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Many Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to a report from the BBC regarding manager target Patrick Vieira.

News broke on Tuesday lunchtime that Palace are set to appoint the Frenchman as their new boss after an agreement in principle was reached.

The club have begun the process in regards to a work permit for the 45-year-old, and the BBC provided an update on Tuesday evening.

They claim that Vieira could be confirmed as Roy Hodgson’s successor in the next 24 hours.

Talks between the two parties have progressed quickly, and Vieira, who has been out of work since December, is set to sign a three-year contract at Selhurst Park.

It appears to be third time lucky for Palace, who came close in their attempts to land Nuno Espirito Santo and Lucien Favre.

Palace fans react

Both @cpfc_xtra and @CPFCtransfersHQ shared the BBC’s claim on Twitter on Tuesday evening.

This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply…

“Parish is a failure”

Credit: @StatmanOli

“Can’t believe this is happening but I’ll get behind him. Have no reason not to at present.”

Credit: @unknownbald

“Oh dear!”

Credit: @neiog

“God help us.”

Credit: @ShirePuggins

“Why is he so bad?”

Credit: @Lewisgcpfc

“Let’s back him and enjoy”

Credit: @Kevbartleyy

In other news: Eagles keen on international midfielder, find out more here. 

Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed that the Gers are closing in on a new signing and could have an announcement soon.

The Lowdown: Gers slow in transfer market

The Gers enjoyed a magnificent term last time out as they lifted the Premiership trophy for the first time in 10 years – they didn’t even lose a game in the division (thefishy.co.uk).

A title defence and a place in the Champions League third qualifying round would suggest the Ibrox outfit need to make reinforcements, but so far only Fashion Sakala has arrived at the club (rangers.co.uk).

The Latest: Gers close to new signing

However, that appears like it may change soon. Speaking to Rangers TV, Gerrard had a transfer tease for supporters as he said:

“The recruitment lads, Ross (Wilson) and myself have worked ever so hard to identify the targets we want.

“The board and Ross know the players I want to strengthen us and make us better and give us the best chance to be successful next season.

“Hopefully we can go and deliver them. We’re really close on one piece and hopefully in the coming days we’ll have an announcement for the fans.

“I like to get them excited this time of year, they’ve been patient. There won’t be wholesale signings because the squad is strong and good.

“We’ve brought some good additions in six months ago so we’re looking for quality rather than quantity at this stage.”

The Verdict: Important

Of course, the Gers already have a strong squad which saw them win a major trophy and reach the round of 16 of the Europa League last term. However, it is vital that, even when they are on top, they do not stand still and instead continue to try and bring in players who can provide something to the team.

It is unclear as to exactly who this rumoured new arrival might be, but as Gerrard said, the 55-time Scottish champions will have done their due diligence and will have looked down every avenue. Hopefully, it will be the first in a list of several strong new acquirements.

In other news, this Rangers man has received a four-game ban.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has confirmed that a fan boycott will have had a ‘noticeable’ impact on sales of Newcastle United’s Puma kits. 

The lowdown

Thousands of Newcastle fans have either refused to attend St James’ Park or buy any club merchandise until Mike Ashley departs (via The Athletic).

The club announced a multi-year partnership with Castore earlier in July, agreeing to a deal worth £5million per season.

The deal ends a relationship with Puma stretching back to the 2010/11 season, when the likes of Kevin Nolan, Shola Ameobi and Joey Barton were in the squad.

Newcastle are currently in limbo, with Mike Ashley’s intention to sell the club to a Saudi-led consortium reportedly limiting them to a £12million transfer budget this summer.

The latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire said that the boycott from a section of the fanbase had likely had an impact and explained that the club can’t simply ignore their protests.

“I don’t think it will have been significantly hit but I do think it will have been noticeable,” he said.

“Newcastle fans are starting to get more organised and fan power is working in some cases.

“The club will take notice of boycotts, cancel culture and the like,” he continued. “That can have an impact on what is ultimately a niche market. The Newcastle football kit market is very small.”

The verdict

It was of course difficult to fully gauge the strength of anti-Ashley feeling among supporters last season given that we did not hear the disconnect in the stadiums every week.

