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Stoke City have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to keep Nathan Collins at the bet365 Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that Burnley are close to agreeing a £12m fee with the Potters for the transfer of the 20-year-old centre-back.

The report goes on to state that the defender is already scheduled to have a medical with the Premier League side in the coming days, with Stoke now resigned to losing the £1.8m-rated man in the summer transfer window.

Fams will be devastated

While it would be hard to argue that £12m is a decent transfer fee to receive for a player who has made just 47 senior appearances for the club, the fact that Stoke look set to lose one of their brightest stars ahead of next season is sure to leave fans of the club devastated.

Indeed, over his 22 Championship appearances for the Potters last season, the £5.9k-per-week centre-back helped his team keep nine clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and winning five duels per game.

The youngster also chipped in going forwards, scoring two goals and providing one assist, while also making an average of 0.5 key passes per fixture, with these metrics seeing Collins earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.90 – ranking him as Michael O’Neill’s ninth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, considering his returns while still being just 20 years of age, it would very much appear as if the player whom Jim Crawford dubbed a “fantastic” defender has an extremely bright future in the game, and, with three further years on his contract at the bet365 Stadium, perhaps Stoke could have demanded slightly more than the £12m the Irishman looks to be costing Burnley this summer.

In other news: Forget Clucas: O’Neill must sanction Stoke summer swoop for “fantastic” £14k-p/w beast

Many Wolves fans have been left to buzz as the Midlands club confirmed on their official website that Conor Coady is in England’s provisional Euros squad.

Gareth Southgate has named 33 players in his provisional squad for Euro 2020 which will have to be cut down to 26 and named on the 1st June.

It is always good to see a player from your team represent their country at international level, and Coady may be able to do just that for the Molineux faithful should he make the final cut.

The central defender averaged the most blocks (0.9) and long balls (6.7) per game in the Premier League in the 2020/21 term out of any of his teammates, and he also ranked highly in terms of clearances (3.5), average passes (50.2) and pass success percentage (88%) (Whoscored).

With the competition for places at centre-back for the Three Lions, Coady has certainly done well to earn his spot.

Wolves fans on Coady call-up

These WWFC supporters buzzed as Coady’s call-up was shared on Twitter, with one fan claiming that they were ‘so happy’ while a couple labelled the news as ‘brilliant’:

“Brilliant news! #ourcaptain  so proud of him!  xx”

Credit: @AuntyTwe

“Thank goodness for that”

Credit: @JezLowe

“No brainer ..Southgate loves his leadership qualities on and off the pitch. Well done skipper”

Credit: @StPaul197173

“Brilliant”

Credit: @taylerjadeloach

“So happy for him”

Credit: @Luciafarruggio1

“Yess Coady captain fantastic”

Credit: @charlwolves84

In other news, find out what big Wanderers manager update Henry Winter has dropped here!

Major news has emerged about Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn, it could lead to a masterclass from CEO Martin Semmens.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn is closing in on a return to his hometown club Norwich City. Southampton have agreed a deal with Norwich that could rise to £7m if all clauses in the contract are met, with Gunn now set to discuss personal terms with the Canaries. Gunn is said to have held talks with Ralph Hasenhuttl earlier this year, where he was told that he would not be part of the Austrian’s plans moving forward.

Norwich will pay an initial fee of £2.5m for the former England under-21 international. The deal will hit £5m guaranteed for Southampton, with a further £2m in add-ons. This is £3m less than the £10m Southampton paid Manchester City for his services in 2018.

Earlier this year, Stoke boss Michael O’Neill admitted that Angus Gunn had been “unfortunate” at times in the Championship and praised the shot-stopper for his composure at the back. He told the Daily Echo:

“Angus has been really good since he’s come in, in a difficult situation.

“He’s been unfortunate in the goals that he’s lost. The goal down at Swansea when he had to come on at half-time – then the goals at Watford which were disappointing and harsh on him given the nature of the decision.

“The other two games he’s kept clean sheets, so we’re delighted.

“I think he gives good composure to his defence, kicks well, looks very assured with the ball at his feet and I think there is loads more to come.”

Semmens masterclass

This could turn out to be a masterclass from Southampton CEO Martin Semmens. The Saints could raise some valuable funds to make incomings of their own whilst discarding a player who was of no use to Hasenhuttl heading into next season. With all due respect to Gunn, he was the third-choice goalkeeper behind Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster and stood little chance of getting any minutes in the Premier League.

