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Leicester City have been handed a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of West Bromwich Albion midfielder Matheus Pereira.

What’s the story?

The 25-year-old Brazilian has been heavily linked with several Premier League sides, including Leicester, in recent weeks after suffering relegation with the Baggies last season.

Continued speculation over Pereira’s future led to new Albion boss Valerien Ismael questioning his commitment at the weekend (as reported by the Leicester Mercury).

“He was clear he wants to leave,” said Ismael. “He is not committed to the Championship and not committed to us. I said I accept this decision, but I have to take my decision, and now we need to solve the situation.”

However, the French-German tactician’s bold statement didn’t go down well with Pereira, who responded with a passionate statement of his own.

“I remained silent and was not going to address anything until after the transfer window out of respect for the fans and my teammates, however after being called ‘not committed’ I felt extremely disrespected as a professional, I’ve been living off football since I was 12 years old, I chose to give up family time and ordinary fun to chase after a dream of a better future for myself and those around me…

“I want to leave, I want to seek new experiences, but want to do this in a fair and correct manner. I will be forever grateful to WBA, to its fans and to every single professional who works at the club and who welcomed me with open arms,” the statement read.

Fans will surely be buzzing

News that Pereira wants to leave the Hawthorns and that Ismael has accepted his decision will surely leave the Leicester supporters buzzing with excitement.

Nate Weiss, one of his coaches during a loan spell with German outfit Nurnberg, described the South American as “genius” in a previous interview, and his impressive exploits in the Premier League last season give credence to that bold statement.

Despite West Brom being marooned in the relegation zone for much of the campaign, Pereira still bagged 11 goals and provided a further six assists for his teammates in 33 top-flight appearances.

Those tallies far exceeded the output of Leicester pair Dennis Praet and Ayoze Perez in 2020/21, highlighting the added quality that the former Sporting Lisbon ace would bring to the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes will be aiming to finally break into the top four next term after consecutive fifth-place finishes under Brendan Rodgers, but in order to do that, the Northern Irish boss will need strength in depth throughout his squad.

Thursday night fixtures in the Europa League will make the Foxes task even harder, meaning Rodgers will need multiple options in each position for him to be able to fight on several fronts.

Therefore, Pereira would be an ideal acquisition for the Midlands outfit this summer, and the club’s fanbase will surely be urging Jon Rudkin to bring him to the club.

And, in other news…Leicester plot big-money move for £31.5m-rated magician, fans will be buzzing 

Despite holding talks with Nuno Espirito Santo, Tottenham Hotspur are said to also admire three other options as the search for their next manager rumbles on…

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Spurs have spoken to the former Wolves boss about their managerial vacancy, discussing his style of play, Harry Kane’s future and Heung-min Son’s new contract.

However, it has been revealed that he isn’t the only man under consideration, as other targets include Rangers’ Steven Gerrard, Italy head coach Roberto Mancini and Brighton boss Graham Potter.

The 47-year-old left Molineux by mutual consent after four years following the end of the 2020/21 season and many supporters have been opposed to his potential arrival.

Fresh twist in the tale?

Therefore, they will be very happy to learn that Nuno isn’t the only candidate being considered by the north London club’s hierarchy.

It’s been a long nine weeks since Jose Mourinho was sacked by chairman Daniel Levy but, with pre-season only ten days away, a decision must be made soon, and it’s one which has a lot of pressure riding on it after protests from supporters in recent months.

The need to get the appointment absolutely correct has been ramped up tenfold as, with each passing week, it seems as if a new name has rejected the job, so perhaps it’s a good thing that all their eggs aren’t in Nuno’s basket – yet.

Initial targets Julian Nagelsmann, who opted to join Bayern Munich, and Brendan Rodgers, who wants to remain at Leicester City, were quickly ruled out of the running.

Spurs even held talks with their former boss Mauricio Pochettino over a sensational return before they appeared to be close to sealing Chelsea’s title-winning head coach Antonio Conte. Neither were appointed.

Then there was former Serie A duo Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso, who were thought to be pursued by new sporting director Fabio Paratici, but once again moves for both collapsed at the 11th hour.

