with the striker doing ‘everything he can’ to be available.

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He has missed their last five games in total over all competitions through injury, ahead of their match at home to Ross County in the Scottish Premiership tonight.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former BBC pundit Whelan has now been left ‘wowed’ and says it would be a ‘huge boost’ if Roofe can make the final:

“He’s a natural goalscorer. He has picked up the mantle superbly with Morelos out, led the line, and chipped in with some important goals.

“It was unfortunate to see him pick up the injury when he did. But to have him back for the final – wow, what a huge boost for the team and the fans.

“He’ll be doing everything he can to be ready for what is going to be a massive occasion. He’ll be wanting to stamp his authority on the game, and I think he’s got a massive part to play – even if it is from the bench.

“Looking back, you want memories in your career. This is one he will not want to miss.”

The Verdict: Patience needed

Patience is certainly needed if Roofe is to get back to full fitness in time for the final, and should therefore not be risked in their upcoming SPFL fixtures.

With Alfredo Morelos out as well, the Teddy Bears will want a natural presence up top in the one that really matters, and Roofe certainly offers that.

His 16 goals over all competitions so far this term is only bettered by the Colombia international and James Tavernier, and so he would give the Teddy Bears a more natural threat when creating chances against Frankfurt.

Nonetheless, only time will tell whether he will be able to play a part in their biggest game of the campaign.

In other news, find out what ‘massive’ Gers update has now emerged here!