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Wolves were shocked to the core as a football club when they found out that Nuno Espirito Santo would be leaving after four successful years, and legend Steve Bull has exclusively given his verdict to The Transfer Tavern on reports that they could name his successor within three weeks.

There have been several managers linked with the job but whoever does get handed the reigns will have to build upon the solid foundations that Nuno left as well as adding a few quality additions this summer.

It appeared to have gone a bit stale at Molineux this season as Wolves fell drastically from back-to-back seventh-place finishes all the way down to 12th as well as shipping 52 goals and only scoring 36.

Wolves’ hierarchy will be hoping for a swift appointment so the new manager has a full pre-season and transfer window to mould the team into his own but Bull feels it may still take weeks to find the right manager, he told The Transfer Tavern:

“I’ve read in the paper that they’re going to make an announcement in the next 2-3 weeks, so they must have somebody lined up but who knows?”

It appears that former Benfica manager Bruno Lage is an early contender for the job given his nationality and links to Jorge Mendes, who always has a large say at what happens at Wolves.

There have been reports that one of the reasons that Nuno decided to walk away from Wolves was because of a lack of funding he was set to receive this summer despite the squad needing obvious additions.

Many new faces are expected to arrive at Celtic this summer as the Glasgow giants aim to rebuild their squad, and one of the first names through the door could be Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

What’s the story?

According to The Chronicle, the 24-year-old is set to leave St James’ Park after finding his route to the first team blocked following a successful 12-month spell at Swansea City.

The report claims another loan move away from Woodman’s parent club is likely to occur, with Premier League outfit Southampton also keen on the former England Under-21 international’s signature.

Fans will be buzzing

Celtic surrendered their Scottish Premiership title without a fight in 2020/21, finishing a huge 25 points behind their fiercest rivals Rangers.

A key reason behind their disappointing collapse was their poor defensive record compared to Steven Gerrard’s men.

The Hoops leaked 16 more goals than the newly-crowned champions, largely down to poor performances between the sticks from shot-stoppers Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain and getting a new goalkeeper needs to be high on Dominic McKay’s list of priorities.

Therefore, news that the highly-rated Woodman has been linked with a move to Parkhead will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

After keeping 20 clean sheets in 45 Championship appearances for Swansea throughout the recently concluded campaign, interest is high in the £8.1 million rated keeper (as per Transfermarkt), and he remains open-minded about his next move.

“I hope this isn’t the last game I play in a Swansea shirt,” Woodman revealed after the Swans were defeated in the play-off final.

“The main thing is to sort out my next step; if that’s in a Swansea shirt, then brilliant, but if it’s not, I have to crack on, and that’s football.

“I’m a Swansea City fan now; I’ll be looking out for their results straight away, but football’s a funny game, and anything can happen. We’ll see what happens.”

With Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow both enjoying solid seasons at Newcastle and with both seemingly ahead of Woodman in Steve Bruce’s pecking order, the youngster may have to leave boyhood club once again in search of regular game time.

He has experience of playing north of the border before, though, having enjoyed a six-month stint with Aberdeen back in 2018, and the 6 ft 1 gem could be the ideal signing to get Celtic back on track. Celtic fans will surely be buzzing if they get themselves a new goalkeeper for the season, as they were let down too often last year by both Barkas and Bain.

And, in other news…Postecoglou set for huge Celtic blow before he’s even arrived, fans should be fuming 

West Ham United remain keen on signing Duje Caleta-Car ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, who claims that the Irons could reignite their interest in the Marseille centre-back now that they have qualified for Europe.

Last summer, the east London outfit failed with several bids to secure the Croatian international as he wanted to stay and play in the Champions League, as per The Guardian.

It is now expected that the 24-year-old will leave the Ligue 1 side for around £17m.

Statement of intent

As West Ham head into the Europa League next season, David Moyes will need plenty of options available at his disposal, as two games per week will quickly become the norm.

Right now, he simply does not have the squad depth – or the experience in the competition – to properly contend, and they must not become another one-season wonder which drops off after a brief peak. Think of Wolves and Burnley in recent years.

Caleta-Car would certainly be a statement of intent as he would bolster the Hammers’ backline, which is currently expected to lose at least one member, with Fabian Balbuena out of contract whilst Issa Diop has a question mark over his head having slipped out of favour.

