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Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips is likely to sign a new contract with the Whites in the near future, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Phillips’ future up in the air

Phillips has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years, playing a key role in Leeds’ return to the Premier League and maturing into one of England’s best players.

It has led to reports linking him with a move away from Elland Road, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2024,  there is concern that he could move elsewhere in the not-too-distant future.

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The Latest: Hays says new deal expected

Hay has provided a key nine-word update on the situation for The Athletic, however, easing supporters’ fears and confirming that he thinks a new deal will be sorted soon:

“Expect a new contract to be agreed before long.”

The reliable reporter admitted at the same time that the midfielder may have his head turned by interest from huge clubs, but a new deal would of course ensure the Whites bank a massive profit off any potential move.

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The Verdict: Can they keep him?

This would be a massive boost for Leeds, with Phillips surely the first name on Marcelo Bielsa’s team-sheet, given his huge influence in midfield, averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.2 dribbles per game in the league this season.

Granted, it wouldn’t guarantee that the England international would stay forever, but it would mean they could receive an enormous fee for his services further down the line.

The decision will ultimately lie with Phillips, in terms of his long-term future, but the hope is of course that he stays loyal for many more years to come.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly agreed personal terms with one player. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United have reportedly identified West Ham star Declan Rice as their priority midfield transfer target for next summer.

What’s the story?

According to the Manchester Evening News, United chiefs have already held talks the potential framework for a deal to sign the highly-rated 22-year-old as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to strengthen his engine room options.

The report states: “Rice is contracted to West Ham until 2024, but he is not expected to sign a new contract, making a move probable next summer as the Londoners would be under pressure to cash in.

“United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted a new midfielder in the recently closed summer window but accepted there was a high possibility the club would not sign one, as United had prioritised a right-winger and a centre-back.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be elated

Rice has become an integral part of West Ham’s side since making his first team debut back in 2017, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 148 appearances for the capital club.

The England international’s magnificent performances in the centre of the pitch have caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including Match of the Day pundit and Alan Shearer.

“He’s still only 22, and this is what he does really well. I think he reads the game, he’s obviously got an excellent partnership with (Tomas) Soucek in the midfield,” said the former Newcastle United legend (as relayed by This is Futbol).

“He keeps it simple; he stops teams attacking, can play, can pass, breaks it up and then sets his team on the front foot. I think he’s an excellent player.”

Rice’s ability to curtail opposition attacks and start one of his own is a set of assets which Solskjaer arguably lacks in his current first team squad.

While defensive midfielders Fred and Scott McTominay have performed admirably in tandem when played in a double pivot, the Norwegian is believed to want a holding player who is capable of providing a solid midfielder foundation on his own.

Although there’s no guarantee that Rice would be able to do so, his promising performances for club and country indicate that he’s probably up to the job, and therefore Solskjaer will be elated that United’s hierarchy are preparing a move for the youngster.

In other news… Man Utd suffer big selection setback pre-Newcastle United, Ole will be gutted 

Fabrizio Romano claimed on Saturday that Poland are ready to approach Aston Villa’s Matty Cash over a possible switch of nationalities.

And a number of Villa supporters have been giving their thoughts to the update on social media.

Cash, who qualifies for Poland through family on his mother’s side, had been reluctant to turn away from England as he has hopes of turning out for England.

The 24-year-old hasn’t featured for The Three Lions at any level, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier all seemingly ahead of him in Gareth Southgate’s right-back ranks.

According to Romano, Cash is ‘open’ to the opportunity of playing for Poland and is waiting for a passport to go through.

Villa fans react

Romano posted the news regarding Cash on Twitter on Saturday afternoon, hours before he netted his first Villa goal in a 3-0 win over Everton.

This is what some Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘interesting’.

“I think he should accept it. I don’t see there is much of a chance he would get into the England squad as there are approximately 4178.9 RB that’s capable to be in the England squad right now.”

