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Sheffield United are interested in a deal to bring Tom Cairney to Bramall Lane this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who confirmed on a recent episode of Touchline Talk that Slavisa Jokanovic is indeed keen on making a move for the Fulham midfielder this summer, as earlier reports by TEAMtalk had claimed.

TEAMtalk reported that Jokanovic is desperate for a reunion with his former player at Sheffield United this summer, with the Cottagers believed to be demanding a fee in the region of £10m in order for a deal to be discussed.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how influential Cairney has been for Fulham in the past few seasons, the news that Sheffield United are definitely interested in a move for the 30-year-old this summer is likely to leave Blades fans buzzing.

Indeed, in Jokanovic’s promotion-winning 2017/18 campaign with Fulham, Cairney was arguably the Serbian manager’s most important player, with the midfielder scoring five goals, registering five assists and creating four big chances over his 34 Championship appearances, as well as averaging a whopping 93.5 touches and 1.9 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £8.1m-rated man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.35, ranking him as the club’s joint second-best performer in the league that season.

Cairney also impressed for the Cottagers in the Premier League last term despite missing a large chunk of the season due to injury, scoring one goal, providing one assist and creating one big chance over his 10 league appearances, earning an average SofaScore match rating of 7.28 – ranking him as the club’s best player in the top flight.

As such, with Jokanovic facing the challenge of securing an immediate return to the Premier League with Sheffield United next season, the addition of the £27,000-per-week midfielder dubbed “outstanding” by Scott Parker would appear to significantly boost the Blades’ chances going on to achieve this feat.

It would seem highly advisable for United to do all they to get a deal for Cairney over the line this summer, as the 30-year-old has the ability to play a huge part in the club’s push for promotion next year.

In other news: Jokanovic must sanction £10m Sheffield United summer swoop for in-demand “weapon”

Willie Miller has applauded Celtic midfielder David Turnbull for shining under ‘enormous scrutiny’ at Parkhead this season.

The Aberdeen legend, who is a member of the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, was speaking to The Sunday Post about the 21-year-old.

The lowdown

After a knee problem scuppered the move in 2019, Celtic returned to seal a £2.7m deal with Motherwell for Turnbull last summer.

He has gone on to make 31 Premiership appearances this season, featuring in every game since the start of December. The 21-year-old has scored seven goals and provided five assists in the top flight.

Turnbull has averaged 2.7 key passes, 1.7 accurate crosses and 1.2 accurate long balls per 90 minutes (via WhoScored). No player in the Celtic squad is creating more chances per game.

Turnbull was nominated for the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year Award, but was edged by Hibernian left-back Josh Doig, who has been on the Hoops’ transfer radar.

The latest

Miller pointed out that Turnbull has arrived at Celtic in hugely challenging circumstances. The Hoops have endured a dismal season, their run of nine titles in a row ended by a dominant Rangers and their Europa League campaign over before Christmas.

There has also been a change of manager, of course, with Neil Lennon making way for John Kennedy at the end of February, but Turnbull has ‘kept his head up’ throughout it all, in the words of Miller.

He told The Sunday Post: “If you talk about a player joining Celtic during the last decade, you are looking at slotting them into a winning side, one that is picking up trophies while performing with lots of confidence.

“In the case of David, though, he has gone in at a time of turmoil when things are going and anyone involved is coming under enormous scrutiny.

“To go into a new club under those circumstances – and to keep your head up and prove not only that you belong at the level, but that you can shine there – says a lot about him.”

The verdict

In a season of very few positives for Celtic, Turnbull’s excellent campaign definitely stands out, and Miller’s point about him coming to the club during a chaotic season is a pertinent one.

If there is to be a rebuild at Parkhead this summer under new management, he is one of the players around whom the new-look side should be assembled.

In other news, what did Doig have to say about his links to Celtic?

According to a report by the Sun, West Ham United are leading the race to sign Blackburn Rovers star Adam Armstrong alongside Fulham – with manager David Moyes looking to bolster his forward options this summer. 

The Lowdown: Moyes on the striker chase

As well as prioritising a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard (Claret & Hugh), and more recently a new goalkeeper (talkSPORT), West Ham are on the hunt for a prolific forward who can strengthen their attacking options for the 2021/2022 season.