Nuno is the latest name to be considered the ‘leading candidate’ for the Spurs job, but given what’s happened in this process so far, you’d have to take it with a pinch of salt.

What is clear, however, is that much of the Lilywhites faithful do not want him in charge next season, so reports that the likes of Gerrard and Mancini have emerged as new contenders should come as hugely encouraging news.

AND in other news, Predicting Spurs’ XI in 2021/22 under Graham Potter: Kane stays, Alli starts and Brighton star one of three signings…

Liverpool are set to play Rangers in a friendly, which will see Steven Gerrard enter the Anfield dugout as a manager for the first time [This is Anfield].

Due to restrictions imposed on travel due to the pandemic, the Reds are expected stay local in their 2021/22 pre-season preparations [Daily Record].

The event is mooted to be scheduled for around late July, potentially in line to be the first full capacity game at Anfield since Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid in March 2020 [BBC].

The former Liverpool captain won’t be the only individual returning to the Merseyside giants, as former Liverpool coaches Michael Beale, Gary McAllister, Tom Culshaw and Gary Milson alongside ex-player Ryan Kent get set to re-acquaint with Jurgen Klopps’s side [This Is Anfield].

Excited by the news, loads of Liverpool fans took to Twitter to share their excitement regarding these latest developments.

Liverpool fans react:

Here is what some Liverpool fans had to say upon hearing about the clash:

“This could be a belter of a pre season game”

Credit: @Jack_Rogers97″Saw this coming. Can’t wait.”Credit: @HeGotStripes”Omg this’ll be amazing!”Credit: @_sarahah__”IM SO EXCITED, I JUST CANT HIDE IT.”Credit: @salahvvd”WOW!!! CAN’T WAIT!!!”Credit: @liaPurnama09″Lmaoooo. This is going to be a very crazy game”Credit: @Bami_MaveIn other news, Liverpool fans react to a Caoimhin Kelleher update.

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is eyeing a move for Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Leeds boss was reported to have wanted to sign the 25-year-old prior to his £13.5m move to the south coast in the summer of 2018 and appears to have kept tabs on his progress ever since.

Football Insider claim that despite newly-promoted Norwich having agreed a fee with the Saints, Bielsa’s side are looking to “hijack” the deal.

The report reveals that Leeds have registered their interest in the goalkeeper as they look to swoop in late, and that Gunn is seen as the perfect cover for Illan Meslier as they look to offload Kiko Casilla.

Perfect back-up for Meslier

Hailed as being “tremendous” by former Southampton boss Mark Hughes, and someone who could eventually be an England international, Gunn could finally arrive at Elland Road after a few years of Bielsa wanting him.

Gunn is on around £4ok-per-week at St Mary’s, which isn’t much of a financial gamble for Andrea Radrizzani to take, and in signing him, he would give Bielsa someone who’s Premier League experienced and capable of providing back-up to Meslier.

The Saints stopper has played top-flight football with the Saints, as well as enjoying Championship stints with the likes of Norwich and Stoke.

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And, at 25, he still has plenty of years to develop and he could give Leeds and Bielsa a number of seasons keeping Meslier on his toes.

The Leeds boss will surely be buzzing at the prospect of seeing the club potentially landing a man he first wanted back in 2018.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a major Leeds United transfer update…

Dean Windass has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Josh Windass’ Sheffield Wednesday future is unlikely to be resolved until the players are paid.

The former Hull City striker revealed that the Owls squad haven’t been paid for more than two months, which could prove a barrier in deciding where his son will be playing his football next season.

Josh still has 12 months remaining on his Hillsborough contract, but has been the subject to recent interest from Championship outfit Millwall, who have had two bids knocked back.

The 27-year-old was the Owls’ standout player last season, scoring nine times and adding six assists – contributing to almost 40 percent of their league goals.

However, Josh’s impressive numbers couldn’t save Wednesday from slipping into the second-tier, which has led to serious doubts over his future.

But Windass has reiterated that despite interest from the Lions and other Championship, his son wants to remain with the club and would be happy to play in League One.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“It’s a difficult situation, because they’ve not been paid for two months, so I’m not sure what intentions Sheffield Wednesday have got.