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At 1.92m (6 foot 4), the £22.5m-rated Croatia colossus is an absolute unit and would provide Moyes with another physically imposing presence in the box. He won an average of 2.5 aerial duels per game in Ligue 1 during the 2020/21 season and even chipped in with two goals, via WhoScored.

His ability doesn’t stop there, either, as he’s also very solid with the ball at his feet, having managed a success rate of 86.1% from nearly 58 passes per game. This ability to play out from the back to good effect should please Moyes and his system, especially as this represents an upgrade on his current options.

Angelo Ogbonna only averaged 36.4 passes per game at a success rate of 81.3%, while Craig Dawson comes out even worse having succeeded with just 79.7% of his 34.7 passes per match, as per WhoScored.

It’s no wonder that Champions League winner Dejan Lovren has waxed lyrical about his fellow countryman, claiming to La Provence: “In my opinion, Duje could easily play in England. He is physically very strong, stronger than other players. He will explode in a few years and become even stronger.”

All in all, this seems like an absolute no-brainer for West Ham, even more so at just £17m, and they can more easily attract his services as they are going to be in Europe next season.

Just imagine him alongside Ogbonna next season – GSB must look to get this deal done.

AND in other news, Moyes could secure his next Tim Cahill in West Ham swoop for £20m-rated “game-changer”…

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith could sign the club’s new Christian Benteke in Burnley striker Chris Wood.

What’s the story?

Football Insider recently claimed that the £7.2m-rated marksman is being lined up by Smith as someone to add more firepower to go along with Ollie Watkins, adding that Villa “are one of three top-12 Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Wood.”

Given his style of play, he could well be the man to finally replace Benteke after the big Belgian’s departure from Villa Park a few years ago.

A new Benteke

Wood has been hailed as a “natural goalscorer” in the past by former Leeds manager Garry Monk, whilst former Millwall team-mate Scott Malone added to the rave reviews by claiming that “he’s frightening” to play against.

Since he made the step up to the Premier League, the striker has taken to the top flight like a duck to water, bagging 47 goals in 136 games at that level, leading to Newcastle icon Alan Shearer to hail the impact he has had for Burnley.

The former Magpies striker said: “I like him, I like what he does for the team and he is the focal point for them. He is very good at occupying two centre halves. He is a get out for Burnley if they want because they are not afraid to knock it long.

“He can keep hold of it and bring other players into the game. He is horrible to play against and he won’t give defenders a moment’s peace.”

Just like Benteke, Wood is an absolute handful for defenders to deal with, and he is a real threat in the air – last season in the Premier League saw him win a massive 4.7 aerial duels per game, which was the joint fourth-best in the entire division (Benteke was top with 6.8).

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Wood’s potential arrival would give Villa a different dimension to their attack, something they haven’t really had since Benteke was in his absolute pomp in the Midlands.

Meanwhile, Villa could sign a new Paul Merson in this starlet…

Leeds United are showing ‘concrete interest’ in signing Club Brugge forward Noa Lang this summer, according to a report which has emerged on Saturday morning.

The Lowdown: Lang linked with Leeds switch

Marcelo Bielsa could be a busy man during the next transfer window, making quality additions to a squad that has just finished ninth in the Premier League.

Lang is a player who has been linked with a move to Leeds a number of times, having caught the eye for Brugge, scoring 16 goals and registering seven assists in the Jupiler Pro League last season.

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The Latest: Fresh update provided

The Whites’ interest continues to look strong, with Football Insider now claiming that they are intensifying their efforts to sign the 21-year-old.

It is stated that Lang is one of six signings Leeds hope to bring in this summer, with the youngster seen as someone who could slot straight into the first-team.

A Leeds source has told the outlet the Whites will ‘step up’ their interest in the youngster, but do face competition to secure a deal.

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The Verdict: Ideal summer signing?

Lang looks an exciting prospect with great potential and a player who could add quality and depth to Leeds’ squad.

He has been described as the ‘best player’ in the Jupiler Pro League by analyst Filip Joos.

One of the keys to Bielsa’s team going up another level is having even more options throughout the squad, and the Dutchman would provide competition for places in attacking areas.

His end product speaks for itself and his average of 1.8 key passes per game in the league last season was only bettered at Leeds by Raphinha (2.1), so he could bring some extra creativity to Elland Road.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly lost interest in signing one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Writing on Twitter, Sportitalia journalist Rudy Galetti has dropped a major claim involving Tottenham Hotspur and Marcus Thuram.

