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Newcastle United could transform their defence by signing Celtic powerhouse Kristoffer Ajer this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Magpies are very much interested in signing the Norway international, and there has now been a major update on their pursuit of the centre-back.

The Northern Echo claim that Steve Bruce is keen to kick off his side’s summer business with a move for the 6 foot 6 giant, and that “with Newcastle having sent a series of scouting delegations to watch the Norwegian this season, the Magpies’ interest is currently understood to be at a much more advanced stage.”

The report adds that Ajer is set to leave Celtic in a mass exodus from the club, and the Hoops currently value him at around the £8m mark.

Imagine him and Lascelles

Speaking earlier this season, former Scotland boss Alex McLeish said: “I go back to that St Johnstone game, you see sometimes when it’s not going for Celtic and the game’s in its dying embers, and then all of a sudden you see Ajer striding up the pitch trying to inspire like Roy of the Rovers.

“Running from defence, augment the attack and then it leads to a goal – these are inspirational moments and he is an inspirational, influential player for Celtic. Like Virgil van Dijk, he came to Celtic and we all know what happened next.”

Ajer’s teammate and fellow centre-back partner Christopher Jullien hailed him as a “unique talent”, and it’s no surprise given his combination of size and elegance on the ball when he brings it out from the back.

That kind of ball-playing ability, combined with someone like Jamaal Lascelles could form the basis of a really strong spine at St James’ Park.

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The duo’s different strengths could compliment each other, with Lascelles’ no-nonsense approach to defending – he made the fourth-most clearances and third-most blocks for Newcastle – fitting in well with Ajer’s more measured style.

With Ajer also standing at an imposing 6 foot 6, the Magpies would have a couple of towering units at the back, that will leave opposition strikers thinking twice about trying to bully either of them.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must land this Championship star…

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to the club’s reported interest in Koln defender Sebastiaan Bornauw on social media.

According to SportBILD, cited by Sports Witness, Palace are eyeing a move for the 22-year-old, who is reportedly ‘drawn’ to a move to England.

Palace are ‘trying’ to secure a deal for Bornauw as a result, however, they are waiting on a decision from the Belgian defender, who could be waiting to see who the Eagles bring in as manager before committing to a transfer.

Bornauw, valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, was a regular when fit last season in the Bundesliga, making 28 appearances in all competitions. He has two caps for Belgium to his name, making his way up through the international youth levels during his career.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news on social media on Tuesday lunchtime. These Palace supporters were excited at the links, with one describing Bornauw as an ‘excellent’ option.

“This would be class”

Credit: @StatmanOli

“SUIIIIIII”

Credit: @matthew_poole30

“Excellent option. This player is talented.”

Credit: @Sadiq2699

“YES PLEASE!!!”

Credit: @Wheddsta

“yes we need young cbs”

Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_

“Yes please”

Credit: @Connormzz

In other news: Many CPFC fans react to Wilfried Zaha update, find out more here. 

Writing on Twitter, journalist Jason Burt of the Daily Telegraph has dropped a behind the scenes update on Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham Hotspur having spoken to Paris-Saint Germain.

The Lowdown: Poch and Spurs, the return?

Last week, the Athletic broke news of Pochettino and his alleged desire to complete a sensational return to north London – with Tottenham reciprocating that interest as the hunt for a new manager goes on.

It’s been over six weeks since Spurs announced the sacking of former boss Jose Mourinho and no new boss has been appointed yet despite the club originally wishing to have it done by the end of 2020/2021.

As well as Pochettino, the likes of Erik Ten Hag and Antonio Conte are also possible candidates for the position (football.london).

The Latest: Telegraph journalist drops update

Now, after speaking to the Argentine’s current club, PSG, Burt of the Daily Telegraph has dropped a behind the scenes update from their side in regards to this possible Spurs appointment.

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Indeed, he claims that, despite claims to the contrary, PSG are ‘adamant’ Pochettino hasn’t made an exit plea.

“Having spoken to Paris Saint-Germain,” he explained on Twitter.

“They are adamant that Mauricio Pochettino has not told them or club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi that he wants to leave.”

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs?

Due to Pochettino’s contract situation, made all the more complicated by PSG appearing to extend it by a further year (The Times), Spurs face a tough battle to secure him.

The 49-year-old would undoubtedly be a great appointment for the club given the profile they are after, which is allegedly a manager who can reinstall an attack-based philosophy and exciting brand of football (Alasdair Gold).

