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Pundit Alan Hutton has dropped a bold take involving Tottenham Hotspur and their links to Brendan Rodgers, claiming the 48 year-old will still be their number one target ‘behind the scenes’.

The Lowdown: Tottenham have targeted Rodgers

As per Football Insider, Spurs were prepared to ‘offer Rodgers the earth’ in order to bring him over to North London from Leicester City.

However, speaking to talkSPORT, the former Celtic, Liverpool and Swansea City boss claimed that he was ‘200 per cent’ staying at the King Power Stadium despite missing out on UEFA Champions League football on the final day of the 2020/21 term.

The Latest: Hutton on Rodgers to Tottenham

Speaking to Football Insider, despite Rodgers’ claim to talkSPORT, former Lilywhites player Hutton thinks that they would still ‘love’ to lure the Northern Irishman away from the Foxes, and was full of praise for what he has done with the East Midlands club:

“I think that’s who, behind the scenes, they’ll be trying their hardest. 

“Leicester have got a fantastic squad, new training ground, he’s done really, really well there. But you can’t argue Tottenham are a big draw. They’re a huge football club with everything there that’s needed to challenge the top four on a regular basis.

“I don’t know, I’ve just got this feeling that is who they would love to have. I’m not saying they can do it, I just think they would love to have him there.

“Obviously, with Leicester just dropping out the top four, you wonder if that could sway it. Obviously, Spurs aren’t in the Champions League but Leicester aren’t either. You just wonder if that may sway him one way or another.” 

The Verdict: Tottenham must not give up on Rodgers

THFC must not give up hope of trying to lure Rodgers away from their Premier League rivals.

The 48-year-old has a great track record in the top flight, having guided LCFC to two recent consecutive fifth-placed finishes, just missing out on the top four on both final days, while also achieving a very respectable second place with Liverpool in the 2013/14 season (Transfermarkt).

With Tottenham currently on somewhat of a trophy drought, Rodgers has proved that he can win silverware as well, most recently masterminding a win against Chelsea in the FA Cup final while also winning a remarkable three league titles and four domestic cups with Celtic (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, while it would be very difficult, Spurs must try and do all that they can to make him their next permanent manager.

In other news, find out which ‘incredible’ defender THFC could return for here!

Former Rangers ace Michael Ball says that Steven Gerrard deserves the trust to buy players such as Joey Veerman in the summer transfer window following the success of the Ryan Kent deal.

The Scottish champions have been heavily linked with a move to sign the Heerenveen captain this summer.

One of Veerman’s team-mates, Henk Veerman, believes that his namesake will make the move to one of the clubs interested in him, touting Rangers as a possible destination in an interview with Voetbalprimeur, as transcribed by The Daily Record.

Veerman enjoyed a superb season in the Eredivisie, scoring seven goals and laying on 10 assists from defensive midfield.

It remains to be seen if Rangers will be able to bring the 22-year-old to Scotland but Ball believes that Gerrard deserves to be backed after the success of the Kent deal.

Indeed, Kent arrived for a £7.5m fee from Liverpool, despite only making one senior appearance for the Reds, and he has gone on to become a star at Ibrox, making 128 appearances on the left wing.

Asked if the Rangers board would deliver if Gerrard said he wanted Veerman, Ball told The Transfer Tavern:“If you’d asked me that question two or three years ago I probably would have said no.

“But I feel the Ryan Kent deal, that they trusted Steven, and that was a lot of money. Rangers at that time, I don’t think many people realised Rangers had that money to get that deal done and that’s worked and that’s a big bonus for Steven and his ability to spot players.”

Liverpool look set to miss out on one of their transfer targets this summer as Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus edges closer to Bayern Munich.

What’s the story?

According to German outlet Bild (as reported by the Liverpool Echo), the current Bundesliga champions have already agreed a £34 million deal for the 24-year-old, although he’s not expected to move until the summer of 2022.

