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Tottenham Hotspur have hit a major stumbling block in their attempts to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, as Atletico Madrid have reportedly agreed a £60million fee for his services [Corrierre dello Sport via The Boot Room].

The Lowdown: Kane rumours intensify

With the future of star man Harry Kane still as uncertain as ever amid interest from Manchester City [Manchester Evening News], the Lilywhites will have consulted contingency options should the worst-case scenario evolve and their talisman leave the club this summer.

One such contingency plan is Vlahovic, who is allegedly a priority target for the north London outfit and managing director Fabio Paratici.

Despite this, they may now miss out on one of their main offensive targets if recent reports are to be believed.

The Latest: Spurs look set to miss out

In a crushing blow to the North London side, Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina have successfully come to an arrangement in a deal worth around £60m for the 21-year-old [Corriere dello Sport via The Boot Room].

It is believed that the last step in sanctioning the transfer will be seeking the approval of La Viola chairman Rocco Commisso.

The 6 foot 3 colossus was also mooted to be attracting the attention of Arsenal in recent weeks.

The Verdict: Losing out on Vlahovic is a bitter blow

Needing to beef up their forward line with whether Kane goes or not, losing out on Vlahovic would come as a bitter blow to the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy.

In 2020/21, he was in superb form for Fiorentina, registering 23 goal contributions in 40 outings; 21 goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, his aerial presence has been a constant thorn in the side of opposition rear-guards, managing to win 3.1 duels in the air across last term [WhoScored] – he would seemingly have no issues at all adapting to the pace and physicality on offer in England.

Once labelled as ‘incredible’ by Serie A expert Conor Clancy, Spurs look to have missed the boat on a supremely talented forward [This is Futbol].

In other news, Tottenham are in advanced talks with another Serie A ace. Read more about it here.

Everton witnessed a wonderful start to the new season on Saturday afternoon as Rafa Benitez’s Goodison Park reign started with a win.

It has been a difficult summer for the Toffees but an opening victory will do the atmosphere wonders after some of the toxic negativity spread throughout Merseyside in the last few months.

What’s the word?

Next on the agenda in the transfer market for Everton is signing a right-back and a central midfielder.

They are close to landing Aurelio Buta from Royal Antwerp but they’re now looking within the Premier League to bolster their ranks.

In an exciting update from Fabrizio Romano, the journalist revealed that the Toffees had an interest in Manchester United’s Andreas Pereira.

He said: “Everton have approached Manchester United for Andreas Pereira. Many clubs are interested in signing Andreas on loan, Man Utd still prioritize permanent sale.”

Pereira is currently valued at just £7.2m via Transfermarkt.

Fans buzzing

Everton have had a difficult summer on the transfer front but this is a report that supporters should be genuinely excited about.

After all, the club have been linked with some rather mediocre midfield players in recent weeks.

Tottenham and England’s Harry Winks has been touted with a switch while Benitez has also cast his eyes towards one of his former players; Sean Longstaff at Newcastle.

However, Pereira is arguably the better player and would offer a wide-ranging set of attributes to Everton.

For instance, during the course of their respective Premier League careers, Winks and Longstaff have only managed four goals between them.

Their numbers from a defensive point of view are also fairly average. The Spurs midfielder completed 1.1 tackles per match last term while Newcastle’s academy product made 1.4 successful challenges a game.

Pereira, however, is adept in offensive situations as well as in the defensive third.

The Brazilian once found the net five times in one season for Granada, providing three assists for teammates in the process.

As well as producing goals, the Man United talent isn’t afraid to get stuck into a physical duel. He won 1.2 tackles per game in that aforementioned season for instance.

Capable of providing more than Winks and Longstaff, Everton supporters should be delighted if they pursue him instead.

AND in other news, Forget Richarlison: £120k-pw Everton beast who won 11 duels had Goodison rocking again…

Football Insider pundit Paddy Kenny has been reacting to Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic call on John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou to keep Kennedy and Strachan

Kennedy and Strachan, who worked under Neil Lennon last season, will stay at Parkhead under Postecoglou.

The new Hoops boss assessed the pair’s roles at the club and decided to keep the coaching duo around for the upcoming campaign, with the both of them alongside Postecoglou during the club’s pre-season tour of Wales.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Kenny was talking to Football Insider regarding Kennedy and Strachan.

The 43-year-old described Postecoglou’s decision to keep the pair on as ‘strange’, believing it is purely down to financial issues.

“Everyone’s up in arms and the only reason I can see why they haven’t gone for a clean slate is money.

“It’s all got to boil down to money. A new manager coming to a new league, a new country, I’m sure he’d really want his own staff that he knows in and out.

“For him to work with staff that are already there in Kennedy and Strachan, the only thing I can think is that they’ve got no money and can’t afford to pay them off.

“I find it strange, but if they haven’t got money then you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”

The Verdict: Not to do with money

If the call to keep Kennedy and Strachan was purely down to finances, surely Postecoglou wouldn’t be able to bring any of his own staff to Glasgow at all.

He’s revealed that he would be doing just that, possibly not in the coaching department, so he’s clearly happy to keep the pair alongside him.

Both Kennedy and Strachan know the club well and could help Postecoglou in his first season, so it could turn out to be an inspired call by the boss.

However, if things don’t start well next season, who knows, the decision to keep the coaches who struggled last term alongside him could come in for question.

In other news: Source drops Celtic transfer development after Starfelt update; McKay trying to work some magic.

