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In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Carlton Palmer has warned that Southampton could be in serious trouble if they cannot replace star striker Danny Ings this summer.

As per The Athletic, Ings is refusing to sign a new contract at St. Mary’s, with his current one set to expire next year.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph claims that Ings is Tottenham’s primary target as new manager Nuno Espirito Santo looks to deploy a two-man attack at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Speaking recently on talkSPORT, Tony Cascarino suggested that Southampton could find themselves in relegation trouble if Ings ends up getting the move he is clearly seeking, and Palmer shares a very similar view.

“If you’re losing 22 goals in the Premier League, you’re in serious trouble, you’re in serious trouble,” the ex-Southampton player said in response to Cascarino’s claim. “Don’t leave your business to the last minute.

“If you’re not going to be able to tie him down to a contract, I’d get him out and get maybe one or two players in that might be able to come up with 10 goals each. That’s what you need to do.”

Ings has scored a total of 34 goals across the last two Premier League seasons, so Southampton would indeed be losing a lot of firepower if he were to leave. If they cannot replace that, yes, it could end up being a long season for the Saints.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that Aston Villa have submitted a bid for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe.

What’s the story?

Having clinched the signing of Emi Buendia from Norwich – a player that Arsenal were also reported to be interested in – it appears Dean Smith isn’t done with reinforcing the attacking midfield areas.

And, according to Ornstein, the Midlands club put in a £25m bid for England youth international Smith Rowe, although the bid was officially rejected by the Gunners as they intend to offer Smith Rowe a new contract to keep him at the Emirates.

However, while their offer for Smith Rowe may have been turned down, there are reasons for Villa fans to be buzzing.

Fans should be buzzing

Having already beaten Arsenal to the signing of Buendia – The Athletic even claimed that the Argentine’s first-choice was a move to Villa Park – it’s a significant statement of intention from Smith’s side to go after one of the Gunners’ prized talents.

Gregg Evans even said: “Villa’s ambitions are becoming crystal clear. Not only are they showing no signs of slowing down their spending spree under Sawiris and Edens, but they are also looking at ways to weaken clubs who could be direct rivals.

“Bidding for Smith Rowe is the most obvious sign yet of that. But this strategic approach of trying to pick apart big teams is taking Villa to a new level. That they feel Smith Rowe is an achievable target says everything about the way the club are moving forward. The very thought of taking away one of Arsenal’s most exciting young players just a few years ago would have been laughed at.

“Also, while their desires to sign Smith Rowe are real, it’s one thing bidding for him, and another actually landing the attacker. But already, these are starting to feel like exciting times for Villa. They are flexing their muscles in the market and aiming high.”

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It’s exactly why fans should be absolutely buzzing at the sheer knowledge that their club even considered Smith Rowe as a transfer target, and put in an official offer for him – as Evans says, moving for one of Arsenal’s star players would have been unthinkable perhaps even last year, let alone several.

But such has been the meteoric rise that Smith’s side have enjoyed, that this is the kind of ambition and statement that Villa are trying to make, and it really is “exciting times” for the Midlands club.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped an update on this Villa man…

Southampton have been linked with a move for Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie recently and he could be an excellent addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side this summer.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, Southampton are keen on signing the 26-year-old this summer, although they will likely face competition from Burnley and newly-promoted Norwich City.

It is suggested that his contract with the Scottish Premiership side is set to expire in January, suggesting that they need to cash in on him this summer or risk losing him for free, so Southampton could well complete a bargain swoop for him.

Would he be a good signing?

Christie’s performances with both Celtic and Scotland in recent seasons suggest that he is ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

This season saw the attacking midfielder contribute five goals and 11 assists in 34 Premiership appearances, with his performances earning him an impressive 7.33 average rating from WhoScored.

This would rank him as the second-best performer for the Hoops this season, whilst if he has produced the same level of performances with Southampton, then he would comfortably have been their best performer.

The £6.3m-rated midfielder has consistently been one of the best players in the Scottish Premiership in his career, with 40 goals and 41 assists in 142 appearances for Celtic.

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He has also played across the midfield and the attack during his career and given Hasenhuttl’s preference for versatile players at Southampton, he certainly seems like the type of player the Austrian would love to have in his squad.

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish was full of praise for Christie last season, saying:

“Ryan Christie has been an outstanding performer over the last year or so.”

This suggests that he would be a worthwhile addition at St Mary’s this summer, so Martin Semmens should definitely look to bring him in.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl can evolve his Saints attack with summer swoop for “unbelievable” star

Everton are considering a whole host of new managers to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the Goodison Park hot seat.

