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Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Daniel Pinder, editor-in-chief at Get German Football News, has dropped a worrying claim about Watford’s new signing Emmanuel Dennis.

The Hornets, recently promoted back to the Premier League at the first attempt, secured their third addition of the window having agreed to sign the Nigerian striker from Club Brugge.

Once personal terms are sorted, Dennis will join free agents Danny Rose and striker Ashley Fletcher at Vicarage Road.

He spent the second half of last season on loan in the Bundesliga with Cologne but scored just once in 10 appearances.

The 23-year-old had been on loan from Brugge having spent most of his career in Belgium, scoring an impressive 29 goals in all competitions, two of which came in a Champions League group stage draw against Real Madrid in October 2019.

However, Dennis hardly featured during his final few months at the club and didn’t play a single minute in their last eight games prior to his January exit.

And Pinder told Football FanCast exactly why he left Brugge and then struggled in Germany:

“I think Club Brugge got rid of him for disciplinary reasons, but also coming to a club like Cologne that need goals doesn’t help because there’s a lot of pressure and it’s a new league. I just don’t think he settled.”

Barry Fry insists that Everton fans would absolutely love the appointment of Duncan Ferguson as their new manager.

The Toffees lost Carlo Ancelotti earlier this summer, as he departed to return to Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League in a previous stint.

Everton have subsequently been linked with a clutch of new managers, most notably the former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

It remains to be seen if the Toffees will actually formalise that interest, given that there has been a vocal backlash towards that interest from supporters.

Fry thinks that a deal to make Ferguson their new boss, following his stint as an assistant to Ancelotti, would be an excellent appointment.

Ferguson has previously been given the reigns following the sacking of Marco Silva and the former star striker famously guided the club to a pulse-pounding 3-1 win over Chelsea at Goodison Park.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “The Everton fans would be happy with that as well. They’d get behind him, I think the club would get behind him, they’ve got a Director of Football who might help him in the transfer market, but he’d be very much his own man and it’d be an interesting appointment.

“How many years do you be assistant manager, taking in all the coaches, and the responsibility and things like that without getting the heads up to go and be your own boss? I don’t know, be interesting to watch that pan out though to be fair.”

Everton are leading the race for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes but Newcastle are still in with a shout of signing him.

That’s according to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

22-year-old Nunes made 39 appearances for Sporting in all competitions last season, scoring three goals and setting-up three more.

One of his former team-mates at Estoril, Goncalo Santos, has hailed him as ‘unbelievable’ with the ball at his feet and claimed he’s ‘impossible’ to catch.

Nunes only signed a contract extension in the Portuguese capital last October, ostensibly tying him down until 2025.

The latest

Everton are said to be closing in on an agreement with Sporting after weeks of talks, with a €20million (£17.2million) deal in the pipeline.

Newcastle, the report states, tried to sign Nunes in January and have yet to ‘give up’ on landing the Brazilian.

Intriguingly, Sport Witness sources claim that Everton’s pursuit is being delayed by their manager hunt.

The Toffees have yet to appoint a successor to Carlo Ancelotti, who left to return to Real Madrid at the start of June.

But former Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is tipped to take over at Goodison Park.

The verdict

Newcastle may be running out of time to jump ahead of Everton with Benitez’s appointment seemingly imminent.

You’d think that Everton can’t rubber-stamp any deal without confirmation from a new boss, but it may be a formality when he does arrive.

In truth, Toon supporters would perhaps prefer to see any funds that have been set aside for a midfield signing put towards a move for Joe Willock, who was a revelation after his mid-season loan move.

It bodes well that they’re competing for big-money deals, though, after previous claims of a very small transfer budget.

In other news, this starlet has reportedly agreed terms with Newcastle. 

West Ham United have entered into preliminary discussions with Rennes central-defender Nayef Aguerd as their search for defensive recruits hots up [Football Insider].

Enjoying a solid 2020/21 season, the Morocco international was ever present for the Ligue 1 outfit making 40 appearances and registering four goal contributions; three goals and one assist [Transfermarkt].

Seeking reinforcements within the backline moving closer to the new campaign, the Irons have begun talks over landing the 25-year-old on a permanent deal at the London Stadium [Football Insider].

He has impressed Hammers scouts considerably, whilst could be seen as an ideal replacement for the departed Fabian Balbuena who departed after the expiration of his deal last month [Football Insider].

As you can imagine, loads of Irons diehards flocked to Twitter to express their opinions on recent developments.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to popular West Ham United fan outlet West Ham Central, here is how some supporters reacted to the latest reports:

“I swear to god we just sign PES versions of real players Balbuena instead of Valbuena Coufal instead of Boufal Now Aguerd instead of Aguero”

Credit: @leogowing23

“Who”

Credit: @MarshyBoy26

“He’s a player you know. Only issue he’s left footed he isn’t taking Ogbonna’s role in the team.”

Credit: @DNXN90

“Anyone know much of him?”