The Reds had been linked with Neuhaus in recent weeks as they continue to search for Gini Wijnaldum’s replacement, but it seems like they have missed out on this occasion.

Klopp will be gutted

Although Liverpool’s rebuild isn’t expected to be extensive over the coming months, Jurgen Klopp is set to bring in some fresh faces to reignite the Anfield outfit’s title charge.

Cover at centre-back was required, along with added strength in depth up-front, but an heir to the departing Wijnaldum is also thought to be high up on the German manager’s wish list.

Neuhaus has developed an impressive reputation in recent campaigns after a string of standout performances at Borussia-Park.

The youngster’s return of six goals and six assists in 33 top-flight appearances from the Monchengladbach engine room in 2020/21 clearly caught the attention of some of the continent’s biggest clubs, with Bayern seemingly winning the race for his signature.

Marcus Thuram was evidently enthralled by his teammate’s performances last year, calling on German national team manager Joachim Low to take the £31.5m-rated gem to the European Championship.

“Flo is simply an outstanding player. Flo deserves to be at Euro 2020. If I were national coach, I would call him 100 times,” claimed Thuram.

It appears Low listened to the Frenchman’s advice, selecting Neuhaus for the delayed competition, but Klopp is likely to be gutted by the revelation regarding his proposed transfer.

Bayern have a reputation for hoovering up the Bundesliga’s best talent, so his arrival in Bavaria will come as little surprise.

Nevertheless, Neuhaus would have been a natural fit in Klopp” high-energy, gegenpressing system, and it’s a matchup that could have proved to be extremely successful for both parties.

And, in other news…Edwards masterclass: Liverpool must seal swoop for £40m beast who has “everything” 

According to a report by West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh, Slavia Prague starlet Abdallah Sima is one of two strikers who could be targeted this summer as things stand.

The Lowdown: Hammers and the striker hunt…

Since club-record signing Sebastien Haller opted to depart the London Stadium in early January, David Moyes has been on the search for a striker who can bolster their forward line.

Michail Antonio, whilst scoring 10 goals and assisting five others in the Premier League last season (WhoScored), has also proven unreliable when it comes to keeping fit, and he is currently the only natural senior centre-forward at the club.

A plethora of forwards have been linked to West Ham in recent months, including Adam Armstrong, Youssef En-Nesyri, Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney (ExWHUemployee).

The Latest: Sima could now be targeted…

Sharing the latest on West Ham’s striker pursuit, club insider Claret & Hugh have revealed the two most likely forward options for Moyes this summer. Indeed, as things stand, the Irons striker target appears to be a choice of either Abraham or Sima.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news/” title=”West Ham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The latter comes as an interesting name given his impressive form in the Czech Republic this season and his fledgling age of 19.

West Ham’s priorities this summer are apparently a striker, central defender and the permanent signing of Jesse Lingard from Manchester United.

The Verdict: Do it GSB…

The teenage sensation, valued at around £9.9m by Transfermarkt, could prove to be an amazing alternative to Abraham, who Moyes has previously stated may be too expensive.

Sima has scored a very impressive 20 goals in all competitions for Slavia, and we urge West Ham to prioritise a move for him ahead of the Chelsea outcast.

The teenager has cut a prolific figure in the Fortuna Liga and he would likely serve as another brilliant signing from Slavia alongside Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek. Lauded as a ‘phenomenon’ by Slavia chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik, we struggle to think of a better option for the Irons this summer.

In other news: West Ham player now really wants to leave, Cottee dubbed him their ‘best footballer’…find out more here.

Swansea City are closing in on the signing of Wigan Athletic forward Kyle Joseph, as reported by BBC Sport Wales.

The Lowdown: Swansea look to rebuild after gut-wrenching play-off final loss

As 2021/22 preparations begin, Swansea City will seek to make the additions necessary to bounce back from their agonising Sky Bet Championship play-off final defeat against Brentford last month [Sky Sports].

