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Leeds United have one of the brightest young keepers in the Premier League with Illan Meslier who has impressed during his debut Premier League season, so former Leeds midfielder David Norris admits he can’t see the club bringing in free agent Paulo Gazzaniga.

6 ft 5 colossus Gazzaniga has eventually left Tottenham Hotspur after being at the club since 2017 and having made just 37 appearances, and with Leeds likely to sell Kiko Casilla this summer, the Argentina international could be set for another bench-warming role, this time at Elland Road, something fans would like to see.

The link between Marcelo Bielsa and Gazzaniga is obvious with them both being from the same country, however, if Gazzaniga had no chance of being the number one, it would make more sense to just promote from within their academy.

Meslier was only handed a few starts towards the back end of Leeds’ Championship winning season, however, he grasped his opportunity with both hands in the top flight so it would not make sense to bring in Gazzaniga this summer, according to Norris who made the strong claim exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I’d be surprised because I can’t see it happening as they’ve got Caprile as the third choice at the moment, and I’m not 100% sure if Casilla is going back to Spain.”

It would be quite impressive if next season Bielsa did trust Elia Caprile to be the number two at Leeds as that would give their goalkeepers a combined age of just 40-years-old.

Gazzaniga was always seen as a number two during his time with Spurs and considering he is now 29-years old it would likely be the best time for him to step up and be a number one at a club.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Nicolo Zaniolo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are planning to send a club official to watch the AS Roma midfielder in action against Leicester City on Thursday night – when Brendan Rodgers’ side face Jose Mourinho’s men in the Europa Conference League semi-final first leg at the King Power Stadium.

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Further reports claim that Newcastle United and Manchester United are also tracking the 22-year-old, with whom the Serie A side may be willing to part this summer – as long as they were to receive a figure of £40m for his services, while the Italy international himself is believed to be demanding a deal worth £95k-per-week in a move away from the Stadio Olimpico.

He’s perfect for Conteball

With Zaniolo being a versatile, creative and forward-thinking midfielder – the type of player which, at present, Tottenham’s midfield is desperately lacking – it is easy to see why Paratici and Conte would be interested in a move for the Roma prodigy this summer.

While it is true that the 22-year-old has suffered a number of injury setbacks in his short career – something which has seen his game time limited this season – it is undeniable that the former Inter Milan starlet is a player who boasts a significant amount of both ability and potential.

Indeed, this is talent the £29.7m-rated dynamo has demonstrated over his seven Conference League outings this term, scoring four goals, registering four assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 0.7 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £75k-per-week sensation who Stefano Vecchi dubbed a “part-Gerrard, part-Lampard” midfielder average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Roma’s second-best performer in the competition but also as the joint 15th-best player in the tournament as a whole.

The Italian has also impressed over his 25 Serie A outings this season, scoring two goals, providing two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking 2.6 shots, making one key pass and completing 2.2 dribbles – the joint second-most in the league – per fixture.

Furthermore, despite suffering two ACL ruptures and still being just 22 years of age, Zaniolo – who is comfortable when deployed in central midfield, attacking midfield, on the right-wing or up top – has already racked up 105 appearances for the Giallorossi, scoring 21 goals and registering 14 assists along the way.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the player who Cristiano Masitto labelled “ingenious,” “devastating” and a “game-changer” is very much all three of these things, while it is also evident that a talent with Zaniolo’s skillset would be something of a perfect fit for Conteball.

This, then, leads us to believe that Paratici must do all he can to get a deal over the line for the 22-year-old this summer, as £40m could very quickly look to be something of a steal for a prospect as bright as the Roma starlet.

AND in other news: Source: Close friend of Conte now drops significant Spurs exit claim, it’s a big twist

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Everton could revisit their interest for Wilfried Zaha this summer.

Zaha has enjoyed another impressive season for the Londoners, scoring 10 times in 25 appearances to help guide Palace to Premier League safety once more.

However, the £130,000-a-week wide man hasn’t signed fresh terms for almost three years and asked to leave the club 12 months ago.

He ended up staying with his boyhood club but turns 29 in November and is approaching a pivotal period in his career, with Palace seemingly losing value on the 28-year-old with every passing year.

Everton and Arsenal were both strongly linked with Zaha back in 2019 when Marco Silva was manger, although the Gunners ended up signing his Ivory Coast teammate Nicolas Pepe, which allowed Alex Iwobi to make the switch to Merseyside.

