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Swansea City have been handed a boost in their bid to appoint Russell Martin at the Liberty Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Toby Lock, with the journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that, after speaking with Martin himself, the 35-year-old revealed he had twice turned down Jason Levien and Steven Kaplan’s approaches for his services.

However, Lock addd that, after the Swans hierarchy made a third approach on Friday, the MK Dons manager felt obliged to at least discuss the position with Levien and Kaplan.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “Just chatted with RM: He says he’s turned Swansea down twice this week before their approach on Friday. Now he feels obliged to speak to them to see what they have to offer. Watch this space I guess.”

After an image emerged of Martin at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday, these reports would indeed appear to be accurate.

Levien & Kaplan will be buzzing

Having seen two approaches for Martin dismissed outright by the man himself, reports that the 35-year-old has finally agreed to sit down with the Swansea owners is sure to have left them buzzing.

Indeed, the MK Dons boss looks as if he would be a very astute appointment as Steve Cooper’s successor at the Liberty Stadium, albeit with a rather different approach to the game in comparison to his potential predecessor.

Under the guidance of Martin, the Dons have transformed into a possession-focused team, looking to dominate the ball regardless of their opposition. However, this possession was very rarely idle, with the club topping the Possession x Progressive Passes per 90 minutes charts last season.

Furthermore, in order to win the ball back to implement their style of play on the game, the 35-year-old’s team also press intensely, allowing their opposition an average of just 9.28 passes before triggering a defensive action, with their PPDA (passes per defensive action) ranking as the fifth-lowest in the league.

In comparison, Cooper’s brand of football was less concrete at Swansea, with the 41-year-old often chopping and changing the way his side played in order to get the better of their opposition on any given day – something which, to his credit, worked rather effectively.

However, with Martin now seemingly in talks about taking over at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea fans could well see their side undergo something of a transformation next season, with the thought of having a proper identity once again surely an exciting prospect for everyone involved with the south Wales club.

In other news: Swansea in crisis as McGrath drops manager claim, but there could be a silver lining

A number of Manchester City fans are far from happy after it was revealed that Phil Foden is set to miss the first month of the new season with an injury picked up at Euro 2020.

The Citizens will kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday against Tottenham. Pep Guardiola’s side did not get their new season off to their best start against Leicester City in the Community Shield as they lost 1-0 courtesy of a Kelechi Iheanacho penalty, so the boss will be hoping for better starting from next weekend.

The £72m-valued Foden (Transfermarkt) did not feature in that match, having missed England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy through injury. As per The Telegraph, the 21-year-old is set to miss the first month of the new campaign.

While the Premier League champions have brought in Jack Grealish (mancity.com), they will be disappointed to lose Foden for such a spell. The youngster excelled last season, with 16 goals and 10 assists in all competitions – only Ilkay Gundogan exceeded his goal tally among Guardiola’s squad.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on Foden’s continued absence.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Foden injury news

“Edozie it is then”

Credit: @MCFC_GS11

“That’s Tottenham, Arsenal, Leicester, Chelsea and Liverpool”

Credit: @GrealishProp_

“Annoying but least we are giving him time not rushing him back”

Credit: @Billy_Bennison

“Fuming”

Credit: @MangenaMisho

“Pain”

Credit: @Taguero_10

“Great, so misses about 3-4 games, luckily we got Grealish”

Credit: @dylanjackkwest

In other news, some Man City fans fumed over this pre-season incident.

Manchester United are believed to be in the market for one more major signing this summer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to build a title-winning side.

What’s the story?

With former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho confirmed as a new United player and Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane expected to arrive imminently, the Red Devils have already had a successful transfer window.

However, things could be about to get even better for the Old Trafford outfit after the Manchester Evening News (MEN) reporter Samuel Luckhurst revealed his belief that the club will secure another major addition this summer.

The chief Manchester United writer for MEN revealed in a Facebook Live video: “I’ve said all along I think Manchester United will make three significant signings. Tom Heaton isn’t one of the three, obviously.”

Fans will be buzzing

United have made great progress under Solskjaer in recent years, securing consecutive top-four finishes for the first time since Sir Alex Fergusen retired back in 2013. However, a penalty shoot-out defeat to Spanish outfit Villarreal in last season’s Europa League final extended the club’s longest trophy drought in more than 30 years.

