Silva will have the natural goalscorer he’s been craving if Everton sign Callum Wilson

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According to The Sun, Everton are plotting a £35m bid for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, and it could be the club’s most intelligent big-money transfer yet.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun report that Toffees manager Marco Silva is convinced that his team is only one goalscorer short of potentially breaking into the top six in the Premier League, and he has identified the Cherries attacker as the man to help them do it.

The Sun says that the south coast outfit could be tempted by a huge bid given the centre-forward only cost them £3m and has suffered cruciate injuries in both knees.

That doesn’t appear to have put the Portuguese boss and Marcel Brands off, although the influential director of football may have to move players on before he can launch the move for Wilson.

Smart addition

Despite the fact some may have fears over his fitness because of previous injury issues, the 27-year-old showed towards the end of the top flight campaign how good he can be.

Three goals and three assists in Eddie Howe’s men’s final five fixtures showed his prowess both in terms of finding the net and setting others up to do so.

33 goals in 91 Premier League outings is no mean feat considering he has been plying his trade for a bottom-half team, and shows the potential he has to make a difference for a bigger English club.

Everton have splashed the cash on experienced players at this level previously with the likes of Theo Walcott, Michael Keane and Gylfi Sigurdsson, but they have tended to look abroad when it has come to finding a new number nine – see Sandro Ramirez and Cenk Tosun.

Spending big money on a striker like Wilson who knows the Premier League could make the difference for Everton next term, as they finally look to challenge the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.

Liability: Loads of Leeds fans want Berardi gone

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Leeds United fans on Twitter are hoping that they’ve seen the last of Gaetano Berardi after the extent of his discipline problems was revealed.

The Swiss man has now become the joint-most red carded player in the Whites’ history, alongside Alan Smith who has also been dismissed seven times for the club.

Berardi’s most recent red card proved the most costly. The 30-year-old was given his marching orders in the playoff semi-final second leg against Derby County.

Leeds went on to lose the game 4-2 and in turn, were resigned to another season in the Championship.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s hard work this season was all undone in that match, and the finger was pointed at the Switzerland international.

The versatile defender has often been a fan favourite at the Yorkshire club, but his most recent mistake appears to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back as supporters are now calling for him to leave.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

West Ham: Hammers should reignite interest in Xherdan Shaqiri

West Ham United could have the perfect opportunity to bring a player to the London Stadium just 12 months after initially missing out on him.

According to a report by Goal, Liverpool will be prepared to offload Xherdan Shaqiri this summer if they are offered a good price.

So, where do the Hammers fit in with this rumour?

Well, the Irons were interested in bringing the then-Stoke City winger to the club following the club’s relegation (Blick). And, they must simply look to act on that interest now.

Shaqiri has had a difficult year at Anfield as he has taken up the role of a rotation player for Jurgen Klopp, however, he has impressed during limited appearances this season

Obviously, the 27-year-old has a wealth of experience of playing at the highest level; he is fortunate enough to count the likes of Bayern Munich and Inter Milan as some of his previous clubs.

But he could also provide Manuel Pellegrini’s side with an additional creative threat in the final third of the pitch and would be an individual that can certainly get fans off their seats more at the London Stadium next season.

The Switzerland international has an explosive style of play that will excite those that watch him, whilst he has an excellent technical ability that would be welcomed in east London.

With Shaqiri and Felipe Anderson on the wings and Manuel Lanzini in the middle of the field, West Ham could have some serious goal threat about them; although one would have to feel that they would still need to bring in a prolific striker this summer.

Blessed with skill on the ball, the winger is able to put in a number of pinpoint crosses into the box and that would clearly help to improve their chances of finding the back of the net on a more regular basis.

West Ham fans, do you think the club should look to reignite their interest in Shaqiri this summer? Let us know below!

PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Player of the Year Award – Premier League nominees for 2018/19

We have been treated to arguably one of the best Premier League seasons ever in terms of the quality of the teams involved.

Manchester City and Liverpool going head-to-head with little margin for error was the main sight to behold – even 97 points, their best ever Premier League haul, couldn’t secure Jurgen Klopp’s men a first top-flight title in almost 30 years.

Having said that, the race (or walk) for the top four was equally as entertaining as most teams involved simply looked like they didn’t even want a Champions League place, slipping up whenever a good opportunity arose.

A number of truly world-class players helped make the season as encapsulating as it was, so let’s take a look at a few of those who have been nominated for the PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Player of the Year award…

Sergio Aguero

The Manchester City forward is always amongst the top performers every season, and 2018/19 was no different.

