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In a recent exclusive interview, Carlton Palmer has suggested that Southampton should look to sign Crystal Palace left-back Jeffrey Schlupp as a replacement for the outgoing Ryan Bertrand this summer.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man was asked by ThisisFutbol about whether or not the Saints should target the former Leicester City man, and replied:

“Yeah, obviously. I mean, there’s no risk, is there? There’s no risk.

“Left-backs are hard to come by, left-footed left-backs who can play are hard to come by. It’s very, very difficult.

“Losing Bertrand, it will be a problem for them.”

Southampton will certainly be in the market for a left-back this summer following the news that the 31-year-old Bertrand would leave on the expiry of his contract, with a move to Leicester City seemingly on the cards for the former Chelsea man.

This leaves just Jake Vokins available as a natural option in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad ahead of next season and considering his lack of game time on loan at Sunderland in the second half of the season, it is difficult to see him being given a chance.

Whilst Mohammed Salisu has done well on occasion at left-back this season, his future should be at centre-back, so the Austrian has to bring in a replacement for Bertrand, and Schlupp could be the ideal man.

The 28-year-old’s contract with Crystal Palace is set to expire later this month, so he could potentially move to St Mary’s on a free transfer if he decides to leave Selhurst Park for good.

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The Ghana international is extremely versatile so could feature in a number of positions for Hasenhuttl next season, and his experience in the top-flight also makes him a very attractive proposition ahead of the summer.

Former Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson was full of praise for Schlupp back in 2019, saying:

“He is a very, very important player. I think he’s one of those underrated players because he’s not spectacular.

“He can be [spectacular] when he gets on a run with the ball. He’s very strong, he’s a very good runner with the ball, a good striker with the ball.”

Therefore, Martin Semmens should definitely look to sign Schlupp this summer as he is cheap, versatile and experienced so could prove to be an extremely valuable member of the Saints squad for the next few seasons.

And, in other news… Southampton missed out on “incredible” £45m-rated PL beast, Saints fans should be fuming

Newcastle United have reportedly looked at Benfica striker Darwin Nunez ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie.

What’s the story?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Sky Sports reporter said: “Nunez is someone they’ve looked at, they’ve watched. I think a proven goalscorer on the European stage will be one of the main priorities, if not the priority in the summer.”

It was recently reported by The Athletic that Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were the current frontrunners for Nunez’s signature. However, Newcastle could find themselves in the mix.

The Magpies will certainly seek to add at least one new striker to their ranks this summer with £25m January signing Chris Wood finding the back of the net just twice thus far whilst Callum Wilson is still sidelined but could return before the end of the season.

Moreover, with the upcoming transfer window being PIF’s first at the helm of Newcastle United, big names are expected to be linked with the Toon Army seemingly having bottomless pockets at their disposal.

Therefore, there’s little surprise that a forward of the Uruguayan’s calibre has been linked.

Supporters will be excited

With the summer window the first of the PIF dynasty, Newcastle supporters will be beside themselves regarding potential transfers with the possibilities seemingly endless, at least in the media.

Adding Nunez to his ranks would single-handedly revolutionise Howe’s side with the forward one of Europe’s current hottest properties and is valued at around £60m.

The Benfica hotshot has scored 31 goals in 37 matches across all competitions, including an impressive 25 strikes in 25 league games in the Portuguese top flight.

At just 22 years of age, Nunez has already scored in the Champions League against the likes of Barcelona, Ajax and Liverpool, alerting some of Europe’s juggernauts to the Uruguayan’s talent.

In fact, the striker netted twice against the Reds, in both legs of their recent quarter-final, with manager Jurgen Klopp purring over the Benfica man’s ability.

“Really good, really good. I knew before, of course, but he played pretty much in front of me with his tough battles with Ibrahima Konate,” the German said.

“He was physically strong, quick, was calm around his finish. Good, really good. I always say in these situations if he is healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”

With a mouth-watering transfer kitty ready to spend, Newcastle will certainly be keen to add a top-level centre-forward to their roster and Nunez certainly meets the requirements.

AND in other news: Howe and PIF are now heading for their first big NUFC error, it would be a disaster

Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has exclusively told Football FanCast that Dele Alli would have been left disappointed that he wasn’t allowed to leave on loan in January – especially following a similar situation involving Jesse Lingard.

Alli, who reportedly earns £100,000-a-week, and Lingard, who were regulars for England at the World Cup, had been frozen out at Tottenham and Man United, although the latter joined West Ham on loan in January, with his outstanding form leading to an England recall.

But Alli has started just one Premier League game since the opening day of the season and hasn’t played a single minute since Spurs’ Europa League exit last month, appearing just twice in the league since starting against Fulham, with one of those outings being for a single minute against Everton.

Alli was strongly linked with PSG in January, although with Tottenham unable to sign a replacement, the north London outfit blocked his move to the French capital at the last minute.

