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Liverpool are reportedly interested in Porto playmaker Fabio Vieira, according to Portuguese journalist Bruno Andrade.

The Lowdown: Liverpool chase multiple summer targets

As Liverpool continue their summer transfer activity, their attention has now seemingly turned to the creative playmaker as they look towards 2021/22.

So far, the Reds have completed a deal for RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, but with Georginio Wijnaldum leaving the club, midfield reinforcements will likely be required.

Enjoying a promising 2020/21 campaign, Vieira registered three goals and two assists from 33 fixtures whilst plying his trade in a multitude of different positions for his current employers [Transfermarkt].

The Latest: Liverpool keeping a keen eye on Vieira; he could still renew his Porto contract

Sharing the latest Twitter, Andrade’s [MaisFutebol] comments translated to the following: “Fábio Vieira is in the list of referenced by Liverpool… and the interest ends up increasing with the good performances of the midfielder in the U21 Euro, having been chosen the best player.”

Fresh from helping the Portuguese Under-21 side to the U21 European Championships final [Daily Mail], a switch to Merseyside could become an option for the 21-year-old in the summer months.

Despite this, Andrade also points out the youngster’s potential openness to remain in Portugal, revealing he is happy to discuss a contract renewal with FC Porto.

Currently, the wonderkid is only bound to the Lisbon based club until 2022 [Transfermarkt].

The Verdict: Klopp should look to sign Vieira

Described as a ‘playmaker who creates a lot of chances’ and ‘an excellent link between midfield and attack’ by UEFA technical observers, Vieira was voted as the star player of the UEFA U-21 EURO tournament [UEFA.com].

Undoubtedly, he is an exciting young prospect who would offer an excellent array of creativity to the Liverpool fold.

Given his shining performances at the U21 tournament, he feels like the sort of player who would improve immensely under Jurgen Klopp, given the boss’ reputation for improving young attacking talent.

Registering a 90% passing rate in six Champions League appearances across the 2020/21 campaign [WhoScored], the youngster has already shown he can step up to the highest level, so it would be no surprise to see him replicate that form at Anfield.

In other news, Liverpool fans fume at their reported transfer funding. 

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Slavia Prague sensation Abdallah Sima, in what could be an exciting piece of business.

The Lowdown: Sima shines for Slavia Prague

The 19-year-old is seen as a hugely talented young attacking player, catching the eye for the Czech giants this season.

Sima has scored 11 goals in just 15 starts in the Czech First League this season, outlining his potential and showing why he has been compared to Premier League legend Thierry Henry.

The Latest: Leeds keen on signing Sima

According to Football Insider, the Elland Road outfit are in the mix to sign the teenager this summer, following his ‘remarkable rise’ during 2020/21.

It is stated that a number of Premier League clubs are showing an interest in Sima, however, suggesting it won’t be easy to acquire his signature.

Everton, Arsenal, Manchester United and West Ham are the top-flight teams mentioned in the report.

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The Verdict: Worth a punt?

It is vital that Leeds make reinforcements in the summer, ensuring they don’t sit still and fail to kick on from an impressive campaign.

At 19, Sima may still be raw, but in Marcelo Bielsa, he would have a hugely experienced, respected manager who knows how to nurture young talent – just look at how Patrick Bamford has taken to top flight football this term.

The list of clubs he is being linked with speaks volumes about his potential, so Leeds should consider taking a punt on the Czech starlet, especially considering how prolific he already looks in front of goal.

He could play second fiddle to the likes of Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo to begin with, potentially usurping them over time.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with another winger, as Bielsa looks to make a summer addition in that area. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United have reportedly held talks to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers impresses

Carter-Vickers has certainly impressed in his loan spell at Bournemouth from Spurs, as the Cherries just missed out on an Championship play-off final spot at the hands of Brentford.

The defender played in 21 games in the division over the course of the season, winning no fewer than 4.5 of his duels per game while also averaging 3.4 clearances, 1.1 interceptions and one tackle per match, helping his team keep five clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

The Latest: Newcastle hold talks

As per SBI Soccer, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Anderlecht, have all held talks with the Lilywhites over a potential permanent deal for Carter-Vickers, while four clubs in the MLS have also expressed an interest in signing him.