Though the Jacks have yet to dip their toe into the transfer window water regarding any signings, they have been linked moves for Virgil Misidjan and Liam Walsh ahead of pre-season.

However, they now seem to be close to their first summer addition to their forward line, as they look to replace the void left by their now departed talisman Andre Ayew [GOAL].

The Latest: Kyle Joseph is Liberty Stadium bound despite Champions League interest

Swansea City are now expected to wrap up the free signing of Scotland Under-21 starlet Joseph [BBC].

Intriguingly, the Welsh outfit are unserstood to have beaten off competition from 2021/22 UEFA Champions League competitors Celtic and Rangers in Scotland, as well as Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur for his services [Football Insider].

As the London-born striker is under the age of 24, Swansea City are set to shell out a compensation fee of close to £1 million to Wigan Athletic in order to acquire their man [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Joseph is a coup for Swansea City

Certainly, the acquisition of a man sought after by top clubs across the country is a coup for Swansea City. Enjoying an impressive debut Sky Bet League One season, the 19-year-old notched six goal contributions from 20 appearances last campaign [Transfermarkt].

Billed as ‘fantastic’ by Latics boss Leam Richardson [Wigan Today], he now looks set to be given regular game-time in the English second-tier by Swans boss Steve Cooper [Football Insider].

With the right coaching and development pathway, Joseph could progress into being a regular Sky Bet Championship goal-scorer which may net Swansea City a hefty sell-on fee further down the line, or of course the ultimate goal of firing the club to promotion.

Aston Villa look set to beat Manchester United in the race to sign Fleetwood Town defender Josh Feeney, according to Birmingham Live.

And, as to be expected, plenty of Villa fans have been sharing their thoughts on the transfer news on social media.

Reliable reporter Ashley Preece wrote the story on Birmingham Live on Thursday evening, claiming Villa Park is Feeney’s preferred destination.

The England Under-16 captain, who plays as a centre-back, has been in talks with Villa this week and visited the club’s Bodymoor Hath facility on Thursday afternoon.

Feeney’s representatives were reportedly impressed with what they saw in the Midlands, and it seems as if the 16-year-old is now edging closer to becoming the club’s third summer signing after Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the news on Feeney on Thursday evening. These Villa supporters were excited at the update, with one describing the teenager as a potential ‘brilliant’ acquisition.

“Villa’s academy is booming you love to see it”

Credit: @GW_94

“we are massive”

Credit: @avfc365

“U16 England captain and trained for the senior fleetwood team for ages, unsure whether he’s made his debut yet though. Looks like a brilliant addition to me”

Credit: @JoeAVFC_

“We are on fire”

Credit: @NickPJThompson

“We are becoming a very tempting move for talented youngsters these days. Big investment in the academy staff and facilities, a dominant performance in the FA Youth Cup and players making their way into the first team setup this season showing a pathway for the future…”

Credit: @sportdw

“6’4 CB training with the first team. Proper talent”

Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ

In other news: Big James Ward-Prowse update emerges, find out more here. 

Wolverhampton Wanderers are considering a move for Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski, according to a report from The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath. 

Wolves have already signed a centre-back in the form of 20-year-old Yerson Mosquera but are said to be intent on recruiting another.

Tarkowski is about to enter the final year of his contract, and Burnley may already be lining up a replacement.

McGrath’s colleague John Percy reports that the Clarets have agreed a £12million fee for Stoke City’s Nathan Collins.

Wolves will have to battle for Tarkowski’s signature

Wolves could face competition for Tarkowski from West Ham United.

And the Hammers may have a crucial advantage in that they are able to offer the Englishman European football in 2021/22.

Tarkowski made 36 Premier League appearances for Burnley last season, averaging 4.6 successful aerial duels, 4.4 clearances, 1.8 tackles and 1.2 blocks per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

The 28-year-old is valued at £22.5million by Transfermarkt.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed the report, and here’s how fans reacted, with one supporter saying this could be ‘huge’ news.

