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Newcastle United could pounce with Stade Rennais struggling to finance a move for FC Midtjylland’s Jens Cajuste, according to RMC Sport journalist Loic Tanzi. 

The lowdown

Cajuste, a 21-year-old defensive midfielder, made 39 appearances for the Danish side last season.

Four of those appearances came in the group stages of the Champions League, where he twice faced Liverpool.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed Cajuste as ‘a great talent’ and ‘the future of Swedish football’, adding that he’ll ‘soon be ready’ to ‘attack one of the top five leagues’.

He has two years left on his contract and is valued at £4.5million by Transfermarkt.

According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Newcastle would like to sign two midfielders this summer – a box-to-box option and a ‘combative presence’.

The latest

Tanzi writes that Cajuste’s proposed move to Stade Rennais has reached a ‘standstill’. They must raise money through player sales before they can present a satisfactory bid.

Newcastle are not the only Premier League club who could capitalise. Newly-promoted Brentford also ‘want to move forward’.

The verdict

Cajuste looks a really exciting talent, and one whose value could skyrocket in the coming years.

It’s probably a good sign that Brentford are interested too given the renowned success of their data-driven recruitment model.

With only a ‘meagre’ budget this summer, perhaps adopting a diamond-in-the-rough recruitment model would be wise for Steve Bruce and co, especially now the takeover is on hold until at least next year.

In other news, Lee Ryder issues a concerning update on this ‘outstanding’ ace. 

Rangers are reportedly interested in signing Rijeka midfielder Ivan Lepinjica this summer and should he join Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox ahead of next season, it could prove to be a repeat of two superb signings made by former Gers sporting director Mark Allen.

Reports from Croatia claim that Gerrard’s side are keen on the in-demand midfielder, who has attracted interest from Chelsea in the past, and could look to bring him in on a loan-to-buy deal this summer.

Rangers have enjoyed a lot of success in signing from the Croatian league in the past, with both Borna Barisic and Nikola Katic having impressed at Ibrox since their arrivals from NK Osijek and Slaven Belupo respectively.

Barisic joined in 2018 after impressing Gerrard with his performances for Osijek against Rangers in a Europa League tie and has gone on to make 112 appearances for the Teddy Bears, contributing an impressive seven goals and 32 assists, whilst he was instrumental in the unbeaten league campaign last season.

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Katic, meanwhile, joined in 2018 and has gone on to make 59 appearances for Gerrard’s side, contributing six goals and three assists from centre-back and surely would have had a big part to play last season had he not been ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury.

Both have earned caps for the Croatian national side and Lepinjica therefore will perhaps feel that a move to Rangers could help him establish himself in Zlatko Dalić’s side in the near future should he have a similarly impressive impact at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old has been a regular in Rijeka’s side in the past few seasons, making 70 appearances in total, in which he has contributed two goals and two assists.

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Therefore, signing the £450k-rated youngster on a loan-to-buy deal could prove to be a very smart piece of business by Ross Wilson this summer. if he is anywhere near as good as Katic or Barisic, then he would surely be appreciated by Gerrard, and it could even prove to be a repeat of the superb deals negotiated by Wilson’s predecessor Mark Allen.

And, in other news… Rangers may already have their Davis heir in never-before-seen “mountain”

Former Rangers star Michael Ball says that the club will back Steven Gerrard if he decides to pursue Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman, in an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern.

The 22-year-old has been in fine form for the Dutch club this season, scoring seven goals and laying on 10 assists in 31 Eredivisie games.

Inside Futbol have carried quotes from Ferry de Haan, the club’s technical director, who is said to have confirmed that there is interest in the player.

He will cost around £8.5m, per the report, and Ball believes that Rangers will gladly back Gerrard if he decides to pursue a move.

Veerman is just 22 and he is a versatile presence, capable of playing in defensive and central midfield, as well as on the left of midfield.

A former Netherlands U21 international, Ball believes that a deal could well be done this summer, as the board look to back the boss.