Credit: @rico_chong

“great move for him he’d be their starting rb”

Credit: @luke1874_

“Hope he goes for it. England are stacked in that position.”

Credit: @JayVtid

“interesting”

Credit: @Kim_UTV

“makes perfect sense really”

Credit: @avbiIly

“Looks like our all English back 4 is coming to an end. Understand why Cash has done it. England has so many good RB !”

Credit: @seanlangley94

In other news: Source says Lange wants 40-goal ace on £25k-p/w for Villa; he’s scoring a goal per game. 

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has provided two positive updates on Celtic’s pursuit of striker Georgios Giakoumakis and defender Liam Scales.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou wants three more?

Even though Celtic have already spent over £17m on eight first-team additions his summer, it seems as if they could make more over the next seven days.

The Daily Record stated on Sunday night that Postecoglou would like a centre-back on loan, a versatile midfielder and a forward, should Odsonne Edouard leave.

That forward could well be Giakoumakis, who has reportedly approached Celtic after talks with Werder Bremen, and it seems as if a move to Parkhead is gathering pace.

The Latest: Joseph’s posts

Joseph took to Twitter to provide an update on Giakoumakis, revealing that Werder Bremen are looking at other options after struggling to finance a deal.

VVV-Venlo’s talks with Celtic for the forward are progressing well, with the Dutch side wanting a 15% sell-on clause included.

Joseph then replied to a fan who asked him about Scales, admitting he doesn’t expect any issues in regards to a transfer going through.

The Verdict: Good news

Centre-back Scales and Giakoumakis, an out and out centre-forward, could go a long way in Postecoglou’s requests of a centre-back, versatile midfielder and forward before the end of the month.

McKay may well make the pair the club’s ninth and tenth Celtic additions relatively soon, which could leave him with an Edouard exit to sort out and a versatile midfielder late in the window.

The quicker those deals can get over the line the better, though, as you’d expect the club wouldn’t want to leave too much business for the final hours.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano is talking Celtic transfers again, find out what it’s about here.

Many Sunderland fans were absolutely delighted with the performance of Callum Doyle during their 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic last Saturday.

The Black Cats got their campaign off to the best possible start as they picked up three points against the Latics. Gwion Edwards gave Wigan the lead, but Aiden McGeady levelled from the spot soon afterwards before Ross Stewart netted to give the home side the victory.

The weekend’s clash was Doyle’s first game for the Wearsiders since making the move on loan from Manchester City (Transfermarkt). The 17-year-old played beyond his years at the heart of the back four, winning four duels and making four interceptions (Sofascore) and Lee Johnson will be hoping that the  teenager can have a big impact on his team’s fortunes as they target promotion to the Championship.

It was a video from Twitter user @VickyKDB_MCFC which prompted numerous Sunderland fans to praise the teenager. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on his “ridiculous” Black Cats debut.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Doyle’s performance

“Absolute quality.”

Credit: @PhilipCh42

“This kid is going to be something special”

Credit: @swinneymr

“I said mate he’s ridiculous for his age and I think he’ll go far in the game. Wish we could have got him for 2 seasons which was what was originally reported”

Credit: @Baldy_95

“Callum Doyle was like a Rolls Royce yesterday. He oozes class and has a big future ahead of him”

Credit: @DaveyPalmer1

“Some fans already calling him the Manchester Maldini. Playing beyond his years already. City have got a gem, just hope he develops like his potential is showing”

Credit: @podmundo

“Unreal lads, fan favourite already. Very strong in the air and when he gets by any stretch ‘beaten’ his blistering pace pays up, great. Bullied the most physical striker in the league last season. Cracking ball playing centre back.”

Credit: @LewisBa98875240

In other news, many Sunderland fans love this man’s appointment.

