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Leeds United have been boosted by the news that West Ham right-back Vladimir Coufal could miss his side’s Premier League clash with the Whites.

The Lowdown: Leeds host West Ham

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, as they search for their first win in the competition this season.

They will come up against an impressive Hammers side who qualified for Europe last season and are again looking an imposing outfit once again.

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The Latest: Coufal could miss out

Coufal has been a key performer for West Ham since joining from Slavia Prague in 2020, but speaking in his press conference on Friday [via Hammers News], David Moyes confirmed that he was an injury doubt for the Leeds game:

“To be honest, Vlad has struggled for the last day or two. He’s struggled and he’s been in treatment – not on his privates (after the incident involving Nemanja Matic), but in his groin area.”

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The Verdict: Potential key loss

Coufal has arguably been one of the standout defenders in the league in the last 12 months, registering eight assists, so his absence would be good news for the Whites.

The Czech Republic international is both solid defensively and good going forward – he has been hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Jamie Carragher – and Jack Harrison could be buoyed by the news.

It may be that Coufal ends up being fit, but his availability could have a key bearing on the eventual result.

In other news, one huge Leeds figure has been linked with a move to a European giant. Read more here.

Celtic have been linked with a move for Sligo Rovers forward Johnny Kenny, as reported by The Irish Independent.

The Lowdown: Kenny profiled

Kenny is 18 years of age and is a right-footed centre-froward. The teenager, described as a ‘really important’ signing by Rovers boss Liam Buckley earlier this year, has scored six times in 23 appearances for his current employers.

His contract with Sligo expires at the end of next season, but it seems as if the Hoops are eyeing up another Irish addition after landing Liam Scales from Shamrock Rovers in the summer.

The Latest: Celtic’s interest

According to The Irish Independent, Celtic are keeping tabs on Kenny and plan to watch him in action on Friday evening against Drogheda United.

The Hoops have been monitoring Kenny throughout the year and could firm up their interest in January, should he continue to impress.

The Verdict: First January target

It appears as if Ange Postecoglou and Dominic McKay may have their first January target on their radar, and it’s good to see that the club are looking at the long term picture.

Just two of Celtic’s 12 summer signings were over the age of 26, with Celtic seemingly having a long-term plan in mind and the interest in Kenny shows that they are invested in this plan.

Young forward Joey Dawson was also brought in from Scunthorpe United, and should Kenny catch the eye over the next four months, he could join Dawson in the club’s young attacking ranks.

In other news: Celtic source shares transfer news different to Sky Sports claim; good news for McKay and Ange.

Liverpool defender Ben Davies has told The Mirror that he felt as if he had been ‘mentally released’ when he sealed a loan move to Sheffield United. 

The 26-year-old was ‘becoming aware’ that he was well down the centre-back pecking order at Anfield, even being as low as ‘fifth or sixth choice’, but the ‘promise of playing games’ for the Blades in the Championship has revitalised him.

Davies’ Liverpool struggle

Liverpool signed Davies from Preston North End in January in a £2m deal. Along with Turkey international Ozan Kabak, he arrived in the midst of a defensive injury crisis at Anfield, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all ruled out for the remainder of the season.

However, the Englishman still didn’t see a minute of competitive action before the end of the campaign as Klopp demonstrated a preference for the likes of Kabak, Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams. In fact, his only outing for the Reds to date has come in a pre-season mini-game against VfB Stuttgart.

Liverpool fans express sympathy for Davies

Twitter fan feed Anfield Edition relayed Davies’ comments, and here’s what some Liverpool supporters made of the 26-year-old’s words.

