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Former West Ham striker Brian Deane has expressed his doubts over Declan Rice moving to Chelsea this summer, unsure where he would fit in in Thomas Tuchel’s Champions League-winning side.

Following Frank Lampard’s sacking back in January, Chelsea’s interest in Rice seemed to have cooled. However, according to The Telegraph, Tuchel is a fan of the player and the west London club could now revive their interest in the midfielder.

A deal will not be cheap, with the same report claiming the Hammers’ asking price is £90m. But, even so, the reliable Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Rice is still firmly on Chelsea’s radar.

Deane, though, has questioned where the 22-year-old would exactly play given the options Tuchel already has, which includes N’Golo Kante.

“For me, it depends where they’re going to play him because Kante is the best player in that position in the world,” the ex-West Ham forward exclusively told FFC.

“I couldn’t believe when Frank Lampard was the manager that he was playing Kante wide of a three midfield. He’s got more energy than I’ve seen any time from anybody, so that was surprising to me.

“If they bring him [Rice] in, are they bringing him in to compete with him [Kante]? Are they going to play two holding midfielders? I don’t know.”

Whatever the case, at £90m, you would expect Tuchel to find somewhere for Rice to play.

That being said, there is nothing yet to suggest Chelsea would be willing to pay that kind of money, while there has been a lot of talk about the newly-crowned European champions looking at alternatives. So there is probably no need for West Ham fans to hit the panic button yet.

Manchester City have agreed terms with the representatives of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan reports. 

The lowdown

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported in March that the battle for Haaland had become a two-horse race between City and their UEFA Champions League semifinal opponents, Real Madrid.

Given that the player possesses a €75million (£62.2million) release clause that becomes active in the summer, it was always likely to come down to who offered him the most attractive package.

And it appears City have won out, securing a striker who featured in the 2021 FIFPro World XI.

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The latest

Keegan revealed late on Monday night that City have agreed a £500,000-per-week plus contract with Haaland’s camp, making him the highest-paid player in English football.

The reigning Premier League champions will now move to trigger the player’s release clause following a ‘significant step forward’.

As a result, the move is expected to go through in the ‘next week or so’, with Ornstein following with similar reports that the player has ‘approved’ the deal.

The verdict

This is undoubtedly a monumental signing for City. Haaland boasts a staggering goal record, netting 131 times in his first 179 senior appearances.

This season, he’s bagged 25 strikes, at least three more than any City player, despite only playing 26 matches. In fact, he’s averaged better than a goal per game since he moved to the Westfalenstadion (one every 86 minutes).

City failed in their attempts to sign Harry Kane last summer and have largely operated without a recognised no. 9 this season.

But now they’ve seemingly signed another striker in the elite bracket, for a fraction of the money Daniel Levy demanded, and with many more years ahead of him at the top of the European game.

In other news, a City source has shared a Jack Grealish revelation.  

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are angry with comments from journalist Hugh Keevins in the Daily Record on Sunday.

The Gers have enjoyed a wonderful 2020/21 campaign so far – they have already sewn up the Premiership title and they have a chance of doing the domestic double as they remain in the Scottish Cup.

However, that has come amidst a backdrop of animosity towards Scotland’s mainstream media and, in recent months, we have seen the rise of fan-led media at Ibrox – that has even seen generally respected reporters such as Jordan Campbell not being given press accreditation following certain articles criticising the club.

Writing for the Daily Record, Keevins expressed concern about this media policy from the 55-time Scottish champions, believing that the Gers are trying to ensure they don’t have to answer to anyone.

Unsurprisingly, plenty of Rangers fans were unhappy with his opinion. They took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on the matter.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Keevins below

“Gerrard does a press conference almost every other day. When he decides not to, I don’t blame him. I’d be annoyed having to repeat every question every other day.”

Credit: @douglaspark92

“They just don’t get it. It’s in their DNA to listen to a person talking and cherry pick certain words to form new sentences that the person didn’t say. And same as this thing when an alleged Rangers fan breaks the law, they tag in Rangers as if it’s their fault. It’s got to stop.”

Credit: @HughJorggan

“The Daily Record’s coverage since 2012, especially the Hibs SC final, should make sure they don’t step foot in Ibrox again tbh.”