Nottingham Forest have completed a deal to bring Jordi Osei-Tutu to the City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a story that was first broken by Daniel Taylor, with The Athletic journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Dane Murphy was nearing the signing of the Arsenal right-back, the Garibaldi announced in their own post on Tuesday evening that a deal for the 22-year-old had been finalised, with the highly-rated youngster joining on a season-long loan deal.

In his tweet, Taylor said: “One of Arsenal’s talented young players expected to become Nottm Forest’s next arrival. Jordi Osei-Tutu, a right-back, had an impressive loan spell at VfL Bochum previously. Injuries with Cardiff last season, but well regarded in AFC set-up. NFFC proposing loan.”

Hughton will be buzzing

With right-back having been something of a problem area for Forest this summer, as Chris Hughton has informed Carl Jenkinson that he is free to leave the club, leaving Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel as the 62-year-old’s only viable option in the position, the fact that Murphy has finally got a deal over the line to bring in a new face on the right-hand side of defence is sure to have left the Reds boss buzzing.

Indeed, over his 21 2.Bundesliga appearances while on loan at Bochum back in 2019/20, the £1.08m-rated man highly impressed, scoring five goals and registering two assists, as well as making an average of 0.9 key passes and taking 0.9 shots per game.

The Arsenal starlet also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 0.5 clearances and winning 5.4 duels per match, with these returns seeing the £2.5k-per-week defender earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.75.

As such, not only will Hughton be provided with cover and competition for Lawrence-Gabriel in the signing of Osei-Tutu, he will also be getting a player who is extremely adept both going forwards and at the back – something that will undoubtedly delight the manager.

In other news: Forest dealt blow over “one of the best” ahead of Bradford tie, Hughton will be gutted

A number of Liverpool fans have hailed Joel Matip after he turned down the opportunity to come out of international retirement for Cameroon.

The Reds have made a perfect start to the 2021/22 season, cruising to back-to-back victories against Norwich City and Burnley.

Jurgen Klopp’s side look primed for another assault on the Premier League title, with key men available again after long absences.

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One player who has shone greatly in the opening weeks of the campaign is Matip, who has looked a class act alongside Virgil van Dijk.

The 30-year-old’s injury problems are well-documented, but when he is fit, he rarely lets Liverpool down.

Matip is currently retired from international duty and Cameroon manager Tony Conceicao has confirmed [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter] that he has opted not to do a u-turn on that decision:

“The situation of Matip is not new. There are players who wanted to come back to the national team. For me there is no need to enlist a player who is not ready to return. Matip does not want to return to the national team, that is the issue.”

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Liverpool fans delighted with Matip news

These Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to hail the decision, showing their love for the centre-back in the process.

“BIG JOEL”

Credit: @Branno92

“Right thing to do”

Credit: @thomasyolain

“Scouse not Cameroonian is a new one”

Credit: @kungfunahi

“Absolute king”

Credit: @beamerrrrr

“Yes!! No.20 is more important”

Credit: @LiverpoolFCKen2

“My goat”

Credit: @_Sismo__

“siuuuuuuuuuuuuu”

Credit: @isaclfc

“Yes Matip”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans are buzzing after one key development at Anfield. Read more here.

Crystal Palace have suffered a potentially significant blow in their pursuit of West Bromwich Albion midfielder Matheus Pereira.

What’s the story?

According to ESPN Brazil, West Ham United are now leading the race to sign the highly-rated 25-year-old, with fellow Premier League sides Leeds United and Palace also keen to secure his signature.

However, the report claims that the Hammers have moved ahead of their domestic rivals as Pereira wants to play European football next term, something only David Moyes’ men can offer.

Patrick Vieira will be gutted

The Baggies are reportedly set to demand £30m for their South American star this summer after a magnificent 2020/21 caught the eye of several top teams.

Despite West Brom being struck in the relegation zone for the majority of the Premier League season, Pereira bagged 11 goals and provided six assists in 33 top-flight appearances.

His impressive haul and magnificent displays earned several plaudits, including BBC pundit and former Everton midfielder Leon Osman, who praised his set-piece delivery.