But with football grounds permitted to return to full capacity from 19 July, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle have difficulty filling their stadium as some fans determinedly stick to their principles.

Of course, things could all change if the potentially transformative takeover is ultimately given the green light and a new era begins on Tyneside.

In other news, Newcastle have received a double pre-season boost.   

Young West Ham goalkeeper Nathan Trott would be a solid signing for Sheffield Wednesday, says The Transfer Tavern’s EFL insider.

Having seen the popular Keiren Westwood released at the end of last season, Darren Moore will be looking to add another goalkeeper to his ranks.

Moore currently has Cameron Dawson and Joe Wildsmith at his disposal, with those two sharing the workload in the Owls’ opening few pre-season friendlies.

The pair have been in and out the team over the course of the last few seasons, but Wednesday haven’t had one regular first-choice goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, Trott has made just one senior appearance for the Hammers as a late substitute in the FA Cup last season, but spent last season mainly playing for the Under-23s – and desperately needs to be playing men’s football.

The shotstopper’s only experience of regular first-team football came when he played 26 times for AFC Wimbledon during a loan spell in 2019-2020.

And the EFL spy exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he’s been impressed with Trott’s progression:

“He’s got a very good profile for a keeper and made great strides last season with the U23s.

“He’s good with his feet so would be a good addition to the Wednesday squad.”

Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield expects Aston Villa to target Burnley winger Dwight McNeil if they cannot persuade Arsenal to sell Emile Smith Rowe.

Villa boss Dean Smith has been keen to bolster his options after a promising second season back in the Premier League.

However, he has been frustrated in his attempts to sign attacking midfielder Smith Rowe, with Arsenal rejecting two big-money bids for the 20-year-old.

It has been reported that Villa will return with a third bid for the England under-21 international, although it is clear the Gunners do not want to sell as they are looking to tie Smith Rowe down to a new five-year deal.

As a result, McNeil has been identified as an alternative to Smith Rowe, much to the delight of the club’s fans.

Despite being just 21, the winger has already made 96 Premier League appearances, contributing seven goals and 16 assists.

Burnley will not want to lose their talisman, but Hatfield has tipped Smith to plot a move if Smith Rowe commits his future to Arsenal.

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Hatfield said: “The question, I suppose, is with Burnley. Would they be willing to sell him? They have got new owners in so are they looking to keep hold of players like that, or is there a price tag which both clubs can agree on?

“I think Villa are favouring Smith Rowe over him, judging by the interest we have seen there and the bids they have put in. But maybe he could be a back-up option if the Smith Rowe stuff doesn’t work out.”

A promising claim has emerged on the future of Willian at Arsenal…

What’s the word?

The Gunners signed the 32-year-old winger as a free agent following his departure from Chelsea last summer but struggled to make much of an impact on the pitch after a two-assist debut against Fulham.

According to renowned Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, both parties are keen on a split in the current transfer window – speaking on the latest episode of ‘The Here We Go’ podcast, he said:

“We have many questions from Arsenal fans but talking about Willian. The situation is basically the same. Willian wants to leave Arsenal and Arsenal are open to selling him this summer. So we will see what will be the solution if they will receive the right bid, but Willian wants to go.”

Bye-bye Willian?

This update will come as pleasing news for many around North London as the Arsenal flop signed a three-year £100k-per-week deal, meaning he’s still supposed to be at the Emirates Stadium for another two seasons.

But after one goal and seven assists across 37 appearances in 2020/21, he’s failed to warrant his extortionate wages.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-arsenal-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest Arsenal news, transfer rumours, gossip and much more!”]

Somehow, he has still attracted some interest, namely from David Beckham’s Inter Miami side, which is already looking like a nice retirement home for many former stars, with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Blaise Matuidi and Kieran Gibbs.

Willian featured in a 45-minute cameo during their pre-season clash with Hibernian but plenty of the Gunners faithful slammed him for his physique just a month before the season gets fully underway.

Many have also urged the Arsenal hierarchy to do what they can to get rid of the struggling Brazilian.

Therefore, this latest update is promising and should leave the baying fanbase buzzing as there’s still a chance their wish is granted before the window slams shut at the end of next month.