The Irons are just one point away from securing qualification for the Europa League next campaign and manager Moyes will need to bolster his squad with new players in key positions.

The Latest: West Ham hot on heels of Armstrong

Bringing the latest, a report from the Sun details how West Ham are currently leading the pack to sign Armstrong this summer alongside Fulham – but they may have to fork out around £25 million to get a deal done.

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It is said that both Brighton and Everton are also in the race for his signature but the two London sides are currently favourites ahead of them.

Rovers have been attempting to tie their star man down with a new deal but to no avail, and with just one year remaining on Armstrong’s current deal, the Ewood Park side are close to cashing in.

The Verdict: £25 million, a bit steep?

Valued at £25m, it could be argued that such money should be put to better use elsewhere.

A permanent move for Lingard could cost around that amount and the goalkeeping position is also said to be an area Moyes wants to strengthen ahead for next season.

If the Irons are going to shell out £25m on a striker, supporters may want it to be someone with more top flight experience, even if Armstrong has managed a brilliant 28 goals and five assists in the Championship over 2020/2021 (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor touted Armstrong as a potentially ‘perfect signing’ for West Ham, but we’re inclined to disagree with the former Premier League striker’s verdict given the price tag involved.

In other news: West Ham make approach to sign ‘outstanding’ £120,000-per-week attacker, find out more here.

A number of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to Roy Hodgson’s comments regarding his Selhurst Park future.

Hodgson’s deal with the club expires in less than two months and there’s been no real sign of what the Englishman or Palace want to do going forward.

The likes of Sean Dyche, Eddie Howe and Frank Lampard have all been linked with possibly taking over from Hodgson, who was appointed as Palace boss way back in 2017.

Talking ahead of Palace’s clash with Manchester City, Hodgson addressed his future. The 73-year-old, as reported by Football London, appeared to be extremely relaxed in regards to what will happen next.

He admitted he was ‘very comfortable’ with his situation and will make a decision in the next few weeks.

“With my situation, I’m very comfortable. I’ll see how things pan out over the next few weeks and see whether I want to put myself forward for another year or do something else.

“I haven’t made my mind up on that at the moment. I’m pleased I’ve got these games to occupy my mind for me.”

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared those comments on their Twitter page on Friday afternoon.

It didn’t take long for several Eagles fans to give their thoughts to Hodgson’s comments, with one describing them as ‘ominous’.

“He stays and I’m sorry to say but me and the team I’ve supported all my life are done”

Credit: @CoplagaDenny

“Omg he’s acc gonna sign again isn’t he. it’s in Roy’s hands….”

Credit: @owenw_14

“This sounds ominous. Another season of Royball”

Credit: @norbois_south

“Lol, if he stays I give up”

Credit: @JoshStonks

“I’m stunned with the amount of players out of contract this hasn’t been resolved already. What if he decides to walk after the 38th game? Three weeks to find a new manager, sort out contracts, identify transfer targets? The lack of long term planning is baffling.”

Credit: @AaronPalace

“Genuinely taking a year off of football then if he stays”

Credit: @Sonny52056018

In other news: Plenty of Palace fans react to Wilfried Zaha development, find out more here. 

Liverpool’s board are intent on beginning negotiations with Fabinho over a contract extension, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Another ‘priority’ for the Reds is tying injured defender Virgil van Dijk down to a new contract.

The lowdown

Liverpool paid £43.7million to sign Fabinho from AS Monaco in 2018. He’s gone to make 117 appearances for the Reds, with 24 outings at centre-back this season amid the absences of Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip (via Transfermarkt).

The Brazilian is about to enter the final two years of his £100,000-per-week contract at Anfield.

The same can be said for Virgil van Dijk, who’s been out since October with a cruciate ligament injury.

Van Dijk will turn 30 this summer but it’s no surprise that Liverpool are keen to extend his stay, with the likes of Franco Baresi dubbing the Dutchman the best defender in the world, praise very few in football would dare disagree with.

The latest

According to Romano, the board ‘plans to open talks with Fabinho’ to see off any contract uncertainty.

