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West Brom’s board will try and back new manager Valerien Ismael this transfer window, journalist Luke Hatfield has told The Transfer Tavern.

Ismael was appointed as West Brom boss at the end of last month and has already got to work in the market, with Alex Mowatt, who he managed at Barnsley, set to be playing his football at The Hawthorns this upcoming season.

On a free transfer, Mowatt looks like he could be a very good signing after scoring eight goals and providing seven assists from midfield in the last Championship campaign.

Ismael’s work is unlikely to be done there, though, with the 45-year-old set to be fully backed, according to Hatfield.

“The Albion board will try and back him with what they can in terms of funds,” the Express & Star journalist said.

“How much money he’s going to have in his budget is another question, but I think they’re excited by what they saw from Ismael at Barnsley.”

Indeed, even if he was not their first choice, it is easy to see why owner Guochuan Lai and the rest of the West Brom board have a lot of belief in Ismael. On a very low budget, the Frenchman was able to guide Barnsley to the play-offs last season.

Wolves are more likely to sign Lille’s Renato Sanches than Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek next summer, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with midfield duo

Bruno Lage will likely be eyeing up new signings next month and in the summer as he looks to take his squad to the next level.

Wolves have been linked with moves for both Sanches and Van de Beek, with midfield reinforcements seemingly at the top of the manager’s wish list.

A fresh update has now emerged regarding the two players, perhaps making the situation a little clearer.

The Latest: Hatfield provides Sanches update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Hatfield claimed a deal for Lille midfielder Sanches appears more likely than Van de Deek at the moment:

“I still think someone like Renato Sanches is going to be probably higher on the list for Wolves this winter or next summer.

“He offers a little bit more of an all-round game. But, I suppose, if they miss out on him or decide to look elsewhere then van de Beek could be a really good option for them.”

The Verdict: Too injury-prone?

Sanches is a wonderfully talented footballer, as highlighted by him winning the European Golden Boy award back in 2016, but injuries have since plagued his career.

That’s the main thing working against the Euro 2016 winner joining Wolves, with the 24-year-old never starting more than 16 league games in a season.

It could be that Van de Beek is a better option in that respect, having started more than 20 league matches three times in a campaign already in his fledgling career and enjoying a superior fitness record.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly still interested in signing one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United selling Illan Meslier would be ‘very silly’, former Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson says. 

The lowdown

The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones reported last week that Leeds are ‘braced for bids’ for Meslier during the summer transfer window.

As for interested parties, The Daily Star believe Manchester United are intense admirers of the Frenchman, while Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona could even make a move.

Leeds signed Meslier from FC Lorient for £5.85million in the summer of 2020 following a successful loan move.

He’s made 81 appearances for the club in total, conceding 128 goals and keeping 23 clean sheets.

The latest

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said he couldn’t ‘see the sense’ in sanctioning the move, which he believes would force Leeds into the market for a ‘top’ replacement.

“They’d have to find a top, number one goalkeeper so to sell Meslier for whatever they sell him for, they’d have to pay that to replace him,” he said.

“It would seem to be a very silly situation to let him go.

“In all honesty, I can’t see the sense in letting him go.”

The verdict

If Leeds were to sell Meslier, then they could be in for a considerable profit. Transfermarkt value him at £18million, more than three times what they paid in 2018.

He has struggled this season from a shot-stopping perspective, conceding 8.3 goals more than would be ‘expected’ (based on post-shot xG). That’s the worst record in the division by a considerable margin.

But he starred for the Whites in their first season back in the Premier League, winning their Young Player of the Year award, and so they know how good he can be when on form and full of confidence.

Indeed, fellow PL ‘keeper Aaron Ramsdale has named him as his toughest opponent, while Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has dubbed him ‘excellent’.

In other news, Adam Pope has shared details on Leeds transfer discussions.  