However, Ajax boss Ten Hag is seen as being ‘similar’ to Pochettino and firmly on the Tottenham radar, so if chairman Daniel Levy cannot wrestle his former employee away from PSG, there are fruitful alternatives.

In other news: Tottenham contact made for this ‘top class manager’ in Sky Sports development, find out more here.

As Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial situation rumbles on, another name has emerged in the running…

What’s the word?

According to Italian news outlet Il Messaggero, Lazio are becoming increasingly concerned that former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is holding out for the vacant Spurs job.

It’s thought that the 62-year-old is close to replacing Simone Inzaghi at the Stadio Olimpico but there are worries that he is stalling in case Daniel Levy approaches him with an offer to return to the Premier League.

Spurs have now gone seven weeks without a manager and at the end of last week, the North Londoners suffered yet another blow with Antonio Conte seemingly ruled out of the running, as per the Telegraph.

An unmitigated disaster

Whilst Sarri could be considered a high-calibre candidate, having won a Serie A title and a Europa League, he is far from what the Lilywhites chairman is apparently looking for.

Levy is said to be after an attack-minded head coach that is committed to developing the club’s promising youngsters, something that led to serious concerns on Spurs’ part over Conte’s credentials.

Many in N17 will remember Sarri from his time at Chelsea. He may have delivered success on the European stage but he failed to win over fans and certainly struggled to progress several of their key prospects.

The supporters frequently turned against their manager, with chants of “we want Sarri out” and “you don’t know what you’re doing” being heard during a victory over Cardiff City.

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He was hardly a popular figure in the dressing room, either. It reached such a boiling point that third-choice goalkeeper Rob Green had to confront him in front of the entire squad, as he revealed to The Athletic.

“I just spelled it out. I told him, ‘You have no plan B. You’re a transactional kind of manager. The players in the group are not the kind to speak to you like this — they care very much but are scared to say something to you like I am. I don’t care because what are you going to do — drop me!?’”

Similarly, there was a saga over Callum Hudson-Odoi, who had impressed in pre-season and in the Europa League under the Italian aged just 18, yet he wasn’t given much of a chance in the top-flight.

That would certainly go against Levy’s desire to develop players like Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon who are both set to return from their respective loan spells this summer.

Furthermore, following Jose Mourinho’s sacking, there were claims suggesting that the Portuguese had “sucked the culture out of the club” and that isn’t something that’ll be fixed by Sarri as he’s so set in his ways.

Ex-Blues defender Mario Melchiot once dubbed him “very stubborn” to talkSPORT after an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, whilst AS (via Football Italia) sensationally reported that the 62-year-old had lost the dressing room and his relationship with many big stars was ‘irreconcilable.’

This was also something Noel Whelan alluded to when speaking about links to the Italian. He claimed to Football Insider:

“No, I don’t think that’s the right appointment. I really don’t. No. That’s not the way Tottenham need to go. He’s another personality who would clash with the players. You need to look at the man-management side of things now.”

Again, that’s another reason behind Mourinho’s departure.

All in all, a move for Sarri would surely be an unmitigated disaster for Spurs. There’s nothing to suggest that he’s the right man for the club, especially if they had doubts over the trophy-laden Conte, who arguably was the best candidate out there.

Levy must avoid the Chelsea flop at all costs – maybe he should try and find someone that’s not taken the helm at Stamford Bridge this time?

AND in other news, Journalist reveals fresh twist in Spurs’ manager search that’ll have fans BUZZING…

Sunderland have been handed a boost in their quest to sign Dion Sanderson permanently this summer, following an update regarding his future.

The Lowdown: Sanderson impresses for Sunderland

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light from Wolves, catching the eye as the Black Cats reached the League One playoffs.

Sanderson made 26 appearances in the league overall, slotting into the defence impressively and being lauded by the fans for the impact he made, with supporters revealing their ‘love’ for the youngster and asking to sign him permanently.

The Latest: Black Cat given boost

Those fans will be delighted now, as Sunderland are thought to be keen on signing Sanderson permanently this summer and a positive update has emerged this weekend.

According to Yorkshire Live, talks over a Sanderson move to Huddersfield Town aren’t as far along as some have claimed, acting as a boost to the Black Cats.

The report names Sunderland as one of many clubs chasing a deal, revealing that the Terriers are now unlikely to be part of that competition, which is a boost for those still hoping to secure his signature.

