Liverpool name their price for Harry Wilson

Liverpool are reportedly willing to sanction Harry Wilson’s permanent exit from Anfield for £10m amid interest from West Brom, according to The Mirror’s David Anderson.

What’s the story?

Wilson’s future at Liverpool remains ‘up in the air’ as we edge closer to the opening day of the Premier League season, with his game-time with Jurgen Klopp’s side likely to be very much restricted.

The Wales international spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan with Cardiff City as they finished eighth in the Championship.

West Brom and Brentford are some of the clubs credited with interest in signing the 24-year-old, with the Baggies looking to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking under the management of Valerien Ismael.

Anderson has now revealed that Liverpool are willing to sell Wilson for a fee of £10m this summer, which could be a tempting proposition for a number of clubs before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Wilson could be the ideal Matheus Pereira replacement

Wilson has been restricted to just two competitive senior appearances for Liverpool, which will be frustrating for the 24-year-old, who has caught the eye with a number of strong performances on loan in recent seasons.

He burst onto the scene whilst with Derby County in 2018/19, where he scored 18 goals and was on hand to provide six assists from his 49 appearances under the watchful eye of Frank Lampard. However, his efforts weren’t quite enough for promotion as they lost to Aston Villa in the play-off final.

Wilson followed that up with a spell at Bournemouth in the Premier League before a move to Cardiff City in the 2020/21 campaign, and he continued to impress in the second tier, chipping in with seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions for Mick McCarthy’s side.

However, it seems as though he’s heading for a permanent exit from Anfield this summer, despite Jurgen Klopp once praising him for his ‘world-class’ shooting ability.

West Brom have already been faced with a considerable amount of interest from other clubs for Matheus Pereira, with the Brazilian’s strong showings in the last couple of seasons evidently not going unnoticed.

If Pereira were to move on, West Brom could seemingly have his replacement already lined up in Wilson, and they’d be making a shrewd investment into a player who has already shown that he can perform to a high standard in the Championship.

With a WhoScored rating of 6.96 from the 2020/21 season, that puts him fifth on the list for Cardiff, and you’d back him to replicate similar performances under the management of Ismael.

If the Baggies strike a deal to land Wilson’s signature this summer, he could instantly fill any potential void left by Pereira moving on amid substantial transfer interest in the Brazilian.

In other news, West Brom face potential ‘big blow’ over this Baggies player.

Pundit backs Jurgen Klopp to hand Harry Wilson Liverpool chance

Harry Wilson is still yet to make his Premier League debut for Liverpool despite experiencing five different loan spells since 2015, but this year could be his time to shine according to Dean Windass.

The Liverpool winger is reportedly available for transfer this summer despite impressing on his previous three loan spells with Derby County, Bournemouth and Cardiff City, having even proved himself to be good enough for the top flight during his time with the Cherries where he netted seven goals.

Wilson’s best loan spell was definitely with Derby under Frank Lampard as he registered 18 goals and six assists in 49 games as the Rams just missed out on promotion having been beaten by Aston Villa in the play-off final.

Liverpool struggled for goals last season compared to their usual high standards so there could be a chance for Wilson to impress by coming off the bench to start with, according to Windass who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I think Harry will get an opportunity at Liverpool this year after they obviously struggled this season.

“I think he’ll be on the bench and coming off the bench and then he’ll get his opportunity, so I see him staying at Liverpool this year instead of going out on loan.”

The most important thing for Wilson so far in his career is that he’s been handed regular game time on his last three loan spells having made a combined total of 122 appearances in the last three seasons.

Jurgen Klopp will be assessing all of his options this summer ahead of a big season for the Reds as they will be looking to win some silverware, specifically the Premier League after finishing a disappointing 17 points behind Manchester City.

Crystal Palace: Fans react to Rafael Benitez links

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been having their say on social media after former Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez was linked with the Selhurst Park job.

According to the Daily Record, Eddie Howe is not interested in a move to Palace and looks set to take over at Celtic.

The Hoops may well be getting Howe, but the report goes on to add that Palace looking towards the likes of Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche and Benitez.

