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Charlie Wyke has departed Sunderland to join divisional rivals Wigan Athletic on a three-year contract [The Chronicle].

The Lowdown: Sunderland prepare for critical 2021/22 season

Looking ahead to 2021/22, Black Cats manager Lee Johnson will be under no illusions about the task at hand, as he bids to lift his side out of Sky Bet League One for the first time in four seasons.

Making moves in the transfer market, the North East giants have bolstered their squad with the addition of former Manchester United goalkeeper Jacob Carney [United in Focus].

However, they have now suffered a blow heading into the forthcoming campaign, losing their top goalscorer.

The Latest: Wyke seals lucrative three-year deal at Wigan Athletic

Confirmed on Wednesday morning, 28-year-old Wyke has chosen to put pen to paper on a lucrative three year deal at the DW Stadium [The Chronicle].

Sunderland did offer the 6 foot 2 frontman the chance to stay on Wearside, nevertheless he rebuffed their advances in favour of an agreement which is speculated to be worth around £10,000 p/w in order to get him on board [The Chronicle].

Interest in the former Middlesbrough man has been rife all summer, with Celtic, Boro, Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest and CSKA Moscow all touted with having a keen eye on his situation [Sunderland Echo].

The Verdict: Disappointing

This news will come as a bitter blow to Johnson’s pre-season preparations, despite what some fans make think of Wyke’s all-round play.

The Englishman notched an incredible 35 goal contributions from 53 fixtures this season – 30 goals and five assists [Transfermarkt] – so that is simply a huge void to fill in front of goal.

He claimed eight man of the match awards alongside scoring an average rating across the campaign of 7.35 out of 10 (Whoscored), ranking second in the squad behind Aiden McGeady.

Wake was once described as ‘brilliant’ by ex-teammate Lyndon Gooch [This is Futbol], and Johnson must be offered considerable funds to find a suitable replacement – whatever fans think of Wyke’s farewell, replacing 30 goals will not be easy.

In other news, Sunderland fans react to an exciting midfielder update.

Many Wolves fans have been left flocking to some transfer news that has emerged on Willy Boly.

As per The Daily Mail, the Midlands club are now willing to listen to offers for the central defender in the January transfer window, as he has reportedly falling down the pecking order under Bruno Lage.

He has been left on the bench on injuries, and with the likes of Conor Coady and Romain Saiss to call upon, it may be time for him to leave.

However, he has been a great servant at Molineux, being a mainstay in the Championship-winning campaign and then in the Premier League, and so some WWFC supporters are understandably reluctant to let him go.

Wolves fans on Boly transfer news

These Wanderers flocked to the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it would be ‘extremely sad’:

“Seen it all now”

Credit: @xReecexx

“NOOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @BekiWolves1877

“Don’t”

Credit: @Millennewell

“Made a massive difference for us when he arrived, I’d be sad to see him go”

Credit: @Wolfy1223754986

“Pain”

Credit: @wwfc_adam

“Would be an extremely sad way for an important player for Wolves over the last few years to leave.”

Credit: @David_gill14

In other news, find out what potential swap deal has Wanderers buzzing here!

Manchester United are thought to be closing in on the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their new manager.

The hierarchy at Old Trafford had hired Ralf Rangnick but his interim tenure will come to a conclusion at the end of the season.

What’s the word?

The vacancy at Man United appeared to be a straight shootout between ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino with the former now winning the race according to reports.

An announcement could be made within the next week according to various sources, and now Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting update on the Dutchman’s plans for the Premier League side if and when he takes over.

Revealing on Twitter on Friday morning, the journalist said: “Erik ten Hag has asked Man United to be 100% involved on present and future transfers strategy: new signings, outgoings, new contracts. MUFC Ten Hag considers this as “key point” to rebuild Man United – new signings have to be totally perfect for his idea and club project.”

Great news

Considering the rather bizarre transfer strategy United have had in recent years, this can only be considered a good thing for the club.

The Red Devils had an eye-catching window last summer, bringing in Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane but sadly, the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t exactly suit the way they play.

It slowed down build-up play and under Rangnick, a man famed for the gegenpress, the great Portuguese’s ageing body has not been able to complement the attacking force to the best of his abilities.

