Palace may be heading for Olise heartbreak

Crystal Palace fans are well accustomed to seeing Wilfried Zaha being linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, but the Eagles may have to be wary about losing another one of their top talents in Michael Olise.

According to recent reports from Italy, AC Milan are keeping a close eye on the French winger, who has impressed in Patrick Vieira’s side since joining from Reading in the summer of 2021.

The Rossoneri were said to be keen on the youngster when he was originally at Reading so have a long-standing interest in Olise, although they appreciate that his contract at Selhurst Park is set to run until 2026, so any move now would likely be a very expensive one.

Although Olise has featured in plenty of Premier League games so far this season considering he is just 20 years old, Vieira might consider making him a guaranteed starter, otherwise, he could have his head turned by a potential move to the Italian champions.

The former Reading man has started five and come off the bench in five of Palace’s 11 Premier League fixtures so far this season and has impressed with his performances, contributing two assists in the top flight.

Impressive performances against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United and Brentford have seen him earn above a 7.4 match rating from WhoScored, which shows what he can do when he is afforded a start, and Vieira might consider playing him more often from the beginning of Premier League matches.

There is no doubt that Vieira is a big fan of the £47.5k-per-week Olise and is probably just managing his minutes as a young player but only Eberechi Eze has played more key passes per game this season, so the 20-year-old is clearly ready to be starting week in, week out.

The French manager was full of praise for the young winger last season after an impressive display against Hartlepool in the FA Cup, saying:

“When you look at the last round and this one, he played well. He can score goals, create chances and he is a special talent.

“He will improve and get better as a player. His work ethic every day has been terrific since he has been at the football club.”

Therefore, with Zaha seemingly set to leave in the summer, Vieira should ensure that Olise remains at Selhurst Park by giving him the starts he deserves in the Premier League in order to avoid the potential heartbreak that would come with a move to AC Milan.

Patrick Kelly: West Ham’s next diamond?

West Ham United have continually churned out impressive young talent over the years, with the club having become famed for its knack of developing and nurturing exciting academy assets who can go on to thrive in the first-team.

The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole are some of the more notable success stories in the modern era, while more recent times have seen the emergence of current captain, Declan Rice, as well as versatile defender, Ben Johnson.

The wait is on to see just who will be that next emerging prospect to force their way into David Moyes’ plans at first-team level, with there undoubtedly a number of highly-rated figures just waiting for a chance in the senior ranks.

One such talent who has caught the eye of late is that of midfielder, Patrick Kelly, with the 18-year-old already making waves in east London having only joined the club from Northern Irish outfit, Coleraine, back in July.

The teenager was lauded as a player with “true ability” by Irons academy boss Ricky Martin upon his arrival at the London Stadium over the summer, after previously starring in the senior set-up at his former club, scoring once and laying on four assists in 29 appearances in all competitions.

That brief experience at such a young age has demonstrated the playmaker’s undoubted potential, having shown “so much quality” during his time with the NIFL Premiership side, in the words of journalist Josh Bunting.

The youngster had “wowed” those at his previous club with that quality – as per former teammate Lyndon Kane – with his “technical ability second to none”, according to the aforementioned Bunting.

That glowing praise will likely be of interest to Moyes, with the centre of the park still seemingly an area in need of bolstering for the former Everton boss, particularly after seeing long-serving skipper Mark Noble announce his retirement at the end of last season.

Like the names previously mentioned, the one-club man had been another diamond to have emerged from the club’s youth ranks – racking up 550 appearances across all fronts in a lengthy career at the elite level – proving that there is a clear pathway to the first-team for the current academy gems.

In the case of Kelly, the Northern Ireland U19 international could well be a player to keep an eye on in the near future, with the midfielder possessing the tools to pick up the mantle from Noble having already showcased his creative flair so far this term, with two assists in just five Premier League games at U18 level.

Having only been at West Ham for a matter of months it may take time for the £113k-rated starlet to be handed a chance by Moyes, although it is encouraging for the club to know that they have such a prospect just waiting to be unleashed.

Fabio Carvalho injury boost for Liverpool

Journalist Paul Gorst has shared an injury boost regarding Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho before they play Napoli in the Champions League in midweek.

The Lowdown: Limped off

The 20-year-old limped off in the 0-0 draw away to Everton on Saturday and was replaced by Roberto Firmino at half-time.

It was a shame for the youngster, in whom Jurgen Klopp put plenty of faith by playing him in the Merseyside derby from the start, and now all eyes will be on whether he will be able to play a part in Naples on Wednesday night.