We’re aware of the links to Lampard and Dyche in recent months, but Benitez’s name is a new one.

The 61-year-old has been out of work since January after leaving Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional.

The Spaniard is targeting a Premier League return, and it seems as if the Eagles hold an interest in his services ahead of possibly filling the void set to be left by Roy Hodgson.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the news regarding Benitez on Wednesday morning. This is what these Palace supporters had to say, with many seemingly keen on a deal.

“Finally a decent link”Credit: @JA9baller”Great move, hoping we pull this off”Credit: @jackg1984″Yes please”Credit: @freshkes2″Benitez yes yes yes”Credit: @comfichair”Why are we not all over Rafa if he’s available. Get him in”Credit: @androsisnotbald”Rafa would by far be the best option for us, I doubt we could ever pull it off but if we did, I think we would be in good hands”Credit: @nikolimorgan

In other news: Many Palace fans buzz at club’s advanced talks with teenage attacker, find out more here. 

Hagi decision could be fatal for Rangers

Steven Gerrard will reportedly block Rangers winger Ianis Hagi from representing Romania at the Olympics this summer, which could well force the 22-year-old out of Ibrox considering the interest being shown in him.

It was revealed earlier this month that the Gers were planning to deny Hagi the opportunity to represent his country in Tokyo this summer, as it will clash with Champions League qualifying fixtures.

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has recently slammed this decision when speaking to Football Insider, saying: “[Lionel] Messi played in it, [Sergio] Aguero played in it.

“If you sign a talented under-23 player who’s possibly going to be in the Olympics, if the Olympics goes ahead, then you’ve got to be prepared for that.

“You can’t sign a player that plays for one of the African Cup of Nations teams and then go ‘I don’t want him to be away in January.’

“Surely you have to do your due diligence and know that’s going to be a possibility. If your player’s good, he’s going to get called up. I get that they’re trying to persuade their players and say ‘Do you really need to go?’

“But it’s the opportunity to play in an Olympics. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Why would you not want to go and represent your country?”

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Hagi is already a fully-fledged Romania international, with 16 caps to his name, and is eligible for the squad as he is an under-23 player, so it was no surprise that Mirel Radoi was keen to call him up for Tokyo.

However, Rangers have refused permission, which might not sit well with the former Genk winger, who has been linked with a move away ahead of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Lazio and Sevilla reportedly interested.

Given that the “outstanding” Hagi won the Young Player of the Season award at Rangers this season after contributing seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions, it is no surprise that Gerrard is desperate to have him available.

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However, as Mills suggests, Rangers should have planned in advance for this situation, and a refusal to let Hagi play in the Olympics could well prove a factor in whether or not he is still at Ibrox at the end of the summer transfer window.

In other news… Forget Ferguson: Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “top player”, he won’t cost a penny

Rangers told to sign Lundstram

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has told Rangers to sign John Lundstram – coming after he was announced on the Blades’ released list.

The Lowdown: Gers and Lundstram…

The Teddy Bears have been sporadically linked with a move for Lundstram over these past few months as manager Steven Gerrard aims to strengthen his squad and defend their SPFL crown.

Indeed, the Gers clinched a 55th Scottish League title and put an end to their Old Firm rival’s dominance over the division.

Now set to become a free agent at the end of this month, sporting director Ross Wilson has been told to bring Lundstram to Ibrox.

The Latest: Kenny tells Rangers to swoop…

Speaking to Football Insider, the pundit has explained that signing him as a free agent is a ‘no-brainer’ for Wilson and the Gers this summer and has even likened him as a player ‘similar’ to Gerrard.

“I don’t see why he couldn’t have success in Scotland,” Kenny said.

“The back end of his Sheffield United career has not been what he wanted.

“It ended with relegation and when you’re not wanting a new contract then the fans will turn on you, so it’s been a difficult period this last six months or so.

“But it would be a fresh start for him and I’m sure he’d have no problem tearing up the Scottish league with Rangers.

“He’s a box-to-box midfielder, a big, strong lad. He’s got a lot of energy too, similar to Gerrard in a way. On a free, it’s a no-brainer.”