“This lad was poorly treated”

Credit: @WouldBeScouse

“I felt sorry for him. Even when Kabak got injured didn’t get a look in. I hope he progresses well in his career”

Credit: @Perry06675126

“Genuinely feel for the guy, came into impossible circumstances, tried his best, wasn’t meant to be. Hope he does well at Sheffield”

Credit: @CosmoKhan

“This lad has been properly mugged off”

Credit: @Michael_LFC78

“Good lad, we done the dirty on him and he continued to be completely respectful. Hope he does well there”

Credit: @Ifcj__

“He was treated terribly tbf. He’s much better than Rhys and should have played his games”

Credit: @ShaunlfcT

In other news, many Liverpool fans reacted positively to this transfer rumour. 

Wolves were never going to spend a huge amount this summer considering their huge financial constraints but it has been a disappointing window nonetheless.

Although Trincao has arrived at Molineux from Barcelona, there hasn’t been a great deal to shout about when it comes to the transfer window.

What’s the word?

One player who could have been on his way to the Midlands again was Okay Yokuslu.

The Turkey international shone for West Brom despite their relegation during a loan spell in the second half of last season.

He has returned to Celta Vigo and was linked with a move to Wolves over the last few weeks.

However, in a crushing blow for supporters, they are now unlikely to sign him according to Express & Star reporter Liam Keen.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, he revealed: “I understand reports linking Okay Yokuslu to Wolves are wide of the mark.”

Fans reeling

Before Nuno Santo left Wolves he identified that a clear plan had been put in place for Wolves in the market.

He suggested that they would plan better after finishing 13th in the league, leading to smarter signings in the transfer window and the strengthening of the first-team squad.

However, he left under a cloud of smoke after being told that he’d have little to work with on the financial front.

Everything has now changed at Molineux with Nuno departing and Bruno Lage being welcomed as his successor.

Just as his predecessor was told, money hasn’t been forthcoming to spend on new players.

Considering how Wolves did last season, this should be of particular concern to everyone at the club. Throw in the fact they have a small squad that was ravaged by injuries too, and supporters should be even more aghast that they won’t turn to someone like Yokuslu.

Throughout 2020/21, the Old Gold were a seriously depleted side. Jonny suffered back to back ACL injuries, Raul Jimenez was out from November onwards with a fractured skull while Daniel Podence also spent large periods out with injury.

Marcal was another who spent plenty of time on the sidelines while Pedro Neto broke his knee cap in the back end of the campaign.

If Wolves are going to return to European football – an arduous task given how much those in the top half have spent – they need to add more bodies to their ranks.

Yokuslu would have been a vibrant start, particularly after how he settled in so quickly at West Brom.

Although Albion were relegated to the Championship, he stood out by producing 2.4 successful tackles per game and a remarkably impressive 2.2 interceptions per game.

Passing on the chance to sign him, therefore, is likely to leave supporters perplexed.

AND in other news, Wolves eye swoop for £16.2m-rated gem with “crazy technique”, he could be a new Traore…

West Ham have made Sam Johnstone their number one target in this transfer window, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Football Insider claim that the West Brom shot-stopper is now David Moyes’ first-choice to bring to the London Stadium before next month’s deadline.

It’s believed that the Irons have submitted an £11m bid for the England international but have also held talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential deal for Alphonse Areola, who impressed on loan at relegated Fulham last term.

The Baggies are looking for £20m for Johnstone, although the report claims he could be available for considerably less, with Moyes in the market for a proven Premier League option.

Salthouse bargain

With current number one Lukasz Fabianski, now 36, entering the twilight years of his career, it would certainly make sense for the Scotsman to desire a long-term successor.

Despite suffering relegation at The Hawthorns, the 28-year-old was a standout player, which culminated in him taking a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad, along with Declan Rice.

As per FBRef, no goalkeeper made more saves (161) than Johnstone las term, having faced an average of 6.16 attempts on target per 90 minutes. By comparison, the Polish veteran made just 96 saves and had a lower success rate, too.

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“He’s one of the best,” claimed former Irons boss Sam Allardyce to talkSPORT. “He’s right up there at the right level and he’d already saved more shots than anybody before yesterday.”

Similarly, current Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce waxed lyrical about his attitude off the pitch, dubbing him a “diamond” to work with.