As a result, if ten Hag does walk through the door and is able to bring in players to specifically suit his system, it will make the entire rebuilding process a much smoother one.

It’s felt like the power has been laid with the higher-ups at United for some time now but if the Ajax boss is given the right assurances, it will stand the club in good stead moving forward.

Three potential signings could be Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Kalvin Phillips, with reports in recent days linking them all with a move to Manchester.

Kane would be a sublime acquisition considering his goal record while Rice and Phillips proved to be invaluable for England at last summer’s European Championships, establishing a partnership together that took them to the final.

With Paul Pogba’s contract winding down, finding a player like the West Ham stalwart or the Leeds star will be of utmost importance.

It remains to be seen who ten Hag wants to bring with him but you can bet any new face that does pen terms will have been meticulously considered, something which cannot be said of some deals done at Man United in recent memory.

AND in other news, Man Utd now plot bid to sign £60m “special talent”, he’s miles better than Rashford…

Wolves could reportedly face competition from Serie A giants AC Milan for the signing of Lille and Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with Sanches move

The Portugal international was linked with a move to Elland Road earlier in the year but a transfer failed to come to fruition.

Instead, Sanches stayed put at reigning Ligue 1 champions Lille, where he has made five Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, starting three times.

The £27million-rated midfielder’s current deal expires in 2023 and it could be that Lille look to receive a fee for him before he can leave for free.

The Latest: New rumour emerges

A fresh update has now emerged regarding Sanches’ future, with Calciomercato confirming Wolves’ interest but also mentioning Milan as potential suitors.

He has been compared (Bundesliga – official) to Netherlands legend Clarence Seedorf in the past, which highlights his potential as an all-action midfield general.

The Verdict: A risk worth taking?

Sanches’ talent is undeniable – he was superb at Euro 2020 for Portugal, for example, completing 91.6% of his passes – but the one main question mark against him is injuries.

The Portuguese has been plagued by fitness issues throughout his career and he was limited to just 14 league starts for Lille in their title-winning season.

Wolves could be wise to take a punt on Sanches, given his ability, but they would do it knowing that there is a risk element behind it.

In other news, some Wolves fans are fuming after a revelation emerged regarding one player. Read more here.

As relayed by The Mirror, an interesting update has come to light involving Tottenham Hotspur target and West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter pole position…

As previously reported, it seems Spurs and manager Antonio Conte are in pole position to sign the Englishman this summer, who is set to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

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Lilywhites correspondent and in-the-know Alasdair Gold recently claimed that they are indeed leading the race for Johnstone as Man United also eye a move.

Meanwhile, Football League World and The Sun have both shared that those within the club feel they’re in pole position to seal the 29-year-old’s Bosman signing for Conte.

Amid these plethora of reports, an interesting update has emerged.

The Latest: Johnstone axed…

As relayed by The Mirror, Baggies boss Steve Bruce has now axed Johnstone from his squad for their remaining fixtures of the Championship campaign.

Indeed, it appears the Three Lions ace has now played his final game at The Hawthorns as Bruce confirms that his keeper has decided to run down his deal.

The Verdict: Certain to move…

As Johnstone is set to leave on a free, we believe he could be a snip for Tottenham as they look for an understudy and possible eventual heir to number one Hugo Lloris.

Lauded as a ‘world class’ shot stopper by Wolves legend Steve Bull, the English second tier star mightily impressed in the top flight last year and comes as a more-than adequate alternative to loanee Spurs number two Pierluigi Gollini.

The latter man looks set to return to parent club Atalanta with Johnstone coming as an arguable upgrade given his quality and homegrown status.

In other news: Tottenham official dispatched as Conte identifies ’emerging superstar’ signing, find out more here.

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has lifted the lid on a collapsed stadium deal which saw chairman Daniel Levy squander ‘millions’.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing financial boosters…

Following the easing of coronavirus restrictions and life slowly getting back to normality, Tottenham have seen numerous prestigious events being hosted at their brand new state of the art ground.

The NFL, for example, as well as the recent heavyweight boxing bout between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk, will have grossed the club millions of pounds worth of off-field revenue.