The Verdict: No-brainer indeed…

Given his soon-to-be status as a free agent with no transfer fee required, signing Lundstram could indeed be a fruitful option for the Gers this summer.

Over 23 Premier League starts last campaign, the 27-year-old proved to a fairly efficient operator at times in midfield – averaging an 84.2% pass accuracy (WhoScored).

Hailed as a ‘quality player’ by fellow pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor (Football Insider), the midfield ace could really strengthen Gerrard’s options as a title defence looms next season.

In other news: Gers fans go wild for this ‘tremendous news’, find out more here.

Parker at Spurs would be huge for Sessegnon

Tottenham Hotspur are no closer to finding out who their next manager will be but several interesting names have been linked to the vacancy.

Whoever is appointed in North London, they will have a huge task on their hands this summer as this current Spurs squad is in dire need of a rebuild, if not at the very least, a freshen up.

According to The Athletic, the next manager will have some extra talent on his hands as out-on-loan duo Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon are set to return from their respective clubs.

One name linked to the role is Fulham boss Scott Parker and given he’s worked with the latter, it could benefit the Lilywhites in the long run.

It is thought that Daniel Levy “thinks the world of” the 40-year-old, as per Football Insider, so if he does become their next boss, then Sessegnon’s career at Spurs could be in line for a massive boost.

The 20-year-old, who can play anywhere down the left flank, has only made 12 senior appearances for the club since Levy invested a whopping £25m into his signature back in the summer of 2019.

What is also in Sessegnon’s advantage is the fact that he has been playing for a Bundesliga outfit in Europe, whereas Skipp – as outstanding as he has been – has only featured in the Championship.

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The young wide man has played 27 times in all competitions, where has delivered two goals and two assists. He has displayed his impressive defensive ability, managing two tackles per game in the Bundesliga, which is the second-most in Hoffenheim’s squad, as per WhoScored.

He could become genuine competition to Sergio Reguilon at left-back, and provide added cover to Heung-min Son further up the pitch.

Sessegnon has also thrown his weight behind Parker getting the job.

When asked about the potential of a reunion in North London, he told talkSPORT: “That would be very good! Everyone knows the relationship I have with Scott. He’s a top guy, top man and a top coach. He’s just an all-round great guy.”

There are plenty of reasons for and against hiring Parker. Fulham’s relegation will not put a glowing light on his credentials, though what is certain, he could be the best man to bring Sessegnon through as a future star at the club.

After all, he was once dubbed a “big, big talent” and a “fast wide player”. Parker would be game-changing for the England U21 starlet.

AND in other news, Spurs handed huge boost over £30m “wonderful talent”, Levy’s surely licking his lips…

Pundit claims Mourinho has lost his drive

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who is a Wolves Hall of Famer, believes that Jose Mourinho is not the same type of manager as he was at Chelsea, labelling him the “sheepish one”.

Mourinho has experienced mixed fortunes since succeeding Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs, but he does have a Carabao Cup final later this month which could be Tottenham’s first piece of silverware since 2008.

When he arrived at Chelsea for the first time, Mourinho labelled himself as ‘the special one’ which he backed up by winning back-to-back Premier League titles as well as an FA Cup and League Cup.

Speaking on how Mourinho comes across now and what has changed from the point of view of an outsider looking in, Bull told FFC:

“He came over here as the special one and made players want to play for him, but he’s not showing any glimpses of what he had at Chelsea.

“When he was at Chelsea he had that hunger, but he’s come back as the sheepish one at Tottenham without saying a word, not stand from his box and the players haven’t delivered for him.”

Spurs find themselves five points off the top four after draws with Newcastle United and Everton were sandwiched by a home reverse against Manchester United.

Mourinho has struggled to keep everyone on his side after falling out with both Dele Alli and Gareth Bale publicly known, and now players like Matt Doherty and Toby Alderweireld are being left out of the team and/or the squad.

Ex-Leeds ace expects move this summer

Former Leeds United star Jon Newsome has told The Transfer Tavern that Jack Harrison will almost certainly become a Leeds United player this summer.

