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Wolves have been linked with a move for AC Milan striker Rafael Leao as they firm up their summer recruitment activity [Calciomercato, via Sport Witness].

In need of striking reinforcements after the serious injury sustained by talisman Raul Jimenez, it is said that Leao could be available for ‘offers over €30m’ [Sport Witness].

The Portuguese striker enjoyed a decent 2020/21 season for I Rossoneri, registering 13 goal contributions in 40 appearances; seven goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].

Despite this, the 22-year-old did not make the final cut for Fernando Santos’ Portugal Euro 2020 squad [Telegraph].

Furthermore, he has not hit double figures as a centre-forward since the 2017/18 campaign for the Sporting Lisbon B team [Transfermarkt].

In light of this, no wonder loads of Wolves diehards took to Twitter to vent their frustrations as these recent developments.

Wolverhampton Wanderers fans react:

Replying to popular Wolverhampton Wanderers fan outlet Talking Wolves, here is what some fans had to say regarding the latest news, as one supporter called a move ‘pointless’:

“No chance we’ll pay that unless we sell some of our own big players. Would be pointless!!”

Credit: @SteveWiles20″No thanks had our fingers burned by cutrone”Credit: @Tofts8″Please, no”Credit: @marcobertoli87″Not worth that much money”Credit: @lewis__wwfc7″That’s a no go then with the price tag”Credit: @DuckinsDavid”Is he better than we already have? #wwfc”Credit: @BlosephIn other news, Wolves fans react to a pursuit of a reported target.

According to The Telegraph, Daniel Levy remains interested in hiring Hansi Flick as the new Tottenham manager.

The Lowdown: Flick to leave Bayern

Despite having an 81% win percentage at Bayern (Transfermarkt), Flick will leave the club at the end of the season (dw.com) due to his tense relationship with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic (france24.com).

He has been heavily linked with the vacant Germany job (si.com) but, as of yet, there has been no confirmation as to whether or not he will take over the role from Joachim Low.

The Latest: Levy eyes Flick

As such, Levy is said to be interested in convincing Flick to make the switch to north London, according to The Telegraph.

Reports have previously suggested that the 56-year-old would be interested in the position.

The Verdict: Few better

Flick has only been manager of the Bavarians for around 18 months, but he has achieved fantastic success during that period. Bayern have won seven trophies under his tutelage, including two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy, while they have been on the losing side on just eight occasions in his 85 matches in charge.

He currently earns €312,300 (£269,000) per week at Bayern, which is a hefty sum. However, given his track record, he would surely be welcome at Tottenham even on a wage close to that. It now remains to be seen whether Levy is able to get his man.

In other news, this man’s Tottenham departure is reportedly “almost done”.

Crystal Palace have been told they must pay £4.5m in compensation fees to prise Steve Cooper and his management team away from Swansea City.

What’s the story?

According to  The Sun on Sunday (30.05.21, pg. 59), via the72.co.uk, Palace are keen to appoint the 41-year-old after he impressed during a two-year spell with the Welsh outfit.

The report states that Cooper’s agent was seen in a director’s box at Selhurst Park in the concluding weeks of the season as speculation over the manager’s future continues to mount.

Fans will be buzzing

Cooper’s reputation has grown considerably in recent seasons as he has continued to make great strides in the early stages of his managerial career.

A World Cup victory with England’s under-17s four years ago catapulted the former Liverpool coach into the forefront of many clubs’ minds, with the Swans taking a gamble on him in the summer of 2019.

Consecutive play-off finishes in Cooper’s two campaigns in charge at the Liberty Stadium have seen the Swansea boss linked with Premier League jobs in recent months, and Palace are one club who are tempted to appoint him.

The departure of Roy Hodgson after a four-year stint in south London has left chairman Steve Parish searching for the 73-year-old’s successor.

A major squad rebuild is needed at Selhurst Park, and the news that Palace have enquired about Cooper’s services will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

His reputation for extracting impressive results on a limited budget, proven track record of developing top-class young players and his attractive playing style is likely to bring a sense of hope and optimism to the Eagles’ fanbase.

With a year remaining on Cooper’s contract at Swansea, Parish will have to stump up a substantial fee to acquire his services, but it could be one worth paying should the tactician oversee a successful transitional period at Palace.

