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Dean Windass is confident that West Ham will sign Jesse Lingard before the transfer window closes later this month.

Lingard has been linked with a return to the London Stadium following his memorable loan spell during the second half of last season, with The Athletic claiming last month that he would cost £30m.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has previously said that Lingard is part of his plans for the current season despite the array of attacking players at his disposal.

Lingard featured heavily in pre-season, but a positive COVID-19 test saw him miss out on being involved in United’s opening-day victory over Leeds.

He was back in the frame at Southampton on Sunday – and made his first Premier League appearance for the Red Devils since the final day of the 2019-2020 campaign.

But Lingard played only the final five minutes, which suggests he’s some way down the pecking order, with both Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford to come back into the fold.

West Ham first-team coach Stuart Pearce recently told talkSPORT that West Ham are still interested in signing him, and Windass exclusively told FFC that he will return to east London:

“I think West Ham will do that. I just can’t see him being at Manchester United with Sancho coming in now, and you’ve still got Martial and Dan James.”

Newcastle United are reportedly now weighing up a move to sign Rob Dickie before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Dickie impressing

Dickie has been impressing so far this season at Queens Park Rangers, helping them take four points from their opening two games in the EFL Championship (BBC Sport).

The central defender has won no fewer than ten of his duels per game in the division, and has also averaged 3.5 clearances, 1,5 tackles and one interception per match, scoring two goals and keeping one clean sheet (Sofascore).

The Latest: Dickie eyed

As per Football Insider, the St. James’ Park faithful as well as both Leeds United and Wolves are now weighing up a move for Dickie, with the other two teams currently monitoring his situation at QPR at the moment.

It is understood that the London side are reluctant to sell him, given that he has a contract there until 2024, but they are bracing themselves for interest late into the window.

The Verdict: Sign

Given his impressive form so far in the Championship, Dickie is certainly ready to make a step up to the Premier League, and the Magpies could be the perfect club for him to go to.

Described as a ‘very talented’ player by manager Mark Warburton back in December, the six-foot-three colossus should give the North East club a threat in both boxes, and being English, would help fill their home-grown quota.

At 25 years of age, he still has potential to grow too, and so he should certainly be a player that the Tyneside club should be looking to sign as soon as possible.

In other news, find out what the latest is on NUFC’s alleged pursuit of this £55k-p/w ace here!

Leicester City are reportedly closing in on the signature of Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard after reaching an agreement with the Saints.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph, Leicester have had a £15 million offer accepted by the south coast club for their 29-year-old centre-back, who is now set to discuss personal terms with The Foxes.

The report claims that Vestergaard has already told teammates that he expects to move to the King Power Stadium this summer after becoming eager for a new challenge in his career.

Brendan Rodgers’ charges were first linked with a move for the Denmark international in January 2020, but with the 6 ft 5 beast only having one year remaining on his current contract, City have been able to get him for a reduced fee in the current window.

Brendan Rodgers will be over the moon

Leicester have been searching for a central defender all summer following former club captain Wes Morgan’s retirement, and Wesley Fofana’s horrific injury only accelerated their search.

Several names such as Ozan Kabak, Issa Diop and James Tarkowski were rumoured to be on the club’s wish list, but it’s Vestergaard who the FA Cup holders have eventually opted for.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach defender enjoyed a stellar 2020/21 campaign at the St. Mary’s Stadium, scoring three goals in 30 Premier League appearances, achieving a highly respectable 6.89 WhoScored rating along the way.

His impressive performances attracted the attention of several pundits, including Tim Sherwood, who sang his praises early last term, saying: “During the early part of the season, he was their best player. He was outstanding.”

And his underlying numbers back up his eye-catching displays on the pitch. Vestergaard averaged a whopping four clearances per league game last term, 0.5 blocks and 1.4 interceptions, placing him in the top five amongst his teammates for each metric.

He became renowned for long, raking diagonal balls from the back last season and has always excelled in the air due to his giant frame. The imposing Scandinavian achieved a passing accuracy of 83% and won 64% of his aerial duals, highlighting his ability to do the modern and traditional aspects of defending extremely well.