Aguero, an Argentina international, hit 21 goals and bagged eight assists whilst playing a crucial role in helping the Citizens retain their Premier League crown – he finished just a single goal behind joint-Golden Boot winners Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

By winning the league, the former Atletico Madrid man picked up his fourth title since arriving at the club.

Eden Hazard

The Belgian international flourished under Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea in 2018/19, hitting 16 goals whilst also recording an eye-catching 15 assists.

In doing so, Hazard became just the fourth player to record at least 15 goals and 15 assists in a single Premier League season, joining Matt Le Tissier, Eric Cantona and Thierry Henry; the former Lille man’s exploits helped the Blues finish third.

Sadio Mane

The Senegalese forward enjoyed his best ever season in terms of goals scored.

Finishing as the league’s top scorer along with his teammate Salah and Aubameyang, Mane’s 22 goals almost helped Liverpool secure their first ever Premier League title.

The former Southampton man also won six Man of the Match awards.

Bernardo Silva

The former Monaco playmaker absolutely shone for Manchester City in just his second season at the club.

Silva, a Portuguese international, found the back of the net seven times whilst also notching seven assists, but it was his industry and unbelievable selflessness that drew the most praise.

He has quickly emerged as one of Guardiola’s most vital players.

Virgil van Dijk

Wow. What a season it was for the dominant Dutchman.

Van Dijk helped Liverpool keep the most clean sheets in the league with 21 out of a possible 38, whilst he also managed to bag four goals and two assists along the way.

The former Celtic colossus was instrumental in helping his side suffer just a single league defeat in 2018/19.

Raheem Sterling

The England international enjoyed yet another outstanding campaign under Guardiola’s tutelage in 2018/19.

Sterling scored 17 goals and recorded 10 assists in just 34 games, whilst netting crucial strikes that helped the Citizens successfully defend their title.

The former Liverpool man also scooped eight Man of the Match awards along the way.

Scroll down below to vote for who you think should win this season’s PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Player of the Year award!

Andros Townsend can help solve Leicester’s troublesome wide area

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According to The Mirror, Leicester are eyeing a move for Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend this summer.

What’s the word?

Townsend’s 2018/19 campaign was very understated. It was his best scoring season to date and he even found the net with one of the goals of the season.

Back in December, the wide man let fly from range with a rasping volley which beat Manchester City’s Ederson from outside the penalty area.

If fans of the Foxes need a reminder of the player they might be getting then all they need to do is rewatch that strike.

The winger has been a reliable performer for the Eagles of late and it’s that consistency which may now see him move to pastures new.

The Mirror claim that Brendan Rodgers is set to test Palace’s resolve for Townsend in a deal which could cost around £14m.

Creative spark

At times he has a habit of being a frustrating player, but there are reasons to suggest he could be the man to finally solve Leicester’s problems from the flanks.

Over the season that’s just played out, the former England international found the back of the net on nine occasions in all competitions. He also helped himself to four assists.

Given the Eagles’ lack of attacking nous, this is a fine return for a player who is now entering his prime years.

In recent weeks, Leicester have shown interest in Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Kevin Augustin but whether they’d cut it in the Premier League is open for debate.

Townsend, however, has already shown he’s capable of performing in the division. It would be a safe signing, but considering the lack of risk, it’s a no brainer.

Demarai Gray and Rachid Ghezzal lacked much end product under Claude Puel and Rodgers, meaning Townsend’s potential arrival would be particularly beneficial.

Check out what the Pl>ymaker FC squad got up to at the Football Blogging Awards in the video below…

Over recent terms, the 27-year-old had problems with consistency himself but that was put to bed in 2018/19, finding himself involved in 13 goals.

It’s that productivity in the final third that can end Leicester’s troubles when attacking down the flanks.

Considering some of the fees the Midlands club have paid over previous transfer windows, £14m would be a snip to bring Townsend to the King Power.

What the experts have said about Liverpool target Joao Felix

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Every season there seems to be an exceptional young talent that sets the footballing world alight. Last year it was Matthijs de Ligt, the year before that it was Kylian Mbappe, and this year it could be Benfica star Joao Felix’s turn to steal the limelight.

The 19-year-old Portugal international, who has gone from playing in in the second division to lining up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, has had a meteoric rise to the top, starring for Benfica both in the Europa League and domestically as the historic club lifted the Liga NOS title.