More than a dozen Crystal Palace players are out of contract over the summer, but Cooper’s expertise would perhaps ensure that their departures don’t prove detrimental to the club’s top-flight ambitions.

In other news… Parish must seal swoop for £10.3m maestro, Palace desperately need him 

This has been a season rife with injuries for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Unfortunately for the Old Gold, it’s showing no sign of slowing down. Pedro Neto and Jonny are currently long-term absentees, while Raul Jimenez remains out of action while he recovers from a fractured skull.

Fitness concerns have plagued their campaign and, as they prepared to face West Brom last weekend, Nuno Espirito Santo was left to worry about the condition of Nelson Semedo and Joao Moutinho. Although Semedo made the fixture, the latter was still missing through injury.

Moutinho looks ready to face Brighton on Sunday lunchtime but they do have one big concern heading into that clash. Rayan Ait-Nouri was taken off with eight minutes left against the Baggies and he appears to be a doubt to play this weekend.

The Angers loanee is still suffering from a knock and is currently a 50/50 chance to be fit and ready for the visit of the Seagulls.

This news should have Nuno fearful. After all, he is already missing Marcal in that position and is short of options. With Wolves’ defence in disarray during their recent 4-0 defeat to Burnley, the last thing he needs is playing someone out of position.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-news-and-views-lingard-leao-jimenez-mir” title= “Read the latest Wolves news and views!”]

Nonetheless, the 47-year-old has a lot of thinking to do. Romain Saiss has played at left-back and left-wing back this term, but his form has been questionable in recent weeks. Ki-Jana Hoever is another alternative, but he has only started three top-flight matches all campaign.

Nuno could also turn to Max Kilman. The issue with him, however, is that he has played just nine minutes of football since Valentine’s Day. The 23-year-old’s future at Wolves has been under threat but he was the man to replace Ait-Nouri last time out.

One player’s loss could be another one’s gain here. Should the Frenchman miss the match against Brighton, it may just give Kilman the opportunity to play himself back into Nuno’s thoughts.

Either way, this situation is not ideal for the manager. Wolves have been particularly shoddy from a defensive point of view this season, so they need everyone in that backline fit and healthy.

With Willy Boly suffering the lasting effects of the ongoing pandemic, the manager could have to patch things together again. Nuno has every right to be nervous right now.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Neto: Wolves must swoop for “exciting” 12-goal gem with “dazzling dribbling”…

According to a report by reliable West Ham United insider ExWHUemployee, via West Ham Fan Zone, manager David Moyes will look to sign a centre-back, left-back and central midfielder after he has acquired a striker this summer – prompting these Irons to become ecstatic in response.

West Ham failed to sign a striker in the January transfer window as a replacement for the departed club record signing Sebastien Haller, with Moyes only having time to bring in Jesse Lingard on loan.

Therefore, one of the Hammers’ top priorities for this upcoming transfer window is a new forward to bolster Moyes’ frontline – but, according to ExWHUemployee, the Scotsman won’t stop there.

Indeed, Ex claims that the West Ham manager will look to strengthen at centre-half, the left-back position and central midfield as well as going forward – with these supporters ecstatic in response to this alleged transfer plan.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-rumours-and-gossip-two-electric-boogaloo-copy/” title=”West Ham updates” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Find a flavour of their best verdicts from social media down below.

West Ham fans ecstatic over Moyes transfer plan

“Ah this is just class. Love you Moyesy”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“Solid plan”

Credit: @Theaver78395742

“Love you Moyesy”

Credit: @TWHU77

“Said this last week to my mates, that’s exactly what we need, a centre back with some pace, a left back as cress isn’t getting any younger and Arthur isn’t the best defender, and a back up midfielder as this was proven, think we also need another keeper”

Credit: @JJ_Hannaway

“Yes to all”

Credit: @Johnath03607801

“Love that. We need a CB as I don’t think Dawson and Diop are good enough, Cresswell needs competition because Masuaku is always injured and we need a midfielder so Rice and Soucek won’t have to play early the early European and cup games”

Credit: @DanielLuker_

In other news: West Ham fans erupt over Lingard news, find out more here.

Marcel Brands must increase his efforts to see Everton sign Lucas Vazquez this summer after AC Milan reportedly met with the Real Madrid forward’s agent.