Therefore, Southampton could potentially get up to £7m back for a player who has been unable to make an impact at St. Mary’s and who had no future at the club.

As the report mentioned, Hasenhuttl did not see a place for Gunn in the squad as he wants to go with McCarthy and Forster, so it is a shrewd move to sell the shot-stopper instead of sending him out on another loan and not receiving a fee for him.

The £10m flop can now play a crucial role in helping Southampton improve Hasenhuttl’s squad. Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor claimed the Saints are close to agreeing an £8.5m package for Brest left-back Romain Perraud. Gunn’s sale to Norwich could now cover a sizeable chunk of that fee and allow Southampton to reinvest cash in other areas to bolster the team.

Therefore, this sale could be a masterclass by Semmens. He’s getting rid of a flop and could well use the funds raised to strengthen Hasenhuttl’s options.

AND in other news, Semmens making unforgivable Saints blunder over £8.1m-rated flop with “wrong attitude”…

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has lauded the quality of Jack Harrison, saying that he would be an ‘absolute snip’ of a signing this summer if the Whites sign him permanently.

The Lowdown: Excellent performer for Leeds

After starring in the Championship last season, the 24-year-old has taken that form with him into the Premier League, registering an impressive eight goals and assists apiece.

Only Patrick Bamford has scored more often for Leeds in the top flight 2020/21, with Harrison a standout figure for an excellent Whites side.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040”]

The Latest: Harrison lauded by Whelan

Harrison is still only on loan from Manchester City, but it is believed that Leeds have the opportunity to make that deal permanent for £10m in the summer.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan waxed lyrical over Harrison’s performance against Burnley, saying he would be a steal at that price and tipping him to be a standout signing in the next transfer window. He said:

“Just an immense performance. He was instrumental in everything good we did against Burnley, both on and off the ball. Bielsa would have been delighted. He was everything that you would expect from him and more.

“When he has a bad game everyone is quick to come down on him but that is because he has set his standards so high. We notice it when he is not at his best but he was certainly at his best against Burnley.

“His passing was absolutely spot on. The weight of pass, the timing of the pass, the vision, everything about it. Clinical. He showed a cleverness and intelligence.

“For roughly £10million this summer it’s an absolute snip. We have seen enough of him now to know he is probably already worth double or close to triple that, around £30m. He is going to be one of the bargains if not the bargain of the summer.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-2/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: No-brainer for Whites

Whelan is spot on in his assessment and Leeds would be mad not to try and bring in Harrison permanently ahead of next season.

He has been one of the standout performers with Marcelo Bielsa at the helm, combining reliable end product with an admirable work ethic, averaging 1.7 tackles per game in the league. Also, the manager knows what he can do and he is already familiar with the intricacies of Bielsa’s methods.

Given the level of inflation in the current transfer market, £10m really would be an excellent deal for Leeds, and Harrison could jump at the chance to stay at a club where he is thriving and playing regularly.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for an international midfielder this summer. Find out who it is here.

Andy Carroll is set to leave the club as a free agent this summer and despite managing to score just one goal in two seasons on Tyneside, former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey wants to see the academy graduate remain at the club.

After managing to finish the season in an unexpected, yet very respectable 12th in the Premier League, Steve Bruce will be looking to improve his squad this summer, despite reports suggesting he has just £12 million to spend.

If Bruce’s budget is set to be extremely limited and he still wants to sign Joe Willock, then he may look to offer extensions to several players who are set to become free agents when their current deals expire this summer.

Carroll has managed to keep himself relatively fit this season having missed just 19 days through injury, and Howey believes that Newcastle could do worse than offering him a new deal, he spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I’m surprised that Carroll will be out of contract because me personally, I would keep him for another year, I really would. He’s been fit this season but just hasn’t been given the opportunity to play so that’s not his fault.

“It’s not his fault that he’s not played, that’s the manager’s fault because all Carroll can do is be fit. I still think he’s a threat and that centre backs still won’t like playing against him.”

The striker has experienced a frustrating season on Tyneside having been handed just four Premier League starts as well as an embarrassing 30-second cameo appearance against West Brom earlier in the year.

The Magpies are set to lose both Dwight Gayle and Carroll this summer which would leave Bruce with just Callum Wilson and Joelinton as options in the strikers’ department heading into next season.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned Sergio Aguero’s wages could upset the Elland Road dressing room.