But with Iwobi failing to live up to his £34m price-tag, Windass believes that Ancelotti might consider registering his interest in the Palace winger.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“They’ve done well this season, I called it they’d get relegated this year.

“He’s been there since he was a kid, but does he want another relegation battle next season – or does he want to be pushing for sixth or seventh with Everton, or someone like that? Technically in the wide areas, Ancelotti is probably looking for somebody like that.”

Speaking to Tribal Football, journalist Rudy Galetti has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans involving Juventus star Juan Cuadrado.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyeing free deals…

Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have reportedly been eyeing up players on dwindling contracts as the club aim to back manager Antonio Conte with low cost, effective options.

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There have been many links to soon to be out-of-contract stars over the last few months with the likes of Paulo Dybala (Juventus) and Sam Johnstone (West Brom) coming up as most recent examples.

Ahead of Conte’s first full campaign in 2022/2023, this summer window could be crucial as the club and chairman Daniel Levy aim to back the Italian in transforming Spurs back into an elite Premier League side.

The Latest: Galetti makes Cuadrado claim…

Speaking to TF, journalist Galetti says Paratici and co are ‘chasing’ another imminent free agent in Cuadrado.

Tottenham have apparently made contact with the Colombian’s representative, Alessandro Lucci, with Conte ‘crying out’ for a new right-wing-back option amid his dis-satisfaction over Emerson Royal.

Despite the electric form of Matt Doherty, Spurs’ head coach still wants to strengthen on the right-hand side, resulting in the Lilywhites now ‘working hard’ to sign his former player in Cuadrado.

The Verdict: Good option?

Tottenham and Paratici spent a lot of January attempting to negotiate a deal to sign Adama Traore with Conte seeking a makeshift RWB option.

After Barcelona hijacked that move, you could say Doherty’s brilliant performances have arguably masked over Spurs’ transfer blunder, but Conte may need to re-visit the position again to add further steel.

Cuadrado, who could join for free if he doesn’t extend in Turin, may well be a shrewd option.

Indeed, the South American has averaged a higher league match rating (7.21) than any Spurs player over 2021/2022 bar Harry Kane (7.36) and Son Heung-min (7.38), according to WhoScored.

He’s a consistent threat in the attacking positions with only Son and Dejan Kulusevski making more key passes per 90 in the final third than Cuadrado this season (WhoScored).

The £152,000-per-week star may well be a suitable solution for Conte on the right.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder, find out more here.

Some Wolves fans have been left raging as a transfer update emerged on Patrick Cutrone.

As per Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the striker is set to leave the Midlands club on loan again, this time to Empoli.

Cutrone has not had the best of times at Molineux, scoring just three goals in 28 matches in total over all competitions across the last two terms (Transfermarkt), and he has been shipped out on loan to both Fiorentina and Valencia.

However, given the bad head injury that Raul Jimenez picked up last November, which subsequently ruled him out for the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign, Bruno Lage may want to think about keeping him if he cannot sell him on a permanent deal to raise funds for other moves, as it would leave his team pretty short up top.

Either way, another loan deal is not really one that suits the Wanderers at this moment in time.

Wolves fans on Cutrone transfer update

These WWFC supporters raged as the exit news was shared on Twitter:

“This transfer window has gone horribly”

Credit: @Edwardtxylor

“Nooooooo”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“Here we go again”

Credit: @Gialadesign

“This window is dreadful Jesus Christ”

Credit: @sabrinajg11

“What?”

Credit: @BVitler

“We were told we have to sell to buy, so we loan someone out when our squad needs new players urgently. Gonna be a long season.”

Credit: @Tombird63

In other news, find out what transfer update has Wanderers fuming here!

When Nuno Santo decided to leave Wolves, it sent shockwaves throughout the city of Wolverhampton.

It was a huge surprise to see him depart Molineux but it now gives the entire club a fresh start, something that’s needed after their bottom-half finish.

What’s the word?

With Wolves in the hunt for a new manager, a number of coaches have been fed through to Fosun by super-agent Jorge Mendes.

Paulo Fonseca is in the hunt but former Benfica manager Bruno Lage appears to be at the top of the pile right now.

However, in recent days, Wolves have begun talking to former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

That’s according to reporter Alex Crook who was speaking on talkSPORT this week: “I was told by a very reliable source that Wolves have started to make enquiries about Frank Lampard,” he commented.