The north London club are valuing the eight-cap USA international at $14m (£9.9m), and he only has a year left on his current contract.

The Verdict: Newcastle should sign Carter-Vickers

Newcastle should seriously consider bringing Carter-Vickers to the northeast.

Not only would they be weakening a rival in the Premier League, but given his impressive spell with the Cherries, he has shown already that he can make the step up to the top flight.

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At 1.83m (6 foot 1), he should have little problem coping with both the physical and aerial demands of the division, while his former Spurs teammate Jan Vertonghen even went as far as to call him an ‘absolute beast’ back in 2016.

That was when he was just a teenager, and now at 23 years of age, Carter-Vickers is ready to fulfil his potential. The Magpies can benefit hugely from that if they fend off the competition for his signature.

In other news, find out what big transfer claim has been dropped on one Toon target!

Former England defender and now pundit Danny Mills has been reacting to a recent update regarding Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie.

According to the Daily Mail, relayed by the Daily Record last weekend, the 26-year-old’s deal actually expires in January 2022.

It was thought his contract ran until next summer, but it seems as if that is not the case.

Former boss Neil Lennon admitted Christie was open to a new challenge at some stage, with the report suggesting he could use this summer’s European Championships as a chance to impress other clubs ahead of a potential Celtic Park exit.

Mills, 43, talking to Football Insider, shared his surprise when asked about the recent news coming out of Parkhead regarding Christie, labelling it as ‘bizarre’.

“I don’t understand that.

“Normally, contracts run from the 1st of July to the 30th of June and that’s every single football contract I’ve ever seen. Unless it’s a short-term deal or a loan.

“I didn’t think that was allowed, in all honesty.

Mills added:

“It’s a bizarre situation. I’ve never heard of that before and I didn’t think it would be allowed.

“All Football League contracts all run 1st of July to 30th of June as standard and that’s how it’s always been.

“I’m not sure who’s done that deal whether it’s a stroke of genius or they’ve just put the wrong date in.”

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Transfer Tavern take

We’re with Mills as far as the shock factor of the news, and we feel it could impact new CEO Dominic McKay over the coming months, who is going to be faced with numerous tough decisions while rebuilding a stagnant squad.

Should Christie refuse to discuss a new deal, McKay and Celtic may be placed in an awkward situation.

The midfielder regularly been criticised by several supporters during the season, but he’s actually been the club’s second-best Premiership performer with a match rating average of 7.33/10, as per WhoScored.

On that basis, McKay and the rest of the Hoops hierarchy may be torn as to what to do with Christie.

They could look to sell with six months remaining on his contract, with a number of Premier League sides keen at the turn of the year, or they could look to keep him for the first half of the 2021/22 season with the risk of losing him for nothing in January 2022.

It will definitely be a situation to keep a close eye on over the summer…

In other news: Hoops source shares Eddie Howe update, find out more here. 

Many Southampton fans have been fuming over the performance of Theo Walcott in their 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday night.

Sadio Mane and Thiago grabbed the goals to give Jurgen Klopp’s men all three points at Anfield, with the Saints left to rue some missed opportunities.

Walcott did not have the best of games against the Reds, as the former Arsenal man lost out on four of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on goal, dribble or cross (Sofascore).

He was subsequently taken off in the 66th minute after failing to make any real impact, recording a mere 25 touches of the ball in total and losing possession on 11 separate occasions in the match (Sofascore).

Southampton fans slam Walcott’s performance

These disgruntled Southampton fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter going as far as to claim that the 32-year-old was ‘shocking’:

“Walcott seriously has to be in the minus points rating for his performance tonight. God awful #SaintsFC”

Credit: @saintadam1981

“Get Walcott off. Just runs into people. Absolutely awful #saintsfc”

Credit: @saintstevo85

“Walcott really is terrible, isn’t he? #SaintsFC”

Credit: @HarryStokes_93

“Walcott bottles tackles too #SaintsFC”

Credit: @miserygutscoop

“Walcott on the counter makes my eyes hurt #SaintsFC”

Credit: @RahilMajid

“Get Walcott off at half time. Shocking #SaintsFC”

Credit: @JamesBe43198539

In other news, find out what big Ryan Bertrand hint has been dropped!

Fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Pedro Almeida claimed that Paris Saint-Germain are considering a bid for the Hammers midfielder, Tomas Soucek, this summer.

So far this season, Soucek has been one of David Moyes’ stand out performers in the Premier League, with the 26-year-old scoring nine goals over his 29 league appearances, as well as averaging a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.18 – ranking him as West Ham’s second-best performer in the top flight.

And, the displays of the £47,000-per-week Czech Republic international appear to have drawn the eye of French giants PSG, with Pedro Almeida claiming that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are considering an offer of €50 million (£42.5 million) for the Hammers midfielder this summer.

However, after this claim was relayed on Twitter, fans of West Ham flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing to believe that an offer at the figure quoted would be nowhere near enough to land Soucek in the upcoming transfer window.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to the claim regarding interest in Tomas Soucek?

“They can offer that, but it won’t be accepted. The bloke is worth double that.”

@westhamhour

“Surely this would be laughed off?”

@Sammy_dodgerx

“For his left leg.”

@scottyelliott4

“They can offer that all they want, doesn’t mean we’re gonna accept it.”

@WhuNoel

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.”

@JoshVernege

“£50m and Mbappe.”

@jwhufc87

“Add another £30m onto that.”

@JameswhufcJones

“Tell them they can double it.”

@_moseme

In other news: West Ham are preparing a summer offer for this 16-goal £13k p/w Moyes target – find out more here!

Reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke has confirmed that three clubs are ‘eyeing’ up a potential move to sign Jacob Murphy from Newcastle United.

As per a tweet from O’Rourke, who is oftenÂa reliable source for transfer news, those three teams are Rangers, Southampton and Watford.

Newcastle must keep Murphy

The St. James’ Park faithful must look to keep hold of Murphy at all costs in the summer window, and should especially not be considering selling him to a direct rival in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old is coming in to a nice bit of form in the North East, as he scored a fine goal against Burnley recently to put Steve Bruce’s side on track for a crucial three points at Turf Moor.

Alan Shearer thought that he was ‘excellent’ in the 2-2 home draw with Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month, and his performances of late have certainly warranted him a regular place in the starting eleven.

The fact that the Englishman can play as a wing-back as well as a winger is also a great asset to have for the Tyneside club, and could be very useful in the future.

Nonetheless, the Magpies have to try and do all that they can to keep Murphy and thus fend off any interest from elsewhere.

In other news, find out what emails have shown a Premier League U-turn on a takeover decision here!

Everton left-back Lucas Digne is keeping some elite company in his creative output this season.

According to FIVEYARDS, the Frenchman is only one of three players to have made 30 key passes and created eight big chances this season.

The others are PSG’s Neymar, a world-record £200m signing, and Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann, who moved to the Nou Camp for £107m. All three, of course, have represented Barcelona.

Digne has set up six goals in the Premier League this season, more than the likes of Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joao Cancelo and Ben Chilwell (via Premier League). The only defender who has registered more is West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell (seven).

The figures are made all the more impressive by the fact that Digne missed a significant portion of the season. He was out from late November until January 11 with an ankle injury (via Transfermarkt).

At the end of February, the 27-year-old signed a new contract, committing to Everton until June 2025. Judging by the “insane” figures Digne is posting – in the words of one Toffees fan on Twitter – tying him down for another four years looks an increasingly shrewd decision.

These supporters certainly appreciate what he brings to the team in a creative sense:

Everton fans react to Digne statistic

“THE GOAT”

Credit: @KarsEfc

“Disgustingly disrespected by other fans”

Credit: @CarlettosWay

“Best attacking left back itw hth”

Credit: @GodlyGodfrey1

“Y’all ready to have the conversation of Lucas being the best LB in the Prem or nah?”

Credit: @tblick10

“Can we please please stop this silly debate now?”

Credit: @JackB644

“Insane”

Credit: @Dat_Tofee_

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, best LB in the league”

Credit: @_luke1878_

In other news, some Everton fans slammed one of Digne’s fellow defenders for his performance against Manchester City.

David Moyes can convince Jesse Lingard to stay at West Ham beyond his loan deal after the key factor behind a potential return to Manchester United was revealed.

