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Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Lille defender Sven Botman as new manager Patrick Vieira begins to make his mark on the club.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports News, the Eagles are one of many sides interested in acquiring the 21-year-old’s signature this summer, with Atalanta currently believed to be in pole position to get him.

The report states that La Dea want Botman to replace Tottenham Hotspur-bound Cristian Romero and that he would be keen to speak to the Serie A outfit.

However, despite the promise of Champions League football at the Gewiss Stadium, the Dutchman is open to a move to the Premier League. West Ham United are believed to be the keenest on the 6 ft 3 beast, but Palace, Newcastle United and Norwich City are also credited with an interest.

Fans will be buzzing

Botman came up through the ranks with Eredivisie giants Ajax, but never made an appearance for his boyhood club, joining Lille 12 months ago following a successful loan spell with Heerenveen.

And the gamble paid off for ex-boss Christophe Galtier as the youngster played a pivotal part in the club’s remarkable title-winning campaign.

In 37 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille, Botman averaged 1.5 interceptions, 3.2 clearances and 0.6 blocks, placing him in the top three amongst his teammates for each metric, as per WhoScored.

His eye-catching displays attracted the attention of several clubs across the continent, but the top teams in England reportedly remain unconvinced that he’s ready for the elite level after just one full season of regular top-flight football.

After starring for the Netherlands’ U21s at the European Championships last month, Sky Sports claim Lille have placed a £27 million price tag on their prized asset and would be willing to sell this summer.

It’s believed that Les Dogues want to keep hold of Botman if possible, but their finances have been seriously impacted by the ongoing pandemic and the collapse of the television deal for french football.

Although Palace have already seriously strengthened at centre-half, Botman would provide Vieira with a natural left-footed option at the heart of defence, which is a real commodity in the modern game.

While adding a striker, right-winger and central midfielder may take priority over a third central defender for the capital club, the opportunity to acquire a player of Botman’s quality and potential is not something to pass up.

Palace fans will rightly be excited for their club to be linked with such a quality young player and they will be hoping that the talented defender makes his way to Selhurst Park this summer.

Sky Sports News report that, should a team come in with an offer of around £27m, Lille could give it genuine consideration. Palace should make that offer now, and look to beat the other interested clubs to Botman’s signature.

And, in other news…“We’re looking around £40m” – Woosnam drops big Palace claim that’ll leave fans gutted 

Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Lautaro Martinez in this summer’s transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, Spurs have an interest in the Inter Milan striker if Harry Kane were to depart North London before this month’s deadline.

The Lilywhites will have stiff competition from their arch-rivals Arsenal, who are exploring the opportunity to sign Martinez, with the Serie A outfit looking to sort out their financial problems.

Inter need to sell players this summer and the 23-year-old is someone who could garner plenty of funds, although it remains to be seen how much would tempt them into a sale.

Transfermarkt currently value him at a whopping £72m, whilst his wages are thought to be around €2.5m-per-year – around €52k-per-week (£45k-per-week).

Life after Kane?

If Spurs are trying to plan for life without the England talisman, then Martinez is a pretty outstanding contingency plan and one man who they should absolutely push to sign.

Kane’s future is in doubt right now, with fresh reports from the Telegraph suggesting that the 28-year-old will insist on joining Jack Grealish in a move to Manchester City.

The long-serving youth product has made no secret of his desire to add silverware to his glistening goalscoring record, and with Spurs’ barren run without a trophy stretching back to 2008, it’s no wonder he wants to leave now.

New sporting director Fabio Paratici will know first-hand the credentials of Martinez, who has excelled for Juventus’ rivals in recent seasons.

On Inter’s way to their first league title in 11 years, the 28-cap Argentina international provided 19 goals and 11 assists, averaging a direct contribution every 108 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

This is similar to the sort of importance that Kane carries in North London, having provided 54.4% of all their league goals scored last term, whilst he averages a goal or assist every 98 minutes throughout his whole Spurs career.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is a big fan of his fellow countryman as he once described him as “an impressive forward” to Mundo Deportivo, before adding: “He’s spectacular. He has impressive qualities. You could tell he was going to be a great player, and he is showing that. He’s very strong, really good one on one, scores a lot of goals, and in the area he fights with anyone, holds it up, he can turn, scrap to win it all on his own. He has a lot of quality. He’s very complete.”