“He’s happy to stay there if everything gets resolved. I don’t know the answer, obviously Darren Moore doesn’t want to lose him, but the players have got to get paid and once that gets resolved, the situation might change.”

Many Wolves fans have been left to buzz as Tim Spiers shared the name of a new manager candidate.

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, the journalist has shared that Steven Gerrard is being looked at by the Midlands club as a potential replacement for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Frank Lampard is also on the running, while Bruno Lage still remains the frontrunner, although Gerrard was certainly the name that caught the eye the most among the Molineux faithful.

The Liverpool and England international legend has just enjoyed a great season with Rangers, winning the Scottish Premiership title off of the hands of Celtic while also going through the Gers’ league campaign without a single defeat.

Of course, Gerrard knows the Premier League very well too, and so he has emerged as an ideal successor in the eyes of several WWFC supporters.

Wolves fans on Gerrard manager update

These Wanderers buzzed as Spiers shared the update on Gerrard on his Twitter page:

“Gerrard…. no brainer”

Credit: @nakedguyonvespa

“I think most of us want Gerrard”

Credit: @MarkTFillingham

“If Gerrard is an option we should go all out for him”

Credit: @Vaughany1973

“Gerrard please.”

Credit: @Supermancooks

“Gerrard all day”

Credit: @DanielSparkrite

“Gerrard. Got to be.”

Credit: @goggs19591

In other news, find out what transfer update has left Wanderers buzzing here!

Lots of Everton fans have been left to fume as Fabrizio Romano has dropped a transfer update on their pursuit of Max Aarons.

As per a tweet from the Italian football journalist and transfer guru which emerged on Wednesday afternoon, new clubs are joining the race to sign the Norwich City star, and the Goodison Park faithful are now looking at other players.

This has not been met very well by several supporters of the Merseyside club, given how excited some of they were over Romano’s last and much more optimistic update involving them and Aarons.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team are in desperate need of cover at right-back, especially given the fact that Seamus Coleman is now 32 years of age, and Aarons, being just 21 and off the back of a promotion-winning season with the Canaries, could well be an ideal fit, providing that a suitable fee can be agreed between the two clubs.

Everton fans on Aarons transfer update

These Toffees supporters fumed after Romano shared his transfer update on Twitter:

“That’s such a weak mentality, give up on your next right back for the next 10 years because other teams want him pathetic. He’s obviously very good. Make it happen @Everton”

Credit: @S34nR

“Nooooooo we want Maxxxx”Credit: @LouisMeliaEFC”Should have left this one in the drafts Fab x”Credit: @MainManMina”If we don’t get Aarons I’ll be annoyed we’ve been linked with since last summer”Credit: @jay_smith1″Centre-back is the least of our problems, looks like Aarons is off now as well.. typical.”Credit: @KaneEFCH”Are you having a laugh?”Credit: @lewissefcIn other news, find out what transfer update has left Blues gushing here!

Dean Smith could help build a dream future at Aston Villa by signing Bournemouth’s exciting starlet Ajani Burchall.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that Dean Smith’s side are one of a number of teams including the likes of fellow Premier League clubs Leeds and Arsenal who are eyeing up a summer move for the 16-year-old.

Now, Burchall himself has confirmed that he will be leaving the Cherries this summer via his official Instagram page, and thereby opening the door to a move to Villa Park.

Imagine him and Chukwuemeka

With Villa’s academy side in the FA Youth Cup final, it’s no surprise that the club have got a number of stand-out young players, not least Carney Chukwuemeka.

The midfielder came on to make his Premier League debut against Spurs on Wednesday night, and if the club can convince him to stay at the club for the future, could be lining up alongside Burchall.

The 16-year-old Cherries starlet can play on either flank, and is clearly already making big impressions at the club having already made his senior debut for them.