Speaking to TT, he said: “They know the Dutch, how they are trained, and how they come through the youth system. His numbers are fantastic.

“He will probably cost more than Ryan Kent maybe, or around the same amount of money, so if Steven wants him as number one target, I feel the club will 100% back him.”

Newcastle United reportedly have an advantage in the race to sign Adam Armstrong in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Newcastle consider Armstrong

As reported by The Sun last month, the St. James’ Park faithful are considering a stunning move to bring Armstrong back to the North East.

However, they face competition from a number of other clubs in the Premier League for the signature of the Blackburn Rovers striker.

The Latest: Newcastle have advantage

As per the Daily Express, the Tyneside club have an advantage over all of the other teams in the race to sign Armstrong in the summer.

The Magpies inserted a 40% sell-on clause into the deal that took him to Ewood Park back in 2018, which can be written off as part of any move to bring him back.

Southampton and West Ham United are also eyeing up a move for the Englishman, who is valued at around £20m by the Rovers, but the EFL Championship team may settle for £16m.

The Verdict: Newcastle must sign Armstrong

It feel like a no brainer for Steve Bruce’s side to bring Armstrong back, as he could be the perfect back-up forward or even partner for Callum Wilson.

He made no fewer than 34 goal contributions in 43 matches in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt), including netting a hat-trick back in a heroic performance back in April, prompting manager Tony Mowbray to brand him as a simply ‘brilliant’ player.

Nonetheless, at 24, Armstrong is still at a good age, and so the summer may be the perfect time to go out and buy him, providing that the Toon can stump up the required fee of course.

In other news, find out what big piracy claim Ben Jacobs has dropped on the potential takeover and arbitration here!

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a big money swoop for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, as claimed by Birmingham Live.

The Lowdown: Aston Villa gear up for 2021/22

As the Villans gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League season, much attention will be paid to how Dean Smith’s men improve upon their impressive 11th-placed finish last time out. Already active in the transfer market, Villa have acquired Emiliano Buendia from Norwich for a club record fee, along with a return for Ashley Young on a free transfer from Inter Milan [Transfermarkt].

One crucial element of the Buendia deal was Villa fending off interest from Arsenal for his signature [Mirror]. Could the same thing happen regarding their pursuit of Berge?

The Latest: Villa said to be monitoring Berge

Aston Villa are said to be monitoring Norway international Berge as they prepare for the new season [Birmingham Live].

Familiar foes Arsenal are also said to be courting his services, but have recently flinched at his price tag of £35m, which could leave the Gunners susceptible to counter-bids [Sheffield Star].

Although it is not clear how much Aston Villa would be willing to pay, they could well challenge their divisional rivals for the 23-year-old as they strive to build a team capable of challenging for continental qualification [Birmingham Live].

The Verdict: Berge would be a good addition

Undoubtedly, Berge would add quality and energy to an already well-stocked Aston Villa midfield. He suffered an injury-hit 2020/21 campaign for the Blades, only making 16 appearances as he scored once and set up another goal [Transfermarkt].

Once labelled as having a ‘brilliant attitude’ by former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder [Sheffield Star], there is every chance that he could become an established Premier League midfielder for years to come should any move materialize.

Berge has already featured 24 times for the Norwegian international side, scoring on one occasion [Transfermarkt]. Having already proven capable of holding his own at an elite level, Villa should do everything in their power to get this deal over the line, especially with Arsenal baulking at his valuation.

In other news, these Aston Villa fans react to one player’s exit from the club.

It seems as if Celtic have finally got a new permanent manager, with a deal done for Eddie Howe, according to the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Howe waiting for Bournemouth staff members

It appears as if Howe’s former side, Bournemouth, are what is stopping an official announcement for the 43-year-old’s move north.

He wants to take some members of staff from the south coast with him to Scotland, but they are busy looking to seal an immediate return to the Premier League through the playoffs.

They beat Brentford 1-0 win the first leg of their semi-final on Monday and could book a place at Wembley’s 29th May Final this Saturday.