Leeds have emerged as shock contenders to sign Aguero this summer when his contract at Manchester City expires, with 90min reporting that Marcelo Bielsa has identified the 32-year-old striker as a replacement for Rodrigo.

Rodrigo has failed to make a real impact this season following his move from Valencia last August, struggling with injury, and it now appears that an exit could be on the cards.

It would leave Bielsa perhaps needing to bring in a new forward as mentioned. But if that man happens to be Aguero, Palmer believes issues at the club could arise.

On Leeds’ reported interest in the Argentina international, he told FFC:

“You bring somebody like Sergio in on huge money and the rest of the players are behind him, then you’ve upset the dressing room and the apple cart.”

According to Spotrac, Aguero is currently on a weekly salary of £230,000, making him one of Manchester City’s highest earners.

It reamins to be seen whether Leeds would be willing to pay anything close to that, but targeting a player of Aguero’s profile does at least show ambition.

Manchester City made it four Carabao Cup wins in a row as they edged Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Wembley on Sunday afternoon. Here are our City player ratings from the game:

Starting XI

Zack Steffen: 6/10

Had nothing to do in the first half. Tipped a Lo Celso effort around the post early on in the second 45 and that proved to be the only real save he had to make.

Kyle Walker: 6/10

Barely touched the ball in the first half as City dominated but attacked down the left. Did well to get back and cover when Hojbjerg was found in the box after a quick Spurs counter.

Ruben Dias: 7/10

Great tackle on Kane to stop a Spurs counter-attack, although it was somehow given as a foul. Kane and Son barely had a sniff, although the Portuguese defender looked comfortable, he was dominant in everything he needed to do.

Aymeric Laporte: 7/10

Fortunate to not get an early booking after losing the ball to Lucas Moura and dragging him down when he could have countered. Eventually was shown a yellow card for scything down Moura again when he was running forward dangerously. Opened the scoring with a great header from De Bruyne’s cross, which proved to be the winner.

Joao Cancelo: 7/10

A lot of City’s play was going down the left-hand side in the first half and the Portuguese international was heavily involved. Denied by a flying save from Lloris after being found by Mahrez on the edge of the box. Did well to tackle Kane when he threatened to break into the box before picking out Foden to kick start a counter. Defended really well when he had to and looked excellent going forward.

Fernandinho: 6/10

Lovely through ball to set up Sterling but his clipped shot went wide. Picked up a Fernandinho-esque booking for stopping Hojbjerg on the counter. Headed straight at Lloris after a great ball into the box. Replaced by Rodri with 10 minutes remaining.

Ilkay Gundogan: 6/10

Helped to dictate play in the first 45 but didn’t get forward as much as we’re used to seeing him do. Couldn’t quite get enough contact on a cross from Mahrez and headed over the bar. Volleyed well wide after being found in the box by Sterling.

Kevin De Bruyne: 7/10

A superb pass was inches away from finding Sterling, the Belgian was regularly found in excellent positions in the first half and his crosses were as dangerous as ever. Surprisingly wasteful when found in the area by Mahrez early in the second half. Great ball in from a free-kick for Laporte to score the opening goal. Replaced by Bernardo Silva late on.

Phil Foden: 8/10

Turned Sterling’s cross just wide, did well to rob Alderweireld to set up an early chance. Good quick thinking to set up Sterling for a great chance, but his effort was blocked. Came very close to opening the scoring when his shot was blocked onto the post by Alderweireld. Involved in so many of the good things that City did at Wembley and the £63m-rated “superstar” was a thorn in Spurs’ side throughout.

Riyad Mahrez: 7/10

So close to opening the scoring after a delightful touch from Cancelo’s cross-field pass with his curled effort only just wide of Lloris’ goal. Hits another great effort inches over just a few minutes later. A superb run and shot saw him denied by Lloris.

Raheem Sterling: 5/10

Had a great early opportunity after a loose pass from Son but was slow to get a shot away and was tackled by Aurier. Did well to set up an early chance for Foden after turning Aurier inside the area. Had another great chance to open the scoring but saw his shot blocked by Dier. Perhaps a little too greedy late on as he regularly tried to get a goal rather than passing to his teammates. Played better than in recent weeks but once again, he lacked the finishing touch.

Subs

Rodri: 6/10

Helped to see the game out late on.