A number of Wolves supporters have lauded Nelson Semedo’s performance at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

Bruno Lage’s lost 2-0 away to Crystal Palace in their last Premier League, bringing to an end a strong run of form beforehand.

A West Ham side in sensational form made the trip to Molineux – the Hammers beat Liverpool before the international break and went into the match third in the table, highlighting the difficulty of Wolves’ task.

Lage’s men got the job done in impressive fashion, however, and one player who was highly impressive was Semedo, who shone on the right flank and played a key role in Raul Jimenez’s goal.

The Portugal international completed an impressive five out of eight dribble attempts and won eight out of 13 duels, per Sofascore.

Wolves fans react to Semedo display

These Wolves fans took to Twitter to react to Semedo’s performance.

“Anyone that says Semedo isn’t good enough ain’t got a clue, I love him”

Credit: @Adammortimerxx

“Semedo goes all Cafu, taking three on and then releasing Podence who wins a corner. Final ball all that’s letting Wolves down here”

Credit: @TimSpiers

“Semedo has been class, agree about Podence, give it another 20 mins then bring on Traore”

Credit: @trevorclifford1

“Good half. Hwang Neves and Semedo been excellent”

Credit: @Topoftheshop40

“Podence and Semedo have been class down this right hand side”

Credit: @PortuWolves

“Semedo killing it so far”

Credit: @wolvesfancast

In other news, Wolves are reportedly front-runners to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has dropped an injury update regarding Adam Forshaw.

The Lowdown: Forshaw sits out Watford win

Forshaw missed just his second Premier League game since the end of October on Saturday afternoon, watching on as the Whites picked up three crucial points against Watford.

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The central midfielder did travel with the squad and was in deep conversation with Jesse Marsch as Leeds looked at the Vicarage Road pitch prior to kick-off.

However, the 30-year-old wasn’t included in the match-day squad for the 3-0 win and Hay has now shared why Forshaw was missing.

The Latest: Hay’s post

Hay took to Twitter on Sunday morning to explain Forshaw’s absence.

He admitted that the midfielder’s ‘injury was a calf strain’, however, Marsch is hopeful that Forshaw can return to training next week.

The Verdict: Never ending

Forshaw has now joined Patrick Bamford, Tyler Roberts, Junior Firpo and Jamie Shackleton on the sidelines, with Leeds’ injury woes showing no signs of slowing up in the final weeks of the season.

Hopefully, he’ll be able to make a swift return to training at Thorp Arch, and with Leeds not playing until April 25, that should work in his favour over a possible return to the squad for the trip to Crystal Palace.

Fingers crossed that is the case, as Marsch seems to have a new injury worry to deal with every week since replacing Marcelo Bielsa.

In other news: Offer ready: Orta now ‘very likely to sign’ star whose agent knows Radz as Leeds claim emerges. 

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action this weekend following the international break and manager Nuno Santo is left with plenty of tough dilemmas.

The Lilywhites head to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon and they know that they could be in for a tricky encounter as it’ll be the first game since the Magpies were finally taken over by a Saudi-backed consortium.

Nuno has had the benefit of the fact that not all of his Spurs stars have been on national team duties over the past week, with names like Dele Alli and Eric Dier remaining at Hotspur Way, and it’s the latter who he could have a big call to make on.

His defensive teammate, Joe Rodon, has excelled for Wales once again and after just one league appearance off the bench this campaign, it could be time to see the £11m signing in action more often.

After missing the start of the 2021/22 campaign through injury, the 23-year-old colossus has only been restricted to opportunities in the UEFA Europa Conference League, starting against Stade Rennes and NS Mura.

The former Swansea City defender has the difficult task of usurping two long-serving members of the current squad in Dier and Davinson Sanchez, as well as summer signing Cristian Romero, but he needs to be given an opportunity to impress as he regularly delivers on the big stage for Wales.

Earlier this week, the young centre-back was named as Rob Page’s star man in their narrow victory over Estonia on Monday night. WalesOnline described him as ‘leading the way under pressure’ and that he is ‘quickly becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.’