The Toffees have looked at coaches with varying experience levels but haven’t settled upon a number one target yet.

What’s the word?

An interview has taken place with Nuno Espirito Santo, while Bill Kenwright favours a move for either David Moyes or Roberto Martinez. Marcel Brands is a big fan of Graham Potter, but a new name has now emerged in the hunt for a new boss in Merseyside.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton are considering a move for former West Ham and Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Moshiri spoke to the Chilean about coming to Everton all the way back in 2016 but they are now targeting the 67-year-old again. Pellegrini has been contacted about the vacancy and is viewed as a genuine option by the club’s hierarchy.

Would he be suited to Everton?

Focus on his spell at West Ham and you’d have to consider this an abject choice for Everton in the manager market. Pellegrini guided the Hammers to a tenth-placed finish in 2018/19 but was then given the boot in December 2019 with the Irons sitting in 17th, one point above the relegation zone.

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Speaking at the time, Jason Cundy said: “I didn’t see Pellegrini as being the manager to move West Ham forward. It was a lazy appointment. I don’t think he could believe his luck that a Premier League club, and a big Premier League club like West Ham, were prepared to give him another opportunity.”

However, after a miraculous sixth-place finished with Real Betis in La Liga last season, it would appear that the veteran has his mojo back. Betis ended the 2019/20 campaign in 15th, so this was quite the turnaround in fortunes.

It’s the type of recovery that Everton require after consecutive mid-table finishes, especially as they eye European football.

Pellegrini copped a lot of flak during his time with West Ham but he’s still a fabulous manager who guided Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2013/14.

In the process, he earned praise from some of the finest players to grace the Etihad Stadium in the last decade. David Silva commented: “He’s brought a joy and a happiness around the place and also to our style of play.”

On Pellegrini’s influence, he added: “Having Manuel here has helped me personally. It’s been really good for me. He’s suited me down to the ground. My style of play is more suited to an attacking style. He’s helped me develop as a player. It’s been a good year for me. I’ve felt good in myself.”

Silva left City as one of their most decorated players, amassing 436 appearances and assisting 141 goals. If Pellegrini is good enough for the creative magician, he’s good enough for Everton.

Yaya Toure was another to wax lyrical about the former Real Madrid boss, saying: “He is a very clever manager who always backs his players. He comes and chats with you and is very open with you. Not just with me but with all the players.

“He gets the best out of the players. He knows how to get the best out of our young players too and he’s the kind of manager we have to have at this club.”

Pellegrini is meticulous and, following the departure of another wise, experienced head in Ancelotti, Everton would be wise to head down a similar route.

He knows the Premier League and has now rediscovered his magic touch back in Spain. He’s certainly an interesting candidate for the Goodison Park hierarchy.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Potter: Everton can form a scary duo by signing “exceptional” £40m beast…

Lucien Favre is reportedly close to accepting the manager’s job at Crystal Palace.

What’s the story?

According to Simon Jones in the Daily Mail, the Eagles have held positive talks with the 63-year-old over the vacancy at Selhurst Park, with the Swiss native understood to be close to accepting the club’s offer to succeed Roy Hodgson after deliberating over the weekend.

Jones added that Favre has also been proposed to Everton but is leaning towards the vacancy in south London instead.

Fans will be buzzing

Favre has cultivated a strong reputation for producing teams which play an attractive brand of football throughout his career, as well as being adept at nurturing young talent.

After spells in charge of Servette and FC Zurich in his homeland, he took charge of Hertha Berlin and established himself as one of the most well-respected head coaches in the Bundesliga. Impressive spells at Borussia Monchengladbach and French outfit Nice followed, but it was at Dortmund where he really catapulted himself onto the biggest stage.

At Signal Iduna Park, Favre oversaw consecutive second-place finishes and was instrumental in the development of top-class talents such as Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho.

His arrival at Palace would be seen as a significant coup by the capital club, and news that he is close to accepting the Eagles’ offer over a move to Everton will surely have Palace supporters buzzing.

Although Hodgson brought stability to the south London outfit during his four-year stay, the former England boss has left them in a precarious position. The first team squad needs a major overhaul, talisman Wilfried Zaha is lining himself up for a move away, and key creative force Eberechi Eze is out injured until the new year.

While several youthful managers have been linked with the Palace vacancy, such as Frank Lampard and Eddie Howe, the size of the task at hand means an experienced head is needed.