The Latest: Positive Carvalho update

Taking to Twitter, Gorst shared some comments from Klopp after the game regarding Carvalho, with the Liverpool manager claiming that the youngster ‘should be ok’ despite a ‘dead leg’ which was ‘painful’.

The German said of the 20-year-old: “He got a dead leg, and it was painful, but he should be ok.”

The Verdict: Boost for Liverpool

It is certainly a boost for Liverpool and their supporters to hear that Carvalho should be fine after what looked at first to be a serious injury, having been forced off at half-time.

The 20-year-old has made a bright start to his Reds career, scoring two goals in his opening six matches in the Premier League (injuries piling up in the middle of the park, he has suddenly become an important squad player.

Nonetheless, the Reds will be hoping that Carvalho can now play some part in their Champions League opener away to Napoli in midweek.

Celtic could land next Edouard in Dieng

It has already proven a busy summer for Scottish champions Celtic with seven major deals having been wrapped up thus far, although the indication is that more incomings could be on their way, with manager Ange Postecoglou having even hinted as much at the weekend.

One name that has emerged as a surprise target of late is Marseille starlet Bamba Dieng, with the Parkhead outfit believed to be one of a number of clubs who are keen on signing the 22-year-old in the coming weeks.

The Senegal international is courting a great deal of attention due to his uncertain future at the Stade Velodrome, having been given the cold shoulder by new boss Igor Tudor despite enjoying a breakthrough season last term.

The suggestion is that the 5 foot 10 menace could be available for a fee of around £15m with a departure seemingly inevitable, ensuring that the Hoops would have to potentially pull off a club record deal to secure his signature.

That sizeable asking price may appear hefty for a player who has made just 42 senior appearances for his current side thus far, although on the basis of his recent form it would surely prove a worthwhile investment.

Last season saw the “serious talent” – as described by journalist Graeme Bailey – score eight goals and provide three assists in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit, proving himself a real livewire under former boss Jorge Sampaoli.

Capable of featuring anywhere across the front line, the youngster’s versatility would no doubt suit the often fluid attacking approach that Postecoglou favours, with the 56-year-old also likely to be demanding even further attacking depth with the start of their Champions League voyage to come in the near future.

The hope will be that the “explosive” asset – as dubbed by Sampaoli – can replicate the success of another striker who arrived in Glasgow from France in Odsonne Edouard, with the current Crystal Palace marksman having thrived in Scottish football.

After joining the Hoops – initially on loan – in 2017 from Paris Saint-Germain, the 24-year-old went on to score a remarkable haul of 86 goals and provide a further 39 assists in 179 games in all competitions, winning a plethora of major honours in that time.

Much like Dieng, the Frenchman had limited senior experience prior to his move to Scotland, having scored just once in 17 games while on loan at Toulouse, after failing to ever make a first-team outing at the Parc des Princes.

That lack of experience mattered little, however, as he became a key figure for the club over the next four years, before joining the Eagles on a £14m deal last summer – with Celtic making a profit on their £9m investment.

Although Postecoglou won’t be thinking about losing Dieng before he’s even signed, there will be a consideration as to how they could potentially recoup a greater fee later down the line, while hoping to reap the benefits of his impressive displays in the short-term.

As the club saw with the case of Edouard, the French market can be particularly fruitful.

Leeds in constant Mergim Berisha talks

Leeds United are in constant talks with Fenerbahce for striker Mergim Berisha but won’t meet a €5m asking price, according to journalist Omer Celikbasli.

The Lowdown: Leeds bid

Mergim, described as a ‘clinical finisher’ by analysts Football Chatters, has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks as the club’s search for a new forward drags on.

Celikbasli revealed last month that Leeds made a €2m (£1.7m) offer for Berisha, which was subsequently turned down by the Turkish side.

The 24-year-old played under Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg, scoring 23 goals in 52 games, and it looks as if he is still a player of interest to the Whites.

The Latest: Celikbasli’s comments

Celikbasli, talking to MOT Leeds News, said that the two clubs are in ‘constant talks’, but ultimately, Leeds are unwilling to pay Fenerbahce’s asking price.

“Fenerbahce wants €5m (£4.2m). Leeds do not want to pay that much. That’s why the constant talks continue.”

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The Verdict: £2.5m…

You could make an argument that two new forwards could be of use to Marsch, who is going into his first full season in charge with just Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt as recognised number nine options.

Bamford missed large parts of the previous campaign through injury and the exciting Gelhardt is just 20 years of age, so bringing in Berisha, a tried and tested player under Marsch, appears to be a no-brainer.

However, for some reason, Leeds aren’t willing to cough up an extra £2.5m for his services, which, in today’s world, is peanuts for a Premier League side.