A disappointing group stage exit in the Champions League and a sizeable 12-point gap to Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table further highlighted the progress still left to be made for United to return to their former glory.

Therefore, this latest revelation will surely leave the club’s supporters buzzing. While the additions of Sancho and Varane have certainly strengthened Solskjaer’s squad significantly, they alone may not be enough to close the gap to City.

The Red Devils are rumoured to be in the market for a new right-back and defensive midfielder, with the likes of Kieran Trippier and Eduardo Camavinga heavily linked with a move to the English giants.

United fans will now be eagerly awaiting the club’s next move, hoping for another exciting acquisition who can propel them back to the Premier League summit.

In other news… The Athletic journo drops intriguing Man United update which should have fans buzzing 

Luke Hatfield, who covers Midlands clubs for the Express and Star, has told The Transfer Tavern that he expects Leander Dendoncker to stay at Wolves this summer.

The Belgian midfielder, who made three appearances at the Euros, has been a key part of the Wanderers setup since joining initially on loan in 2018, and then permanently 12 months later.

Since breaking into the side under Nuno Espirito Santo, Dendoncker has been a mainstay in the Wolves midfield alongside the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho.

But Dendoncker can also play in central defence, which means his versatility could be key with the likes of Conor Coady and Neves both linked away from Molineux.

According to Calciomercato, Wolves have considered offloading the 26-year-old to Roma after some below-par displays last season, although he’s featured in pre-season and therefore could be in line to start against Leicester on the opening day this weekend.

With other players futures in doubt, Hatfield told The Transfer Tavern he doesn’t expected him to be sold:

“He’s a very versatile player. Wolves fans were frustrated with some of his performances, but playing central defence and midfield, gets himself about.

“He’s so important to Wolves, and if Neves was meant to go, he would be incredibly important. You’ve got Joao Moutinho, who’s no spring chicken, you can’t see him playing 38 Premier League games, so I’d be surprised if they let Leander Dendoncker go.”

Patrick Bamford looks increasingly likely to snub interest from Tottenham Hotspur and sign a new long-term deal with Leeds United, as reported by The Mirror.

The Lowdown: Tottenham search for attacking impetus as Harry Kane uncertainty refuses to die down

With long-term speculation surrounding Harry Kane’s next move amid strong links with Manchester City, Nuno Espirito Santo will no doubt look to strengthen his forward line if he wasn’t contemplating the prospect already due to a lack of depth behind the talisman

The Lilywhites have been quoted with an interest in Dusan Vlahovic and Bamford in recent weeks.

However, the former seems set for Atletico Madrid and the latter now looks very unlikely to rock up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

The Latest: Bamford set to snub Tottenham interest

Leeds United are said to be desperate to tie the 6 foot 1 Bamford down with a new contract at Elland Road in the near future [The Mirror].

The 27-year-old is believed to have signalled his happiness to stay put in Yorkshire, citing his nomadic career trajectory which has seen him play for nine different clubs so far.

This could well kill any notion of the frontman winding up at Spurs, with Leeds expectant that he will commit his future to the club, after giving him an opportunity to prove his quality in the English top-flight.

The Verdict: Expected

Despite Tottenham’s alleged attraction towards the former Chelsea star, there was always a strong likelihood that Bamford would elect to stay at Elland Road.

Multiple factors come into this, not least his strong relationship with manager Marcelo Bielsa and his status as a key player within the side – if Kane stays, one would have to assume he would arrive in north London simply as a back-up option.

In 2020/21, Bamford was in sparkling form, registering 25 goal contributions in 38 appearances for Leeds; 17 goals and eight assists [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, his appetite to constantly be involved in attacking play shone through, amassing an average of 2.8 shots per game across the piece [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘exceptional’ by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, the chase now looks all but dead in the water for the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy, signalling that they may need to move on to other targets [METRO].

In other news, Tottenham are in advanced talks to sign a Serie A ace.

Former Leeds United player David Norris believes that Tyler Roberts will eventually be a top player.

Roberts has scored 29 goals throughout his career and provided a further 22 in all competitions, including eight goals and nine assists for the Leeds United first team.

The 22-year-old offers plenty of versatility, as he has played as an attacking-midfielder, centre-forward, and off both wings throughout his career so far.

Roberts featured for Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team 28 times last season in all competitions and came on as a substitute on the opening day of this season’s Premier League, away at Manchester United.