He reported back in December that the 27-year-old’s next deal could put him among the top earners at the club, and a number of fans agreed that he merited that status, so those fans will be absolutely delighted with Romano’s update.

Meanwhile, extending Van Dijk’s contract has been high on their agenda since January. The centre-back is simply ‘waiting’ for Liverpool to come to the negotiating table.

Football Insider reported this week that he could be in line for a deal worth a whopping £50million and that talks will commence at the end of the season.

The verdict

It’s vital that Liverpool tie down Fabinho – he’s one of the very best defensive midfielders in the world.

It would be a risk to commit to a huge new contract for Van Dijk, given that we simply don’t know if he’ll be able to return to the top of his game when he returns from this serious injury.

But Liverpool clearly believe he’s strong enough an athlete to perform at an elite level well into his 30’s, and perhaps they are right given the way he reads the game.

Nonetheless, it seems Reds fans may have some positive news to look forward to this summer after a disappointing season.

In other news, Liverpool fans bemoaned this Thiago statistic.

One of the most exciting youngsters in world football, Eduardo Camavinga, understandably has plenty of suitors, including Manchester United.

The young Frenchman has been linked with a number of European superpowers in recent years and now United are rumoured to be considering a move with AS reporting that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is an admirer of the midfielder.

He could become the Red Devils’ modern-day Roy Keane should he arrive at Old Trafford.

Since breaking through with Stade Rennais, Camavinga has earned plenty of praise for his all-action midfield displays.

The 18-year-old has already made 75 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit in all competitions, finding himself on the scoresheet just twice.

However, it is more in the defensive side of the game where the youngster thrives.

According to WhoScored, Camavinga has averaged 2.6 tackles per game in all competitions this season – with only right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka accumulating more in the Red Devils’ squad throughout 2020/21.

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It is that determination to win the ball and anticipation of danger that could see him play a similar role to Man United legend Roy Keane when deployed in midfield at Old Trafford.

Camavinga’s displays have certainly not gone unnoticed either. Having already made three appearances for national side France – and scored his first goal for his country in October 2020 – he was labelled as a “huge talent” by Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps.

It is certainly tough to argue with that assessment with Camavinga already rated at £54m despite his tender years.

Despite that fee being certainly worth it for his signature, the fact that he is out of contract with his current employers next summer could see his asking price be lowered considerably.

Faced with considerable competition for his signature from UEFA Champions League clubs, Manchester United must ensure that they are the ones to sign Camavinga and in the process secure one of the most exciting young players in world football.

AND in more news, take a look at which on-loan star Manchester United must keep hold of…

Swansea City face a tough trip to The Den as they face Millwall away from home in the Championship on Saturday, with Steve Cooper’s side knowing that they need three points if they want to re-establish themselves as automatic promotion hopefuls this season.

The Swans have now lost four games in a row and have fallen well behind Norwich City and Watford in the Championship table, with their hopes of automatic promotion this season being seriously depleted in recent weeks.

Cooper switched to a 4-3-3 in the hopes of turning things around against Preston North End on Easter Monday but his side struggled to create chances against the managerless Lilywhites before an unfortunate own goal from Matt Grimes in stoppage time gifted the visitors all three points.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the 41-year-old to line his side up against Millwall on Saturday, with three changes from the side which started against Preston…

There was nothing Freddie Woodman could do about Preston’s late goal on Monday, so he keeps his place between the sticks.

Cooper should perhaps revert to five-at-the-back for this fixture, and that could see Ryan Bennett come back into the defence in the hope that he can help deal with the aerial threat of Millwall.

Jake Bidwell also returns in place of Ryan Manning at left wing-back in the hope that the £1.8m-rated man can rediscover some of the excellent form he showed earlier in the season.

There’s one change in midfield, with Korey Smith returning in place of Jay Fulton, and hopefully his energy in midfield will free up the more creative Grimes and Conor Hourihane.

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Finally, after another less than impressive display, Morgan Whittaker drops to the bench for this one, with Jamal Lowe partnering Andre Ayew up front, although both will have to rediscover their shooting boots if Swansea are to come away with three points on Saturday.