However, in a revelation, insider Wenham has claimed that Spurs could have been earning more over lockdown as he lifts the lid on collapsed stadium sponsorship discussions just before COVID.

The Latest: Wenham makes stadium deal claim…

As per the club insider and Spurs source, speaking to FI, the Lilywhites and Levy were actually in talks with HSBC over the stadium’s naming rights but a deal ‘fell through’.

“I know Tottenham were previously in discussions with HSBC, that fell through for whatever reason,” he explained.

“That was right before the pandemic. In hindsight, would Tottenham have taken that deal? Who wouldn’t?

“We could have been earning millions for two years even while the stadium was shut.”

The Verdict: Big blow…

Given Tottenham and Levy announced a £63.9 million loss during the pandemic last year, it’s safe to say a naming rights deal would have assisted the club in a major way financially.

Spurs ended up having to borrow £175 million through the bank of England in what was a turbulent time off-field for the club.

After the HSBC blunder, Tottenham will be hoping to secure the right naming rights deal as soon as possible.

In other news: Spurs already have offered pencilled in to sign ‘world class’ player who Hoddle called outstanding, find out more here.

Leeds United outcast Ian Poveda is set to leave Elland Road in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update which has emerged on Tuesday morning.

The Lowdown: Poveda unwanted at Leeds

The 21-year-old has become almost surplus to requirements under Marcelo Bielsa, not making a single Premier League start last season.

While Leeds have gone up several gears, Poveda appears to have been left behind, with just one league assist coming his way in the last two years.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Summer exit on the cards

According to Football Insider, Poveda looks set for a ‘late-window exit’ from Leeds, having been demoted from the first-team by Bielsa at Thorp Arch.

A Thorp Arch source has told the outlet that the Whites will listen to offers for the youngster in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, with both loan and permanent moves mooted.

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The Verdict: Time to move on

Poveda is a talented young player with potential, but he has got stuck at Leeds and it is hard to see a future for him given how limited his playing time has been.

The Englishman is comfortably behind the likes of Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford in the attacking pecking order and there is still time for another addition to come in, too.

Poveda will benefit from earning playing time elsewhere and Leeds will no doubt be keen to sell him permanently, in order to generate more funds for transfers.

In other news, Marcelo Bielsa has explained a key selection decision against Manchester United. Read more here.

Aston Villa could be about to sign their own version of Gonzalo Higuain after they were linked with a move for River Plate striker Julian Alvarez.

The 21-year-old Argentine striker has been on fire this season, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in 20 appearances in the Argentine top flight to push them to the top of the table after 24 games.

His fine form has seen him likened to Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo in the past, but it’s his former teammate Higuain who has been singing the praises of the young striker.

Both Alvarez and Higuain came through the famed River Plate academy and the former Chelsea loanee has revealed that he sees a lot of himself in the striker who has so far earned five caps for the Argentina national team.

Speaking to ESPN Higuain declared: “He is the best striker that River Plate has. He has scored 20 goals and half of Europe wants him.

“I saw how he moves, how he uses both feet. I see him similar to me in terms of his hunger, the desire to make it, the desire to learn.

“I love him in every way, how he plays, his humility… it makes me very happy that he is doing well.”

Combine that with his goal record and it’s there is every reason to believe that he could become as devastating as Higuain was in his career. After all, he’s also been compared to some other great South American strikers. River manager Marcelo Gallardo once said: “He is constantly hungry and I see that in players like Suarez, Cavani and Julián Alvarez.”

The forward has a €2om (£17m) release clause in his contract with the Argentine giants but they are hopeful of tying him down to a long-term contract.

Aston Villa currently have both Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins as central striker options, but with Ings turning 30 later this season there is no harm in looking ahead to the future. Watkins has been fielded on the wing at times this season and like Alvarez, became a striker after initially breaking through on the flanks.

It would also take the pressure off those two in front of goal and would allow Gerrard to be more flexible tactically, possibly playing two up front on occasion and still having a spare forward for the bench. The options in the squad will allow Alvarez plenty of time to adapt and bed in without too much pressure, while also bolstering the squad and adding firepower to a team that has only managed 21 goals in 15 games so far this season.