Wolves fans buzz over Tarkowski links

“This would be exactly the type of signing we need!”

Credit: @WV1Wolf

“This would be the most popular signing in years. Think he was touted around 35m last summer if you can get him anywhere around 20m be a great deal. Just a proper CB”

Credit: @ThePavFM

“Think he’d be a great signing to be fair.”

Credit: @DaveBtwFIFA

“Yes, this would be huge!!”

Credit: @Ry_Oakley

“This NEEDS to happen”

Credit: @jakebox7

“Wanted us to sign him for a long time”

Credit: @dp2885

In other news, Wolves made a bid for this wonderkid. 

Former Leeds United ace David Norris insists that Raphinha will want to stay at the club this summer.

The winger enjoyed a superb season in the Premier League in 2020/21.

He made a total of 30 appearances in the top-flight, under the management of Marcelo Bielsa, and scored six goals, while laying on nine assists.

Raphinha only moved to Leeds last summer from Rennes but a report from journalist Gianluigi Longari claims that there is interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City in snaffling him away from Elland Road.

The Brazilian has a lengthy contract at the club until 2024, and is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, but he would surely be a hugely expensive acquisition for any of the three clubs if they did formalise their interest.

Norris insists that he fits in well with his team-mates and thinks that he would be more than happy to stay with Leeds this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “He wants to do well. The lads say he’s very good in the changing room, he’s a good lad, he seems very happy there, mixes with the players well, not just one to keep himself to himself, has the banter and joins in.

“So he seems very settled and that’ll play a big part in it as well.”

An update has emerged on striker Joe Pigott, regarding Sunderland’s interest in the 27-year-old.

What’s the talk?

According to Portsmouth outlet The News, Sunderland are preparing to offer big wages to Wimbledon striker Joe Pigott in an attempt to land the attacker on a free transfer this summer. Portsmouth are keen on a deal for the centre-forward, but Sunderland are said to be ahead of them in the race, as it stands.

The report claims that Championship sides Luton and Bristol City are also interested in Pigott. This could provide an obstacle for Sunderland and Portsmouth, with Pigott said to favour a transfer to the Championship over staying in League One.

Former Wimbledon manager Wally Downes hailed Pigott as being “magnificent” for the club and praised the way he lead the line from the front. He told Echo News:

“Joe has been magnificent in the last six or seven weeks and he got his rewards for battling.

“He’s led the line really well lately and got another win.”

Get it done

Kristjaan Speakman must seal a deal for Pigott to solve a major problem Sunderland are facing ahead of the 2021/22 campaign. Charlie Wyke was the club’s top goalscorer in the season just gone, with 26 goals, and is out of contract at the end of the month, which means that Sunderland are on the verge of losing their main source of goals. Therefore, there will be a huge hole for Speakman and Lee Johnson to fill and they could do just that by signing Pigott in the coming weeks.

Pigott caught the eye with his goalscoring prowess in League One last season for Wimbledon. He found the back of the net 20 times and set up five for his teammates, despite Wimbledon struggling at the bottom end of the table as they finished 19th in League One. This shows that he is able to score goals consistently at this level and could be an ideal replacement for Wyke at the Stadium of Light.

The £2.1k-per-week goal machine also scored 22 league goals in the previous two League One campaigns for Wimbledon. Therefore, Pigott could be an exceptional addition to Sunderland’s squad and solve their goalscoring problem ahead of Wyke’s likely exit.

Speakman needs to make sure that he can beat the likes of Luton, Bristol City and Portsmouth in the race to land Pigott. He needs to offer Pigott a contract that is attractive enough to convince him to put his Championship dreams on hold for a season.

Hopefully, the Sunderland sporting director can lure Pigott in with the prospect of playing a part in a promotion to the second tier from League One, with him leading the line for the Black Cats in a bid for glory.

AND in other news, Speakman handed major SAFC boost with “excellent” £4k-p/w beast, fans will be buzzing…