Striker not a priority for Aston Villa

Aston Villa have struggled in front of goal so far in pre-season but a new striker is not thought to be among the priorities before the transfer deadline on September 1st…

What’s the word?

That is according to Birmingham Mail journalist Ashley Preece, who revealed the latest update on the Villans’ plans this window during a recent Q&A with supporters.

After one fan asked whether a striker was a priority as Villa haven’t been clinical or ruthless enough over in Australia, the reliable reporter responded with just seven words to dampen the mood back in the Midlands.

“Striker is not a top priority, no,” he said.

Gutting update

This revelation will be sure to leave much of the Villa Park faithful absolutely gutted, if not fuming, as many want to see a new talisman through the door – especially after being linked to the likes of Jonathan David and even Luis Suarez.

Last season, Ollie Watkins (11) was the only player to hit double figures in the Premier League. Danny Ings lagged behind on seven goals, despite featuring in 30 of their 38 matches, as per WhoScored.

talkSPORT’s Alex Crook believes that manager Steven Gerrard is “scouring the market” for a new frontman and that any arrival would seriously impact Ings’ chances of remaining in his plans.

But that no longer appears to be the case.

It’s true that Villa have looked futile in front of goal this pre-season. Against old foes Leeds United a few days ago, only a penalty from the aforementioned former Southampton man separated the two sides.

Preece also noted after the game that Ings may well have picked up an injury – an all too frequent situation. ‘Appears to have an issue with his foot/ankle having received lengthy medical treatment,’ he wrote.

If he is facing further time on the treatment table, then a new striker may certainly be required, if it wasn’t already.

So, this latest update isn’t likely to be good news for Villa supporters back in England.

AND in other news, Forget Coutinho: Gerrard could have a secret weapon at Villa in “very rare” £30m gem…

Crystal Palace looking at one or two transfers

Crystal Palace will make more signings this summer according to journalist Tom Barclay who offered an exciting update to supporters of the Eagles.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Barclay said: “They’re definitely looking around. I think they like what they’ve already got in terms of a [Conor] Gallagher replacement.

“But again, if something comes up then it depends what’s available, and if it works for them. I can’t see a repeat of last season when they did all that business

“So probably another one, maybe two additions.”

The news will be welcomed by supporters who will hope additions can lead to an improvement on their 12th-placed finish in the Premier League last season.

Supporters will be buzzing

The Eagles have made two signings so far this summer but are yet to spend a penny on transfer fees, with both Sam Johnstone and Malcolm Ebiowei signing as free agents.

Last season the club strengthened massively with ten new additions coming before a ball was kicked, it’s unlikely we will see that many new arrivals this time around, but there will be more to come for fans to be buzzing about.

The club have been linked with several players recently and look set to sign Cheick Doucoure from French side RC Lens with Fabrizio Romano recently confirming the deal was very close.

Another player on their radar is Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, with journalist Dean Jones also speaking to GiveMeSport explaining how he would be perfect for the club and suit their system well.

Midfield seems to be the area where Vieira wants to strengthen ahead of the new season, and that could see the departure of our of favour club captain Luka Milivojevic, but the club have recently stated they would be happy to keep him.

If supporters were expecting a complete overhaul of the squad then they might be disappointed, but given the fact they haven’t yet paid any transfer fees, more than one new addition is likely.

Fans still have plenty to get excited about with those in the know confident that the Eagles’ business this summer is far from over.

IN other news: “I’m hearing..”: Sky Sports journo drops exciting CPFC claim that supporters will love – opinion

Romano drops huge Wolves claim over Neves

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had their hopes of keeping talismanic midfielder Ruben Neves boosted.

What’s the word?

That is according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who has given fresh hope of Wolves keeping hold of the 25-year-old due to prospective suitors feeling as though they are being priced out of a deal.

When asked by The United Stand about Manchester United’s midfield targets this summer, Romano immediately mentioned Neves, saying: “A name I keep hearing around Manchester United is Ruben Neves. He is a player always around Man Utd, since last summer. But the answer I’m always receiving is that it depends on the fee.

“When Wolves discuss €100m for Neves, it is something that United will not do. They want to find smart solutions. For Frenkie [de Jong] it is different”

Supporters will be buzzing

The latest news surrounding Neves will come as a big boost to the Molineux faithful.

Approaching the midway point of the off-season, developments around the 25-year-old’s potential departure have been slow and overall lacked progression.

Entering the final two months of the transfer window, we are yet to see whether Lage and co will budge in their estimated value for the Portugal international, with Romano confirming that the €100m (£86.2m) is “something that United will not do”.