The Lowdown: Spurs moving for Thuram?

RMC Sport reporter Mohamed Bouhafsi first broke news that Tottenham are in advanced discussions to sign the Frenchman who is currently at Euro 2020 (Twitter).

Indeed, the journalist also claimed it is very likely the 23-year-old will leave current club Borussia Monchengladbach this summer after an impressive season in Germany.

Bouhafsi believes a swoop for Thuram is now a Spurs ‘priority’ this summer with the transfer window now well underway.

The Latest: Journalist drops Thuram to Spurs claim…

Writing on Twitter, fellow journalist Galetti has dropped his own update on the situation.

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Indeed, he believes that talks are in progress between Spurs and Monchengladbach over the transfer of Thuram but his €30 million (£25.7m) release clause recently expired.

This could mean Tottenham will now have to pay more to seal his signature.

“The times are getting longer between Tottenham and Borussia Monchengladbach for Marcus Thuram,” explained the reporter on social media.

“The €30m release clause recently expired and Spurs should invest at least €40/45m to close the deal.

“Talks in progress.”

The Verdict: Worth it?

Widely seen as a really exciting talent, this move will depend on Tottenham’s ability to either drive the price down or get as many unwanted players out the door as possible.

Tottenham have to adopt a sell-to-buy policy this summer with the coronavirus pandemic having a severe impact on their financing.

New managing director Fabio Paratici may have a huge job on his hands if he wishes to sign Thuram this summer, and going by his stats, the player should have no shortage of suitors.

Out of the entire Monchengladbach squad, the attacker averaged more completes dribbles per 90 in the Bundesliga (1.6) than any of his teammates and was only beaten by Alassane Plea in terms of shots attempted every match (WhoScored).

He may be worth the price tag, but whether Spurs have it to invest is another matter entirely.

In other news: ‘Tottenham are now planning’…Fabrizio Romano relays big N17 development, find out more here.

Nuno Espirito Santo is ‘waiting’ for a decision from Everton and wants to become their manager, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking on YouTube channel Don Robbie, Romano said the Blues had reached a verbal agreement with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss and that a deal was close.

However, Everton weren’t 100% convinced and told Nuno they would need time to consider their options.

What’s the managerial situation at Everton?

The Blues are working to appoint a new boss after Carlo Ancelotti, who led them to a 10th-place finish in last season’s Premier League, left to join Real Madrid at the start of the month.

BBC Sport reported this week that, while Nuno remained a ‘candidate’, former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez had emerged as the favourite for the post after holding three rounds of talks with the Everton hierarchy.

An announcement won’t arrive until next week at the earliest, Sky Sports’ Alan Myers says.

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed Romano’s Nuno claim, and here’s what supporters made of it.

Everton fans react to suggestion that Nuno is ‘waiting’

“Just get him in”

Credit: @Stu17666455

“Rather him than Rafa to be honest”

Credit: @TheBigBrown93

“Just do it”

Credit: @PabsH77

“Get him appointed !”

Credit: @AlHart07

“I’d take Nuno every day over a very divisive appointment like Rafa.”

Credit: @billbones80

“I didn’t want him, he’s not my first choice but I’m tenfold him over Rafa, if this was to happen now and he keeps Dunc on I’ll back him”

Credit: @smigger1878

In other news, could Dominic Calvert-Lewin be tempted by this move? 

Everton are reportedly eyeing a move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfielders may be needed

Both Allan and James Rodriguez have been reported as potentially being on their way to Real Madrid to join up with former Merseyside club manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The Toffees may duly need to strengthen in the middle of the park as they look to try and qualify for European competition at the end of next season.

The Latest: Maitland-Niles eyed

As per the Daily Mail, Everton are reportedly interested in signing Maitland-Niles, along with Southampton.

The 23-year-old is set to leave Arsenal as they cannot guarantee that he will be able to play in his preferred position in midfield.

The Verdict: Sign

Maitland-Niles is always a good squad player to have, given that he can play in a number of different positions. That alone should prompt the Blues to try and sign him if available, although he would no less be a handy option to have in the centre of midfield.

Capped five times at senior international level for England, Maitland-Niles would also add to Everton’s  homegrown quota, and at 23 years of age, he still has a lot of potential. He has impressed with some of his displays over the past few months, with Stuart Pearce describing him as ‘outstanding’ last autumn.