After such an eye-catching season, it’s no surprise that interest in the exciting wonderkid is rife.

Correio da Manha via the Manchester Evening News have previously reported that Liverpool are interested in the teenage superstar, though they claim Benfica rejected a £60 million offer.

But interest was not stifled at that moment, as Mohamed Bouhafsi, Chief editor at RMC Sport, has since claimed that Liverpool are one of four clubs interested in landing Felix this summer, with Juventus, Manchester City and Manchester United also in the running.

Felix has been a sensation this season, but what have the experts said about the Portuguese international in his fleeting career thus far?

Carlos Carvalhal – Former Swansea City manager

Being young, exciting and Portuguese is bound to draw comparisons to some of the country’s greatest ever stars, but former Swansea City boss Carlos Carvalhal took it one step further and claimed that Felix, at his age, was better than current Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.

The former Swans manager said in an interview with BBC Sport: “Bernardo Silva is one of the best players in the world at this moment, but at 19, he did not show the talent that Felix is showing at this moment at 19, so imagine what kind of player we are talking about.

“Why is he so special? He’s a mix between a nine and a 10, he plays like a second striker. He is a good header, even if he is not a massive player physically.”

Jose Delgado – Deputy director for A Bola

With a potential world superstar currently plying his trade in Portugal, it’s understandable that locals are extremely excited about the future of Felix, and none so more than Jose Delgado, deputy director at Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola.

Talk of a big money move to the likes of Liverpool has been a domineering story on the Portuguese back pages in recent months, and it’s not expected to go away any time soon, with Delgado claiming that we have not seen a player like Felix since Ronaldo broke through as a teenager.

Delgado told BBC Sport: “Benfica want to keep the player for another year, but that might not be possible. Since Ronaldo, we have not had a player so exciting and young like him until now.”

Rui Costa – Former Portugal international

If you’re winning praise from a national icon and the sporting director of your club, you know you’re doing something right, and that’s exactly what Felix has managed to accomplish from Rui Costa.

The former Portugal international has lavished the teenager with praise this season but was quick to drop the comparison with Felix to himself and former AC Milan teammate Kaka.

Speaking to Tutto Sport (via Bleacher Report), Costa said: “Someone called him my heir or the new Kaka. The truth is that Felix is only Felix.

“He has an extraordinary sense of play and he has a rare ability, he can guess what will happen in front of the goal. He is a modern No. 10, a second striker with a remarkable sense of goal, he scored 10 goals in the league.”

Wolves signing Kalvin Phillips would put Romain Saiss in danger of losing his place

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Per a report from Football Insider, Wolves are set to ask about the availability of Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips as the two clubs discuss a loan deal for Helder Costa.

What’s the word?

Express & Star reported earlier this week that Leeds were keen on adding Costa to their ranks next season in what would be a potential loan switch for the Portuguese forward.

The player was made surplus to requirements in May and there’s now a greater possibility he could leave according to the newspaper’s report.

However, Football Insider are now suggesting that Leeds midfielder Phillips could be included in any deal that does take place.

They suggest that the Midlands outfit are set to ask about his availability when discussions take place over a move for Costa.

Wolves have now joined Aston Villa in the race for his signature after The Telegraph revealed the Villans’ interest on Wednesday night.

Saiss in danger

Romain Saiss didn’t enjoy the greatest of seasons at Molineux during 2018/19.

Playing a key role in their promotion winning campaign, he was a victim of the good form of Joao Moutinho and Leander Dendoncker after they arrived through the door.

The Moroccan started just 12 times in the league last term but that could be reduced further if Phillips makes a move to Wolves.

Saiss is capable of playing in both defence and midfield but he failed to really impress in either role after stepping up a division.

Phillips is a player who can play in the same positions and therefore there’s a strong possibility he could take his place in the side if he does complete a switch.

Gareth Bale to Wolves? Wolves Fan TV discuss how ambitious Nuno Espirito Santo will be this summer in the video below…

The 5 ft 10 man is a good passer of the ball and also strong in the tackle, starring predominantly as a defensive midfielder in the Championship.

But he also stood out at centre-back, playing 44 times in the league for Marcelo Bielsa’s men last campaign.

At 23 years of age, he’s a player with plenty of promise and given the form of Saiss throughout Wolves’ first year back in the Premier League, he could be dislodged fairly easily by a new arrival.

Should Leeds sign Liverpool duo Ryan Kent and Harry Wilson for £35m?