The 25-year-old is the orchestrator in midfield for the Old Gold, averaging around 53.88 passes per game at a solid completion rate of 82.8%. Perhaps the main reason for his passing accuracy being in the early 80s in terms of percentile is due to the types of passes he looks to make.

Despite occupying a slightly deeper role in the midfield engine room, he is extremely progressive in his passing play, covering 1,313.68 yards in total passing distance, with 14.31 long-distance passes completed per game.

Figures show that 6.63 of his overall passes are directed into the final third, whilst his average of 75.59 touches per 90 will not come at all as a surprise, considering his ability to dictate the play.

If Neves does stay, it would be a big victory for Wolves, and it could almost feel like a new signing in itself, given that he seemed likely to depart just a few weeks ago.

It would give Lage a chance to bring in quality to surround the Portuguese maestro and improve the team whilst sticking to a core base.

AND in other news: Lage now closing in on “brilliant” Wolves signing, he runs himself “into the ground” 

Spurs: Gold drops Son transfer update

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the football.london journalist revealed that, should Antonio Conte’s side have missed out on a top-four finish in the Premier League this season, Liverpool were set to launch an offer for the 29-year-old winger in the summer transfer window.

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In his tweet, Gold said: “Another bonus of Son’s goals and Conte leading Spurs to fourth place is that I understand it stopped Liverpool from making a big summer bid to test Tottenham’s resolve to keep the South Korean star. I can’t believe they would have accepted it anyway.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how important a part of the Spurs side Son undoubtedly is, the news that Liverpool do not look as if they are set to make an offer for the South Korea international this summer is sure to have left the Tottenham faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 35 Premier League appearances this season, the £72m-rated forward was in the form of his life, scoring a remarkable 23 goals, registering nine assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.5 shots making, 2.1 key passes and completing 1.5 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £140k-per-week talent average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.50, not only ranking him as Conte’s best performer in the league but also as the third-best player in the division as a whole.

Furthermore, with an astonishing 19 of these goals and eight of the assists coming in the 29-year-old’s 26 Premier League outings under the management of the Italian head coach, it is clear to see just how crucial Son will be to the 52-year-old’s plans heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

As such, the news that Jurgen Klopp’s defeated Champions League finalists do not look as if they will be offering the South Korean what would certainly have been a tempting offer of a move to Anfield this summer is undoubtedly fantastic news for both Conte and supporters of the club alike.

AND in other news: Paratici could land Alaba 2.0 as Spurs eye £80m target who “everyone is talking about”

Celtic must secure Mohanad Jeahze transfer

Celtic ended their 2021/22 SPFL season with the best defensive record in the league having conceded just 22 goals in 38 games.

To further highlight their defensive strength, the Hoops faced fewer shots on target (76) than any other side in the top flight.

One figure that played a big part in Celtic’s title winning campaign at the back was Carl Starfelt.

Signed during the previous summer transfer window from Rubin Kazan on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £4m, the centre-back quickly became a prominent figure for Postecoglou.

Throughout his debut campaign, the Sweden international made 49 appearances across all competitions and played more minutes in the league than any other outfield player.

With the second-highest number of interceptions (42) and tackles won (30) to his name, Starfelt also had the joint-second highest average of clearances (3.5) and joint-highest average for aerial duels won per game (4.2) in Celtic’s ranks.

This highlights just how much of a capable defender he is and how significant he was for the Hoops this term.

Now that the campaign has drawn to an end, the summer transfer window will give Postecoglou the chance to potentially make some more changes to his squad so they can progress.

One figure that could potentially fit in the side well and possibly make a formidable defensive duo with Starfelt is Mohanad Jeahze.

The Hoops were linked with a reported £2m move for the Hammarby left-back, who has been labelled as a “class” player by Darijan Bojanic, last month.

With eight league appearances to his name this season, the defender has racked up the highest number of interceptions (18) and second-highest number of tackles (13) in Hammarby’s squad.

This shows how much of a tough defender he is and how he could be a solid fit next to Starfelt to make Celtic stronger on the left side of the defence.

Despite the current Celtic defender already showing his defensive talents, having another defensive full-back next to him, such as Jeahze, could make Postecoglou’s side an even tougher side to play against.

Taking into account how the Hoops will be facing off against some of Europe’s top teams in the Champions League next season, having some extra defensive reinforcements would not be a bad thing for the Parkhead club as they’ll be aiming to regain the SPFL title as well.

In other news: Better than Edouard: Celtic eyeing “feisty” 51-goal dynamo, supporters surely buzzing