Credit: @Irons_Stuff

“Very good player, definitely the type of CB we need and makes me think Moyes wants the three at the back to continue. He reads the game well & very mobile.”
Credit: @RobWaldon

“Thanks for assuring me. I guess if it’s good enough for Moyes, it’s good enough for me”

Credit: @bartong2011

In other news, West Ham United fans react to a pre-season update.

Southampton should sell Danny Ings in the current transfer window, says former Saints midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Ings once again finished the season as Southampton’s top scorer in all competitions, registering 13 times during the 2020/21 campaign.

However, the English striker’s future looks to be away from St. Mary’s. According to The Athletic, he has turned down a new contract, with his current one – worth £75,000 a week – set to expire next summer.

It leaves the south coast club with a huge decision to make: sell now or risk losing him on a free transfer. For Palmer, it should be the former.

“I don’t like players going down into the last year of their contract,” the ex-Southampton star told TT in an exclusive interview.

“I would sit down with him now and say, ‘Right, listen, if you’re not going to commit to a long-term contract, it’s better that you move on now.’ Do the business now, move him on. Get some money for him and move him on.”

If Southampton can get £30m or something around that for Ings this summer, then it probably does make sense to sell him.

It, of course, will give Ralph Hasenhuttl a bigger budget to work with when it comes to searching for a replacement. And as things stand, the Saints finding themselves in the market looking for a new striker looks inevitable.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Kurt Zouma to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Telefoot journalist Julien Maynard, who revealed in a post on Twitter that the 26-year-old centre-back is “expected to leave” Chelsea in the summer transfer window.

Maynard continues by stating that, upon hearing this news, Wolverhampton Wanderers attempted to make a move for the France international, although the defender rejected the club’s advances.

The journalist then revealed that both Tottenham and Everton are also keen on a deal for the £28.8m-rated man this summer, while Jose Mourinho is thought to be keeping tabs on the situation of the Frenchman ahead of a potential bid to bring the player to AS Roma.

Nuno would love him

With Zouma highly impressing for Chelsea last season in their Champions League-winning campaign, it is somewhat surprising to learn that Thomas Tuchel is willing to let the centre-back leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

However, what is rather less surprising is the fact that Tottenham are keen on a move for the 26-year-old, with it being well documented that the north London side are on the hunt for additions to their backline ahead of next season, and, considering the form Zouma was in for the Blues last term, he would appear to be a fantastic signing for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Indeed, over his 24 Premier League appearances for Chelsea in 2020/21, the £46k-per-week defender helped his side keep nine clean sheets, as well as made an average of 1.2 interceptions, 0.7 tackles, 3.8 clearances and won 4.5 duels per game.

The former AS Saint-Etienne man was also in rather prolific form at the other end of the pitch, scoring a whopping five league goals – just one fewer than the trio of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner, and just two behind the club’s top league goalscorer Jorginho.

These returns saw the man Tuchel dubbed a “top-level” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.15, ranking him as the Blues’ fourth-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, with Tottenham conceding 45 Premier League goals last season, the worst record of any of the so-called big six clubs, defence is certainly an area in which Nuno will be looking to strengthen before next season kicks off.

And, considering how impressive Zouma proved at both ends of the pitch for Chelsea last season, the Frenchman would very much appear to be a signing that the new Tottenham boss would love to get over the line this summer.

With Toby Alderweireld set for a potential Spurs exit too, the Frenchman’s arrival would help offset that in north London.

In other news: Levy makes private behind-the-scenes Spurs decision that will leave fans buzzing

Jermain Defoe picked up a hamstring injury during the first half of Glasgow Rangers’ pre-season clash with Arsenal this weekend and is a doubt for the start of the Gers’ Champions League campaign.

The Lowdown: Gers face striker issue

The Gers’ Champions League third qualifying round clash is just a couple of weeks away, yet Steven Gerrard is facing a major problem with his strikers.

Kemar Roofe is ruled out as he is serving a four-game ban (Sky Sports), while both Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala are unlikely to be match fit after joining pre-season training late.

The Latest: Defoe injured

The Gers are now also facing an issue in regards to Defoe.

The former England international started the Gers’ clash with Arsenal on Saturday but was forced off in the first half as he struggled with a problem. It has now become apparent that he has a hamstring injury (via Glasgow Live).

The Verdict: Crushing news

On a number of levels, this will come as hugely disappointing news for Gerrard and his staff. Defoe has done well during his time at Ibrox, scoring 32 goals in 72 games (Transfermarkt), so his quality will be missed. Indeed, it is his Champions League experience that Gerrard could miss the most – he is one of just three players in the Gers squad to have played at that level, Allan McGregor and Steven Davis the others.

With the issues involving the other strikers at Rangers, it could mean that Cedric Itten is asked to lead the line. He failed to make the desired impact last season, scoring just six times in 38 games, but two goals in the Gers’ three pre-season matches so far would indicate that he may be finding some timely form.