Therefore, Rodgers will surely be over the moon that the Leicester hierarchy have agreed a deal for the £60,000-per-week ace.

Fofana’s lengthy spell on the sidelines threatened to derail the Midlands outfit’s push for a top-four finish before the new campaign had even kicked off, but bringing in an experienced Premier League player in the peak of his powers will have the Foxes dreaming once again.

And, in other news…Get it done: Rudkin must complete Leicester City move for £21.5m “warrior”

West Brom are reportedly interested in signing winger Adam Reach this summer, following his recent exit from Sheffield Wednesday.

The Lowdown: Reach leaves Wednesday

The 28-year-old enjoyed a good career with the Owls, scoring 24 goals and registering 34 assists in 230 appearances for the club.

Reach departed Wednesday after his contract expired last month, however, and he is now on the lookout for a new club ahead of next season.

The winger has already been linked with a move to West Brom and that rumour doesn’t appear to be going away.

The Latest: West Brom keen on move

According to The Express & Star, Reach is still on the Baggies’ radar, with Valerien Ismael viewing him as a possible summer addition.

He is described as one of ‘several targets’ West Brom are looking at, with Blackburn Rovers mentioned as potential suitors, too.

The Verdict: Strong squad addition

Reach could be an ideal signing for the Baggies, bringing with him quality in the final third and an ability to play almost anywhere on the pitch – he has been deployed in as many as 11 positions throughout his career.

While the former Wednesday man wouldn’t necessarily come in as a regular starter, he would provide great squad depth due to that versatility and is capable of moments of individual brilliance.

Reach was described as a ‘top player’ by Tony Pulis during his short stint at Owls manager and he could thrive at the Hawthorns alongside superior players who have recently been plying their trade in the Premier League.

In other news, one West Brom signing has been ruled out this summer. Read more here.

Sunderland have been handed a boost to their chances of keeping Elliot Embleton at the Stadium of Light this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Alan Nixon, with The Sun journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Blackpool have not, at present, made a second bid for the Black Cats midfielder.

It was previously reported that Neil Critchley had instructed his transfer team to do all they can to secure the services of the 22-year-old in the summer market, although the Seasiders appear to have seen an initial offer for the former England U20 international rejected.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are thought to be desperate to keep hold of Embleton, with Lee Johnson claiming that he will look to give the youngster plenty of game time in the club’s upcoming campaign.

And, after a fan asked Nixon whether or not Blackpool had returned with an improved offer for the midfielder, the journalist said: “Not yet.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Embleton was while on loan at Blackpool last season, the fact that it appears the 22-year-old could remain at the Stadium of Light beyond the summer is sure to have left fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his 30 League One appearances for Critchley’s team last term, the £4.3k-per-week man scored two goals, registered four assists and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.7 shots and making 1.2 key passes per game.

The midfielder also turned in impressive numbers more typical of his position, making an average of 1.1 tackles, winning possession 0.5 times and triumphing in 2.3 duels per match.

These returns saw the man Max Power dubbed as “technically one of the best players I’ve seen” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.90, ranking him as the Seasiders’ 12th-best performer in the third tier of English football – playing a key role in the club securing promotion to the Championship.

As such, with Johnson hoping to mastermind a promotion of his own with Sunderland next season, the return of a player who boasts as much potential as Embleton, as well as one who managed the feat while on loan last term, would certainly appear to give the 40-year-old’s chances of achieving his target a huge boost.

In other news: Get it done: KLD must seal swoop for “important” £1.2k-p/w gem, SAFC have opened talks

Sheffield United are set to make an offer in a bid to bring Dion Sanderson to Bramall Lane this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Slavisa Jokanovic is planning to make an offer for the Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back in the near future, in a bid to beat both Sunderland and Newcastle United to the signing of the 21-year-old.

It is reported that both of the Tyne-Wear rivals have seen an offer for the defender rejected by Wolves this summer, with the Premier League side believed to be demanding a fee of around £2m in order to part with Sanderson ahead of next season.

It is then claimed that, should the Blades fail in their bid to sign the centre-back permanently, they will attempt to get a loan deal over the line.