In other news… Swansea handed significant transfer boost in race for “phenomenal” lower league gem

After clinching their place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday night, Arsenal return to Premier League action when they take on West Ham this afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Olympiacos, but their victory over in Greece in the first leg ensured that the loss at the Emirates Stadium meant nothing.

A clash against the Hammers on Sunday is the Gunners’ final game before the international break, and picking up all three points is vital in keeping the north Londoners in the hunt for European football next season.

The Arsenal boss is likely to revert back to a strong XI after resting a few key players for the game against Olympiacos, and with that in mind, here is a look at how the Gunners might line up against West Ham on Sunday afternoon. Our predicted XI shows five changes from the team which played on Thursday.

In goal, Bernd Leno will be hoping to finally keep a clean sheet after going ten games without one.

The back four could see one key change, with Portugal international Cedric coming in for Hector Bellerin after the latter came into the team for the defeat to Olympiacos.

Thomas Partey should also return to the starting line-up after being rested against the Greek giants and that could see Mohamed Elneny drop out.

Further forward, Martin Odegaard will likely be back in place of Dani Ceballos in the number ten role, while Gabriel Martinelli is surely pushing for a rare start after his cameo against Olympiacos on Thursday.

Up front, Alexandre Lacazette may come in for club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the striker’s horror show in front of goal in midweek.

Predicted XI: Leno; Cedric, Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Martinelli, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Lacazette.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals for Wolves during his career, believes Rayan Ait-Nouri is out of his depth in the Premier League and has bemoaned his lack of strength.

Ait-Nouri has made 13 Premier League appearances for Wolves this season, and managed to score his first senior goal of his career on his Premier League debut in a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace.

The 19-year old has started just eight league games this term though despite regular left-back Jonny being injured for a lot of this season, which has seen him average a 6.43 WhoScored rating as Wolves continue to think about signing him permanently.

Speaking on if the 19-year-old has been a good addition for Wolves and what he is lacking to succeed in the Premier League, Bull told FFC:

“In my eyes, he just looks a bit out of his depth.

“I’ve watched him a few times and he does get up and down the wing a bit, but he just looks a bit lightweight to me and I don’t think he’s getting a lot of chances so his confidence is low.

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“Whether they keep him or not beyond the end of the season I don’t know because he just looks young and a bit immature.

“In a team, you need someone who is a like-for-like replacement when somebody else drops out the side like and he just looks a bit lightweight to me.”

Ait-Nouri had only played 23 senior games of footballer before his loan to move to Wolves this season and they may think there are better options than the £36k-p/w full-back.

In total, the French defender has made 16 appearances this season but has failed to offer a consistent attacking threat as he’s returned to just one goal and assist.

Many Aston Villa fans are reacting to Dean Smith’s latest comments around three of his players and their chances of being in the England squad.

According to Ashley Preece, when Dean Smith was asked about whether Gareth Southgate would have been impressed with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa during the victory against Leeds, he said: “Southgate would have been impressed, yeah, but he’d have been impressed with Matt Targett at left-back who’s having an outstanding season.”

Targett is clearly very appreciated by the Villa fan base, with one calling him ‘class’. Villa are a team that the Three Lions boss should be looking at closely as they are only six points away from the Champions League spots with two games in hand (SofaScore). They also have 13 clean sheets this season (Premier League) and this is the second-best in the division.

This is an even better stat for England that the majority of these clean sheets have involved Mings, Targett, Konsa and Matty Cash, and although the two centre-backs are picking up a lot of attention, the manager is right to highlight the efforts of others like Targett as well.

Here is how Villa fans reacted to the comments:

“Unfortunately England have too many left-backs. Konsa deserves to be in the conversation though.”

Credit: @CrippyCooke

“He is a completely different player and his performances are the most improved over last seasons. I’d of happily seen him leave after last season but I don’t want him going anywhere now!”

Credit: @designaw

“Targett deserves so much praise”

Credit: @Samigul69

“He’s having a great season .. this time last year I’d have sold him for £7M”

Credit: @FowlerLegend

“Targett Player Of The Season for me.”

Credit: @terrytini99

“Targett has impressed me so much a very solid efficient player”

Credit: @jamesefield

“Class again”

Credit: @BackpostTrez

In other news, Villa fans fumed at this defender despite the club beating Leeds on Saturday!