Norris believes that Roberts is going to become a top player, telling Football FanCast: “I think he’s been unlucky with the way Leeds were playing and how well they were doing. He hasn’t probably featured as much as he wanted to but from what I’ve seen, and he’s still developing, I think eventually he will be a top player.

“I think I’ve mentioned it before and I can see him, getting stronger and stronger and definitely being a top player.”

After a successful first season back in the Premier League where Leeds United finished ninth in the table and after Bielsa agreed a new contract with the club, Leeds will be hoping that they can have another good season and be in and around a similar position or even push on and finish higher than last term.

Crystal Palace are one of three Premier League sides reportedly keen to secure the services of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport (as relayed by Sport Witness), the Eagles are ‘determined’ to land the highly-rated 22-year-old in the final few days of the current window, although they’re expected to face stiff competition from a couple of Premier League rivals.

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in McKennie, and the report states that a swap deal with Spurs for midfielder Moussa Sissoko is an option for Juve.

The capital club are said to want the USA international, courtesy of new director of football Fabio Paratici, who took him to Turin on a permanent basis last year and remains a big fan of the box-to-box dynamo.

Juventus are thought to be open to a swap deal involving Sissoko as he would fit into Max Allegri’s side far more comfortably than the Texan, although Palace and Villa are closely monitoring the situation.

Fans would be delighted

Although McKennie is not believed to be particularly keen on a move to either Villa Park or Selhurst Park, Juventus are aware that the £22.5m-rated youngster can raise them significant funds, meaning an imminent exit could occur.

His arrival in south London is one that would surely delight the Palace supporters, given his potential and past endeavours for the Old Lady and Schalke.

During his time at the Bundesliga outfit, McKennie earned praise from several impressed onlookers following a string of mature performances despite his tender years, including forme manager David Wagner.

“He has embraced this role of taking on more responsibility on the pitch,” commented Wagner, reviewing McKennie’s endeavours in 2019/20 (as relayed by Bundesliga.com). “He is a leader.”

After arriving at the Allianz Arena in a shock move 12 months ago, the American scored six goals and provided two assists in 46 appearances for Juve as they limped to a third-place finish in Serie A.

However, new manager Allegri has reportedly deemed him surplus to requirements, and Palace could potentially be the team to benefit.

It’s not often the Eagles get the opportunity to pick up a talented prodigy from one of European football’s heavyweights, and therefore, chairman Steve Parish must swoop before one of their domestic rivals snaps McKennie up from under their noses.

And, in other news…Parish must sanction Crystal Palace move for £10.8m-rated gem, Vieira needs him 

Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard is subject of interest from Crystal Palace, who are considering making a formal approach for his services, as reported by The Guardian.

The Lowdown: Edouard has been a key figure for Celtic since joining in 2017

Since arriving from Paris St Germain in 2017 on an initial loan basis, it is fair to say that Edouard has been a smash hit in Glasgow, racking up 125 goal contributions in 179 games for the Bhoys, with 86 goals and 39 assists to his name [Transfermarkt].

Becoming one of the most prolific players in Scottish football, he has previously been labelled as ‘excellent’ by now Celtic captain Callum McGregor in 2020 [Celtic FC].

However, such admiration will eventually breed suitors. With the transfer window about to close, could the Hoops be set to lose their star striker?

The Latest: Crystal Palace are considering a formal approach

Eyeing up forward reinforcements, Crystal Palace are believed to be contemplating making an official bid for the France under-21 international, as per The Guardian.

Edouard is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, with the Hoops reportedly seeking a fee of around £15m for his signature. Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton have also been mentioned as two alternative destinations if the 6 foot 2 predator is to move on to pastures new.

The Verdict: Celtic should reluctantly sell Edouard to make a profit

As Edouard looks unlikely to sign a new deal at Parkhead amid reports that he is even prepared to let his contract run down [Daily Mail], making a profit of around £6m on him from the £9m fee for which Celtic initially bought him would be good business by the club’s hierarchy.

The 23-year-old has started off the new season in decent form, registering five goal contributions in 11 fixtures, with three goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

On the plus side for Celtic, they appear to have made strategic contingency plans for what seems like the inevitable eventuality of Edouard leaving the club, with 2020/21 Eredivisie top scorer Georgios Giakoumakis likely to complete a deal in the coming days [The Scottish Sun].