Fans surely buzzing

Considering just how impressive Sanderson was while on loan at Sunderland last season, the fact that Jokanovic is interested in a deal to bring the 21-year-old to Bramall Lane should have fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 26 League One appearances for Lee Johnson’s side last term, the £135k-rated defender helped his team keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.9 interceptions, one tackle, 2.7 clearances and winning 4.3 duels per game.

These returns saw the man Stephen Elliott claimed has a “huge future” in the game earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as the Black Cats’ 13th-best performer in the third tier of English football.

The £820-per-week centre-back also has experience in the Championship, having featured 10 times for Cardiff City back in 2019/20, with Sanderson, who was often deployed at right-back for the Bluebirds, registering two assists and helping his side keep four clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 2.1 clearances and winning 3.7 duels per league fixture.

These metrics saw the 21-year-old earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.77, an impressive feat considering how young the defender was at the time of his spell in Wales.

As such, it would very much appear as if the Wolves man has an extremely bright future in the game, and would be well worth the £2m that Bruno Lage’s club are believed to be demanding in order to part with the centre-back this summer.

In other news: Sheff Utd dealt big transfer blow over “quality” £21k-p/w gem, Jokanovic surely fuming

Crystal Palace revealed on Tuesday lunchtime that they will face Watford in their final pre-season friendly, and a number of Eagles fans have been sharing their thoughts on social media about the fixture against the Hornets.

Palace already have friendlies against Portsmouth, Walsall, Stevenage, Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic in July, and they will end their preparations against the newly-promoted Hertfordshire club.

Xisco Munoz’s side will be direct rivals for Patrick Vieira’s Palace next season following their immediate return to the top flight from the Championship last term.

The Eagles confirmed that the match will take place on Saturday 7 August at 3pm, a week before their trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on the opening weekend of the new campaign. Fans will be able to attend, with the club set to release details soon.

Palace fans react

Palace posted the confirmation of the Watford friendly on Twitter. However, these Eagles supporters weren’t exactly thrilled at the news, with one labelling it as ‘awful’ – the two clubs have had a fractious relationship at times in recent years.

“Is there anything worse than playing other Prem clubs in pre season friendlies? This is the most uninspiring fixture I’ve seen and I’m gutted I’ll pay money to go. Hopefully means the Bromley fixture a week before may see some first team as still no opponent for the 31st”

Credit: @cjbearcpfc

“ugh”

Credit: @cpfc_Rob

“Please rest Wilf. Awful pre season choice.”

Credit: @MarkyP7

“How boring”

Credit: @Mark_CPFC

“Why though”

Credit: @danofthesouth_

“Unusual to have a friendly against a team in the same division as us.”

Credit: @ricgoldinho77

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

Liverpool could find their perfect heir to Gini Wijnaldum in the shape of Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn.

What’s the story?

According to the Sunday Post (as reported by the Daily Record), the Reds are keen on signing the 26-year-old after another impressive season at Villa Park.

The report claims that Dean Smith’s men would only consider bids of at least £20 million and that relatively low figure could tempt Liverpool into making a move this summer.

Edwards must swoop

Wijnaldum’s decision to depart the Anfield outfit and join French giants Paris Saint-Germain has left Jurgen Klopp desperately searching for an adequate replacement.

The likes of Saul Niguez, Florian Neuhaus and Nicolo Barella have all been linked with a move to Merseyside in recent weeks, and now a new candidate has emerged in McGinn.

While the Scotland international may not carry as much intrigue or excitement as the aforementioned stars, the former Hibernian workhorse would certainly be a valuable addition to Liverpool’s ranks.

Since arriving at Villa for just £2.5m back in 2018, McGinn has helped Dean Smith’s men win promotion back to the Premier League before helping them to an 11th placed finish last term.

He’s now thriving on the international scene as well, playing a pivotal part as Scotland held England to a draw at Wembley Stadium in Euro 2020.

McGinn’s performances with his national side have earned praise from several plaudits, including assistant manager Steven Reid, who lauded his “unbelievable character” on the eve of the tournament.

With money expected to be tight at Liverpool – and most clubs across the continent – over the coming months due to the pandemic, picking up a bargain may be more important than ever this summer.

