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Liam Kennedy has dropped an enticing revelation on the Newcastle United takeover consortium involving Rafa Benitez, after big news emerged about the Spaniard’s future.

The Lowdown: Benitez Everton bound

As per football broadcaster Jim White, Benitez is reportedly on the brink of becoming the new manager at Everton after talks.

A controversial move for sure given his past connections with Liverpool, the Spaniard will look to bring the success he wanted in the North East to Goodison Park instead.

The Latest: Consortium wanted Benitez

According to Kennedy, who has been following the whole takeover saga closely, Benitez was wanted by the potential owners-in waiting at St. James’ Park, as he helped bring them to the table.

Kennedy thinks that it is a ‘shame’ that the 61-year-old could be heading to the Toffees instead, given his connections with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The Verdict: Shame indeed

It is certainly a shame that Benitez looks to be heading to the Blues, as he could have been the perfect fit to take over from Steve Bruce should he have been cast aside by the potential new owners.

A lot of members of the Toon Army have previously called for him to come back, and so he would certainly be a popular appointment and an easy way for the potential new owners to get fans on side.

Benitez has a vast amount of experience in managing in the Premier League, with sides with big transfer budgets like Liverpool and Chelsea, and so he would have had few problems in handling the likely abundance of riches that would come with the takeover.

In other news, find out why the top flight have been slammed for their handling of the potential takeover here!

Nathaniel Clyne is interested in signing a new deal and extending his stay at Crystal Palace this summer, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Lowdown: Clyne out of contract

The 31-year-old is currently in his second spell at his boyhood club, proving to be a solid squad player under Patrick Vieira this season.

Clyne has made nine Premier League starts in 2021/22 to date, acting as a solid understudy to Joel Ward and putting his experience to good use, arguably becoming first-choice in recent weeks.

The defender’s current deal expires at the end of the season, though, at which point he would be able to leave on a free transfer.

The Latest: Clyne keen on new Palace deal

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Barclay claimed that Clyne wants to extend his stay at Selhurst Park. The journalist said of the Palace defender:

“He suggested he definitely would like a new contract. And there’s a bit of talk about it at the moment; we’ll see what will happen.”

The Verdict: No-brainer for Palace

It makes complete sense for Palace to give Clyne a new contract, with the Englishman proving what a reliable figure he can be throughout this season.

Granted, his very best days may be behind him, but he remains a reliable defender who has averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.5 clearances per match in the current Premier League campaign.

Jurgen Klopp once hailed Clyne as ‘amazing’, which speaks volumes given the calibre of player with whom the Liverpool manager has worked, and at 31, there is no reason why the defender can’t stay at the top level for a few more years yet.

In other news, one player is reportedly considering moving to Palace. Find out who it is here.

Football FanCast can exclusively reveal that Everton are in the market to sign a right winger when the summer transfer window opens.

Marcel Brands and Carlo Ancelotti have been busy preparing for the next market and view that area of the pitch as their top priority.

Although a specific name hasn’t formally been considered yet, the Toffees have already begun their search as they look to add more depth and quality to their offensive options.

We can confirm that behind the scenes, Everton have been in contact with various clubs and agents to discuss potential targets and that are ready to step up their hunt in the coming months as signing a right winger is their number one priority.

James Rodriguez has regularly been used in that third of the field since signing from Bayern Munich in the summer but his deal expires in 2022.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-coutinho-ancelotti-hawng-sarr” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

Theo Walcott could head to Southampton after being linked with a permanent switch by reports elsewhere, while Josh King has failed to set the world alight since arriving in January.

Ancelotti identified King as a player to add greater depth in an attacking area but he is yet to score after signing a six-month deal.

With Bernard courting interest from elsewhere too, it would leave the Merseyside outfit rather light in the wide areas if all three depart.

Richarlison remains a focal point of the Everton side but there is a lack of genuine quality below him. Alex Iwobi has scored just twice all season and hasn’t lived up to his £34m price tag.

It’s not known what sort of budget they have in mind but they’ve shown in recent years that they aren’t afraid to spend big money on their top priority transfers.

The Toffees will, however, need to use their funds more wisely after some expensive disasters in recent years.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Coutinho: Brands can form dream duo if Everton land “unique” 97-cap star…

Adam Blackmore has dropped a big update on the future of reported Aston Villa transfer target James Ward-Prowse…

What’s the talk?

The Radio Solent journalist has stated that the Southampton midfielder will not be leaving the south coast before the end of the transfer window.

He tweeted: “After the last 24 hours with Ings, Grealish, etc., and all the crazy gossip that goes along with it, it’s probably worth reiterating the point I’ve made previously, that Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse is going nowhere in this window.”

Aston Villa are interested in signing the England international this summer and have reportedly already had an offer of £25m rejected by the Saints.

Fans will be fuming

Aston Villa fans must be fuming with this update as it appears to rule out what would be a terrific signing for the club. Ward-Prowse is a proven Premier League performer and would be a superb addition to Dean Smith’s side, which is why supporters will surely be upset that he is now set to stay with Southampton.