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, Rossoneri technical director Paolo Maldini has held several meetings with Vazquez’s representatives over a free transfer to the San Siro once his Galacticos contract expires in June.

The Serie A giants are keen to see Vazquez put pen to paper on a deal with Stefano Pioli’s side, as the 30-year-old’s profile perfectly suits their desired checklist in being a mature player who is comfortable operating across the right-hand channel.

Vazquez’s priority is said to remain earning a new deal with Los Blancos, but there is a large gap between his request of a €5m-a-season (£83.5k per week) contract and the maximum €4m-a-year (£67k per week) terms offered by the Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy.

Milan are understood to face further competition from Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan for the well-rounded dynamo, who reports in Spain have previously suggested marked Everton as his preferred destination should he leave Madrid.

Everton were claimed to have offered Vazquez a move to Goodison Park last month, as Carlo Ancelotti put plans in place to secure James Rodriguez’s continued commitment by reuniting the Colombian with a former Galacticos teammate.

Ancelotti and Brands clearly face a tough challenge to get Vazquez’s signature on paper, with the winger dismissing speculation over a move away from Real Madrid earlier this week.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-everton-news-and-views” title=”The latest Everton news and views!”]

“What I concentrate on is the present. I’m really enjoying myself this season because I’m playing and that’s what makes me happy,” he said, via quotes shared by Goal. “A contract extension? I was and will always be a Real Madrid man.”

Should Everton sign Real Madrid’s Vazquez?

Milan meeting with Vazquez’s agent once again will come as a blow for Ancelotti in his efforts to bring the Real Madrid forward to Everton on a free transfer this summer, but the race is not yet over for Brands to move Goodison Park to the front of the queue.

The Toffees’ director of football still has time on his side to sing the Merseysiders’ praises and land Ancelotti a cog in the Italian’s plans to retain Rodriguez, should the Colombian still have any doubts over his future in royal blue.

Signing Vazquez could also strengthen two positions in Ancelotti’s squad, as the £13.5m-rated winger has proven throughout the campaign that he is able to thrive and not just cover for the perennially-injured Dani Carvajal at right-back.

Vazquez has featured 19 times as a wide defender for Zinedine Zidane’s team this season compared to 14 appearances on the wing, while offering five of his seven assists across all competitions from full-back.

After scoring and assisting in a 2-0 La Liga win over Celta Vigo in January, Zidane also praised Vazquez’s contributions in an attacking role. “It’s not the fact that I like him so much, it’s that he’s doing very well,” the Galacticos boss said, via quotes shared by One Football. “He’s very reliable, very committed and I’m happy with what he’s doing.”

If Real Madrid are unwilling to offer Vazquez the contract that he feels he deserves, their loss could be Everton’s gain if Brands is able to edge out the widespread rival interest.

AND in other news, Everton have landed a huge boost in the race to sign an 11-goal striker subject to a potential £21.5m bid…

Former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he cannot see Steven Gerrard replacing Marcelo Bielsa in the Elland Road dugout.

This comes after The Athletic’s Phil Hay, speaking on Ask Ornstein, mentioned Gerrard’s name when discussing who could succeed Bielsa as Leeds boss.

The Argentinian’s contract is set to expire in the summer, meaning that the Whites could be on the lookout for a new manager before the start of next season.

Palmer, however, cannot imagine Gerrard ditching the new Scottish Premiership champions for the Yorkshire club.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about the above, the ex-Leeds player said:

“I think Stevie G’s had a fantastic season up at Rangers. I can’t for the life of me see Stevie G leaving Rangers at this moment in time, apart from going back to Liverpool Football Club and I don’t think [Jurgen] Klopp’s going for a couple of seasons yet.”

Gerrard will surely want to have a go at defending Rangers’ Scottish Premiership title against rivals Celtic. He will also have the opportunity to manage the Glasgow club in the Champions League, so it really is hard to imagine an Ibrox exit for the Liverpool legend right now.

Gabby Agbonlahor has been left to slam the displays of both Joelinton and Ryan Fraser for Newcastle United so far in the 2020/21 term.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa and England international striker was very critical of the duo, and also suggested that Steve Bruce may drop them for the remainder of the games in the season:

“You look at Joelinton, he hasn’t turned up all season for Newcastle. He’s still not turning up.

