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“Wolves have a real player on their hands” – Journalist makes exciting Molineux claimPedro Neto is the most exciting player at Wolves, claims Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

The 21-year-old is currently being linked with a move away from Molineux, with 90min reporting that Liverpool, Tottenham and Juventus are all interested in him.

This comes after a season where Neto thoroughly impressed. In 31 Premier League appearances, the Portuguese winger conjured up 11 goal contributions, more than any other Wolves player (via WhoScored).

He also averaged 2.1 dribbles per game, leaving him just outside the division’s top 10 for that category, showing his ability to beat defenders.

Ultimately, for Hatfield, there probably is not a more entertaining player at Molineux in this moment of time.

“He’s arguably the most exciting player at the club,” the Wolves journalist told FFC. “If he’s the same player as he was before he got injured, then Wolves have a real player on their hands.”

Neto has been out of action since April after he picked up a serious knee injury. It is a blow for new manager Bruno Lage, who will probably have to wait a while before the Portugal international is fully fit and firing again.

If all goes well, though, the Wolves boss will indeed have quite the player on his hands.

Former Leeds United midfielder David Norris has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he cannot see Kalvin Phillips leaving Elland Road this summer.

Amid an impressive Euros, where he set up England’s winner against Croatia at the beginning of the tournament, talk has emerged about a potential Leeds exit.

According to TuttoJuve, Juventus are one club currently interested in signing the 25-year-old this transfer window as they look to strengthen their midfield.

Norris, however, is confident Phillips will remain at Elland Road, stressing the England international’s love for the club as he spoke to FFC:

“I can’t see it, you know, from inside the club as well,” the ex-Leeds player said. “He loves the club, he’s come from the youth team there as well, he’s developing all the time and is a massive player now, key player at Leeds.

“For me, he won’t want to leave I don’t think, the love he has for that club.”

Phillips certainly is a key player for Leeds, featuring in just under 30 Premier League games last season.

He also managed to average 2.6 tackles per match, the third-highest average in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad (via WhoScored), showing his importance to the side when it comes to regaining possession.

So, even if Phillips did want to join a side like Juventus this summer, you would expect Leeds to put up a real fight to keep hold of the midfielder.

Queens Park Rangers have been dealt a blow to their hopes of keeping Tom Carroll at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by West London Sport, who claim that the midfielder looks set to reject QPR’s offer of a new deal at the club as he is unhappy with the terms presented by Mark Warburton’s side.

It is reported that talks are continuing between the two parties, although a positive resolution does not look likely to be reached, meaning the 29-year-old looks set to leave the club upon the expiry of his current deal at the end of the month.

Silver lining

Having joined QPR on a free transfer back in January of 2020, Carroll has so far gone on to make a total of 50 appearances for the west London side, providing four assists along the way.

Last season, the former England U21 international featured in 22 Championship fixtures for the Rs, registering one assist, creating three big chances and making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 1.3 tackles and 1.1 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the £1.8m-rated man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.74, ranking him as Warburton’s joint 16th-best performer in the second tier.

However, while Carroll’s returns last season were indeed solid, it is notable that, after the 29-year-old picked up an injury that kept him sidelined for the vast majority of 2021, and the Rs’ subsequently signed Stefan Johansen on loan from Fulham as his replacement, the club’s form dramatically improved – with QPR ranking as the third-best team in the Championship this calendar year.

And, with Warburton’s side currently in negotiations with the Cottagers regarding a permanent deal for Johansen, when considering the Rs were reported to be paying Carroll a whopping £35k-per-week, this is an amount of money that could easily be put towards offering the Norway international a more lucrative deal at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

As such, despite the fact that Warburton clearly wanted to retain the services of a player who Jamie Carragher previously dubbed “outstanding” beyond the summer, if his departure paves the way to Johansen’s switch to the club, it could easily be viewed as something of a blessing in disguise for the 58-year-old and his side.

In other news: Get it done: Bhatia must seal QPR deal for “incredible” £3.5k-p/w bargain this summer

Ruben Loftus-Cheek moving to Southampton this summer would work for both parties, says former Saints midfielder Carlton Palmer.