“It’s a wonderful corner. We’ve seen Matheus Pereira try this a few times. He tries to find it under the crossbar, inside the goal frame, to see if anyone gets on the end of it,” said Osman.

“Matt Phillips made himself a handful for the goalkeeper, but it’s a wonderful delivery from Pereira.”

The ESPN report claims that Vieira’s side are yet to make contact with West Brom for the Brazilian’s services, but news that West Ham are in pole position will still leave the French tactician feeling gutted.

Vieira has made a solid start to his extensive squad rebuild at Selhurst Park, bringing in Michael Olise and Marc Guehi from Reading and Chelsea, respectively, but many more fresh faces are needed ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The departures of experienced duo James McCarthy and James McArthur have left a sizeable gap in the capital club’s engine room, while Eberechi Eze’s long-term injury has left them short on creativity.

Therefore, Pereira would be able to solve two issues for Vieira such is his quality and versatility, meaning the former Nice boss will be disappointed at this latest revelation.

And, in other news…Get it done: Parish must sanction Palace swoop for £12m prodigy, Vieira would love him 

Many Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to a report from the BBC regarding manager target Patrick Vieira.

News broke on Tuesday lunchtime that Palace are set to appoint the Frenchman as their new boss after an agreement in principle was reached.

The club have begun the process in regards to a work permit for the 45-year-old, and the BBC provided an update on Tuesday evening.

They claim that Vieira could be confirmed as Roy Hodgson’s successor in the next 24 hours.

Talks between the two parties have progressed quickly, and Vieira, who has been out of work since December, is set to sign a three-year contract at Selhurst Park.

It appears to be third time lucky for Palace, who came close in their attempts to land Nuno Espirito Santo and Lucien Favre.

Palace fans react

Both @cpfc_xtra and @CPFCtransfersHQ shared the BBC’s claim on Twitter on Tuesday evening.

This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply…

“Parish is a failure”Credit: @StatmanOli”Can’t believe this is happening but I’ll get behind him. Have no reason not to at present.”Credit: @unknownbald”Oh dear!”Credit: @neiog”God help us.”Credit: @ShirePuggins”Why is he so bad?”Credit: @Lewisgcpfc”Let’s back him and enjoy”Credit: @Kevbartleyy

In other news: Eagles keen on international midfielder, find out more here. 

According to a report by Foot Mercato, both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have set their sights on Lyon defender Joachim Andersen this summer.

The Lowdown: Spurs in defender chase…

Tottenham are aiming to oversee a major revamp of their backline this transfer window, with players expected to revolve in and out the door.

Centre-half has long been a problem position for Spurs and it is claimed that they could target at least two new acquisitions in that area (Football Insider).

The Latest: Spurs set sights on Andersen…

As per Foot Mercato, Spurs and Manchester United have set their sights on Andersen this summer and have an eye for the colossal Danish defender.

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He spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Fulham in what was an impressive Premier League stint, averaging the second-most clearances (4.8) and winning more aerial duels (3.2) per game than any other Cottagers player (WhoScored).

While both Spurs and the Red Devils keep watch, it is claimed that Ligue 1 giants Lyon could even sell for what seems to be a reasonable price. Indeed, the French news source claims that his summer sale is expected at around €30m (£25.6m).

The Verdict: Get it done…

For a valuation this low, we believe that Spurs should waste no time whatsoever in swooping this summer.

The 25-year-old’s quality is perhaps best summed up by members of the English press, with Daily Mirror journalist John Cross lauding Andersen as ‘magnificent’ after he helped to shut out Liverpool at Anfield (Twitter).

Capable defenders at a good age with English top-flight experience are a rarity, especially for just £25.6m, so what are the Lilywhites waiting for?

In other news: ‘In recent days’…Spurs have now made an approach to sign this £34.4m ‘genius’, find out more here.