The 42-year-old was sacked from his role as manager of Chelsea back in January and is yet to find new work.

A good appointment

Lampard may have lost his job at Stamford Bridge but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a strong appointment for Wolves.

After all, he’s proven to be impressive with both Derby and the Blues.

He nearly achieved promotion with the Rams, developing a bold play-style that centred around young players in Fikayo Tomori, Harry Wilson and Mason Mount.

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Lampard then secured Champions League qualification with Chelsea despite being in the middle of a transfer embargo.

Used to working with a smaller budget, that could suit a Wolves team who are looking to operate shrewdly in the upcoming window.

After all, the main reason Nuno left was due to a lack of resources that were going to be handed to him this summer.

On top of that, Jeff Shi has always had a desire to improve the club from the academy upwards. It’s seen the likes of Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto develop from promising young talents into genuine Premier League stars.

Lage has proven adept at improving some of the biggest names around including Joao Felix and Ruben Dias but Lampard also has a similar ability in his locker.

He helped turn Mason Mount into one of England’s key players and aided Tammy Abraham in his cause to become Chelsea’s top goalscorer in consecutive years.

Crucially, he also has experience of managing in England.

Lage may have won the league in Portugal but coaching in the Premier League is a whole different ball game. If you’re not ready, it’ll swallow you whole and spit you back out.

Lampard also appears to be wise to the way Wolves want to play. Speaking about them in 2019, the ex-midfielder said: “I am very impressed by Nuno, looking from the outside and the way that he shows himself in the media and the unity they have. They have a style they believe in and I like the way he operates.”

With that in mind, perhaps the former England international could bring a similar swagger to their counter-attacking play.

Both would be smart appointments but Lampard should hold the upper hand. His methods and experience could well revive Wolves next season.

AND in other news, Wolves can take Traore to the next level by appointing “brave” 48 y/o Mendes client…

Rangers could be willing to listen to offers for Glen Kamara this summer, according to former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell.

The Lowdown: Kamara a star man for Gers

Steven Gerrard’s side romped to Premiership title glory last season and Kamara played a huge part in the team’s success. The Finland international made 28 league appearances for the Gers, impressing in midfield and shining with his quality in possession.

Kamara’s performances have inevitably led to rumours linking him with a move away from Ibrox, with a number of Premier League clubs thought to be tracking him.

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The Latest: Midfielder linked with exit

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell believes that John Lundstram’s arrival at Ibrox could spell the end for the 25-year-old at Rangers, saying:

“Lundstram’s arrival might be a hint that Kamara is off. If somebody makes a crazy bid I am sure Rangers will consider it.

“I know they have a lot of midfielders now but they are in a lot of competitions.

“They’ve got the Champions League to look forward to next season. They will need to use their full squad.

“I’m telling you now, Steven Gerrard will be desperate to win everything. He will want as strong and as deep a squad as he can.”

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The Verdict: Potential big blow

Kamara is a huge player for Gerrard’s side, boasting one of the best passing accuracy percentages in the squad, so the idea of him moving on to pastures new may well be a grim one for Gers supporters.

Unfortunately, it might be something they have to accept, with the 25-year-old midfielder at a point in his career where a move to the English Premier League could appeal to him.

However, if they can keep hold of Kamara and integrate Lundstram into the team alongside him, that could give the Gers a formidable midfield pairing. It’s one which may be needed given their commitments in the 2021/22 season, as Campbell referenced.

In other news, four players were expected to leave Leeds this summer. Find out who they are here.

Crystal Palace will be aiming to extend their three-game unbeaten run when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Eagles conceded a hugely disappointing last-minute equaliser against Arsenal last time out, condemning Patrick Vieira’s charges to a third consecutive draw.

However, there are plenty of positives to take from their recent displays, and the return of star man Wilfried Zaha following a short illness will be a huge boost to their chances of securing a much-needed victory.

Vieira may be tempted to make a few alterations to his starting XI for the visit of Newcastle given their recent woes, with the Magpies currently 19th in the top flight table.

A run of eight games without a victory to begin 2021/22 cost Steve Bruce his job this week, and Palace will be desperate to take advantage of the situation in which their managerless opponents currently find themselves.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects Vieira to line up at Selhurst Park, with three changes from the side which started against the Gunners…

In goal, the ever-dependable Vicente Guaita is set to start between the sticks once again as he goes in search of his first clean sheet in five games.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper will be an unchanged back four consisting of Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen and Joel Ward after a string of promising displays from the defensive unit at the start of the season.