With the Saints also interested in his signature, Everton must act fast if they are to get their man.

In other news, find out which Euro 2020 ace’s agent Everton have called ahead of a potential transfer

Aston Villa are preparing a bid to bring Tammy Abraham to Villa Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Mirror, who claim that Dean Smith’s side are willing to spend £40m on the Chelsea centre-forward.

Abraham has been told he is free to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window as he does not feature in Thomas Tuchel’s long term plans.

The report continues by stating that Smith would like to get his transfer business wrapped up as early as possible this summer, with it also being suggested that the Blues are expecting a Villa bid for the 23-year-old imminently.

Smith would love him

Despite falling down the Chelsea attacking pecking order following the arrival of Tuchel in west London earlier this year, Abraham proved in the first half of the Blues’ campaign that he has what it takes to find the back of the net on a regular basis in the top flight of English football.

Indeed, over his 22 Premier League appearances last season, only 12 of which came as starts, the England international scored six goals, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots and making 0.4 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £82k-per-week striker earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.88, a rating that would have undoubtedly been higher if it were not for a number of late in the game substitutions in the second half of the season.

Interestingly, those six goals saw him only second to the club’s penalty-taker, Jorginho (seven), for goals scored in the Premier League this season.

Furthermore, another reason why the £45m-rated man would seem to fit the bill for Villa is down the to fact that Abraham has played under Smith before, with the forward thriving for Villa during a loan spell at the club back in 2018/19.

That season, the man whom assistant manager John Terry dubbed an “incredible” striker scored a whopping 25 goals, provided three assists and created three big chances over his 37 Championship appearances, seeing the 23-year-old earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.21 – ranking him as Villa’s second-best performer in the second tier of English football.

The England international has also been lauded as a “phenomenal player” by Alex McLeish to Football Insider and once earned lofty comparisons to a Stamford Bridge and English football great in Didier Drogba.

As such, should Johan Lange and Villa go on to get a deal over the line for Abraham this summer, it would very much appear to be a transfer that Smith would absolutely love.

They must look to sanction this move.

In other news: “I’m expecting”: Preece makes claim on potential Villa “superstar”, fans will love it

Aston Villa transfer target Will Hughes is a perfect fit for Dean Smith, according to Steve Howey.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic, the Midlands club have been name-checked as one of those interested in signing the Watford ace this summer as he enters the final year of his contract, and it’s a move for which Howey has delivered his backing.

Speaking exclusively to This is Futbol, he said: “Dean Smith has seen something in him and he’s been in the Premier League before so he knows what it’s all about. I can’t imagine it costing massive money to sign somebody like him so he could be a great player to have in the squad.”

Villa’s new Gareth Barry

With 77 appearances to his name in the Premier League, Hughes fits the bill that Smith has stated he wants from any potential new signings at Villa Park this summer.

The Villa boss said ahead of the summer transfer window: “In terms of our recruitment, we talk about the sweet spots that we’re looking for, which is that the players have Premier League experience and are (ideally) British because there is no adaptation risk at all.”

In the £30,000-a-week earning Hughes, they would get exactly that.

Adrian Mariappa, his one-time teammate at Watford, waxed lyrical about the 26-year-old’s abilities, saying: “He’s an outstanding player. To see his quality he’s got, he has so much flair and a terrific player.”

With his ability as a real box-to-box player, there’s shades of Gareth Barry to his game. The latter spent 11 years in the Aston Villa first team, playing 434 games for them before making the move to Manchester City and helping them win their first Premier League title in 2012.

Manchester City’s website describes him as a “reliable, composed and tactically astute midfielder with a knack for sniffing out danger”, adding that “his understated style of play made him one of the unsung heroes of that title-winning side”.

Hughes is cut from that same cloth of being a reliable presence in the middle of the park and effective in both boxes. As per WhoScored, he has career averages of 2.5 tackles, one interception and one key pass per game; while like Barry with 82.9%, he also rarely loses the ball, boasting an impressive 82.7% pass accuracy.

With his vast Premier League experience and his consistent performances in the engine room, Hughes could be another Mr Reliable for Villa just like Barry was.

Also, with Conor Hourihane potentially leaving the club this summer, Hughes’ arrival would reinforce Villa’s midfield considerably.

Meanwhile, Villa could sign their new John Carew in this man…