AND in other news, Aston Villa not regretting decision to reject £110k p/w “liability” last summer.

Manchester United’s new manager Ralf Rangnick is tempted to move for RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara in the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to SPORTbible (who cite The Mirror), the 63-year-old tactician could sanction a deal for the box-to-box dynamo after previously signing him from Red Bull Salzburg for Leipzig back in January 2019.

Haidara’s current contract with the Bundesliga giants is believed to contain a £33m release clause, meaning a move to Old Trafford over the coming months could be relatively straightforward.

Man Utd can get rocking again

Securing the Mali international’s services during the winter window could get United rocking again, rescuing their stuttering season in the process.

The highly-rated 23-year-old has become a crucial cog in Leipzig’s setup over the last two years, scoring ten goals and providing six assists in 100 appearances for Jesse Marsch’s charges.

However, it’s the holding midfielder’s defensive work that really catches the eye.

As per FBref.com, Haidara has averaged 0.96 tackles won per 90 this term, 6.56 successful pressures and 2.26 blocks, outperforming Scott McTominay in each metric.

After bringing the midfield gem to the Red Bull Arena from sister club Salzburg, Rangnick made no effort to hide his pleasure at Haidara’s arrival, lauding the engine room operator’s quality.

“We’re delighted to have signed Amadou,” he told the club’s official website upon his unveiling (as relayed by Bundesliga.com).

“We’ve been following his progress in Salzburg, as he’s developed into an absolutely exceptional player there. There aren’t many players his age with so much potential. He has all the requirements to follow in Naby Keita’s footsteps.”

With Rangnick’s famous gegenpressing style requiring a set of players with a very specific set of physical and mental attributes, the temptation to bring in a player already familiar with what is required is obvious for the German coach.

United’s lack of a natural defensive midfielder has long been discussed amongst pundits, fans and journalists alike, and Haidara could be the ideal solution.

It remains to be seen whether United’s new boss will be backed with significant sums in order to improve his first-team squad over January, but if he is, then the versatile gem may well be top of his wishlist.

And, in other news…Rangnick can become instant hit at Man Utd by signing “complete” £45m-rated “machine” 

Crystal Palace could be set to add another exciting acquisition to their ranks this summer after being linked with a move for Watford midfielder Will Hughes.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic, he has been offered a five-year contract extension at Vicarage Road, which included a significant pay rise by the Hornets following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League, but talks have reached an impasse.

Football.London’s Palace reporter Joe Doyle has now provided an update on the situation, claiming that the Eagles are monitoring the ongoing stalemate ahead of a possible move for the 26-year-old.

Hughes only has one year remaining on his current contract at Vicarage Road, and the Watford hierarchy are said to be disappointed that the offer including sizeable financial incentives and the desire for him to be a central component to the club hasn’t been enough for him to commit his future.

As a result, the former England under-21 international has been forced to train with the Watford under-23’s, playing 60 minutes against St Albans in a recent friendly.

Fans will be buzzing

The Eagles are currently undergoing a major overhaul of the first team squad under new manager Patrick Vieira, with several exciting additions already at Selhurst Park.

Marc Guehi, Conor Gallagher, Joachim Andersen and Michael Olise have brought a new wave of hope and optimism to the south London club, and Hughes could be the next arrival as the new era begins to take shape.

After coming up through the ranks at boyhood club Derby County, the combative midfielder joined Watford back in 2017 in search of top-flight football. Since joining the Hornets, Hughes has established himself as a very useful Premier League player, scoring five goals and providing eight assists in 77 appearances in England’s top division.

With experienced campaigner James McCarthy departing Palace on a free transfer last month and Cheikhou Kouyate potentially being called upon to fill in at centre-back once again, Vieira may need further reinforcement to his engine room ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Therefore, the club’s supporters will surely be buzzing to hear that the Eagles’ hierarchy are tracking an experienced top-flight player for this position who still has his peak years still ahead of him and seems ready to move on from his current club.

Hughes would represent another astute signing by Palace and further add to their already impressive transfer business this summer.

In other news… Get it done: Parish must complete Palace swoop for £12m wizard, Vieira would love him