The Englishman played every single minute of the Saints’ league campaign last term, averaging an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.07. He provided eight goals and seven assists from midfield, whilst also making 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game.

Of all the Villa players to feature in 10 or more Premier League matches last season, only Ollie Watkins (7.18) and Jack Grealish (7.56) managed higher average ratings than Ward-Prowse. This shows that the 26-year-old could come in at Villa Park and be one of the better performers at the club, as he has already shown that he can perform to a high standard in the top flight.

At the end of last season, Saints head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl called him “outstanding”. The Austrian told the Daily Echo: “It’s not surprising for me, a player who played every minute this season is unbelievable.

“His physicality and his performances are outstanding. That’s our captain on the pitch and he is on the way that he is a very important player for this club for the long-term, I think.”

This highlights Ward-Prowse’s quality at Premier League level and why he would surely improve Villa’s side. Therefore, supporters will be gutted over this update from Blackmore, with the midfielder now looking likely to be playing for Southampton rather than Villa in the 2021/22 campaign. It is now down to Johan Lange and Smith to identify alternative targets before the end of the transfer window.

AND in other news, “It might leave them a bit light” – Aston Villa journalist rules out exit for 27 y/o amid report…

West Ham United have been given a massive boost in their pursuit of Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard, after the Red Devils reduced their asking price for the England international [Daily Star].

Enjoying a superb loan spell on loan in East London during the second half of the 2020/21 campaign, Lingard registered 14 goal contributions in 19 appearances; nine goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could have a decision to make on his future following recent reports.

Manchester United have reduced his price-tag from £35 million to just £20 million, leaving the door ajar for a return to the London Stadium for the Carrington youth product [Daily Star].

As you can imagine, loads of West Ham United diehards took to Twitter to rejoice at these latest developments.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to popular West Ham outlet West Ham Transfers, here is what some fans had to say about the reported update:

“i’ll take him for 20m ngl”

Credit: @omz_yy

“Good price imo he performed so good last season and fit in well with the squad”

Credit: @HammerSamss”I think £20m is a bargain if we can get him playing like he did last season for us! That would be unreal!”Credit: @Josephsimon00″If this is true (which it probably isn’t), I’d happily take him back. For our best player in the second half of last season, £20 million would be an absolute bargain. Hopefully we ‘edge closer’ to signing him.”Credit: @andy_gi”Let’s hope so…”Credit: @aidan_in_sw16″Yeah he’s coming”Credit: @Joe_Parker0In other news, West Ham could swoop for a Czech First League star.

Daniel Pinder, the editor-in-chief of Get German Football News, has told Football FanCast that he has been impressed with on-loan Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Nigerian striker joined the Reds six years ago but is yet to make his first-team debut for Liverpool and has spent the previous seven seasons out on loan.

The most recent of those loan spells was in Germany with Union Berlin, where he scored five goals and laid on three assists in just 21 Bundesliga appearances.

A muscle problem saw Awoniyi restricted to just two substitute outings in the final three months of Union Berlin’s season, but the 23-year-old has emerged as a target for West Brom, who’ve recently got rid of both Charlie Austin and Hal Robson-Kanu and are looking to bolster their strike department.

Awoniyi has gained valuable experienece in Belgium and Holland over recent seasons but is yet to make a competitive appearance in English football, but is expected to be allowed to leave Liverpool, even with more than two years running on his Anfield contract.

Pinder told Football FanCast:

“He was on loan at Mainz last season, went back to Liverpool and how he is Union Berlin. He’s a player that has really impressed me.

“Five goals and three assists, and that run of five goals came across seven games, but then he picked up an injury and hasn’t been the same since.

“But he’s a player that puts himself around the box – he’s tall, strong, wins those aerial battles and holds onto the ball well and brings in his teammates.”

Crystal Palace are closing in on signing Reading’s Michael Olise after agreeing on personal terms with the midfielder, Football League World have reported.

The Lowdown: Christie and Rogers links

The Eagles have been strongly linked with two players after knowing that Patrick Vieira would be the man in the Selhurst Park dugout next season.

The first was Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie, with the Scot’s contract in Glasgow having just six months left to run. The other was for Manchester City youngster Morgan Rogers, with the 18-year-old seemingly fitting Palace’s profile for transfer additions this summer.

However, it appears as if Olise, who was described as ‘fearless’ by Royals teammate Sam Baldock, could well be Vieira’s first signing as Palace manager.

The Latest: Olise agrees personal terms

Reports emerged earlier in the week claiming that Palace have agreed on a deal to sign the Frenchman.

Football League World, who were informed by a source, shared a story on Wednesday claiming that personal terms have been reached. According to their report, a deal for Olise now looks set to go through, barring any late complications.

The Verdict: A smart addition

Olise has been on Palace’s radar for some time and will provide plenty of versatility for Vieira. He has already lined out in seven different positions in his 73 career appearances, with his main role coming as an attacking midfielder.

The teenager may well end up taking Eberechi Eze’s place at the beginning of the campaign following the latter’s serious injury, and Olise could well turn out to be a bargain buy in the long run for Palace.