He also started all four of their matches at Euro 2020.

There is some sort of cruel irony in the fact that he’s nailed on to start for his country but not for his club.

Many supporters saw their man in action and took to social media to express their desire for him to start, with many asking Nuno to play him over the aforementioned Dier.

Rodon has been likened to both Rio Ferdinand and John Terry in the past, whilst his international teammate Chris Mepham believes he is “very calm and composed on the ball” and “very dominant in the air.”

Indeed, his only Premier League appearance saw him notch seven clearances, one more than what he managed against Estonia this week, where he also won two aerial duels and recorded one block, as per WhoScored.

Also dubbed a “real asset” by ex-manager Steve Cooper, Rodon could be a real Rolls-Royce of a defender for Spurs over the coming years.

He’s clearly good enough to start and it might be in Nuno’s best interests to start him regularly over those that have remained inconsistent for several weeks, if not months.

Given their defensive record and lack of clean sheets, it’s time for the Portuguese to unleash the towering 6 foot 4 titan, starting with this weekend’s trip to Newcastle.

AND in other news, 12 passes, 80% duels lost: Spurs star endures int’l nightmare, Nuno must be worried…

Tottenham Hotspur are tracking Harry Souttar ahead of a potential swoop, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Stoke Sentinel claim that the north Londoners have previously sent scouts to watch the Australian colossus, with former manager David Pleat even taking in a game at the bet365 Stadium.

However, if Spurs’ interest is genuine, then they will be facing competition from one of their Premier League rivals after Everton were linked to the young centre-back this week.

The Sun’s Alan Nixon claimed Toffees assistant Duncan Ferguson was sent to watch the 22-year-old ahead of a possible move to replace Yerry Mina, though it remains to be seen exactly how much he could command.

Transfermarkt currently value Souttar at just £3.6m, whilst ex-Potters star Mike Pejic believes he’s worth in excess of £20m.

“If I had been in a Premier League club, I would have bid £20m this summer because who knows what it would cost to get him now. I was delighted when the transfer window shut and he was [still] at Stoke,” he told Football League World.

Dawson 2.0

Souttar could well be the next big thing from the Championship, and that’s not just because he stands at a whopping 6 foot 5 inches.

Once described as a “Rolls-Royce” by Stoke legend Ryan Shawcross, the Aussie defender has been compared to a whole host of names, ranging from Harry Maguire to Alan Hansen, and even Virgil van Dijk.

Tottenham’s most recent signing from the English second-flight, Joe Rodon, is yet to hit the ground running in N17 but he has shown enough glimpses of promise to be encouraged.

But perhaps Souttar could step up to be their next Michael Dawson – arguably their best signing from below the elite level when he arrived in 2005 from Nottingham Forest. He won the League Cup, was named captain and picked up caps for England during his time at White Hart Lane.

Two of the 22-year-old’s former managers have spoken glowingly about his credentials.

During a loan stint at Fleetwood Town, Joey Barton dubbed him “outstanding” whilst Martin O’Neill told local press:

“He’s a player blessed with great natural attributes. Obviously his height but also he’s got good game intelligence and he’s a great user of the ball as well. That’s something which I think will set him apart from the other defenders in this league.”

Indeed, those words still ring true today.

He’s averaging 2.1 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per game in the Championship this season, via WhoScored, which goes to show just how smart he is when his side are out of possession and of course, his towering physical presence is a major plus too, managing 4.6 aerials won each outing this term.

Spurs must continue to monitor Souttar’s situation, especially with other Premier League teams in the frame for his signature. In him, sporting director Fabio Paratici, chairman Daniel Levy and co could well discover the next Dawson to grace the pitch in north London.

AND in other news, Spurs fans will be buzzing as Nuno Santo contract news emerges…

Dean Windass has sensationally claimed Newcastle United could be the perfect move for £400,000-a-week man Aaron Ramsey to revitalise his career, even if a huge cut in wages would be required.