The Verdict: Sign him permanently

Sanderson did enough during his loan spell to suggest he should be signed permanently ahead of next season, especially considering Wolves appear happy to cash in.

At 21, he is a player with a bright future who should only improve in the coming years, with an average of 2.7 clearances per game in the league last season outlining his defensive ability.

Lee Johnson will be keen for new signings in the summer transfer window, in order for another promotion push to materialise, and signing Sanderson would be ideal – he knows the club, has proven his mettle and his arrival would excite the fans.

In other news, one Sunderland player has reportedly been offered an exit route out of the club. Find out who it is here.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a gutting transfer blow for Leeds United on rumoured target Rodrigo De Paul.

What’s the story?

Reports last summer suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were very much interested in bringing the Argentina international to Elland Road, while The Athletic’s Phil Hay recently claimed that the midfielder actually wants to come to the Premier League to join up with the Whites.

In fact, reports from Football Insider even suggested that Leeds were “laying down the groundwork” for a big-money move for De Paul this summer, and that he was one of their “top targets” for the transfer window.

But now, via his official Twitter account, Romano revealed: “Rodrigo de Paul is set to join Atlético Madrid, confirmed. €35m final fee. After opening talks two weeks ago, Atléti now closing on final details to complete the agremeent. Contract until June 2026 to be signed soon.”

Bielsa will be gutted

The news that De Paul is now close to join Atletico Madrid will be a hammer blow to Bielsa, who pursued him last summer and looked as though he wanted him again this time around too.

The Argentine midfielder enjoyed a superb campaign in Serie A last season, scoring nine goals and providing a further 11 assists in all competitions, and Bielsa would surely have loved to have had the box-to-box dynamo at Elland Road – the Leeds boss’ highest-scoring central midfielder was Mateusz Klich with four.

Meanwhile, Udinese coach Luca Gotti, said: “Rodrigo is not the only one we have here who has a bright future but he can play for all the top clubs. Any team in the world. I mean, he starts for Lionel Messi’s Argentina. I’ve been able to watch this metamorphosis from up close, the shift in mentality that turns a good player into a top player, a champion.

“He’s become a leader and is the first person to demand more of himself. Rodrigo is able to pass that work ethic on to his team-mates.”

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The £26m-rated star would have been a perfect fit at Leeds given his superb “mentality” and “work ethic” off the pitch, and the fact that he does the business on it too.

Bielsa will be absolutely devastated to miss out on the midfielder after such a long-running pursuit.

Meanwhile, Bielsa could reunite with this former star at Elland Road…

Helder Costa will depart Leeds United during the summer transfer window if the prediction of former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips plays out.

The Lowdown: Peripheral figure for Leeds

The Whites has an exceptional season back in the Premier League, with numerous individuals playing big roles for Marcelo Bielsa, whether it be Illan Meslier, Kalvin Phillips or Patrick Bamford, to name just a few.

Someone who rarely played a starring role was Costa, however, with the Portuguese only making a total of 13 starts in the league.

He invariably found himself kept out of the team by the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison, having to make do with a squad role instead.

The Latest: Costa tipped to leave

Costa has been linked with a summer exit, and speaking to Football Insider, Phillips claimed it was time for the winger to find a new club:

“They have already got a lot of wingers. I would say that it makes it very likely that Costa will move on because he didn’t play a lot last season.

“It’s an area that they have plenty of cover in, those wide areas. So I think maybe his time at Leeds is up. He can go somewhere now and go and play regularly. Whether that means that you’ve got to drop down a league, who knows?”

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The Verdict: Time to move on

It makes perfect sense for Costa to leave, despite him being described as an ‘immense’ footballer by former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

His current deal doesn’t expire until 2024, meaning Leeds could receive a decent amount for him and new signings could push him even further down the pecking order.

Costa is a talented player who has still contributed for the Whites, but it feels as though the team is moving on without him and a sale makes sense for all parties.

In other news, Leeds have been tipped to sign a player from under the noses of a fellow Premier League side. Find out who it is here.

Speaking in a Q&A, reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold has dropped a Tottenham claim involving Ajax manager Erik ten Hag as links with the Dutchman re-emerged in recent days.

The Lowdown: Spurs still searching…

In the two months since Tottenham commenced their search for a new manager, the Lilywhites have been linked with a host of names.

Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers were originally their top targets, but complications involving those two seemingly removed them from the race.