In Favre, the Eagles have found the best of both worlds. He plays an entertaining style while also having nearly 800 games in management under his belt.

It remains to be seen whether he puts pen to paper and makes the move to the Premier League, but his potential arrival will surely delight the Selhurst Park fanbase.

And, in other news…Parish must swoop for “unstoppable” £13.5m-rated goal machine, Palace badly need him 

Ross Wilson has seemingly handed Steven Gerrard a huge boost at Rangers after Galatasaray were reportedly priced out of a summer move for Joe Aribo, which should see the Nigerian midfielder stay at Ibrox next season.

According to Turkish news outlet Fotaspor, Faith Terim’s side had been keen on signing the former Charlton Athletic man this summer but will now move on to other targets after being quoted a price of no less than €10m (£8.6m).

It is no surprise that Rangers are desperate to keep hold of the 24-year-old, who has been a mainstay in Gerrard’s side since arriving on a free transfer from Charlton in 2019.

He has gone on to make 91 appearances for the Teddy Bears, in which he has contributed 17 goals and 15 assists, whilst he has also become a regular for the Super Eagles, earning seven caps for his country.

Aribo was a mainstay for Rangers this season and was a key factor in their impressive title win, making 26 appearances in the Premiership, scoring six goals and contributing four assists, earning a superb 7.40 average rating from WhoScored for his performances.

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This would rank him as the joint-second best player with Ryan Kent in Gerrard’s side this season, which emphasises just how important he is at Ibrox, and he will no doubt be vital again next season as the Gers prepare for Champions League football and look to retain their title.

His performances for Nigeria earned him the praise of former Super Eagles star Victor Ikpeba in 2019, as he said:

“He’s such a wonderful player and I am delighted to see him play quality football for Nigeria. Joe Aribo is an exceptional player and he has shown the Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr that he is ready to claim a regular shirt.”

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Aribo is only 24 and therefore has plenty of time still to develop at Rangers, so Gerrard will be delighted that sporting director Ross Wilson was able to deal with Galatasaray’s reported interest in him, and it is a huge boost for the 40-year-old manager that the midfielder will likely remain at Ibrox this summer.

And, in other news… Gerrard heading for major Rangers disaster with “outstanding” beast, he could leave Ibrox

According to transfer journalist Pedro Almeida, writing on Twitter, West Ham United will make an initial offer of around €28m (£24.3m) for Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong, with both clubs in contact. 

Armstrong, who has also been linked to West Ham through reliable club sources like ExWHUemployee, has been a revelation for Rovers in the Championship this season, scoring 25 goals and assisting five others over 39 appearances (Transfermarkt).

As a result, he has been the subject of intense speculation linking him to the Hammers, with Football League World recently claiming that West Ham are interested in a transfer for the right price.

Almeida has now claimed that the Hammers will make an offer of around £24.3m for the striker, prompting many Irons fans to take social media with a wide array of verdicts.

Here is a flavour of the online reaction from the east London club’s fan base:

West Ham fans flock to journalist’s transfer claim

“Wow. That’s a lot of money.”

Credit: @SaidMuv

“Are you alright? 28 million”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“Hmmmmmm”

Credit: @joelitt78828048

“Considering Lingard will be available for roughly the same is a ridiculous amount.”

Credit: @AdamEpsly

“Get it done @WestHam”

Credit: @ben_personal

“IF we’ve made that what a ridiculous decision & makes zero sense either from a business perspective

To offer/pay £25m for a player in their last year of their & unlikely to improve on that value is ludicrous”

Credit: @mhare641

In other news: Many West Ham fans also flocked to this official club announcement, find out more here.

Liverpool are reportedly set to offer Virgil van Dijk a stunning £50million contract, in order to keep him at Anfield for the rest of his career.

The Lowdown: Unrivalled influence at Liverpool

Van Dijk joined the Reds back in January 2018 and he made a huge impact immediately, outlining his status as the world’s best centre-back.

The Dutchman has arguably been the most important signing of the Jurgen Klopp era, with his vast influence making those around him better, helping Liverpool win both the Champions League and Premier League.

Van Dijk’s absence with a cruciate ligament injury this season has played a huge part in his team’s struggles, but he is hopefully nearing a return ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

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The Latest: Van Dijk to be offered huge deal, claims FI source

According to Football Insider, Liverpool sources expect the club will open talks with the 29-year-old over a mammoth deal worth £50million over a long period, earning him more than £200,000 per week.