The Welshman left the Premier League for Juventus two years ago, but following a disappointing two seasons in Serie A, has been linked back to England this summer.

Ramsey enjoyed a successful period with Arsenal and has a proved record of 40 goals and 46 assists in the top-flight, but has found the net just six times in more than 60 appearances for the Old Lady.

Despite links with Tottenham and Arsenal, according to Goal, the Magpies have made a shock move and asked Juventus about Ramsey’s availability as they look to improve on their 12th-place finish last season.

Newcastle are already on the verge of re-signing Ramsey’s former Arsenal teammate Joe Willock on a permanent deal, and Windass doesn’t see any reason as to why the midfielder would turn down a move to St James’ Park, especially with fans returning this season.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“Newcastle would suit him. Why wouldn’t he go there? It all changes, the supporters coming back, get your career back on track. He will play in that attacking midfield role.”

Steven Gerrard is intent on reuniting with Rangers left-back Borna Barisic at Aston Villa, according to The Mirror (via Daily Record).

The lowdown

According to WhoScored, the 29-year-old has been Rangers’ fourth-best performer this season, averaging a rating of 7.16/10.

He has 2.3 chances per 90 minutes in the Scottish Premiership, second only to full-back colleague James Tavernier (3.9) at Ibrox. He exceeds every Aston Villa player for that metric, with Douglas Luiz leading the way in the Midlands with 1.6 key passes per game.

Croatia team-mate Josip Brekalo has hailed Barisic’s performances as ‘excellent’, describing him as a ‘high-quality player’.

He isn’t the only Gers player with whom Villa have been linked since Gerrard took over, with Glen Kamara also reported to be a target if the 41-year-old chooses to raid his former club.

The latest

The Mirror claimed (via Daily Record) that Gerrard would like to improve upon his existing options at left-back.

Barisic has emerged as a target, with an £8m move potentially on the cards when the January transfer window opens.

The verdict

What’s interesting is that incumbent left-back Matt Targett seemed to make a positive first impression in Gerrard’s first game against Brighton on Saturday.

He was the SofaScore man of the match after an 8.1/10 display which saw him win 80% of his ground duels (and 75% overall), make seven tackles and create three chances.

However, the new manager still feels the need to strengthen that area of the squad, suggesting that Targett may need to keep producing top performances if he is to retain his place.

In other news, this Villa trio struggled on Gerrard’s managerial debut

There aren’t any guarantees that Liverpool and Mohamed Salah will reach an agreement over a new contract, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce. 

Salah has been with the club since 2017, and has gone on to score 125 goals in 203 appearances for the Reds, scarcely believable numbers in a hugely impressive spell to date with the Premier League side.

The 29-year-old is contracted with Liverpool until the summer of 2023, although it remains to be seen as to whether he’ll commit his future to the club anytime soon.

Pearce reports that agreeing a new contract with Salah remains Liverpool’s biggest priority out of their current front-three options, but it is not set in stone.

Liverpool are set to get their 2021/22 league campaign underway on Saturday 14th August, when they take on newly-promoted Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Many Liverpool fans took to social media to voice their frustrations after this update on Salah’s future at Anfield heading towards the 2021/22 campaign.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from Twitter below….

Reds fans fume at Salah uncertainty

“We’re finished club.”

Credit: @lfcxtn

“Trying to force him out lol this club is beyond pathetic.”

Credit: @cavaalli_lfc

“FSG are an embarrassment to football.”

Credit: @GazWiIIiams

“We are owned by billionaires. Stop spending money on your 4000th yacht and pay Salah and Henderson what they ask for to keep them at the club.”

Credit: @goncalvesfc2

“If they are at this sort of nonsense now imagine we had missed out on top 4.”

Credit: @Corballyred

“We can not fumble this.”

Credit: @lewinh0_

“We’re going to lose everyone.”

Credit: @CraigYB1989