AND in other news, Edu could finally replace Ozil with Arsenal swoop for £49.5m-rated “special talent”…

Liverpool appear to be progressing in their bid to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish newspaper Marca [via The Mirror], the Reds have been in contact with the 26-year-old’s representatives over a move to Anfield, with the Spain international deemed surplus to requirements at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The report claims that Atletico are set to demand around £43m for Saul, although Liverpool’s fierce rivals Manchester United are thought to be his most likely destination.

With fellow Premier League side Chelsea also credited with an interest in the box-to-box dynamo, Jurgen Klopp may have to move quickly in order to secure his transfer target.

Jurgen Klopp would absolutely love him

After progressing through the ranks at Atleti, Saul has established himself as a top-class central midfielder in recent years, winning one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and two Europa Leagues with his boyhood club.

The technically gifted maestro has also scored 43 goals and provided a further 19 assists in 337 appearances for Los Rojiblancos, earning numerous plaudits with his impressive performances, including some from Rio Ferdinand.

As per TEAMtalk, the former England defender gushed: “What a player. I’ve been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now. I think he’s a major player. He’s composed, calm, great left foot, lovely conductor, he can score goals, tactically he’s very aware.

“You can see (Diego) Simeone, he gets his teams really well set up, and he’s in the middle orchestrating and dictating things.”

However, an imminent exit from the Spanish capital now appears to be inevitable. Saul fell down the Atleti pecking order last season thanks to the rise of Marcos Llorente and missed out on Luis Enrique’s 24-man squad for Euro 2020 as a result.

His potential arrival at Anfield would certainly be welcomed by Klopp. The German is thought to be in the market for a new central midfielder following Gini Wijnaldum’s exit, leading to several big names being linked with a move to the Reds.

However, Saul is surely someone who Klopp would surely love to sign. The Spaniard has a rare mix of technical ability and physical prowess, which should allow him to slot into the Liverpool manager’s pressing style with ease.

The German will be acutely aware of the 26-year-old’s prowess, too, with the midfielder scoring against the Reds in a Champions League victory for Atletico in February 2020.

It remains to be seen whether the Anfield hierarchy follow up their apparent interest with a solid offer, but Saul’s arrival would be a significant coup, and possible one capable of propelling the 19-time English champions back to the Premier League summit.

In other news… Klopp must ruthlessly axe “unprofessional” £10.8m-rated LFC flop, he’s not good enough 

Crystal Palace are reportedly keen to bring RB Leipzig winger Ademola Lookman to Selhurst Park on a season-long loan deal this summer.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, new manager Patrick Vieira is keen to add the highly-rated 23-year-old to his first-team squad this summer as he continues his revolution in south London.

The report states that fellow Premier League sides Watford and Burnley are also interested in acquiring Lookman’s services and that Leipzig’s £3.5 million loan fee, plus wages of £50,000 a week, are too much for other admirers.

Steve Parish must swoop

Although he was unable to prevent Fulham from suffering relegation last season, Lookman enjoyed a successful return to the Premier League with the Cottagers.

The former England under-21 international caught the eye with a string of impressive performances for the capital club, bagging four goals and laying on a further four assists in 34 top-flight appearances, earning praise from his former manager Scott Parker.

“You can see the quality the boy’s got. We knew that at the start of the window when he was the main one I wanted in – the main one I was calling for,” Parker revealed.

“I think you can see in a short space of time – at Brentford the other night and now here today – that the boy’s got unbelievable quality. He’s a big plus for us this year, and he’s going to be a big help for us. Hopefully, he can keep playing the way he is.”

Lookman was one of Fulham’s standout performers throughout 2020/21, achieving a WhoScored rating of 6.92, bettered only by Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and his arrival at Palace would be seen as a significant coup.

The Eagles have already brought in several young, exciting additions in the current window and Lookman would be another intriguing signing for Vieira’s charges.

With Eberechi Eze out injured until the new year, Lookman could be the ideal temporary replacement for the ex-Queens Park Rangers ace, perfectly offsetting his enforced absence without Palace having to splash out on a permanent acquisition.