The Latest: Howe not in the running for Palace; Celtic deal is done

The Daily Record shared a story on Tuesday, claiming Howe isn’t in the running for the Crystal Palace job.

He’s been name-checked as a possible candidate to replace Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park, however, the Daily Record believe he isn’t likely to move to London.

The report goes on to add that ‘it’s believed the deal is done’ to take Howe to Parkhead, but an official announcement could be as much as two weeks away due to Bournemouth’s involvement in the Championship playoffs.

The Verdict: What happens if Bournemouth earn promotion?

The Daily Record claim that a deal is done for Howe, but should Bournemouth win the playoffs, moves for certain members of coaching staff could become trickier for the Hoops.

Coaches Stephen Purches and Stephen Weatherstone are two names linked with moving north with Howe, but they will pick up pay rises if they make it back to the Premier League.

Reports have suggested that promotion for the Cherries would make compensation deals and wages more expensive for the Hoops, but you’d like to think Celtic would still do whatever it takes to ensure a move for Howe doesn’t collapse.

Celtic fans may well be hoping Brentford turn around a first-leg deficit this weekend, which could end up accelerating a Howe annoucement.

In other news: Pundit drops John Kennedy claim, find out more here.  

Some Wolves fans have been left to laud a transfer update on reported target Tammy Abraham as the Daily Telegraph have claimed that Chelsea are ready to sell him.

As per the news outlet, the Blues are looking for a fee of £40m to offload the 23-year-old, who has fallen down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel.

A report emerged earlier this week that the Wanderers are one of the clubs interested in signing Abraham in the summer window, and the news that Chelsea are willing to sell him should come as a boost.

£40m is a lot of money to pay on one player granted, but his price was always going to be inflated because he is English, and at 23 years of age, Abraham still has a lot of potential to fulfil.

Given the torrid time Raul Jimenez has suffered with his head injury this season, the striker would be a welcome addition to the squad in order to provide good cover and competition for the Mexico international, something he has never really had at Molineux.

Wolves fans on Abraham transfer update

These members of the Molineux faithful lauded the transfer update after it was shared on Twitter by Talking Wolves:

“1 in 2 striker, 23 years old, proven in EPL, strong, quick, good target man. Considering the goals-for column this season, isn’t that exactly one of the roles we need to fill?”

Credit: @stevep_1973

“Considering we paid £35m for Silva who’s nothing short of a computer game hype job and in a few years’ time will be playing in the Portuguese lower leagues in front of 1 man and his dog, £40m for Abraham is a bargain”

Credit: @Colinricko

“I’d have him all day long.”

Credit: @Giggsy64570629

“Wolves get your chequebook out! Honestly sign him and then splash out too on a top cb!”

Credit: @J_J_1234_

“Do it”

Credit: @_TheClassicMan

“Definitely”

Credit: @slackermanbo

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

Former Leicester City striker Brian Deane has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Kelechi Iheanacho is better off staying at the King Power and developing under Brendan Rodgers.

This comes after reports in Spain (via Leicestershire Live) claimed that Arsenal are currently one club tracking the 24-year-old following his impressive run of form.

After barely being used in the first half of this campaign, £60,000-a-week man Iheanacho has since gone on to become arguably Leicester’s most important player.

In recent weeks, the Nigeria international has scored goals against the likes of Crystal Palace and West Brom to bring Brendan Rodgers’ men closer to securing Champions League football.

That has seemingly not gone unnoticed if reports about Arsenal’s interest are to be believed.

For Deane, though, a move to north London is something Iheanacho should not even contemplate given where the Gunners currently find themselves.

“I think he’s better off developing under Brendan Rodgers,” the ex-Leicester player told FFC. “I think it’s carnage at Arsenal.”

With where Leicester are in this current moment of time, as long as he keeps on getting regular minutes, then there really is not much reason for Iheanacho to leave the King Power.