The 25-year-old spent the 2020/21 season out on loan at Fulham but now wants to stay at Chelsea and fight for his place, claims Telegraph journalist Matt Law speaking on the London Is Blue podcast.

However, the competition at the European champions, with Thomas Tuchel having the likes of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho to call upon when it comes to his midfield options, could easily push Loftus-Cheek out once again.

Southampton are said to be one club interested in the English midfielder, according to the MailOnline, and Palmer believes a move to St. Mary’s could be a good option.

“It works for both parties,” the ex-Southampton player exclusively told FFC. “He needs to play. He’s been injured and he needs to play.

“It’s down south, so it works. All these young players, there’s no point not playing, sitting on the bench – you’re not improving.”

Loftus-Cheek is also reportedly attracting interest from Lazio, where his former boss Maurizio Sarri is now managing, so Southampton could face some serious competition.

The England international is worth it, though. He is a quality player, as he showed under Sarri, catching the attention of Alan Shearer, who was impressed whenever he saw him play.

Leeds United could sign their own version of England star Jadon Sancho in PSV Eindhoven sensation Noni Madueke.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side have already been “putting feelers out” for the winger over a summer move, before suggestions that his price tag had seen the Whites steer clear.

Football Insider have now delivered an exciting update on the situation, claiming that Leeds have reignited their interest in the England under-21 international after some third-party discussions.

The report stated: “A Leeds source has told Football Insider the club have been given encouragement that PSV will lower their demands for 19-year-old Madueke to around the £20m mark.”

Leeds’ own Sancho

With Sancho currently with the England squad at Euro 2020 and facing off against Ukraine tonight in the quarter-finals of the competition, Leeds could sign someone in Madueke who is similarly quick and exciting and with a bag of tricks in his locker.

Former England under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd said of the 19-year-old: “He’s a powerhouse of a player, technically very good, left-footed and likes to come in off the side of the pitch, off the right and go and link.

“He’s got a goal in him, he’s very creative. He’s got a massive smile, a lovely kid. The lads have taken to him, as they would because he’s a good player, he has that respect for what he’s done at PSV.”

Meanwhile, former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte also raved about the 19-year-old, saying (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions. That’s what PSV needs.”

Manchester United-bound Sancho was on fire for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga last season, notching 16 goals and 20 assists in 38 games across all competitions.

While Madueke didn’t produce such incredible numbers, he still had a huge impact in terms of finding the back of the net himself and also setting up his teammates in a selfless manner as well – he managed nine goals and eight assists in 32 games.

Both players averaged more than 1.5 dribbles per game in their respective leagues, while they were fouled equally as often (0.8 times per match) – strong evidence of the directness with which they play.

While English Leeds fans who are watching the Ukraine game may be excited at the prospect of seeing Sancho shine, they could well have their own version of the winger in Madueke at Elland Road next season if their club were to sign him.

Meanwhile, Leeds receive major update on Marcelo Bielsa’s future…

Crystal Palace have been informed that it will cost them £3m in compensation fees to prise Sean Dyche away from Burnley this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, the south London club’s hierarchy view the 49-year-old as a suitable candidate to replace the departing Roy Hodgson and have approached his current employers over acquiring his services.

Dyche has one year left to run on his contract at Turf Moor and has previously claimed that talks over an extension are set to take place with the Clarets’ hierarchy.

Fans will be buzzing

Hodgson is set to leave the Eagles in the coming weeks after four years at the helm, with an 11th place finish in 2017/18 their best result under the former England manager.

However, the 73-year-old is leaving a far from stable first team squad behind. Fourteen players are set to become free agents over the summer, meaning that Hodgson’s successor will have to oversee a drastic overhaul.

The likes of Christian Benteke, Patrick van Aanholt and Gary Cahill are among the players nearing the Selhurst Park exit door, but Dyche has a history of squad rebuilds throughout his nine-year spell at Burnley.

Although he may not be the most glamorous name linked with the Palace vacancy, the Burnley chief is arguably the most sensible and pragmatic solution to the Eagles’ extensive problems.

While the likes of Eddie Howe and Frank Lampard may bring a more exciting and attractive brand of football to south London, Dyche would almost certainly offer a better chance of top-flight survival, and ultimately that will be the club’s main goal for 2021/22.