Klopp has already added Ibrahima Konate to his ranks via a £34m deal, and the German tactician is believed to be targeting at least one attacker as well as a central midfielder.

Consequently, director of football Michael Edwards must swoop for McGinn. At just £20m, Liverpool are unlikely to find a better value for money deal, and if he performs like he has done for both club and country, the Villa ace could help The Reds regain their Premier League crown next season.

And, in other news…Edwards could find LFC’s new Salah with swoop for 17-goal gem who has lit up the EUROs 

More often than not Leicester City get their recruitment spot on, but someone who potentially doesn’t fit their mould when looking for players is Philippe Coutinho. However, former Foxes defender Steve Howey believes that he would be great for them.

Coutinho got his big-money move to Barcelona, however, with the Catalan club ins serious debt they are looking to offload some of their fringe players who are earning big money – and Coutinho is certainly one of them given he earns just over £400,000-a-week, according to Salary Sport.

The Foxes have been linked with a move for the Brazillian star who is still only 28-years old-and if available at the reported £35 million, then Brendan Rodgers may feel like a reunion with one of his former Liverpool stars is a feasible option.

Leicester have a squad of players willing to work hard and are flexible in the positions that they can play in, something that doesn’t seem to fit Coutinho, but Howey still think he would be a great player if others around him can accommodate his ability, as he told Football FanCast:

“If you’ve got willing runners around him like Harvey Barnes, Ayoze Perez and possibly Edouard then I think he could be a very good signing for them.”

After missing out on the Champions League for a second successive season Rodgers will potentially want to add some unearthed gems as well as some more experience at the top level in both England and Europe.

Leicester certainly have a natural pull about them given how great their facilities are, they have money to spend and are a club that have a clear vision of how they want to progress and all those things are what players will want to be part of in their development.

A major update has emerged on Rangers target Jonson Clarke-Harris, it could lead to Ross Wilson striking gold for Steven Gerrard this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, financial fair play rules mean that Peterborough striker Jonson Clarke-Harris is likely to be out of reach for any club outside of the Premier League in England. Bournemouth saw a £5m bid rejected by Peterborough in January and they will not be able to reignite their interest this summer.

The report claims that Rangers are interested in signing the English centre-forward, who is contracted to Peterborough until 2024. However, it remains to be seen exactly how much Peterborough will want for their star man.

Earlier this year, Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson hailed Clarke-Harris as a “leader” and emphasised how important he is to the team. He told Peterborough Today:

“Jonson’s goals have been valuable, but he’s more than just a goalscorer.
“He is a leader, a winner and a real focal point for this team.

“He was our number one target when Ivan Toney left and we had to work hard on his fitness when he first got here, but he’s been an oustanding signing and a real pleasure to work with.”

Wilson could strike gold

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson could strike gold for Steven Gerrard if he takes advantage of this situation by snapping Clarke-Harris up. It is difficult to improve upon a season where you managed to go unbeaten and win the league title, but Clarke-Harris could provide a level of consistent goalscoring that Rangers did not have from one player in the 2020/21 campaign.

The goals were shared out in the Scottish Premiership, with Ryan Kent, James Tavernier, Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe all on between eight and 11 league goals at the end of the season.

This suggests that there could be a gap for a prolific striker to come in and take on the burden of being a regular goalscorer for Rangers. Clarke-Harris’ incredible season for Peterborough in League One suggests that he could be the ideal target for that role. The 26-year-old found the back of the net 31 times in 45 League One matches for Peterborough, averaging a superb WhoScored rating of 7.36.

The £6.1k-per-week goal machine could, therefore, be a brilliant addition to Gerrard’s team as he could add an extra dimension at the top end of the pitch.

His goals could help elevate Rangers to the next level and allow them to go further in European competitions, whilst also attempting to maintain their dominance over Celtic from a domestic standpoint.

So, Wilson must take advantage of the lack of funds available to use by EFL clubs to pounce on Clarke-Harris whilst they can.

AND in other news, Rangers must avoid grave error with “wonderful” £18k-p/w ace after pundit’s claim – opinion