In other news: ‘Oh yes’, ‘Games begin’, ‘I’m excited’ – Many CPFC fans buzzing as ‘class’ transfer news emerges, find out more here. 

After being knocked out of the Carabao Cup for the first time in five years by West Ham United, followed by losing 2-0 at home against Crystal Palace at the weekend in the Premier League, it’s safe to say it has been a disappointing week for Manchester City.

Their next match sees them back in Champions League action on Wednesday evening with a clash against Club Brugge, who City managed to convincingly beat 5-1 in their previous match against the Belgium club last month.

On the chalkboard

One player that did not feature in the defeat against Patrick Vieira’s side at the weekend that we feel should be in the starting XI in midweek to take on Brugge is midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan’s two previous appearances for the Manchester club saw him score a goal and earn himself an impressive overall match rating of 8/10 from SofaScore in their 4-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League as well as being City’s highest-rated player in the Cup defeat at West Ham with a rating of 7.9/10, also from SofaScore.

This shows that the midfielder, who has been described as one of the most “intelligent” players Pep Guardiola has seen throughout his career, can be a vital figure for the Citizens and why we feel he should be in the starting XI to face Brugge. That’s especially given how he should be well-rested for the game after he didn’t play against Palace.

The German international joined City back during the 2016 summer transfer window from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth a reported fee of £20m.

Since then, the 31-year-old, who is currently valued at £36m according to Transfermarkt, has made 220 appearances for the current reigning Premier League champions across all competitions in which he has managed to score 41 goals and provide 28 assists along the way, showing how much of an attacking threat he is from midfield and a real game-changer for the team.

Last season saw Gundogan end City’s Premier League campaign as their top goalscorer with 13 goals under his belt.

Looking ahead to the Brugge match, we feel that the £140k-per-week earner should be in the starting XI so Guardiola can rotate some of his midfield options and rest some that he may want to be fully prepared for their next Premier League match at the weekend against rivals Manchester United.

In other news: Fernandino heir apparent: Pep could save Man City millions with “aggressive” 17 y/o – opinion

Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Boubacar Kamara in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Kamara impresses

Kamara impressed while playing for Marseille in the 2020/21 season, helping them reach fifth spot in the Ligue 1 table.

He played in 35 matches in total in the division, winning 6.9 of his duels per game while also averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.3 clearances and one interception per match (Sofascore).

The Latest: Cut-price move?

As per The Daily Mail, the St. James’ Park faithful are hoping that they can sign Kamara for a fee in the region of £12m, given that he only has a year left on his current deal in France.

This would certainly be a bargain for the North East club, given that he is currently valued at £33.3m by Transfermarkt.

The Verdict: Sign

If the Tyneside club can end up signing Kamara for £12m, then it would certainly be some shrewd business considering his age and market value.

Once dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by his former teammate Rolando back in May 2020, the 21-year-old clearly has a lot of potential, and has shown maturity at such a young age by being able to play in a number of different positions (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, he will be full of confidence coming off the back of such a good individual season, and is certainly a player that Steve Bruce should be finding room in his squad for.

In other news, find out what Mike Ashley has recently told the takeover consortium here!

Noel Whelan has offered his thoughts on what the future holds for Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara… 

What’s the talk?

Former Leeds forward Noel Whelan has suggested that Rangers will refuse to cash in on Glen Kamara in the January transfer window.

He has claimed that the Gers would sell him next summer, with his contract expiring in 2023, and that a contract extension would need to be sorted before the winter market opens.

Whelan told Football Insider:

“Contract talks are never easy, especially when you’re trying to keep big players at the club.

“It’s especially hard when there’s a real possibility of selling him at the end of the season.

“It will be the end of the season if he is sold.

“There’s no way Rangers would sell in January when they’ll still be fighting for Europe and fighting to retain the title.

“If the deal is to be signed, you would expect that all parties would have agreed to it by January.”

Fans will be delighted

Rangers fans will be delighted with these comments from Whelan as it could be a huge boost to the club if his prediction comes to fruition. Having Kamara at Ibrox for the entire campaign could improve their chances of being successful, as he is a crucial member of Steven Gerrard’s squad.

The central midfielder played in 33 of Rangers’ Scottish Premiership matches last season as they won the league title ahead of Celtic. He averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 6.99, winning 59% of his midfield battles against the opposition over the course of the campaign.

Neil McCann, his former manager at Dundee United, claimed that the Finland international was ‘perfect’ for him. He said of Kamara: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect.

McCann added: “He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

His statistics from last season and these quotes from McCann highlight Kamara’s quality and why he is an important player for Rangers. Therefore, fans will be buzzing if he does not depart in January, as it would mean they are able to enjoy his talents for at least five more months than they would otherwise.

Arsenal reportedly made a move for the £6.2k-per-week beast during the last transfer window, which shows the level of club currently looking at Kamara. Rangers may not be able to hold off Premier League interest forever, but ensuring that he remains at their club for the entire season, to help retain the title, would delight supporters.

AND in other news, Gerrard issues update on £27k-p/w “mountain” that’ll leave Rangers fans concerned…