Given the centre-forward crisis, Gerrard will need the Switzerland international at his best no matter who the Gers are drawn against in the Champions League qualifiers on Monday.

In other news, many Rangers fans were fuming over this club tweet.

In a recent article for The Athletic, Rangers correspondent Jordan Campbell has shared a promising update on Ryan Kent and the chances of him staying at Ibrox this summer.

What’s the word?

After another impressive season under Steven Gerrard, the former Liverpool winger has unsurprisingly been tipped for a move away from Glasgow this summer, with Leeds United once again the interested party.

However, Campbell suggests that Rangers will not be forced into selling the 24-year-old in the current transfer window unless Leeds make an offer that the Scottish Champions cannot turn down, whilst the Premier League side also have other transfer targets in the same position who are currently ahead of Kent in their pecking order.

He writes:

“Leeds United, long-term admirers of Kent, have other targets in that area ahead of him. It will be done on a case-by-case basis, though, so if a bid comes in that makes too much sense to turn down then there could still be exits.”

Will Rangers keep hold of Kent?

Kent has established himself as a key player at Rangers during his time at the club and enjoyed his best season to date in the 2020/21 campaign, contributing 13 goals and 15 assists in all competitions, as Gerrard’s side finished the league season unbeaten.

During his time at Rangers, the Englishman’s market value has risen to £12.7m, which ranks him as the most valuable player in Gerrard’s squad, so if he were to be sold this summer, the Bears would likely receive a record transfer fee, surpassing the £12.15m they gathered for Giovanni van Bronckhorst in 2001.

However, his influence at Ibrox cannot be underestimated, and Gerrard will no doubt be desperate to keep him ahead of their return to Champions League action next season.

The 41-year-old manager was full of praise for Kent in 2020 after he earned the Player of the Month award, saying:

“Ryan Kent has been top class and hasn’t let any noise affect him, he is scoring goals and looking very dangerous. He is really taking it to opposition teams and he’s settled and enjoying his football.

“Kent deserves to be Player of the Month and has been in sensational form. He has been fantastic to work with.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

Therefore, Gers fans will surely be delighted with this latest update from Campbell, as it seems to suggest that Kent will remain a Rangers player for the upcoming season.

And, in other news… Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for £10.8m-rated gem with a “taste for the big games”

A number of Manchester City fans are delighted with news that talks with Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish are at an advanced stage.

The Citizens are ramping up their preparations for the 2021/22 campaign as the kick-off edges ever closer. Last season, Pep Guardiola’s side won the Premier League and Carabao Cup but missed out on the Champions League after losing to Chelsea in the final – they will duly be hoping to go one better next year.

City have not spent money on any incomings so far this summer, but they have been heavily linked with moves for both Harry Kane and £58.5m-valued Grealish (Transfermarkt). It has now been reported by The Athletic journalist Sam Lee that negotiations in regards to the latter are ‘at an advanced stage’.

The 25-year-old excelled for Aston Villa last season, with seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions, and also made his mark at Euro 2020 during England’s run to the final.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra and it attracted the attention and excitement of numerous Man City supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the development.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Grealish update

“YESSSS”

Credit: @bdeanMCFC

“This is exactly what I like to wake up and see”

Credit: @AnklesCollected

“OH MY DAYS”

Credit: @FavelaFlair

“C’mon Sheikh Mansour”

Credit: @Hamza41085118

“They just confirmed it to me… it’s happening”

Credit: @FinisherNana

“Release the floodgates, let the tears flow”

Credit: @BlueWolf_09

In other news, a number of Man City fans slammed this man’s comments.

Tottenham goalkeeper Joe Hart is willing to take a pay cut to join Celtic, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Hart not Postecoglou’s target

Links to Hart emerged last week via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

He claimed that both clubs have opened talks over a deal for the 34-year-old, with reports elsewhere claiming Ange Postecoglou hasn’t requested the signing of Hart.

Sky Sports picked up on the story on Thursday, claiming the Hoops have approached Spurs for Hart, and 48 hours on, Football Insider shared a further development on Saturday.

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The Latest: Source shares update

A Celtic source informed Football Insider that the Hoops have been given encouragement over a deal for Hart.

The Spurs man, thought to be on £30,000-a-week in north London, is willing to accept a drop in salary ahead of a potential move to Parkhead.

The Verdict: A gamble?

With Hart seemingly not Postecoglou’s target, a move for the experienced ‘keeper could be a gamble.

He’s made just 13 appearances in the last two seasons for Burnley and Tottenham, so may not arrive in Scotland at his top level.

Postecoglou has already used Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain in his first three competitive games in charge and he’s still looking for his first clean sheet as Hoops boss.

Bringing in Hart, who has plenty of experience in the Premier League, appears a smart move on paper, but due to his lack of game time, it could take him a while to get up to scratch.

In other news: ‘Worst of the lot’, ‘Waste of a jersey’ – Many Celtic fans slam ‘imposter’ who ‘needs sacked‘.