A new era of hope and expectation has begun at Palace, but they must walk before they can run, and pragmatism must prevail over potentially dangerous ambition.

With so much upheaval expected ahead of the new campaign, now is not the time to bring in a completely contrasting philosophy to the last.

A familiar set of principles via a manager with a proven track record of extracting the maximum from a limited set of resources is surely the obvious option for chairman Steve Parish, and this latest revelation of Palace’s approach for an experienced Premier League manager in Dyche (228 top-flight games) will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

In other news…Parish heading for huge transfer mistake over £7.2m-rated dynamo, Palace need him 

Liverpool have been handed a devastating injury blow ahead of Thursday’s rearranged crunch match with Manchester United…

What’s the latest?

According to the ever-reliable James Pearce at The Athletic, Reds centre-back Ozan Kabak is “unlikely to recover” from a muscle problem in time to feature against the Europa League finalists.

The 21-year-old, on loan from Schalke 04, had started their last five Premier League outings before missing Saturday’s 2-0 win over Southampton.

Jurgen Klopp revealed the reason behind his surprise absence to Sky Sports before kick-off, he said (via the club’s official website):

“With Ozan, we don’t know exactly, we have to wait and see a little bit. It’s a muscle thing, it happened without any real intensity but still serious enough for not being involved.”

Pearce also claims that the German boss “may have to play Fabinho alongside [Nat] Phillips,” as a result of this latest setback.

Rhys Williams played at centre-back against Southampton on Saturday night and had one or two very nervy moments. Also, when he last visited Old Trafford, he was given a torrid time as United knocked the Reds out of the FA Cup, so it’s easy to see why Klopp would be hesitent to select him at the same venue later this week.

Devastating blow

Liverpool are still firmly in the race for a top-four finish, especially as the bulk of the results went their way over the weekend, with West Ham losing to Everton.

A win over their arch-rivals would see them leapfrog the Hammers into fifth and would then subsequently put the pressure on Leicester City, who play United on Tuesday and who also lost over the weekend.

Klopp’s chances of picking up a result with Fabinho at the back are a lot worse than if he were in midfield, though. He has frequently filled in during the absences of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

Since the turn of the year, when the Brazilian powerhouse has been deployed in his natural role, Liverpool have won five, drawn one and lost just once but when playing at centre-back, that changes vastly with just one win, three draws and five losses, as per Transfermarkt.

That’s a win rate of 71% in midfield, and that decreases drastically to 12.5% with him filling the void defensively.

So understandably, Klopp may well be rather furious that his injury troubles continue to hinder his side’s campaign.

Furthermore, the Reds didn’t lose any of those five matches with Kabak starting, so it’s certainly one huge blow ahead of what looks like a must-win encounter.

AND in other news, Reds handed boost in race to sign “massive” 23-year old gem, Edwards must act…

Speaking to the press, via football.london, Tottenham Hotspur interim boss Ryan Mason has shared that winger Gareth Bale is a ‘question mark’ to start against Aston Villa this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Bale playing regularly…

After signing on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid last summer, Bale spent the first half of this season barely featuring – with the winger starting just four Premier League games by December 20 (Transfermarkt).

However, the turn of the new year has seen Bale feature far more regularly and has even become a mainstay in the eleven under Mason.

Indeed, Bale has started the last four English top flight matches for Spurs and put on a dazzling display against Sheffield United recently with a hat trick at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He was also one of Spurs’ highest-rated players (7.6) during their last outing against Wolves (SofaScore).

The Latest: Mason says Bale is now a ‘question mark’

Speaking to the press, when asked if the 31-year-old can start another game so soon, Mason explained:

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“I am not sure,” (via football.london).

“Gareth was probably the best I have seen him all season at the weekend. He was sharp, he was running at players, he has that confidence back of playing in repetitive games and he feels confident in his body. He also knows his body. He is a question mark for tomorrow.

“We are not sure whether or not he is going to be ready. It is down to the player, he is experienced enough. We’ll see.

“Like it was with Serge, if a player doesn’t feel 100 per cent, I don’t feel confident enough, we have enough players ready, enough players competing, that want to play. If a player doesn’t feel 100 per cent and it is not right then he won’t play.”