That final word is one you’d very much associate with Kane, as the Englishman offers so much more than just goals. He can drop back and find any player with his impressive range of passing, so the pair are in a similar mould.

If the 28-year-old does leave N17 in this window, then Spurs should absolutely launch a swoop for the Inter Milan sensation. He’d be a dream replacement, whatever the costs.

AND in other news, Nuno dealt huge Spurs blow as worrying transfer report emerges, fans will be furious…

Steve Howey doesn’t reckon that Arsenal would be a step down for James Maddison despite the difference in league positions between the Gunners and Leicester in recent seasons.

Maddison has become a key part of the Leicester side that have overtaken Arsenal in the top-six after two consecutive fifth-place finishes.

The two have won the last two FA Cups, but Mikel Arteta’s team came ninth last season, and failed to qualify for Europe for the first time for more than two decades.

In contrast, whilst Leicester squandered another chance to finish in the top-four, they at least secured Europa League football once again.

Despite the current gap between the two teams, the Guardian believe that the England midfielder would be open to moving to the Emirates this summer, with Arsenal themselves looking to bring in a creator after Martin Odegaard returned to Real Madrid.

Given the respective performances of the two clubs since Brendan Rodgers arrived, these links might come as a surprise, but Howey sees it otherwise.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“Players obviously want to play in Europe, but let’s be honest, Arsenal are a huge club. Arsenal are looked upon as a prestigious club, the bright lights of London.

“I don’t necessarily think it’s a step down.”

Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, writing on Twitter, has made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Bordeaux attacking midfielder Yacine Adli.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyeing Spurs overhaul…

Tottenham’s new managing director has already overseen a plethora of transfer activity since his appointment by chairman Daniel Levy.

The Italian has been tasked with developing Spurs’ on-field sporting operations, making three major summer signings so far in Pierluigi Gollini, Cristian Romero and Bryan Gil.

He has also been casting his eye on plenty of attacking targets this summer, with the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Houssem Aouar, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Simy having all been linked.

Now, Aouna has brought news of another Paratici attacking target in Adli, with an offer on the horizon.

The Latest: Lilywhites offer incoming?

As per the Foot Mercato reporter, writing on Twitter, contact has already been made for Adli as Spurs and Arsenal set their sights on the 21-year-old.

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It is also claimed that an offer from the Lilywhites is ‘coming soon’ alongside their north London rivals – with European giants AC Milan having chased the starlet since May.

“Info: As mentioned in May, Milan is very interested in Yacine Adli,” Aouna reported on social media.

“€12m offer + 10% on resale. Bordeaux demands more money. Discussions still ongoing.

“Contact with Arsenal and Tottenham. Offer coming soon.

“Lille is still interested.”

The Verdict: Adli and Gil…

At just 21, Adli has marked himself out as an exciting prospect and one who made a mark for Bordeaux last season.

Starting 25 Ligue 1 matches, the midfield ace notched five assists and completed 1.5 key passes per 90 in the final third (WhoScored) – more than any Spurs player managed in the English top flight bar Son Heung-min.

Depending on the offer from Spurs, they could be in the mix for a highly talented attacking player as Paratici continues to cast his net far and wide.

Having both Gil and Adli in the ranks would offer Nuno two young talents with bags of creativity and plenty of room to grow into future superstars.

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘Buzzing’, ‘Game changer’…Many Tottenham fans erupt as ‘beautiful’ news confirmed, find out more here.

Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards believe that their replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum may already be present within the current squad, according to The Times’ Paul Joyce. 

Wijnaldum left Liverpool in the summer, as he pursued a move to French giants PSG on a free transfer ahead of the 2021/22 league campaign.

He’ll leave a sizeable void in the heart of the Liverpool team, with the Dutch international making 237 appearances in total for the Reds, which includes 51 from last year’s league campaign.