The Hammers have a very strong chance of sealing Johnstone thanks to his agent Will Salthouse, who Football Insider have previously suggested is a preferred agent for David Sullivan and David Gold.

Indeed, several of his other clients are currently under contract at the London Stadium, including Said Benrahma, Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell, Ryan Fredericks and Darren Randolph.

You can argue that the majority of these names have been a success, so the Baggies star could be the next Salthouse bargain to come to East London.

Johnstone is currently valued at £7.2m and is reportedly earning just £32.5k-per-week, which presents incredible value for money for an England international.

Especially considering reports linking Premier League rivals Arsenal with a £32m move for Aaron Ramsdale. Johnstone would make that fee a mockery.

AND in other news, Moyes risks ruining his West Ham project by signing shocking £100k-p/w “liability”…

Southampton fans want to sign Thomas Delaney after they were linked with a move for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

The Saints are preparing for the new Premier League campaign as they look to improve on their 15th place finish last time around. The St. Mary’s Stadium outfit have so far been quiet in the transfer market, with just two new signings made in Romain Perraud (southamptonfc.com) and Danyl Simeu (chelseafc.com), but they are said to be close to signing Valentino Livramento and there are still a few weeks left before the end of the transfer window.

As per Ruhr Nachrichten, the Saints are still interested in capturing Delaney from German outfit Dortmund this summer. The £13.5m-valued 29-year-old has made 86 appearances for the club since moving their from Werder Bremen (Transfermarkt).

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

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

“If this is financially feasible for us, it’s one we need to really work hard to tie up. Another midfielder might not be the number one priority, but Delaney immediately, and quite significantly, improves the starting line-up.”

Credit: @lukeosman_

“Please get him in.”

Credit: @Ross_Hodgson98

“Please”

Credit: @saints_josh2

“Can’t see it happening but that would be a decent signing.”

Credit: @LukeSandall

“Now Lemina has gone, and Ralph was wanting to keep him, maybe it’s a possibility”

Credit: @Saint2hotty

“Would be a great signing but I really can’t see that happening”

Credit: @miserygutscoop

In other news, Southampton have been urged to sign this midfielder.

Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia is close to joining Sporting Lisbon on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, according to Portuguese media outlet Record (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The Liverpool Echo reported last week that the Toffees had sanctioned a loan move for the 21-year-old, who has been attracting interest from the Championship and from abroad.

Virginia played three games for Everton last season, making his Premier League debut against Burnley in March when Jordan Pickford was forced off with an injury. He kept his place for the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City and helped the Blues keep the eventual Premier League champions at bay for 84 minutes.

Everton under-23 boss David Unsworth has lavished the ‘keeper with praise, describing him as ‘unbelievable’.

The latest

Record claimed (via Sport Witness) that negotiations between Everton and defending Primeira Liga champions Sporting are now ‘very advanced’ and that an agreement should be reached this week.

The Lisbon club will then be able to decide whether they want to sign Virginia permanently at the end of his loan spell.

The verdict

Virginia remains well down the pecking order at Goodison Park. He may have sensed an opportunity when Robin Olsen returned to Roma following his Merseyside loan spell, but the signing of Asmir Begovic means that the youngster’s first team prospects are very limited.

If there is an option to buy, what kind of fee should Everton propose? Virginia is only 21 years old and will still have two years left on his contract come the end of the season, so somewhere around the £2m mark would probably be reasonable.

In other news, many Everton fans ripped into this player during the Southampton game. 

Southampton are in talks regarding a deal which would see Mario Lemina leave St Mary’s this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French media outlet Le10 Sport (via Sport Witness), who claimed that, following a €4m (£3.5m) offer from Nice being rejected by Southampton, talks are ongoing between the two clubs regarding the midfielder’s potential sale in the summer transfer window.

The report added that, while there is still ground to be made up between the two clubs’ respective valuations of the 27-year-old, talks this weekend could see a breakthrough which may all but secure his switch to the south of France ahead of next season.