Talks were then held with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte, Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso, only for those conversations to eventually break down and throw Spurs back to square one.

The Latest: Ten Hag back on the radar?

Ten Hag is a name which has re-emerged as a possible appointment, with ESPN saying that Tottenham are now reassessing him as an option.

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However, football.london journalist Gold told supporters in a Q&A that it would be very tricky to pull this one off despite labelling him ‘perfect’ for Spurs.

“I think Ten Hag would be perfect and ticks all the boxes for me,” the reporter explained.

“I’m told he was interested in the role, before and after Ajax took up the option to extend his contract by a year. However, Spurs did not follow up that interest after talks and now it would be tough to convince the Dutch club to even let him go so close to pre-season if Spurs returned.”

The Verdict: Disappointing claim…

Ten Hag is arguably one of the best candidates who is still linked with a move to Spurs and fits chairman Daniel Levy’s desires for a new boss down to a tee.

The 51-year-old encourages an open, attacking style of football and is known for promoting youth at Ajax (Daily Mail) – aspects of a coach which Levy outlined as preferable in his end-of-season letter to supporters.

He also has title-winning experience in the Netherlands, clinching two Eredivisie titles at the Johan Cruyff Arena and five major honours in Amsterdam overall (Transfermarkt).

Gold’s claim that appointing Ten Hag could now be difficult must come as a real disappointment for Spurs.

In other news: ‘He has already contacted’…Journalist drops big Tottenham claim involving Paratici, find out more here.

Crystal Palace’s proposed move for Lucien Favre fell through on Thursday evening.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been giving their thoughts on social media.

According to The Athletic’s senior writer Dom Fifield, Favre was supposed to sign a three-year deal at Selhurst Park on Thursday morning.

However, the 63-year-old informed the club he doesn’t feel ready to return to top level management, with his last job coming with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

He was sacked by the German side in December, but it seems as if he still wants more time before returning to the dugout.

Favre insisted that he doesn’t have another job lined up, but it’s back to the drawing board for Steve Parish as he looks to bring in Roy Hodgson’s long-term successor.

Palace fans react

Fifield shared the news late on Thursday evening on social media. Here’s what some Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with one describing the update as ‘unreal’.

“So we’re back to square one now? This is utterly mental? How can he lead us along this much, get us this close, then get cold feet? Dom is there anything at all to be positive about?”

Credit: @liamb0117

“For someone to pull out at the last minute once is regrettable, for it to happen at the last minute again with a different manager? Something isn’t right.”

Credit: @NadsShad

“Unreal. What an absolute mess. “

Credit: @CHSCPFC

“This is an absolute nightmare.”

Credit: @Johnelsom6

“There’s no way we get to the point where his contract is ready to be signed and he says this. I refuse to believe this is true”

Credit: @amancpfc

“People think this gets Parish off the hook. We still look like idiots and it’s ultimately his fault for not getting a manager in”

Credit: @Bunds_

In other news: Some CPFC fans think one man might be staying at the club following official post, find out more here. 

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as an update emerged on their proposed new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

As per the official website of the Merseyside club, they will take possession of the Bramley-Moore Dock site on Monday 26th July, and will immediately begin the first phase of the project.

The new ground is set to hold a capacity of 52,888, and the first phase is to prepare the site to make sure that it is ready to build on.

Bill Kenwright and Denise Barrett-Baxendale each released their own separate statement showing their appreciation for the news, as the start of the exciting new project is set to get underway later this month.

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It does mean that the Toffees faithful will have to leave Goodison Park behind, but the opportunity of a shiny, new home is one simply too great to ignore.

Everton fans on stadium update

These Blues buzzed as the update was shared on Twitter, with one claiming that they were ‘delighted’ while another went as far as to label it as ‘massive news’:

“Well I for one am delighted to hear this!! Great news, and can’t wait to watch its progress. Please, please could there be a webcam to document the build, maybe on the @BramleyMoorePub roof? What a watch that’d be in years to come!! #UpTheStadiumBuildingToffees”

Credit: @CathyMcAlle

“Massive news for the club this! Congratulations all involved”

Credit: @david83jones

“Fantastic news onwards and upwards”

Credit: @denzadonadon

“Some good news for once!!!”

Credit: @Stu_jones86

“Happy days ahead”

Credit: @Everton1878Ste

“Goodison needs to be full every game & to be cherished, this is making me so emotional”

Credit: @EvertonEFC18788

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