Check out the latest transfer news on the GMS Live football Transfer hub

The centre-back, who Jordan Henderson has described as ‘unbelievable’ in the past, will sit down and enter discussions at the end of the season, hopefully committing his long-term future to the Reds.

A Liverpool source told FI that the Reds want to keep the Netherlands captain at Anfield ‘for the rest of his career’.

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The Verdict: Sign him up!

Retaining Van Dijk’s services is the definition of a no-brainer for Liverpool, with the 6 foot 4 colossus already one of the best defenders in the club’s history, making 130 appearances and winning UEFA’s Best Player in Europe award in 2019.

Granted, there is a risk that he isn’t quite the same player after such a serious injury, especially given his age, but it’s fair to say he will still be top class even if he is half as good.

This season has shown that Van Dijk is the first name on Klopp’s team-sheet and his return will help the Reds forget all about their current woes, ensuring they are battling towards the top of the Premier League again next year.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted with an update regarding a Reds summer transfer target. Read more here.

Nottingham Forest have been handed a huge boost to their chances of bringing Joe Pigott to The City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to a statement posted by AFC Wimbledon on Twitter, the 27-year-old centre-froward will be leaving Plough Lane at the end of his current contract with the League One side, which is set to expire next month.

It has been reported throughout the season that a number of Championship clubs, including Nottingham Forest, have been keeping a very close eye on the situation of Pigott ahead of a potential move in the transfer market.

Hughton will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Pigott has been for Wimbledon this season, the news the striker will be available on a free transfer this summer will undoubtedly have Chris Hughton buzzing.

Indeed, over the £2.1k-per-week forward’s 45 League One appearances for Mark Robinson’s side this term, he scored 20 goals and registered five assists, as well as taking an average of 3.5 shots and making one key pass per game.

These metrics saw the 27-year-old earn a seasonal WhoScored match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Wimbledon’s best performer in the third tier.

And, with the caveat that the football in League One is not of the same standard as the Championship, when comparing his returns to that of Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor, Pigott beats the Nottingham Forest duo hands down.

Over his 28 league appearances, Grabban managed six goals and one assist, in addition to taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game, seeing the 33-year-old earn a seasonal WhoScored match rating of 6.47.

Over Taylor’s 39 Championship fixtures, he scored four goals and provided no assists, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots and making 0.5 key passes per appearance, receiving a seasonal WhoScored match rating of 6.22.

As such, the Wimbledon man dubbed a “quality” player by Neal Ardley would very much appear to be an upgrade on Hughton’s current options at centre-forward.

And, when adding in the bonus of the 27-year-old being available on a free transfer, a deal for the striker would almost appear too good to be true for Forest this summer.

In other news: Major contract development emerges on “interesting” NFFC ace, Hughton will be buzzing – opinion

Many Wolves fans have been left to flock to a big update from the Daily Mirror on Nuno Espirito Santo.

As per the news outlet, the current manager at the Midlands club is being eyed by Tottenham Hotspur as a potential replacement for Jose Mourinho.

Daniel Levy is reportedly an admirer of Nuno, who is under contract at Molineux at the moment until 2023.

The compensation package for the Portuguese boss to leave the Wanderers would likely cost roughly £8m.

The news has left several WWFC supporters torn, with some thinking that letting him go would be the right thing to do given how disappointing the season has turned out for them so far.

Injuries have of course played a huge part in the disappointing season though, losing the likes of Raul Jimenez and now Pedro Neto for lengthy periods, so others are far less reluctant after he helped guide them up to the Premier League from the EFL Championship and has helped attract a wealth of top talent to the club.

Wolves fans on Nuno update

These Wolves fans flocked to the update on Twitter, with one claiming that he has been ‘brilliant’ for them:

“Leave him be! I do think he needs to be able to keep world class players such as Jota though”

Credit: @peggyja95517835

“Maybe it would suit all parties if he does move on for him and for Wolves!”

Credit: @WolvesBlogger1

“Makes me laugh all these ‘Wolves fans’ saying how terrible Nuno is, the guy has been brilliant for us and an absolute pleasure for the city! Get behind the guy because he has had it tough not seeing his family! We should be there for him”

Credit: @gazzdroid

“Could be a good thing to freshen things up only if Jose Mourinho comes to Wolves. If Mourinho could win the league with Wolves that would give him legendary status and his biggest achievement like Leicester.”

Credit:  @DChappleton

“No thanks”

Credit: @67Doodle

“Take him”

Credit: @bestwolvesfan

In other news, find out what injury update from Tim Spiers has been bemoaned by Wanderers here!