However, Vieira could opt for a more attack-minded trio in midfield. Jeffrey Schlupp may get a rare opportunity to impress from the off as Palace go in search of three points, relegating Luka Milivojevic to the bench.

Completing the engine room will be the dependable duo of James McArthur and Conor Gallagher due to their impressive recent form in the middle of the pitch.

In attack, the return of Zaha will be a big relief to Vieira, and it’s likely to see the £8.1m-rated Christian Benteke forced to watch from the sidelines despite bagging his first goal of the season on Monday night.

Summer signings Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise are likely to complete the starting XI after their outstanding contributions in front of goal in recent weeks, giving Palace a very threatening forward line.

In other news… Parish must sanction bargain Palace swoop for 6 ft 2 colossus, Vieira needs him 

Injury expert Ben Dinnery has dropped a worrying claim on Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips and the possibility of him suffering another setback.

What’s the story?

The England international has already missed three games in the Premier League this season, including being an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw against Wolves last time out.

Now, Dinnery has raised the possibility of the midfielder suffering an injury recurrence, and claimed it would be “awful news” for the Whites.

He said: “Kalvin Phillips has been in training for a while. Bielsa spoke about how he could have been available in game week eight but he wasn’t comfortable.

“He might not have been at his best with regards to a lack of fitness. Then he also missed out on game week nine when he chose to put him on the bench. Is there a chance of injury recurrence? Yes, as always. Sometimes we don’t even know why. That, of course, would be awful news for Leeds.

“Players may surpass their baseline testing and exceed every metric. However, the moment they step foot on the pitch, they could suffer a setback. Sometimes there’s just no explanation. We know that Bielsa looks to make sure the club is doing everything within its power to minimise that risk.”

Leeds fans will be concerned

Including the three games that he has missed this season, and the nine that he missed last year, the Whites have won just two matches, drawn one and lost the other nine.

That is the kind of record that puts into perspective just how important Phillips is to this side, and given the start the team as a whole have made this season in the Premier League – they currently lie just outside of the relegation places – they really cannot afford to see him go down with yet another niggling injury.

Bielsa will be desperately hoping for some good fortune on the injury front.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing this South American star…

Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho as Jurgen Klopp searches for Gini Wijnaldum’s heir.

What’s the story?

According to Mundo Deportivo journalist Francesc Aguilar, the Reds are keen on re-signing the 29-year-old magician this summer.

The Spanish reporter has claimed that the player’s agent is attempting to secure a move back to the Premier League for his client, with Wolves and Everton also credited with an interest in Coutinho, but Liverpool are believed to be the ‘most determined’ to sign the Brazil international.

Fans will be excited

Coutinho left Anfield back in January 2018 to sign for La Liga giants Barca in a mega-money deal, potentially rising to an astronomical £142m. However, things haven’t worked out for the diminutive South American in Catalonia, and after failing to impress in his first 18 months with the Blaugrana, he was shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga champions saw improved performances from Coutinho, with the creative talent bagging 11 goals and providing nine assists in 38 appearances for Bayern, helping them secure the treble along the way.

Upon his return to Barcelona, though, Coutinho’s poor luck returned. A serious knee injury ended his season in December after just 14 uninspiring appearances under Ronald Koeman, resulting in his potential exit over the coming months.

With Barca experiencing severe financial difficulties, the club’s hierarchy are determined to shift several high-earning fringe players ahead of the upcoming campaign, so the Camp Nou could be the perfect place to pick up a bargain.

Although Coutinho hasn’t been at his scintillating best for a few years now, he is undoubtedly a world-class operator on his day and he produced some of his best form during his time at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

Therefore, it’s easy to understand why the German may be tempted to bring the 29-year-old back to Anfield following Wijnaldum’s exit. The Dutch international has left a significant hole in the club’s engine room, but Coutinho has the ability to fill it and would provide a new element to the Reds’ attack.

Klopp arguably never directly replaced Coutinho in his first-team squad, with a glaring lack of goals from midfield last term, and the duo could reunite this summer, helping each other return to the top of their games, catapulting Liverpool back to the summit of English football as a result.

It’s a prospect which could have large sections of the club’s supporters excited as one of their most talented exports potentially embarks upon a return to his former stomping ground.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano drops transfer update on £10.5m LFC flop, Klopp surely on cloud nine