In fact, Burchall’s teammate at Bournemouth, Steve Cook, said after his first-team debut for the club: “You could see how special a player he is. His first involvement was checked his shoulder, cut across a player and won his foul. For a 16-year-old, that awareness, that knowhow, I think the club have produced a really good player.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/villa-dean-smith-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-premier-league-buendia-berge-mcneil-trezeguet-villa-park” title=”Read the latest Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

“On Saturday we had a few players who have come through the youth system, so it’s terrific. The club’s been known for that and I think Ajani has got great talent. He obviously can’t train with us day-to-day because he’s at school! But I’m sure he’s got a very good future and a very proud moment for his family.”

If Smith can land the teenager this summer, then he could add him to the list of exciting young talents already at Villa’s disposal.

Meanwhile, this Villa man stole the show vs Spurs…

Crystal Palace are closing in on former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo as they search for Roy Hodgson’s successor.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports, the Eagles have held three days’ worth of talks with the 47-year-old, who is the favourite to fill the Selhurst Park vacancy.

The report claims that Espirito Santo is keen on an immediate return to management following his surprise Molineux departure, and he feels that he has a point to prove.

Fans will be buzzing

Several well-known names have been linked with replacing Hodgson in south London, including Frank Lampard, Eddie Howe and Patrick Vieira, but it seems as though the highly-rated ex-Wolves boss has jumped to the front of the queue.

Espirito Santo impressed throughout his four-year stay with the Midlands outfit, achieving promotion from the Championship, consecutive seventh-place Premier League finishes, a run to the quarter-finals of the Europa League and a place in the FA Cup semi-final.

His impressive work has earned him a healthy reputation in English football, and Palace chairman Steve Parish is evidently amongst the Portuguese manager’s admirers.

If Espirito Santo does take control of the capital club, then he’ll face a daunting first task of rebuilding large sections of the first-team squad.

Over a dozen players are approaching the end of their current contracts with the Eagles, while star man Wilfried Zaha has once again been linked with a move away from his boyhood club amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.

Therefore, news that an experienced and well-respected figure has held extensive talks with the Palace hierarchy will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

Hodgson may have brought a sense of stability and calmness to Selhurst Park during his tenure, but the 73-year-old has hardly left the playing squad in a prosperous position.

Appointing a manager with Premier League experience, a defined playing style and a proven track record would certainly be an astute move by Parish, and the fanbase will be buzzing with this news and they will be urging the Palace chief to get this deal over the line.

And, in other news…Parish must sanction CPFC swoop for “unbelievable” £36m-rated gem who’s “Drogba-esque” 

Reported Southampton transfer target Tammy Abraham is said to be looking to leave Chelsea this summer and after he was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the FA Cup semi-final last weekend, it is looking increasingly likely that he won’t be at Stamford Bridge next season.

According to Eurosport, Southampton and West Ham are both considering moves for the England international this summer, as he continues to struggle for game time under Chelsea’s new manager.

It was suggested at the time that Abraham could look for a new venture ahead of next season and it feels as if his complete omission for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final could be the final straw for the young striker at Chelsea.

Since Tuchel’s appointment on the 26th January, Abraham has completed 90 minutes just once in a 1-0 FA Cup win against Barnsley when he scored, so it is perhaps surprising that he has been used so sparingly in the Premier League and Champions League by the former PSG and Borussia Dortmund boss.

Despite his lack of minutes this season, the former Aston Villa loanee has six goals in just 12 top-flight starts this season, as well as six goals in cup competitions, so it is clear that he can be relied upon to find the back of the net when he features.

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The 23-year-old striker was prolific during his time with the Villans in the Championship, hitting 25 goals in 37 league appearances, which led Jack Grealish to sing his praises on Instagram last year, saying:

“Unbelievable. Couldn’t believe how good he was with the ball for how tall he is. Loved playing with him.”

Given that Southampton spent the majority of their FA Cup semi-final launching long balls to Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond, having a striker such as the six-foot-three Abraham certainly seems like a good idea ahead of next season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431″]

It certainly seems likely that he will depart Stamford Bridge, so Martin Semmens should do everything he can to bring the striker to St Mary’s, as he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

And, in other news… Ralph blew it: Hasenhuttl’s tactical blunder cost Saints at Wembley, they were woeful