Credit: @CroogsRFC

“Well that’s what happens when you print utter dross and twist the truth shug.. Rangers closed shop media strategy is a pressing concern says Hugh Keevins”

Credit: @AngeBlue55

“One of the stupidest opinion pieces I’ve ever read. No wonder the club don’t want to hear your questions when you’re suggesting SG skipping a press conference is worse than the most reviled plan in modern football, that presented a genuine existential threat to 100s of clubs.”

Credit: @DAIchuck

“Get a grip”

Credit: @bcamarshall

In other news, Rangers eye this central defender.

Derby County are looking to tie up a deal to bring Ravel Morrison to Pride Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by John Percy, with The Telegraph journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that, following the EFL granting Derby permission to sign five players on free transfers, Wayne Rooney is planning to make the 28-year-old one of his first signings of the summer.

Percy goes on to state that both Curtis Davies and Andre Wisdom also look set to be offered deals in the coming days, with the pair’s previous contracts with the Rams having expired at the end of last season.

Huge coup

While Morrison was widely tipped to be the next big thing after breaking through the Manchester United academy – with Sir Alex Ferguson claiming he was the best player he had ever seen at 14 years old – things ultimately did not work out for the midfielder at Old Trafford, with the Jamaica international eventually being sold to West Ham United in 2012.

However, Morrison went on to feature just 24 times for the Hammers over his two-and-a-half-year spell in east London, scoring five goals and providing two assists along the way, before being released in February 2015.

The midfielder, whom Kevin Nolan once dubbed a “frightening” prospect, then bounced around the world on a number of loan and permanent moves, featuring for clubs such as Lazio, Ostersunds, Atlas Guadalajara and ADO Den Haag, but failed to ever fully live up to his early promise.

However, with Rooney having experienced first-hand the midfielder’s potential during their shared time at Manchester United, as well as appearing thoroughly impressed with the 28-year-old after taking him in on a trial with the Rams this summer, there would seem no better manager than Rooney to finally fully unlock Morrison’s undoubted ability.

And, should the 35-year-old manage to do so, the signing of the Jamaican could prove to be a huge coup for Derby, with the man reported to be earning £1.3k-per-week at ADO Den Haag clearly having the ability to perform at a much higher level than the Championship – the only question is whether he can do so on a regular basis at Pride Park.

In other news: Imagine him & Lawrence: Rooney must sanction Derby swoop for “special” £3.7k-p/w beast

Liverpool could be set to receive a significant boost to their transfer kitty over the coming days after entering talks with West Ham United over the sale of Divock Origi.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, the Hammers have opened preliminary talks to sign the 26-year-old striker after the Reds slashed their asking price.

The report claims that Liverpool are now demanding just £15 million for Origi, a sizeable drop from the £20m they were thought to be asking for in January.

Liverpool fans will be buzzing

Origi will always remain a part of Liverpool folklore after bagging an incredible brace against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final back in 2019.

He then wrapped up the club’s sixth European title with another goal in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, ensuring he’ll remain a fans favourite for many years to come.

However, Origi has struggled to replicate those heroics ever since. Over the last couple of campaigns, the former Lille ace has started just nine Premier League games, bagging only four goals during his limited time on the pitch.

And, in truth, his performances haven’t warranted extra game time, with the Belgium international recording a miserly WhoScored rating of just 6.19 last season.

It became increasingly evident that Origi’s time on Merseyside was drawing to a close in 2020/21 as Jurgen Klopp rarely placed his trust in the pacey forward despite the poor form of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Although he’ll always be adored at Anfield for his Champions League exploits, a large section of Liverpool fans will be buzzing to learn of Origi’s potentially imminent exit.

He’s failed to showcase the required ability on a consistent basis to play for a club aiming to win football’s major prizes, and the money generated from his sale could fund a move for a more talents acquisition.

With the financial impact of the ongoing pandemic limiting Liverpool’s budget, the Reds are having to sell their unwanted fringe players before they can finance any more arrivals, plus they need to free up a place in the squad before making any signings, as they are currently at the limit of non-homegrown players allowed.

The likes of Marko Grujic, Harry Wilson and Taiwo Awoniyi have already departed the club, and Origi’s exit could open the door for an exciting new signing to take his place.

Getting a player like Origi off the books is the best way for The Reds to get a new face through the door, so this news will be music to the ears of Liverpool fans.

And, in other news…Liverpool suffer blow in pursuit of £27m-rated “machine”, Klopp will be gutted

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their quest to sign a new left-back, with promising target Matthew Sorinola now agreeing a move elsewhere.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Sorinola signing

The Whites were given an apparent boost regarding the MK Dons defender on Thursday, with a report claiming he had rejected a new deal at the League One club.