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According to The Sun’s live transfer blog (June 10, 6:00pm), Leeds United are ready to spend £35m in a double swoop for Liverpool’s Harry Wilson and Ryan Kent.

The attacking midfielder could cost £25m as reported by Football Insider – a fee which would see them break their transfer record for the first time since 2000 when they signed Rio Ferdinand for £18m.

If they were to make this move, it would show a tremendous amount of ambition as they would be signing two players who have impressed hugely at both Derby and Rangers over the past 12 months.

Marcelo Bielsa’s second season in charge is arguably Leeds’ best chance to get promoted since their relegation from the Premier League back in 2004, and signings like this would surely give the Argentine all the ammunition he needs to fire his team back into the top flight.

But £35m is a lot of money, and if they don’t go up this deal could backfire. They’re two supremely talented players, but the Whites may be overextending themselves financially.

Would this be a good move for the Yorkshire club or not? Football FanCast’s writers have had their say.

Luke Glanville

“Securing the services of two of the brightest attacking prospects for under £40m would be a simply incredible move by Leeds United. However, it’s perhaps one they should steer clear of if they aren’t going to have QSI investment. £35m is a lot of money for a Sky Bet Championship side to fork out in a year, let alone on one duo. But if they can afford it, the Whites should do everything in their power to make a transfer happen that could make them untouchable in the second tier next season.”

Billy Meyers

“£35m is a lot of money for Leeds and it would be the wrong decision to waste it on these two. The biggest issues for Marcelo Bielsa’s side last term was strength in depth after a number of players picked up injuries, so spreading that money wisely around the whole team would be a better use of it.”

Ben Goodwin

“I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if Leeds spend the bulk of their summer funds on Wilson, who has proven he can perform in the Championship. However, blowing over £35m to include a winger who has only ever delivered decent end product in Scotland is a huge risk, and may back-fire massively if the Whites are unable to improve other areas of the squad because of it.”

Sunderland fans react to interest in John Marquis

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Sunderland fans are not convinced with what is set to be Mark Campbell’s first move in charge of the club, as the Black Cats are reportedly pursuing Harry Brockbank and John Marquis.

According to The Northern Echo, Sunderland will have a new owner by the end of the week, and Campbell wants to start his reign with a double swoop for Brockbank and Marquis.

The report claims Campbell’s consortium will hold the majority share by this weekend, with Stewart Donald keeping around ten per cent of the club.

This means the new majority shareholder will have total control over major decisions such as transfers, and has set his sights on Marquis to solve the club’s goalscoring woes.

Will Grigg arrived in January but mustered just four league goals, while Marquis slammed home 22 league goals with three in the FA Cup for Doncaster last term.

Fans aren’t all sold on the 27 year-old though, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Celtic: Swooping for left-back Max Lowe can kill two birds with one stone

This summer is shaping up in a lot of ways to be a big one for Celtic. Neil Lennon certainly has his work cut out for him, especially as it looks increasingly likely that they’ll be losing Kieran Tierney to Arsenal in the next few weeks, making the demand for a new left-back even greater when also considering how poor Emilio Izaguirre is.

With that being the case, finding a new left-sided defender is going to be absolutely crucial, which is where these links from The Daily Record come in, as the young Derby defender Max Lowe is being touted with a move to Parkhead after impressing in the 2018/19 season on-loan with Aberdeen.

For those of you who are sceptical that Tierney will leave, it’s time to look at the facts, everywhere you turn the links are there, and with The Scottish Sun reporting that Arsenal are to offer the defender £20m in wages, coupled with The Times reporting that the Gunners have tabled a second bid, things don’t look good.

It could be the case that two new left-backs are needed to fill the Tierney void and give them cover to truly banish the lacklustre Izaguirre who will likely also be on his way in less than a week’s time at the end of his contract. But who better to come in than a young defender who has already experienced Scottish football first-hand as one of the two?

That’s where Derby’s Lowe comes in. The left-back is just 22-years-old yet last season for both Derby and Aberdeen he managed to make 47 appearances in all competitions, where he chipped in with three goals and two assists to aid his team, statistics via Transfermarkt.

The future looks very bright for the youngster wherever he ends up, it’s just up to the Bhoys to ensure that he manages to find his way to Parkhead for the next few seasons to come, and it likely won’t take him long to endear himself to the Hoops if he does manage to get this summer move.

Would you be happy welcoming Max Lowe to Parkhead this summer, Celtic fans? Comment below and let us know!

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