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Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost to their chances of bringing James Garner back to The City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with the Manchester United website, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that he is hoping a number of the club’s youngsters will be able to secure loan deals ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

This could include James Garner, with Forest believed to be extremely interested in resigning the central midfielder in the summer transfer window, should he be available on the market, following a highly impressive loan spell at the club last season.

Hughton will be delighted

If it can be assumed that Garner is indeed included in the players whom Solskjaer is referring to in his comments, it would very much appear to be a significant boost to Forest’s chances of landing the midfielder once again this summer, something that will undoubtedly delight Chris Hughton.

Indeed, it is clear to see why the 62-year-old is so eager to secure a further season of Garner at The City Ground this summer, with the 20-year-old having consistently turned in fantastic performances while on loan at the club last time out.

Over his 20 Championship appearances for Forest last term, the £3.6m-rated man scored four goals, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots and making 1.1 key passes per game.

The United starlet also impressed in more typical central midfielder metrics, making an average of two tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 1.2 clearances per league fixture.

These returns saw the man Fred dubbed an “incredible” player earn a seasonal WhoScored match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Forest’s best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, with Hughton undoubtedly hoping to improve on the Garibaldi’s disappointing 17th place Championship finish last season in their upcoming campaign, the addition of Garner would very much appear to be a boost to the 62-year-old’s chances of going on to achieve this feat.

And, following Solskjaer’s latest comments, a deal could well be there to be done for Forest this summer, an outcome that would be fantastic news for everyone involved with the club.

In other news: Hughton makes contact for “outstanding” £2.3k-p/w dynamo, Forest fans surely buzzing

Many Wolves fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on Dany Mota.

As per Fonza Morza, Jorge Mendes would like to bring the Portugal youth international to the Midlands club, and Monza would be tempted to sell him for the right price.

Mota does not play at a very high level compared to the Premier League, and only scored a mere seven goals in 36 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt).

With other strikers already at Molineux in Raul Jimenez, Fabio Silva, Rafa Mir and Patrick Cutrone, it would not really be smart business to invest in a player who would be a big gamble in bringing him to the English top flight, with other options likely to be available further down the summer transfer window.

Wolves fans on Mota transfer update

These WWFC supporters fumed as the transfer update on Mota was shared on Twitter:

“NO”

Credit: @bestwolvesfan

“Not good enough. If he was, he wouldn’t be playing in Serie B in Italy at the age of 23. I saw him in the under 21s for Portugal. Again if he was that good wouldn’t he at his age be pushing the national side? Not an upgrade on Mir and Cutrone.”

Credit: @GabyCaizzo

“Pray he is only being linked because he is Portuguese and a Mendes client, if this is really the type of player we are looking to sign, we are going back to the Championship, which I’m worried could be a real possibility, I have no faith in the owners or this new manager”

Credit: @WolvesFan20

“Serie B player!! We’re going back to Poundland shopping.”

Credit: @SteveWiles20

“Rather we keep Cutrone”

Credit: @AdanTroare

“6 goals in Serie B last season; no thanks.”

Credit: @amarsmusicshow

In other news, find out what big transfer update has Wanderers talking here!

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has told The Transfer Tavern that he cannot see West Ham signing West Brom’s Matheus Pereira this summer due to Said Benrahma.

Pereira has been heavily linked with a move away from The Hawthorns following West Brom’s relegation to the Championship, with West Ham one club said to be interested in the 25-year-old attacker.

The Hammers bolstered their attack in the last summer transfer window with the addition of Benrahma, who initially joined from Brentford on loan before signing permanently in January.

For Windass, that is an obstacle to bringing Pereira in, with the ex-Hull City star feeling that David Moyes would struggle to get both players into the same team given how similar they are.

“I think they’re both similar types, Benrahma and Pereira,” Windass exclusively told TT. “You can’t have two No.10s and I think he is like that and he is a similar player to Pereira.

“He’s a great talent, don’t get me wrong. I just can’t see that happening with two players similar, in the same team. So I can’t see that happening.”

It would be a quality player West Ham would be missing out on if they decided against signing Pereira this summer.

He was excellent in attack for West Brom last season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 33 league games.

KV Oostende have moved to activate Celtic defender Jack Hendry’s release clause, as reported by the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Hendry has went from zero to hero in the last two years

Hendry has become something of a forgotten man at Parkhead in recent years after being signed by former Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers in 2018 for £1.44m [Transfermarkt]. The 26-year-old has not kicked a ball in Celtic colours since a cameo appearance against Partick Thistle in the 2019/20 Betfred Cup [BBC].

Out of nowhere, the defender has enjoyed an unexpected rise to prominence. He linked up with KV Oostende on loan in 2020 following a brief loan spell at Melbourne City.

Incredibly, the Scot has went on to rack up 30 appearances for the Belgian outfit in 2020/21 [Soccerbase], winning the prestigious Sport Voetbal Player of the Year award in the process [Sport Voetbal], so there is little wonder that KV Oostende have now moved to make his stay in Belgium a permanent one.