Leeds were mentioned as one of a host of clubs interested in snapping up the exciting 20-year-old, who has made 40 appearances this season and been lauded as ‘excellent’ by manager Russell Martin.

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The Latest: Youngster heading elsewhere

There has been a twist in the saga, however, with TEAMtalk claiming that Sorinola has agreed to join Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise instead, news since confirmed by the club.

It means Leeds will have to continue their search for a new left-back, with Ezgjan Alioski looking certain to leave the club this summer.

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The Verdict: Disappointing

In truth, it is unlikely that Sorinola was going to be seen as a first-choice option for Marcelo Bielsa, considering his lack of experience at the top level.

That said, the youngster’s quick rise in the lower tiers suggests he could be the next Dele Alli – as suggested by ExWHUemployee when his side, West Ham, were linked – in terms of making the jump from MK Dons to top flight stardom, so he could have certainly been an exciting addition for long-term potential.

With Alioski likely leaving, Leeds will need to sign an experienced player of Nicolas Tagliafico, Alex Moreno or Patrick van Aanholt’s ilk, all of whom have been linked with moves to Elland Road, but it couldn’t have hurt to add more young talent either, so this is a blow.

In other news, a pundit has claimed one Leeds player will be moving on this summer. Find out who it is here.

Another devastating twist has emerged in Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial search this week…

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, Spurs have been rejected by yet another target, this time Graham Potter, who has been the ninth manager to say no to the north London club.

It’s claimed that chairman Daniel Levy thought his quest to find Jose Mourinho’s successor was finally over after two months, but the 46-year-old Brighton boss’ snub leaves Spurs in a tricky situation.

When will it end?

The vacant manager’s role at Tottenham is quickly becoming untenable, with the job seemingly one that nobody wants, whether they’re employed or out of work. It’s a rather damning indictment on Levy and the club that as many as nine different names have come and gone throughout this process.

Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers were two early contenders – the RB Leipzig supremo will join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich instead, whilst the Leicester City boss ruled himself out after the Lilywhites baulked at the cost to lure him away.

Ajax’s Erik ten Hag was the next manager to be targeted after Nagelsmann, but the Dutch giants triggered the extension in his current contract.

There were even talks with Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino over a sensational return to N17 after he was sacked by Levy in November 2019, and whilst there was a desire for both parties to reunite, the Ligue 1 outfit extended his deal by a further year to tie him down.

Chelsea’s title-winning head coach Antonio Conte was the next to reject Spurs’ advances before negotiations broke down with former AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca – the man who has since been replaced by Mourinho.

The controversial Gennaro Gattuso then emerged as a surprise frontrunner before backlash from numerous supporters put pay to that.

Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui was said to have rejected a “dizzying” offer from the north Londoners, and now to make matters even worse than anyone could imagine, even Potter doesn’t want it.

Tottenham players who aren’t involved at Euro 2020 will return to pre-season as early as next week, so this latest blow in a string of setbacks should come as immensely worrying news.

It means the club are further back than most in the Premier League as they currently do not have Mourinho’s replacement in place after 10 weeks of searching. They cannot push ahead with plans, either on or off the pitch, without a permanent manager in place.

Whoever is in the dugout come the opening weekend of 2021/22 against Manchester City will have his own transfer targets and tactical system to embed into the squad, and the longer the search rumbles on into pre-season, the less time that man will have to get it right.

This latest twist should be a huge concern for many in N17 right now.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Spurs transfer claim that’ll surely leave fans excited…

Everton have been linked with a move for Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Marcus Thuram as new manager Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his forward line.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, the Toffees are one of three sides interested in signing the highly-rated 24-year-old over the coming months, with Borussia Dortmund and Inter also listed as potential suitors.

With just two years remaining on his current contract, Thuram could be available for a reduced price next summer if Everton are prepared to wait that long.

Everton could finally replace Lukaku

After arriving on German shores back in 2019, Thuram has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young stars.

In his 40 appearances for Monchengladbach last season, the £25.2m-rated gem bagged 11 goals and provided a further 12 assists in all competitions, but his contributions didn’t stop there.

He also created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

These returns saw teammate Denis Zakaria brand Thuram a “phenomenal” talent and earned him a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Monchengladbach’s tenth-best performer in the top flight of German football.