Jurgen Klopp’s side finished third in the Premier League table last term, and their supporters will be eager to see them find a suitable replacement for Wijnaldum to help improve on that finish.

But Joyce has stated that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed his first uninterrupted pre-season since signing for the club back in 2017, and the club may opt to turn to players like the England international instead of a new signing.

Plenty of Liverpool supporters took to social media to react to this transfer update, with many of the Anfield faithful being left frustrated at the club’s reluctance to find a new signing in the transfer market this summer.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from The Anfield Talk Twitter account, who shared Joyce’s update….

Reds fans fume at transfer update

“Breaking: FSG won’t spend any money because they need money to buy new personalised yacht.”

Credit: @robert87478508

“Gini a player who never missed a game yeah, let’s replace him with Ox who’s renowned to having injuries every season. Yep smart.”

Credit: @_2306_YNWA

“Not impressed. Showed speed and enthusiasm, but very poor football-wise. lost every ball he touched, made very bad long balls, every pass put teammates in trouble. This is just not Liverpool quality.”

Credit: @SabihOmar

“No. Not good enough. Would not make any of our rivals teams.”

Credit: @robertsp

“This club will be the death of me.”

Credit: @Jambabox99

“Would be such an unnecessary risk. It is more likely that Keita and Ox will get injured than that they stay fit.”

Credit: @John92121476

“Embarrassing.”

Credit: @Dj67776349

“He can’t replace Gini’s availability.”

Credit: @Gambino_LFC

“I give up man.”

Credit: @ayxshxlfc

Leicester City would be making a shrewd signing if they can acquire Noni Madueke, according to former Foxes defender Steve Howey.

Madueke has made a stunning start to the season, scoring five goals and adding an assist in six PSV Eindhoven appearances.

The 19-year-old winger, who has already been capped by the England under-21s, has been attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs throughout the transfer window.

Among Madueke’s suitors are Leicester and Crystal Palace, with Dutch giants PSV seeking £20million (per The Sun).

Leeds United have also been keeping tabs on the former Tottenham Hotspur youngster, along with reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Brendan Rodgers has already led Leicester to silverware this season, having beaten Manchester City to the Community Shield.

The Foxes then got their Premier League campaign off to a positive start by seeing off Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

While Howey believes Madueke would need time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League, he feels the teenager would be a hit at the King Power Stadium.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “If a Premier League team can nick him, I think that could be good business.

“At 19, it’s a lot to ask for him to move back to another country and adapt to that game.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are preparing a bid for Wales striker Kieffer Moore, according to Football Insider.

The offer will apparently be in the region of £7m, and it remains to be seen whether that’s enough to persuade Cardiff City, who are open to sale because they’re in need of cash.

Wolves are keen to add another centre-forward to their ranks in the final week of the transfer window. They’ve already offloaded two this summer, sending Patrick Cutrone on loan to Empoli and selling Rafa Mir to Sevilla for a fee of £10.8m.

What’s Moore’s track record?

Moore scored 20 goals in 42 Championship appearances for Cardiff last season as they narrowly missed out on the play-off places. His form was enough to earn him three starts for Wales at the European Championship earlier in the summer (via WhoScored).

However, you can still understand why some Wolves fans may be unconvinced given that the has been plying his trade in the second tier and has never played in the Premier League.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed the report, and here’s what some of the club’s supporters made of it.

These Wolves fans far from impressed by Moore links

“Never played in the Prem so would be a clear gamble. Mitrovic at Fulham would be a better fit but even he is out of our reach. A sorry state of affairs if it happens but a clear indication of the downward spiral the club finds itself in thanks to Shi.”

Credit: @dougan_the

“Predictable rumours. In the end we can’t attract ‘Top’ players so we’ll raid the championship, panic buying before the deadline. There’s no recruitment strategy plan B.”

Credit: @wolvesmolinews

“Not the quality we require”

Credit: @W4768721431

“This has gotta be a wind up”

Credit: @gricey88

“Oh well, he’ll be useful in the Championship next year”

Credit: @WWFC_OTD

“Oh dear…”

Credit: @robbiepthewolf

In other news, many Wolves fans were also left raging by this transfer update. 