And Fry told Football FanCast that Alli staying at Tottenham in January was a mistake.

“Well, he’ll be so disappointed and I think Daniel will as well. I think everyone in the Tottenham camp rates Dele Alli so highly.

“He’s proved for Tottenham and England what a great player he is. I don’t think he was given a fair chance under Mourinho.

“If he played him he’s the first one to be taken off. So what’s happened behind the scenes?

“All I know is it’s a terrible waste of talent for Tottenham and England that Dele Alli isn’t playing regularly.”

As if the transfer window hasn’t already been an exciting state of affairs for Aston Villa, it could yet end with even triumph and satisfaction for Steven Gerrard and the club’s supporters.

Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne have already arrived but a major name from within the game is now being closely linked to Villa.

What’s the word?

Reports emerged late on Tuesday evening that the Villans had tabled an offer to bring Suarez back to England and as a result of Gerrard, they were ahead of a number of Brazilian clubs in the race to secure his signature.

Now, the Villa boss and Johan Lange have been given further hope of concluding a deal by Spanish football expert, Alvaro Montero, who was speaking live on Sky Sports on Wednesday.

He claimed that Suarez was looking to leave his current employers, Atletico Madrid, and in a captivating four-word claim, suggested that Villa “could be an option” for the veteran striker.

The Uruguayan’s contract expires at the end of the season so there is a chance that the Midlands outfit could sign for free in the summer.

Fans surely buzzing

After the signings of Digne and Coutinho, fans will have rightfully been on cloud nine given their international experience and previous exploits in the game.

However, if you combine that with the potential for Suarez to arrive at Bodymoor Heath in the next six months, supporters will simply be ecstatic.

Of course, the forward is now 34 years of age now and is no spring chicken, but there is no escaping from the fact that he is still a wonderful goalscorer.

He has regularly beaten the goalkeeper throughout his career and at the top level no less, scoring 69 Premier League goals, while also racking up a phenomenal 195 strikes during his stay with Barcelona.

Furthermore, Suarez is an incredibly decorated player. This is someone who has won the Spanish top-flight on five occasions, an individual who has won Copa del Rey four times and has also taken home both the Champions League and Club World Cup.

That is quite the honours list and based on experience alone, he’d be a wonderful player to have in the dressing room.

On top of that, his superb ability to make something extraordinary happen out of nothing is almost second to none. He has terrorised English defences before and there is every chance he could do the same in the claret and blue of Villa.

A move still feels unlikely but what a coup he’d be if they could get a deal across the line. Coutinho was a landmark signing but this would surely blow that out of the water, consequently leaving supporters elated with their recruitment team.

AND in other news, Sky Sports journo drops exciting AVFC transfer update on live TV, fans surely buzzing…

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has delivered an update on Aston Villa star Jack Grealish amid reports of Manchester City making a big-money move for him.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Pep Guardiola’s side have made a whopping £100m bid – an offer which would eclipse the British transfer record – and Preece has now dropped his take on the situation.

Writing initially on Twitter, he said: “How is everyone? An #avfc round-up here. To reiterate again, NSWE aren’t to be messed with. It’s edging closer towards decision day for Jack Grealish knowing City have upped their interest. For the record, I believe JG stays & I’m sticking by that.”

Then, in article for The Birmingham Mail, he added: “BirminghamLive understands that the Grealish camp is split over his next move, with the player himself unsure on what to do; stay and lead Villa’s ‘ambitious project’ he believed in just 10 months ago or, on the contrary, join Pep Guardiola, hero Kevin De Bruyne and some of his Three Lions pals to realise his dream of winning titles and Champions Leagues.”

Fans may be reassured

While news of City’s big bid for Grealish is likely to set alarm bells ringing for Villa fans, Preece’s more optimistic take and belief that the club captain and talisman will remain at Villa Park is reassuring.

Preece’s claims that Grealish’s camp is split on a move to the Etihad, rather than having his heart set on it, suggest that there is still a lot of hope for Villa of actually keeping a hold of the England international this summer.

With “decision day” edging closer, the journalist’s latest update should act as a bit of comfort for Villa fans.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed some exciting Aston Villa transfer news…

Liverpool are ready to reignite their interest in Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir this summer, according to a report from Turkey.

The Reds have been linked with the 25-year-old in the past, with a move to Anfield mooted this time last year. Cakir ended up staying put at Trabzonspor, though, where he has made 35 Turkish Super Lig appearances this season, helping them sit fourth in the table currently.

Leicester City’s head of recruitment Lee Congerton once described him as “one of the best goalkeepers [Cakir] I have seen in my life”, highlighting his pedigree.

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Liverpool keen on signing Cakir

According to Fanatik [via Inside Futbol], Liverpool are keen on acquiring Cakir’s services in the summer transfer window, viewing him as a superior backup option to Adrian.

The Reds will reportedly have to pay approximately €20m-25m (£17.4m-£21.7m) if they want to sign the seven-cap Turkey international.