What’s the word?

According to ESPN, Lingard will only return to Old Trafford at the end of the season if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can guarantee the England international a regular role in his plans.

Lingard was given just three appearances by the Red Devils boss this season before sealing a temporary switch to the London Stadium in January, where Gareth Southgate believes he has been “excellent”.

The 28-year-old has scored five goals and been credited with three assists in seven Premier League games in claret and blue, and has only failed to influence the scoring in one of his outings under Moyes to date.

West Ham are keen to work on negotiating a permanent transfer for the 27-cap dynamo, who was recalled to the England set-up last month after a two-year hiatus, but are expected to face a wealth of competition.

The Red Devils will have a decision to make on Lingard’s future come the end of the season with the midfielder due to enter the final year of his contract in June, so will either have to present the academy product with new terms or listen to offers.

It is not considered likely that the £13.5m-rated Lingard will gain his desired minutes at Old Trafford in the No. 10 role he has thrived in for West Ham, with Bruno Fernandes the favoured option under Solskjaer.

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Manchester United denied the Irons a £15m option to purchase Lingard in their loan agreement for the £100,000-per-week playmaker, believing that a strong run of form could see his value exceed £20m.

A boost for Moyes and West Ham

Lingard’s alleged stance on his Manchester United future will come as a huge boost for West Ham in the east London outfit’s efforts to retain the England international, as Moyes can use his position to the Hammers’ advantage.

Lingard would face a real challenge to displace Fernandes at Manchester United were he to return to Old Trafford, with the Portuguese proving to be one of the best playmakers currently in the Premier League.

Only Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane (13) and Manchester City maestro Kevin de Bruyne (11) have provided more assists in the top-flight this term than Fernandes (10), who additionally ranks first for total number of key passes (82), per SofaScore.

Fernandes has created six more goal-scoring opportunities than any other player in the division to date, while his vision has led to a league-high 17 big chances for the Red Devils to score.

Moyes would be able to use that to show Lingard why he would have to accept a back-up role at Old Trafford next season if he were to head back, despite the 28-year-old proving his credentials while at West Ham.

Only Aaron Cresswell (1.52) and Vladimir Coufal (1.28) have averaged a higher number of key passes per game for West Ham in the top-flight this term than Lingard (1.14), who has also provided the third-most big chances created (0.29) per game.

With claims that Lingard is West Ham’s outright top-target for the summer market, ESPN’s report may give Moyes all the ammunition he needs to convince the playmaker to stick around at the London Stadium long-term.

AND in other news, West Ham are in a three-way Premier League battle for a 6 ft 6 titan with “all the attributes”…

Premier League giants Arsenal are reportedly set to return for Emiliano Buendia in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal were linked with a move for Norwich’s Buendia in the January transfer window but ended up signing Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid. Now though, it has been suggested that they could return to go after Buendia in the summer.

Norwich will fight to keep Buendia

EuroSport have recently reported about Buendia and Arsenal. The report states that Norwich will fight to keep their best assets at the club in the summer transfer window and this includes not just Buendia, but Todd Cantwell and Max Aarons as well.

The report mentions interest from Arsenal and suggests that while they wanted him in the winter, they were told that the Argentine wasn’t available at any price. But the Gunners will look to reignite their interest in the midfielder in the summer and they are also expected to make an official offer for the Argentine.

Buendia’s Norwich find themselves at the top of the Championship and they’re ten points clear of second-placed Watford. Buendia has had a superb campaign, with the 24-year-old scoring ten times and picking up 12 assists as well.

Buendia would be a good signing for Arsenal

Since Odegaard is at Arsenal on a loan deal the Gunners may need to replace him if they want to have a creative threat to rival Emile Smith Rowe for playing time. Buendia’s 12 assists are more than Willian (six) and Nicolas Pepe (three) combined.

Buendia’s goalscoring contributions this season suggest that he could add a lot of goals from the midfield for the Gunners. He is valued at only £14.40 million, meaning even if Norwich demand more than that valuation he certainly wouldn’t break the bank. All signs point towards this being an excellent move from Mikel Arteta and the club.

In other news, Arsenal have been linked with a move for a Ligue 1 defender – read more here.