Some Liverpool supporters are desperate for the Reds to sign Mikkel Damsgaard this summer following a report linking him with a move to Anfield.

It has been a frustrating transfer window for Liverpool fans, with the Reds only signing Ibrahima Konate so far this summer.

While Jurgen Klopp’s squad remains strong, it has been worrying to see their rivals spend large sums of money on some of the biggest names in world football.

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There is still time for Liverpool to make new additions before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night, though, and Damsgaard could be someone who comes in at Anfield.

According to La Repubblica [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], the Reds and Leeds are both battling to sign the Sampdoria and Denmark star, who scored against England at Euro 2020 and caught the eye with his performances during the tournament.

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Liverpool fans want Reds to sign Damsgaard

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to give their verdict on the news, urging the Reds to make a move for the 21-year-old “wonderkid”,  who some believe could challenge the prolific Sadio Mane for a place in Klopp’s starting XI.

“Just give me him”

Credit: @LewYNWA

“Generational baller”

Credit: @LFC_Aryann

“When you look at it, he’d be a great signing for LFC. Can challenge Mane, but won’t expect to start. But will at least give us an option off the bench. Also will allow Jota to play predominantly centrally which is his best role for us”

Credit: @mitchLFC6

“That’s the one”

Credit: @StephanSteyn1

“This guy can defo challenge Mane”

Credit: @mrdude2304

“Absolute wonderkid! Must have him especially that he can be homegrown and is 15-20 million. Bargain!”

Credit: @Abdulla68719422

In other news, some Liverpool fans have bemoaned one negative Reds update. Read more here.

David Norris has called for Leeds United to tempt Liverpool outcast Divock Origi to Elland Road on transfer deadline day.

The Whites have gone into the final day of the window having welcomed two fresh faces to Yorkshire, with Junior Firpo completing a £13million switch from Spanish giants Barcelona and Valerenga goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson making the move.

Jack Harrison has also joined on a permanent basis following a succession of loan spells from Manchester City.

But Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa may make a late move for a striker who could provide competition for Patrick Bamford, with former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips suggesting Origi should be on the Argentinian’s radar.

The speculation comes after it was reported that Liverpool would allow the Belgium international to leave Anfield if a bid between £15million and £20million were to be lodged.

Origi, 26, has yet to make an appearance this season and former Leeds midfielder Norris believes Elland Road could be the perfect destination for the 6 ft 1 attacker.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “I think it would be a good fit and I would like that to go through.

“He’s not going to play regularly at Liverpool and, if he has that ambition of playing regular football, now is the time to go.

“I think the attributes he has and the players Leeds have would make it a good signing.”

Some Everton fans have been left gushing over the news that Moise Kean has now left.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the Italy international has re-signed for Juventus on a two-year loan deal, with an obligation for the Serie A club to buy him permanently after that spell ends.

Kean failed to score in his first two matches of the 2021/22 term for the Merseyside outfit, and did not have a great time at the Toffees in general, scoring just four goals and supplying just two assists in 39 games in total over the last three consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, it will have come as a relief to get the striker off of their books before the window shut, replacing his spot behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin with the arrival of Salomon Rondon.

Everton fans on Kean news

These Blues buzzed as the news on Kean was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that they were ‘buzzing’:

“Won’t be missed.”

Credit: @clarke__78

“Good riddance. Terrible attitude, had one good game for us. Glad to see the back of him”

Credit: @Adamefc1990

“Buzzing, you will not be missed”

Credit: @chl03efc”Good riddance he was never a Blue”Credit: @govitotravel”Glad to never see that pathetic dance routine again though wasn’t like we regularly got to see it. Brett Angell finished better.”Credit: @StetheH”Good riddance – petulant and disengaged! Most disappointing and happy to say goodbye, enjoy ‘trying’ to follow Cristiano”Credit: @DSteveFIn other news, find out what confirmed news has Evertonians buzzing here!