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Transfer Tavern take

The key to a potential move happening could be whether or not Cakir will be willing to be second-choice at Anfield, with Alisson one of the most important players at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal.

If he is, then he would arguably be an upgrade on Adrian, who started well at Liverpool but has fallen away, producing a terrible performance in last season’s Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid. Inside Futbol reported of ‘lingering doubts regarding the Spaniard’s ability to be a proper backup for Alisson’, hence the Reds’ renewed interest in Cakir.

With Adrian’s contract expiring in the summer, it makes perfect sense to move him on and bring in a younger, more suitable option such as the highly-rated Turkish stopper.

In other news, a reliable journalist has provided a key update on Ibrahima Konate. Read more here.

Leeds United are reportedly among a number of clubs interested in signing Liverpool youngster Neco Williams in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Williams could leave Liverpool

With Trent Alexander-Arnold the Reds’ undisputed first-choice right-back, the Welshman’s first team chances on Merseyside appear slim moving forward.

For that reason, Liverpool are reportedly willing to sell Williams this summer, with £10m enough for prospective suitors to prise him away from Anfield.

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The Latest: Leeds keen on potential move

According to Goal’s Neil Jones, Leeds are eyeing up a move for the 20-year-old, with Southampton and Wolves also showing an interest.

Williams has won 13 caps for Wales and is currently playing at Euro 2020, starting in his country’s 1-0 defeat against Italy on Sunday.

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The Verdict: Long-term Ayling replacement?

Eventually Leeds will have to start thinking about replacing Luke Ayling, with the Whites hero turning 30 in August.

Williams could be someone who fills that void, possessing top-level experience at Liverpool and looking like a player who should mature over time. One particular performance for Wales in March led to him being described as “majestic” by Wales Online reporter Paul Abbandonato, hinting at the promise the 20-year-old boasts.

His energy levels should suit Marcelo Bielsa’s style down to the ground and he averaged one tackle and interception apiece per game in the Premier League last season, showing that he can defend when required. All things considered, he could be a worthy addition at Elland Road.

In other news, Leeds have suffered a setback in their quest to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

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…

Crystal Palace are in talks with Manchester City over a potential deal for teenage forward Morgan Rogers.

And a number of Palace fans have been reacting to the update on social media.

According to The Daily Mail, Rogers fits the profile Palace are looking for. City signed Rogers back in 2018 in a deal that could rise to £8m, however, the report claims they would want just around £7m to part ways with the forward this summer.

The 18-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Lincoln City, scoring six times and registering four assists in 28 appearances.

Palace look set to sign Reading teenager Michael Olise, and it seems as if Rogers is another target for new manager Patrick Vieira.

Palace fans react

Both @cpfc_xtra and @CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Rogers on social media on Tuesday.

These Palace fans seemed to be all for a deal for the England Under-18 international, with one describing the update as ‘class’.

“Oh yes”Credit: @EBERZEE”The games begin”Credit: @cpfcharlie0″I’m excited about what the rest of the summer could bring.”Credit: @MaxHawker”class”Credit: @notconnorlmao”This is the guy from Lincoln. He’s actually sick”Credit: @Sumo08112″Trying hard to not get gassed”Credit: @rileyeagles

In other news: ‘Season already ruined’, ‘Pain’ – Many Palace fans react as ‘absolutely wild’ news emerges, find out more here. 

Celtic left-back Boli Bolingoli is not considered a viable option by Ange Postecoglou, according to Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Scales deal edges closer

Celtic have already made eight signings this summer, and it seems as if a ninth addition is imminent in Shamrock Rovers’ Liam Scales.

Scales, who can play as a centre-back, left-back and left-midfielder, is set to cost the Hoops around £500,000.

That deal looks like it could push Bolingoli further down the pecking order at Parkhead, according to Devlin.

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

Devlin, Celtic’s correspondent for The Athletic, shared a story on Wednesday regarding where the Hoops need to strengthen.

Within his report, he admitted that Bolingoli isn’t in Postecoglou’s plans and added that Scales’ arrival is considered crucial due to his versatility.

Devlin was then asked by a fan in the comments for more details on Bolingoli, to which he said:

“Having trouble finding out specifics on the Boli situation but it does seem he’s out of the picture with their pursuit of Scales. Nothing concrete on Boli potentially outgoing yet though.”

The Verdict: Time to sell?

With the 26-year-old, described as ‘strong’ by Alex Bruce, not in the frame in Glasgow, it could be wise to cash in on the Ivorian in the final days of the window.

The left-back still has two years left on his Celtic contract and was linked with a move to Turkish side Altay SK earlier in the window, so the Hoops could recoup some of the £3m they paid for him two years ago.

He hasn’t featured under Postecoglou and has been on the bench on three occasions, so if the club can find a buyer, it might be best to cut ties with the full-back for good.

In other news: Celtic now looking at late swoop for ‘fantastic’ defender alongside Scales move.