The versatile striker also impressed during his brief appearance for France at Euro 2020, making one key pass, completing one dribble and winning one duel in the 3-3 draw with Switzerland, with his display earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.2.

His impressive performances for club and country led to Movistar commentator Alain Valnegri telling El Pais that Thuram reminded him of Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, saying: “He can be dominant and allow him to act as an offensive terminal, Lukaku style.”

A serious knee injury has limited Thuram to just 46 minutes of action in the current campaign, though, and he’s set to be sidelined until the new year, making a January move a potentially risky one.

Nevertheless, Everton’s hierarchy must sanction a move for the youngster, adding some much-needed strength in depth to Benitez’s attacking options and potentially finding their next Lukaku in the process.

And, in other news…Everton increasingly likely to sign £187k-p/w gem, fans surely buzzing 

Liverpool want to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona after it was reported the Reds are potentially interested in signing the 24-year-old on a free transfer.

Dembele made the move to the Camp Nou from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for a fee of over £100m (BBC) after providing 22 assists in 50 games for German outfit (Transfermarkt).

However, although he has managed 30 goals in 118 games in Spain, a succession of injuries and questions over his attitude mean he has not lived up to expectations.

The now £45m-valued man’s contract is set to run out at the end of the season, meaning he would be available on a free transfer. According to Mundo Deportivo (via FourFourTwo), Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of the winger, and Dembele’s agent has even approached the six-time European champions to see if they would like to sign him.

The news was shared on Twitter by @AnfieldEdition, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with one fan hailing the French starlet’s ‘incredible ability’.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Dembele news below

“plz yes do it !!! he’ll be perfect for us Klopp will turn him into a monster.”

Credit: @ROLOred05

“Get him free sell ox and keita”

Credit: @bennn435

“Sign him up. Especially for free. Klopp would get the absolute best out of him.”

Credit: @jaycmoore90

“I’d take him on a free for sure. Injury problems but still has incredible ability”

Credit: @drewHxH

“For free?!? You’ll be silly to pass this up even with the injuries”

Credit: @BenWayland123

“I’m taking this all day even with his injuries”

Credit: @lewinh0_

In other news, Liverpool fans want this man to leave the club.

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips reckons that Manchester City will look to retain the services of Raheem Sterling following extensive links with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Tottenham Hotspur prepare for 2021/22

Moving towards 2021/22, many Tottenham fans will be desperate for Nuno Espirito Santo to acquire the players necessary in order to challenge for Champions League qualification.

On the flip side, keeping hold of key assets will also be pivotal to the manager’s aspirations. Talisman Harry Kane has been heavily mooted with a switch to the Citizens, with Sterling suggested by reports as a makeweight in any prospective deal [talkSPORT].

The Latest: Phillips reckons Man City will look to retain Sterling

Those rumours prompted former England striker Phillips to give his verdict in a recent interview with Football Insider. The 47-year-old was quick to big up the capabilities of the former Liverpool winger, stating:

“Getting Sterling in who will probably be the player of the Euros?

“Will that change City’s mind? I certainly wouldn’t be letting him go. Everything changed.

“I know he didn’t perform to the best of his ability last season but players have those seasons.

“He’s not let it affect him. He will be the player of the tournament and I would keep him at Man City.

“He will go back to his club full of confidence as the man of the moment.

“He will be talked about all over Europe, the world. He could be Premier League player of the season next year.

“If that’s the case, if you can get Sterling coming in for Kane, I wouldn’t say it’s a no brainer but what a deal that could be.

“If I’m a Spurs supporter, that’s a huge boost.”

The Verdict: Sterling would be an outstanding signing for Spurs

Phillips correctly points out the 26-year-old’s sparking form with England at Euro 2020. In six fixtures for the Three Lions prior to tonight’s final, Sterling has chipped in with four goal contributions, registering three goals and one assist [UEFA.com].

In 2020/21, despite not living up to the absolute pinnacle of his capabilities, the Kingston-born winger still registered 26 goal contributions in 49 appearances, with 14 goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt]. Furthermore, Sterling illustrated his ability to trouble opposition defences regularly, achieving an average of 2.1 successful dribbles per match across the season [WhoScored]

Conceivably, he would certainly help to soften the blow for Tottenham of potentially losing Kane to the Premier League champions. However, Phillips has signified the likely reality that Manchester City will probably look to retain Sterling ahead of 2021/22 based on his form for England over the past month.

In other news, many Tottenham fans have erupted following this transfer update.