The winger is currently in his third season-long loan spell at the club from Manchester City.

He has never played for City, and has gone on to make 123 appearances for the Whites.

This season, he has scored seven goals and registered six assists in 31 Premier League games.

And Newsome says that Leeds did want to sign Harrison permanently last summer, but were forced to settle for a loan after bringing in a number of new arrivals in the transfer window.

He says that various onlookers already think that Harrison is contracted permanently to Leeds, and he believes that the confusion will be rectified this summer.

Speaking exclusively to TT, he said: “Yeah, it’s a strange one, isn’t it? Because I was speaking about him in the week, actually, to a couple of guys, and they could not believe that he was a Man City player. They were like ‘what?’ I said ‘Yeah, he’s in his third season long loan at Leeds United from Manchester City.’ And they were astounded. They just thought he was a Leeds United player.

“So I mean, I don’t know the ins and outs of the clauses in the contracts, that kind of thing. But I was led to believe that they wanted to purchase him in the summer, last summer.

“That because they brought in a number of other players, they agreed to another season-long loan. And I would be immensely surprised if Jack Harrison didn’t become a Leeds United footballer in the near future.”

Harrison is valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt and City are unlikely to stand in his way, because he has yet to step foot on a pitch in the club’s colours.

CPFC: Fans react to Benteke update

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been giving their thoughts to a transfer update regarding striker Christian Benteke.

The Belgian, on £120,000-a-week with the Eagles, is out of contract at Selhurst Park in a matter of weeks.

He’s scored five times in his last 11 Premier League appearances, including netting in back-to-back away games over the last five days.

However, it seems as if a move away from the club could be on the cards. According to Sportslens, the 30-year-old is keen on playing in Italy, with Inter Milan as the preferred option.

The report suggests that Benteke’s agent recommended the striker’s services to Inter Milan, but they are yet to hear back from the Serie A champions regarding a possible cut-price move.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news on Benteke on Twitter on Wednesday morning.

Their post received plenty of interaction throughout the day, with the majority of these Palace supporters wanting the forward to stay.

“If we let him go it (will) be a joke”Credit: @Kevbartleyy”He’s gonna go just as he’s hit incredible form isn’t he? I’m worried if we also have to sign a striker this summer. ST RW CM CB (maybe 2)”Credit: @Phillyconcarne”Inter defo took that offer as an insult”Credit: @BigAlThinks”No stop”Credit: @CPFCMax03″Plz sign the contract @chrisbenteke :(“Credit: @osian_davis”Please don’t go @chrisbenteke”Credit: @CPFCH10

In other news: Many CPFC fans buzz at plans for another documentary series, find out more here. 

Romano drops Leeds claim on Bielsa

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a quite enticing claim on the future of Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United and the impact of his current contract situation.

The Argentine’s contract at Elland Road is still very much up in the air at the moment, and Romano gave an update on whether this would have an effect on transfers, in terms of players not wanting to join as they do not even know who the manager will be next year.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, the Italian football journalist and football guru said:

“I think no… when you have Marcelo Bielsa on your bench you can attract a lot of players.

“A lot of players are attracted by the project, Leeds has an amazing project – apart from Biesla we’re talking about the ownership, the stadium, the partnerships and also what they are doing on the pitch is so important.

“So they have an amazing project. When you have Marcelo Bielsa, you can attract players.”

Continuing on about Bielsa’s future, Romano claimed: “For sure, they are happy with him and I think they will do their best to keep him.”

Leeds must give Bielsa new deal

It is simply imperative that the Midlands club give Bielsa a new deal. The 65-year-old is a household name in the beautiful game, and as Romano points out, the Whites can attract a lot of players to them just by having him as their manager.

This is exemplified when they signed Rodrigo in the summer transfer window, who had previous pedigree in the UEFA Champions League and an international reputation with Spain (Transfermarkt).

Bielsa was vital in getting the club promoted to the Premier League in the first place, and they look set to stay there come the end of the 2020/21 term.

Nonetheless, they must tie him down to a new contract at all costs.

You can view the full Fabrizio Romano interview with Give Me Sport here!

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