“For me, Steve Bruce has now got to work out what 11 players are going to fight for him and fight for the club and pick them. If that’s Dwight Gayle, if that’s Andy Carroll, if that’s Matt Ritchie, if that’s the Longstaff brothers in midfield. 

“Whoever is going to fight for him and the club – that’s what it’s about now.

“Certain players are letting him down, the likes of Ryan Fraser, the likes of Joelinton, they’re not doing anything, they’re not showing any hunger, they’re not showing any fight.

“I’m sure Steve Bruce will be making changes for the games coming up.”

Newcastle need more from Joelinton and Fraser

The St. James’ Park faithful certainly need to see more from both Joelinton and Fraser from now until the end of the campaign if they have ambitions of avoiding being relegated from the top flight down to the EFL Championship.

The former continues to fail to live up to his hefty transfer fee, with a mere three goals and three assists in 28 games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Considering the recent injuries to the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron, both of these players have certainly not shown why they should be playing in Steve Bruce’s team instead, as they look destined to be squad players from now until they leave the North East club.

In other news, find out what big double injury boost NUFC have received here!

Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic about Everton’s European prospects despite dropped points against Crystal Palace.

The Blues were five minutes or so away from a precious victory against Palace on Monday night when Michy Batshuayi struck.

West Ham then won 3-2 at Wolves to leave Everton five points adrift of the Champions League places, albeit with a game in hand.

“I think the position in Europe is still there [for us],” Ancelotti said after the draw.

“We have a game in hand but we have to be more focused to avoid this kind of situation.”

Where will Everton end up?

Everton have previously lost to Fulham, Newcastle and Burnley on home soil this season.

Sixth could be enough for Everton to qualify for the Europa League if a team in the top five wins the FA Cup, and league leaders Manchester City, third-placed Leicester City and fifth-placed Chelsea are all into the semi-finals.

Seventh, meanwhile, could secure passage to the inaugural Europa Conference League.

Journalist Richard Buxton relayed Ancelotti’s verdict to supporters, and many of them were less optimistic.

They fear Everton’s season may become a story of missed opportunities.

These Everton fans challenge Ancelotti claim

“Missed the boat to Europe today, relying on teams above to drop points now.”

Credit: @DaveThePapLpool

“Heard it all season. The fact is we aren’t good enough. We have no style, play turgid boring anti football & most of the squad are negative and can’t handle pressure. I’d rather we didn’t get europe. We dont have anywhere near the squad to handle it yet!”

Credit: @chrisjhocking22

“We’ve had games in hand every week and we always blow it”

Credit: @nickwillo4efc

“Same tripe all the time, we ain’t getting Europe we will be lucky to get 8th”

Credit: @malblu1

“No it’s not – he’s kidding himself, let’s be honest”

Credit: @Chrisgill95

“Chance went with tonight”

Credit: @gary2monty

“No Carlo. You have to stop being so defensive”

Credit: @chilemjh

In other news, Everton fans bemoaned this injury update.

According to a report by club insider Claret & Hugh, West Ham United will again send scouts to run the rule over potential Slavia Prague targets as the Czech side enter a Europa League second leg next week, with exciting young attacker Abdallah Sima still on the radar and ‘top of the list’ for GSB.

West Ham eyeing Sima

Sima, who has bagged an impressive 19 goals in all competitions this season, will be scouted by West Ham again as GSB continue to eye Slavia Prague stars.

The 19-year-old has been linked with the Irons before, but Claret & Hugh relayed that Sima is still on the radar and ‘top of the list’ for the Hammers, with his teammates Ondrej Kolar and Jan Kuchta also set to be scouted in their encounter with Rangers.

Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek, both among the team’s best statistical performers this term, have been success stories of previous business done between West Ham and Slavia, and it appears GSB still firmly have their eye on Sima as this news emerges.

Transfer Tavern take

Hugely impressing already at the age of just 19, vocal Slavia chairman Jaroslav Tvrdik has made it well known that the ‘phenomenon’ is being followed by ‘big European clubs’ (Twitter).

Time will tell whether he signs at the London Stadium this summer after David Moyes’ failed attempt to sign a striker in January, but he could be a very promising coup judging by his record this season and apparent potential.

In other news: Some West Ham fans were excited by this ExWHUemployee claim, find out more here.