Bernardo Silva: 6/10

Had a lot of touches despite only playing the last few minutes, he helped City to secure their win.

And, in other news… Guardiola dealt huge blow as “genius” superstar edges closer to agreement 

A ‘well-placed financial source’ has told Football Insider when they expect the potential takeover of Newcastle United to be completed.

As per the news outlet, there is ‘hope’ that the proposed deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group could be completed ‘as early as July, or even June’.

The St James’ Park club are ‘privately confident’ that they will be given the green light by the Premier League for the takeover to be completed, and in recent weeks there has been a ‘growing sense’ that the hostility of the governing body to the bid has ‘thawed’.

Newcastle takeover hope

If what the source is saying is true, then it very much offers a lot of hope that the takeover in the northeast by the KSA consortium can be completed.

Of course, the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) would have to come back onto the table, and Steve Bruce’s team would likely have to avoid being relegated from the Premier League at the end of the current campaign.

Nonetheless, the deal is certainly not dead in the water just yet, with an arbitration hearing between the Tyneside club and the Premier League still to be scheduled.

The results of that case could go a long way towards painting a picture of the direction in which the bid is heading, but for now there has definitely been some hope offered to the Toon Army.

In other news, find out what big claim has emerged about a Magpies-linked manager!

According to a report by journalist Nicolo Schira, writing on Twitter, Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy have already made an approach to RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann amid growing pressure on Lilywhites manager Jose Mourinho.

Indeed, as per the reporter, the 33-year-old has been ‘contacted by Tottenham’ over the ‘last weeks’ – with Serie A giants AS Roma also making an approach for Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann contact made by Tottenham

The German has been heavily linked with a possible Spurs appointment if Mourinho is indeed shown the door as other outlets claim he is one of the top candidates on Levy’s shortlist (Daily Record).

Other names linked in the press include Brendan Rodgers, and more recently, Maurizio Sarri – but Schira has now shared news of Tottenham’s recent contact with Nagelsmann as Bundesliga side Bayern Munich also contemplate a move.

It is claimed by the journalist that Bayern ‘will choose’ the exciting Leipzig coach when current boss Hans-Dieter Flick replaces Joachim Low at the helm of the German national team.

Nagelsmann is also apparently ‘waiting’ for the German giants, but that allegedly hasn’t stopped Spurs from making an approach in the last weeks according to Schira.

Transfer Tavern take

Leipzig starlet Tyler Adams, speaking to ESPN recently (via Bundesliga), heralded his manager as a ‘fearless coach’ – meanwhile goalkeeper turned journalist Lutz Pfannenstiel dubbed Nagelsmann the ‘most exciting coaching talent in Europe’ (DAZN).

Still in contention for a league title this season, Nagelsmann has arguably worked wonders with this RB side and it’s little wonder he is on the managerial radar of clubs across Europe.

Without a doubt, in our opinion, he should be the number one coaching target for Levy if Mourinho is given his marching orders.

In other news: Tottenham still in the race for this 6 foot 2 ‘phenomenon’, find out more here.

Fans of West Bromwich Albion have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding the future of the Baggies’ manager, Sam Allardyce.

According to the report by the Birmingham Mail, Allardyce and West Brom will be at something of a crossroads come the end of the season, when, barring a remarkable escape from the Premier League relegation zone, the Baggies will be planning for a season in the Championship.

It is said that the West Brom hierarchy will have to weigh up whether they feel that the 66-year-old, who only joined the club in December of last year, is the man they wish to lead the club in the second tier next season, while it is also stated that it remains unclear whether the former England manager will wish to stay at The Hawthorns upon relegation – with a summer break clause in Allardyce’s contract making his departure a viable option for either party.

However, after West Brom Live shared this report on Twitter, fans of the Baggies flocked to have their say on the matter, with many making it abundantly clear they want to see the back of Allardyce at the end of the season.

So, what exactly did these West Bromwich Albion fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Sam Allardyce’s future?

“Hopefully go, but the whole club needs change from the owners down to a vast majority of the playing staff too.”

@Matthill821

“Arrivederci.”

@grahamlangford2

“Get rid. Can’t be watching his style of play next season.”

@ells89

“Was a stay but now a go.”

@bluntroger

“Go. Yesterday’s man.”

@hoare_neil

“Go.”

@sparkyhimself

In other news: these WBA fans unleashed their fury at “pathetic” stars following John Percy’s report – find out more here!