Losing Edouard would be a big blow for Celtic, but it is probably the right time for both parties to go their separate ways.

In other news, Celtic look to have reached an agreement with a prodigious talent. Find out more here.

Liverpool were widely believed to be in the market for a central midfielder this summer, and a surprise transfer target has been revealed following the conclusion of the window.

What’s the story?

The Reds were left with a sizeable gap in their engine room following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum, and the likes of Saul Niguez and Renato Sanches were linked with a move to Merseyside as a result.

No formal offer materialised for any potential target, though, but Goal’s Liverpool reporter Neil Jones has revealed a previously unknown Premier League star was on their wish list. According to Jones, the Reds were interested in signing Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, as he was someone who caught the eye of the club’s hierarchy and was looked at by the recruitment team.

However, nothing came of the Anfield club’s interest, and despite several bids from Aston Villa, the 26-year-old put pen to paper on a new contract at St Mary’s, committing his future to the south coast outfit.

Jurgen Klopp will be gutted

After rising through the ranks of his boyhood club, Ward-Prowse has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders outside of the traditional ‘big six’ clubs, scoring 34 goals and providing 42 assists in 326 appearances for the Saints.

The £27m-rated beast has cultivated a reputation as a tireless workhorse in the middle of the park, blessed with a brilliant passing range and outstanding dead ball ability in recent years, earning himself eight England caps and a raft of plaudits.

One admirer is former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, who lauded the Southampton captain a previous edition of the BBC’s Football Daily podcast (as relayed by This is Futbol).

“(He’s) such an important player for Southampton. His technique from free-kicks has been so good for a long time. How he can generate the pace to get it up and down over the wall is incredible,” Sutton said.

“He’s a really good footballer, isn’t he, a versatile footballer, Gareth Southgate rates him highly. He’s been in the (England) squad now for a while.

“For Southampton, he’s a player now who I think all the players there look to.”

Therefore, Klopp is likely to be gutted that the Liverpool hierarchy didn’t make a move for Ward-Prowse over the summer despite their interest.

His addition to the club’s ranks would have seriously bolstered the German’s options in the middle of the park, adding the strength in depth needed to fight on multiple fronts.

In other news… “I’m told”: Journo drops exciting Liverpool transfer update which will leave fans buzzing 

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have erupted over a claim involving AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez.

Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola is currently short of natural left-backs following Benjamin Mendy’s arrest and subsequent suspension by the club.

Oleksandr Zinchenko, a makeshift option, impressed over the 2020/2021 season and dazzled City supporters with some of his Champions League displays in particular .

Joao Cancelo is another who can operate in that position, though is a natural right-back, while 2020 summer signing Nathan Ake is also capable of being deployed there (WhoScored).

Aymeric Laporte has even played there on occasion, yet a report from The Sun journalist Martin Blackburn indicates that City want to shore up that position with an assured natural choice.

As a result, the club and sporting director Txiki Begiristain are reportedly eyeing a move for AC Milan star Hernandez.

Indeed, as explained by Blackburn, City are closely monitoring the player who is rated at around £68 million and want a new natural left-back following Mendy’s suspension.

An exciting ace and real threat out wide, the 23-year-old attracted more fouls per 90 (2.5) than any of Pep Guardiola’s men domestically last year whilst also outdoing them all in terms of completed dribbles (2.2), according to WhoScored.

Taking this into account, there’s little wonder many City fans want to see him at the Etihad – with one calling him a would-be ‘phenomenal signing’.

Find all of their best verdicts, in response to City Xtra on Twitter, down below.

Man City fans erupt as club eye Hernandez…

“would be an absolutely phenomenal signing”

Credit: @BernardoControl

“PAY UP TXIKIII”

Credit: @ferrandowski21

“Come on pls get this done”

Credit: @7Mcfcmax

“We’re feasting today”

Credit: @vlahovicszn

“One of the best LBs in the world rn. Very underrated”

Credit: @lacomps

“Up there with the best itw in his position, we need to do everything we can to get him”

Credit: @bdeanMCFC

“This would be absolutely perfect”

Credit: @FodenCTID

“Please just pay it and get him and Haaland to the Stade”

Credit: @SxrgioSZN

In other news: ‘Outrageous’…Man City fans flock to Foden contract development, find out more here.