Just when you thought Celtic were rolling out the red carpet in preparation for Eddie Howe’s arrival at Parkhead, they’ve been dealt another potential blow.

The Hoops’ pursuit of the 43-year-old has been a tiresome saga but there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight for Paradise chiefs.

What’s the word?

TalkSPORT reported last week that a deal had finally been agreed to bring Howe to Glasgow. Promising signs have emerged in the last seven days with details of Crystal Palace’s managerial situation coming to light.

The Eagles have been keen on Howe but, after Roy Hodgson announced he’d be leaving, the 43-year-old reportedly flopped during the interview process. That meant Celtic had a free run at the former Bournemouth boss.

Unfortunately for the Hoops, a massive twist has now occurred. Palace have also been in discussions with Frank Lampard but, according to Football Insider, they have sensationally pulled out of the race for the former Chelsea man following extensive talks.

Consequently, a Celtic source has told the outlet that there are fresh concerns over Howe’s move to Glasgow, with Palace potentially pushing hard to try and land him.

Disastrous news

With Howe seemingly all but through the door at Celtic, news that a job in the Premier League could actually be on the cards could tempt him to remain south of the border.

The 43-year-old hasn’t been keen on a return to management until the summer, with his agent insisting that he can still land a job in England’s top flight.

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Palace seemed the most likely destination but, after he flopped during an interview with Steve Parish, Celtic became his first choice again. However, the failure of Lampard’s own talks mean Howe could change his thought process and stay in England.

With so much to do at Paradise this summer, it would be terrible news if the 43-year-old snubs a move to Scotland.

Celtic need a new head coach and they need one quickly. They have already waited long enough for the former Cherries manager and cannot afford to delay any longer.

If there is the slightest hint that he prefers Crystal Palace, Dominic McKay and Dermot Desmond need to focus their attention elsewhere and move for a coach who is 100% committed to the Hoops.

With several players likely to leave Parkhead, a new manager is needed quickly to assess the recruitment and swiftly bring in replacements.

If the transfer window opens and Celtic chiefs are still deliberating over who will be the new manager, it could leave them significantly behind in their planning and preparation for next season. Those in the boardroom should be incredibly concerned with how long this whole process has taken.

It’s a sorry state of affairs but, after how their season has played out, we should hardly be surprised.

AND in other news, Celtic can find the new Scott McDonald by signing 24 y/o with “everything to his game”…

Crystal Palace face a tough assignment this weekend in the form of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.

The Eagles come into the game fresh off the back of a 1-1 draw with Everton last Monday, a game in which Michy Batshuayi came off the bench to net a late equaliser.

Could Roy Hodgson be tempted to switch up his side for the visit of the  west Londoners to Selhurst Park this evening?

We are expecting just two alterations from Palace this weekend, both for tactical reasons.

Vicente Guaita will continue in goal but their will be a slight switch in the defence in front of him.

Cheikhou Kouyate could be moved back into midfield against the Blues, which leaves an absence at centre-back. Experienced campaigner Scott Dann could be recalled to partner Gary Cahill at the heart of defence, whilst the likes of Patrick van Aanholt and Joel Ward will once again be named on either side.

With Kouyate moved back into the centre of the park, this could see Jairo Riedewald, who has started the Eagles’ last three Premier League matches, dropped to the bench. The Dutchman was ineffective against Everton, having the fewest touches of anyone in Hodgson’s starting XI on Merseyside.

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James McCarthy’s return has certainly given Hodgson something to think about in regards to the midfield but he is also likely to make do with a place amongst the substitutes. Elsewhere, Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze will be selected on the flanks.

Following his goal at Goodison Park, there may have been calls for Batshuayi to start this game, but he is ineligible against his parent club.

Christian Benteke will likely lead the line but his partner Jordan Ayew, who has scored just once in the league this season, might be replaced by £13.5m-rated on-loan Mainz forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.

AND in more news, find out why a former Chelsea boss could be providing a big clue as to who could be the next manager in the Crystal Palace dugout…