Therefore, chairman Steve Parish must swoop for the diminutive forward over the coming months, providing Vieira with the necessary quality and squad depth for the season ahead.

And, in other news…Report drops exciting Palace transfer update on 19 y/o prodigy, fans will be buzzing 

Manchester United have received a potential boost in their pursuit of Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.

What’s the story?

The highly-rated 18-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, although no formal offer has been made by the English giants.

However, according to well-known journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi (as relayed by Get French Football News), Camavinga’s agent Jonathan Barnett is pushing for the youngster to join United this summer.

They tweeted: “Jonathan Barnett is looking to push Eduardo Camavinga to Manchester United, but the player’s position remains unclear, Camavinga still wants PSG, but that’s becoming more complicated, according to @mohamedbouhafsi.”

Fans will be buzzing

Although Camavinga would reportedly prefer to remain in his homeland and move to Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain, reports that his agent is attempting to move his client to United will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

PSG are currently in negotiations to bring Lionel Messi to the Parc des Princes in a deal which would surely mean they no longer have the finances available to lure Camavinga to the French capital. With Messi understandably taking priority for Mauricio Pochettino’s charges, the door has swung open for the Red Devils to swoop and secure their transfer target.

Samuel Luckhurst, chief Manchester United writer for the Manchester Evening News, recently revealed that he expects the club to make a third significant signing in the current window.

Former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho has already arrived at Old Trafford, while Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane is expected to be announced imminently, and this latest revelation will likely have large sections of United’s fanbase hoping that Camavinga is the third major addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.

Despite his tender years, the dynamic midfielder has already racked up 82 appearances for his boyhood club, with his impressive performances earning three international caps for France’s senior setup.

The teenager only has one year remaining on his current contract, though, and Rennes are thought to be keen on selling their prized asset this summer rather than watching him leave on a free transfer in 12 months’ time.

Therefore, a switch to United could occur before the transfer window closes despite Camavinga’s PSG preference, a situation which is sure to delight the Old Trafford faithful.

In other news… Samuel Luckhurst drops exciting Man Utd transfer update which will have fans buzzing 

Writing on Twitter, journalist Fabrizio Romano has backed Tottenham Hotspur’s deal to sign Cristian Romero and reassured supporters that the move is in fact ‘done’ with ‘no problem’.

The Lowdown: Spurs close in on third summer signing…

Over these last two weeks, new Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici has been quite the busy figure at N17 after being tasked with developing the club’s on-field sporting operations.

His first senior summer signing, Pierluigi Gollini, impressed on his Wednesday evening debut for the club in a 2-2 pre-season friendly draw against Chelsea.

Meanwhile, young winger Bryan Gil has been tipped for big things as he arrives at Spurs from Sevilla.

Now, Romano has reassured Spurs supporters that they can look forward to the announcement of a colossal third summer signing.

The Latest: Romano backs Romero deal…

Writing on Twitter, the Italian reporter has backed Romero’s move to Tottenham whilst telling supporters that there are no issues involved.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-gossip/” title=”Tottenham latest gossip!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He even says that the Argentine ‘will fly to London’ soon in what is a mighty boost for Spurs given their long, drawn out search for a star centre-half – which you could trace all the way back to last summer.

“To be clear. There’s no problem for Cristian Romero deal,” explained Romano on social media.

“Tottenham have reached an agreement with Atalanta since yesterday. It’s done.

“Once Demiral signs as new Atalanta centre-back (likely tomorrow), Romero will fly to London to complete his Spurs move for €55m.”

The Verdict: Good news…

New manager Nuno Espirito Santo is arguably set for his biggest boost of the summer so far with the signing of Romero from Atalanta.

He won the Serie A 2020/2021 MVP award for best defender and has been called ‘phenomenal’ by Italian football critics for his performances over this last year (Conor Clancy to This is Futbol).

Signing the 23-year-old for €55 million (£46.8m) comes as a very big coup, and the mere fact that Daniel Levy is willing to part with a huge sum to give Nuno a genuine chance at a successful rebuild should also delight fans.

In other news: ‘We’re now hearing’…Sky Sports reporter drops Harry Kane news from Tottenham training ground, find out more here.