Fans surely buzzing

Having cost Southampton €20m (£18.1m) to sign from Serie A outfit Juventus four years ago, it is an easy argument to make that Lemina has not proven fantastic value for money for the south coast club.

Indeed, having featured just 52 times for Saints during his time at the club, as well as being sent out on loan for the last two seasons, it is evident that the £64,000-per-week midfielder is not a key part of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans at Saint Mary’s.

The Gabon international has not exactly flopped when given the opportunity in a Southampton shirt, earning an impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.98 and 6.89 in his first two seasons at the club respectively. However, if the 53-year-old Saints manager has no intention of playing the £9m-rated midfielder, it would indeed seem wise to move him on while he is still under contract with the club.

Furthermore, should Nice pay a fee for the man Garth Crooks dubbed a “powerhouse”, this money – plus whatever is saved on Lemina’s considerable wages – could easily be put towards improving Southampton’s squad ahead of next season. That possibility would surely have fans of the club buzzing.

In other news: Tom Leach delivers update on £60k-p/w Southampton outcast, fans will be buzzing

According to journalist Paolo Bargiggia, West Ham United transfer target Nikola Milenkovic could be available for a fee of just €10m (£8.6m) this summer.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye Milenkovic

West Ham are reportedly heavily interested in signing the Fiorentina defender this summer (Hammers News via Juve Live).

There has now been a positive update provided on the Irons’ pursuit of the Serbia international.

The Latest: West Ham set for bargain fee

It has been said that West Ham could receive a huge discount for to the centre-back.

He is currently valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt but, as per Bargiggia, he could be available for a fee of just €10m (£8.6m) – that would represent a discount of 55.6% on his market value.

The Verdict: Get it done

There should now be no doubt in the minds of David Moyes and co – they must get this deal done. For such a fee, they will struggle find a better deal this summer. Since making the move to Fiorentina in 2017, Milenkovic has made 133 appearances for the club in all competitions (Transfermarkt) – in the last three campaigns, he has missed just seven league matches.

The 23-year-old has even been compared to Serbian compatriot Nemanja Vidic, who enjoyed an illustrious career with Manchester United (ESPN). Of course, there is no guarantee he will match that level of success, but even if he turned out to be half the player the 39-year-old proved to be, he would be a top signing for West Ham.

In other news, many West Ham fans want the club to sign this striker.

Wolves reportedly could sign Trincao on a permanent deal once his loan spell ends after the 2021/22 season, as he is likely to leave Barcelona.

The Lowdown: Trincao confirmed

As per Wolves’ official website, the Portugal international has signed on a season-long loan from the Catalan club, with an option to buy at the end of that arrangement.

He becomes Bruno Lage’s second signing of the summer transfer window so far and will now join up with the rest of his new teammates ahead of pre-season.

The Latest: Permanent deal?

According to Sport, Trincao is ‘more than likely’ to leave Barca once his loan spell at Molineux ends, and Wolves can sign him on a permanent deal for €29m (£24.9m) if they choose to take up the option.

The winger was ‘always open’ to a move away from the La Liga giants in order to get more minutes on the pitch, and if his loan spell is successful, he could well move to the Black Country permanently.

The Verdict: Sign

Unless he has an unsuccessful first season in English football, Wolves should really be looking to sign Trincao on a permanent basis.

The club’s technical director Scott Sellars clearly sees a lot of potential him, branding him an ‘exciting’ player who ‘drives with the ball well’ and has ‘good creativity’, and claims that Lage ‘speaks very highly of him’ (wolves.co.uk).

Trincao should have no problems fitting in with his new teammates either, given that a lot of them are also from Portugal and have played with him in the senior international team.

At just 21 years of age, he is a player with the world at his feet, and Wolves could benefit a lot by signing him permanently.

In other news, find out what these Wolves fans are saying about Trincao’s signing!