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs?

As Mason explains his doubts over whether Bale will be able to start, supporters will be hoping he is indeed fit enough given they’re still in the hunt for a Europa League place.

Indeed, the attacker has impressed in has last few outings and Spurs could use every ounce of quality available against a stubborn Villa side this afternoon.

Lauded as an ‘exceptional player’ by Mason, Lilywhites supporters will surely be hoping he will play some sort of part today.

In other news: 45 y/o manager now open to joining Spurs, find out more here.

West Ham United could be on the verge of repeating a familiar, yet fatal, mistake…

What’s the word?

The Irons have been mooted with interest in Blackburn Rovers sensation Adam Armstrong for quite some time, with The Sun claiming last month that they were the front-runners to seal his signature.

It was also thought that Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion and Everton were in the running, too.

And now another three teams have been mooted with interest this week.

According to the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, newly-promoted Norwich City are the latest side to enter the race to sign the prolific 24-year-old talisman, whilst Southampton and Newcastle United have also been linked by the Express.

Toney 2.0

If the Hammers aren’t careful here, then they could be about to get a worrying sense of deja vu.

Last summer, the East London outfit were linked with a move for then-Peterborough star Ivan Toney after his 24 goals and six assists caught the eye in League One.

Posh chairman Barry Fry recently told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that West Ham co-owner David Sullivan rejected the chance to sign the forward. He said:

“I spoke to David Sullivan before I sold him to Brentford because I thought Ivan Toney would be ideal for West Ham. But David didn’t agree and thought I wanted too much money and didn’t think he would have the impact in the Championship.”

He cannot afford to have history repeating itself with the Blackburn dynamo as there’s every chance he feels that the young forward will struggle in the Premier League, especially given the disaster surrounding Jordan Hugill several years ago.

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Not to mention David Moyes’ desperate need to bolster his frontline – following Sebastian Haller’s exit in January, the Scot was left with just one first-choice senior striker and that was an injury-prone Michail Antonio, who has never started more than 24 games in any top-flight season.

However, Toney has since gone onto prove how stupid a call that was, bagging 33 goals and ten assists, helping steer the Bees to promotion to the Premier League He should now get that chance in the big time.

Armstrong has all the attributes to cause Moyes a similar sort of headache at the London Stadium – even more so if he plumps for one of their rivals instead.

Once compared to Sergio Aguero by Irons legend Joe Cole, the £25m-rated forward provided 29 goals in all competitions this season, which is the same number as all three of West Ham’s top goalscorers combined.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray also described him as “explosive” and “devastating” in an interview with The Athletic at the start of the year, having managed him at Ewood Park, as well as Coventry.

There certainly isn’t anyone who knows him better than Mowbray.

On the above evidence, the Hammers could well be making a mistake by not pushing to sign Armstrong and given their fatal blunder on Toney, the club’s owners really must ensure that lightning doesn’t strike twice.

AND in other news, Moyes could secure West Ham’s best striker since Di Canio in “perfect” 30-goal monster…

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are interested in signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

Liverpool eye Watkins

Watkins, who signed for the Villans from Brentford last summer, has been in impressive form during 2020/21, scoring 14 goals in 33 games in all competitions for the Midlands outfit (Transfermarkt).

The Reds, who among others recently attracted the dismay and anger of the footballing world by signing up to become one of the founding members of the European Super League (ESPN), are now reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old.

One to avoid at the moment

Many were shocked at the money Villa spent to sign Watkins last year (Birmingham Mail), but he has proven to be an astute purchase. A tally of 12 Premier League goals and counting in your first full campaign in the top flight is not to be dismissed, and at the age of 25, he still has plenty of time to improve even further.

Of course, those displays will attract plenty of interest from bigger clubs, one of which is Liverpool. However, events of the past few days may make players think twice about whether they want to join one of the Premier League’s big hitters. Do they want to risk a big transfer at such an unstable time? It remains to be what the future holds for Watkins, who is valued at £28.8m by Transfermarkt.

In other news, many Villa fans react to this pundit’s comments on Ross Barkley.