The Latest: Release clause activated; Hendry will be a KV Oostende player

Celtic look set to make a profit on Hendry, with De Kustboys paying a rumoured fee of around £1.75m for him [Daily Record]. This is due to the release clause included in his deal, which gave the Belgian Pro League outfit first option on the Glaswegian [Daily Record].

Intriguingly, KV Oostende could look to sell him on immediately to the highest bidder for a considerable fee. Subject to interest from England, the likes of Leeds, Burnley and Newcastle are all keeping tabs on the centre-back [Daily Record].

The Verdict: More disappointment for Celtic in their time of need

On assessment, Celtic may feel slightly miffed at the circumstantial realm in which they find themselves with Hendry. Alhough they will make a profit, £1.75m seems a measly amount for someone who scored his first goal for Scotland in a friendly against the Netherlands last week [BBC].

Described by KV Oostende boss Alexander Blessin as someone who ‘has a lot of qualities’ [Celtic Star], Celtic could’ve missed out on a potential solution to their lack of depth in the centre of their defence.

Nonetheless, the Hoops must now move on and put the fee for Hendry towards acquiring a suitable replacement.

In other news, Celtic have agreed a fee to sell their talisman.

Aston Villa appear to have won the race for Fleetwood Town defender and reported Celtic target Josh Feeney, according to Birmingham Live.

The Lowdown: Celtic links

Feeney, England’s Under-16 captain, has been a man in demand in recent months.

Celtic, along with Villa, Leeds United Leicester City and Wolves were all credited with an interest in the centre-back last month.

Feeney, who stands at 6 foot 3, is yet to make a senior appearance for Fleetwood but appears to be on the move this summer.

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The Latest: Villa visit

According to Birmingham Live, Villa is Feeney’s preferred destination despite being poised to move to Manchester United.

He visited Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training facility on Thursday which left Feeney’s representatives impressed.

It now seems as if a move to the Midlands is on the cards ahead of an Old Trafford switch.

The Verdict: Could have been a Hjelde replacement?

Leeds United have been linked with a move for Hoops teenager Leo Hjelde in recent days, so Feeney could well have been an ideal replacement for the Norwegian.

Hjelde, who has 12 months remaining on his Parkhead deal, was tipped as ‘the next Virgil van Dijk’ by former Ross County manager John Hughes last season.

It seems as if Celtic could lose him, so adding Feeney may have been perfect – the amount of interest the Englishman has attracted suggests he too is quite the prospect.

It doesn’t look as if a move to Scotland will materialise, though, and Aston Villa may well have got themselves a future star in Feeney.

In other news: Hoops keen on international winger, find out more here. 

Lee Ryder has shared some insight from sources close to the potential takeover of Newcastle United on a possible timescale for arbitration.

The Lowdown: Arbitration date set

A date has now been set for the pending arbitration case between the St. James’ Park faithful and the Premier League over the failed deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

The hearing has been set for July on an expedited basis, with the top flight being granted an extension to respond to the North East club’s separate anti-competition lawsuit that has been launched against them.

The Latest: Possible arbitration timescale

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has shared that if there are no delays or roadblocks thrown down by PL chiefs, some close sources to the potential takeover feel that the arbitration case could take about three weeks.

It means that the Tyneside club will likely go into the new season with Ashley still as the owner, and the chief executive of Sports Direct will also be in charge of incomings and outgoings in the summer transfer window.

The Verdict: Timescale not ideal

If the arbitration hearing is likely to take as long as three weeks, then it is certainly not ideal going into the next campaign.

It means that the Magpies will have to be much more clever and careful with how much money that they spend in the window and how they spend it, whereas a completed takeover before the window would surely bring more freedom for Steve Bruce or any other manager.

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With fans proposed to come back into stadiums as well, there will be growing uncertainty and discontent that may translate onto the players on the pitch.

However, the Toon Army may not care how or when it happens so long as the takeover is completed.

In other news, find out what insight Mark Douglas has dropped on potential takeover investors here!

Many Wolves fans have been left to fume as a manager update emerged on Frank Lampard.

As per talkSPORT (via Talking Wolves), the Midlands club have reportedly made ‘discrete enquiries’ with the former Derby County and Chelsea boss over their managerial vacancy.

The Molineux faithful have still not been able to find a replacement for Nuno Espirito Santo, and a list of potential candidates have already been touted for the job, with Lampard the latest.

The 42-year-old was sacked by Chelsea after guiding the Blues to a very disappointing ninth place in the Premier League table, despite spending more than £200m on new players in the summer transfer window, as he also came off the back of losing the 2020 FA Cup final at the hands of Arsenal.

Nonetheless, his CV in this sense does not make great reading, and so it is understandable that several WWFC supporters do not want the Englishman to be their next coach.

Wolves fans on Lampard manager update

These Wanderers fumed as the manager update was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was a ‘joke’:

“If we give this idiot the job I’m going to support my local Sunday league team.”

Credit: @sjrasmin

“Go for Gerrard instead of that fraud please”

Credit: @F1Jamie_

“Fosun out”

Credit: @fatchav

“I’d like to request one speedy exit from this planet. Earliest slot available, thank you very much.”

Credit: @TonyWilde99

“Please god no”

Credit: @fowls21wwfc

“This joke …ehm..not funny”

Credit: @Dacos23

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

Celtic are leading the chase for Cardiff City defender Ciaron Brown, according to TEAMtalk.

The Lowdown: Brown’s versatility

Brown spent half of the current campaign on loan at Livingston this season and actually scored and provided an assist in a 2-2 draw against the Hoops back in January.

The Northern Ireland international, predominantly a centre-back, also played as a left-back and a left midfielder this season, and his displays seemingly haven’t gone unnoticed.

The Latest: Hoops not the only club interested

TEAMtalk lead with a title that Celtic are leading the chase for the Cardiff man, however, clubs in Germany and Belgium are also keen on the 23-year-old.

The report adds that Brown is out of contract in south Wales this summer, but the Bluebirds do have an option which they are set to activate which could prevent the defender from becoming a free agent over the coming months.

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The Verdict: A shrewd addition?

The specific clause could prove to be a problem for the Hoops and new CEO Dominic McKay, although, should a deal become available for a reasonable price, we think Brown could be a smart signing ahead of the 2021/22 season.

You’d expect the new Celtic manager to make a number of signings over the coming months, but it seems unlikely each addition will be a high-profile name for big money.

Bringing in someone like Brown, who can play in three different positions, could be a shrewd piece of business in the long run, and at 23 years of age, still has time to improve.

In other news: Journalist claims Celtic have completed a deal as seven-word message emerges, find out more here. 

According to a report by Football Insider, former Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho is plotting a summer raid to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for new club AS Roma. 

The Lowdown: More Spurs exits?

Amid the big Harry Kane exit saga surrounding Tottenham, little is mentioned of other star players potentially heading out the exit door in north London.

Spurs, however, have been warned that, as well as Kane, other big name first teamers could contemplate their futures whilst attracting outside interest.

Tottenham have yet to secure a new manager and map out a plan to rebuild the team in time for the 2021/2022 season, and the threat of losing other key players is the last thing they need.

The Latest: Mourinho plotting raid for Hojbjerg

Now, as per Football Insider, ex-Lilywhites coach Mourinho is said to be plotting a move to sign the 25-year-old for his new club this summer.

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Coming just under a year after he signed him for Spurs, a recruitment source has told Football Insider that Hojbjerg is the only player who Mourinho wishes to prise away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The colossal Dane played every minute under the former Spurs manager before his untimely sacking – with Mourinho now planning to contact Spurs in an attempt to lure Hojbjerg away.

The Verdict: Keep at all costs…

Hojbjerg has, arguably, been Spurs’ best signing of the 2020/2021 season – attracting all sorts of acclaim for his performances throughout the campaign.

The 40-cap star has been an imperative figure, and Mourinho himself was very public in his admiration of Hojbjerg – branding the midfield colossus as a ‘phenomenal player’ and ‘physically very, very strong’ (Goal).

Tottenham podcaster Lee McQueen immediately recognised his quality in the first few months of his time in a Lilywhites shirt, calling him ‘magnificent'(Last Word on Spurs Podcast).

One of the shining lights of an otherwise regrettable campaign for Spurs, supporters will be hoping Hojbjerg doesn’t threaten an exit this summer.

In other news: Spurs hold discussions with this Champions League-winning boss, find out more here.

Leicester City strengthened their grip on a place in the top four with an utterly dominant 3-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes turned in an exhilarating first-half showing in the East Midlands, with Jamie Vardy, Jonny Evans and Kelechi Iheanacho getting the goals for the home side.

Whilst he did not manage to get on the scoresheet, Timothy Castagne was arguable the star turn for Brendan Rodgers’ men. Deployed at right-wing back, the Baggies simply could not contain the 13-cap Belgium international.

In all, he produced two tackles, one clearance and one interception according to WhoScored in what was relatively trouble-free evening. However, it was Castagne’s attacking play which was his standout feature.

He was rampant down the right flank, racking up a game-high five key passes throughout the 90 minutes, one more than mercurial midfielder James Maddison. For comparison, the rest of the Leicester team only managed to contribute 10 between them (WhoScored). Meanwhile, no single player in the entire Leicester side could beat the full-back’s 92.2% pass accuracy.

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Castagne’s attacking instincts certainly bore fruit for Leicester in the game. After being released by Youri Tielemans in the first half, he was able to produce a perfect centre for Vardy to smash home. It was the former Atalanta man’s third assist of the season, and his first since he’d notched two in his opening three games of the campaign.

The £21.6m-rated defender was also very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself before the break, once again finding acres of room down the right but he could only send his low effort onto the base of the post.

Having praised Castagne for his “brilliant” debut in the reverse fixture at The Hawthorns way back in September, Rodgers will certainly be exhilarated with another fantastic display from his full-back in what was a dominant win at the King Power Stadium.

AND in more news, take a look at which former transfer target Leicester must reignite their interest in…