LONDON – Graham Thorpe said his selection in England’s 16-man squad forthe forthcoming Ashes tour of Australia represented the

AFP11-Sep-2002LONDON – Graham Thorpe said his selection in England’s 16-man squad forthe forthcoming Ashes tour of Australia represented the “biggestchallenge” of his career.Surrey left-hander Thorpe, 33, has not played a senior match sincetaking an indefinite break from all cricket following England’s firstTest victory over India at Lord’s in July.That move was prompted by the collapse of Thorpe’s marriage andquestions over access arrangements to his two young children Henry,five, and Amelia, three.Since taking time out Thorpe, who earlier in the season announced hisretirement from international one-day cricket, has had several meetingswith the selectors.And they showed that Thorpe, who impressively averages over 45 againstAustralia, had persuaded them that he was mentally ready for the rigoursof a five Test trip ‘down under’ by including him in the tour party.Thorpe conceded that this represented a leap of faith on the selectors’part, one he was eager to reward.”This is as big a challenge as there’s been at this stage of my career,”said Thorpe in an interview on BBC Radio’s Sport on Five programmeTuesday.”It’s a great opportunity for me to start up again and work with theother players in the England cricket team again.”For a long time I was unsure whether I would be able to go given therecent circumstances. I’ve been lucky the selectors have been sounderstanding because I’m sure they’ll see it as a bit of a gamble.”I always said that once things settled down off the field I would beable to make a clear decision about whether I could go to Australia.”Thorpe added that improved relations between himself and his estrangedwife had eased his situation. “I don’t see too many problems off thefield, it’s become very amicable between the two parties.”Last winter was a difficult time but these things happen to all sortsof people. I have had a lot of publicity about my problems which isperhaps why I’ve found it difficult to deal with.”Thorpe hopes to return to senior cricket Wednesday by playing foralready crowned county champions Surrey against Hampshire at the RoseBowl and said his time away from the game had made him reconsider hiscareer.”Being away for five or six weeks sorting out my personal life has alsogiven me a lot of spare time and I’ve realised I’m fortunate to havebeen given this chance,” said Thorpe.”The most important thing is that my commitment and work levels arehigh. No one can guarantee success on the field but you can prepare inthe right way and I want to get back playing for England.”If I didn’t believe I could play cricket for three months knowing whatcould happen during that time I wouldn’t have put my name in the hat.”I have the ability to play at the highest level and I want to play atthe highest level and it’s important I’m committed in all areas.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Revelação do Corinthians nesta temporada e novo xodó da Fiel, o meia-atacante Pedrinho irá receber aumento salarial e renovar contrato com o Corinthians até 2021. O novo vínculo será assinado nos próximos dias, segundo Flávio Adauto, diretor de futebol do Timão.

Promovido para o elenco profissional depois da conquista da Copa São Paulo de Juniores, em janeiro, o prodígio de 18 anos ainda tem salário compatível com o dos atletas da base e contrato até o fim de 2018.

– Está encaminhado (o acerto com Pedrinho). Já fizemos a proposta para prorrogar por mais quatro anos. Não temos pressa, pois ele tem vínculo com o clube, mas pode ser nesta semana ou na semana que vem – disse Flávio Adauto, diretor de futebol do Timão.

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Pedrinho, que recentemente passou a ser agenciado pelo influente empresário Giuliano Bertolucci, deve receber salário quatro vezes maior que o atual.

– Não vou falar em valores, mas ele ficará muito feliz – completou Adauto.

O jovem jogador estreou há duas semanas e foi escalado como titular do Corinthians nas últimas partidas, inclusive no clássico contra o São Paulo, no último domingo. Porém, na partida contra o Linense, quarta-feira, Pedrinho sentiu dores após um pisão no pé e teve de ser substituído. Ele passará por exames nesta quinta.

Get French Football News writer Adam White insists Duje Caleta-Car would need to be a regular starter if he is to thrive in the Premier League.

The Croatia international has been linked with a move away from Marseille, with England being touted as a potential destination for the central defender.

Caleta-Car made 39 appearances for the French club last season but is expected to depart as Jorge Sampaoli prepares for his first full season in charge.

West Ham United have been long-term admirers of the 24-year-old, but he turned down a move to the London Stadium last September as he wanted to remain in the Champions League.

However, with David Moyes’ side preparing for a return to European football in the Europa League, the Hammers have revived their interest.

While Fabian Balbuena has departed the club following the expiry of his contract, Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop provide Moyes with plenty of options.

White believes Caleta-Car, 24, would struggle in his new surroundings if he is not in the starting line-up regularly.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, White said: “He’s very physical, he’s a really big bloke, but not particularly nimble or pacey.

“He has improved at Marseille but I think he’s one of those players that would need to be playing every game to get rhythm and consistency. If he was expected to drop in and out, I would worry about his sharpness.

“You could argue that he’s maybe found his level at Marseille.”

West Bromwich Albion are edging closer to appointing Valerien Ismael as the new manager at The Hawthorns.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, who revealed in a post on Twitter that the compensation agreement between West Brom and Barnsley should be sorted imminently.

An earlier report by Football Insider claimed that this compensation fee would be around £2m, with Nixon adding that the gap between the two clubs was minimal during talks at the weekend.

The journalist tweeted: “West Brom. Valerien Ismael. Compo deal with Barnsley should be sorted soon. Gap small at weekend… all sides need it resolved.”

Fans should be buzzing

Considering just how long West Brom’s managerial search has dragged on so far this summer, reports that a deal for Ismael appears to be nearing competition is something which should have fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, not only does the 45-year-old appear to be an exceptional coach, having taken a highly unfancied Barnsley side to the play-off semi-finals last season, the Frenchman also appears to be a manager who favours the development of youngsters, as well as one who can get the most out of a squad assembled on a tight budget.

Having arrived at Barnsley after the closure of the summer transfer window last year, Ismael’s only three signings in January were 21-year-old Forest Green Rovers centre-back Liam Kitching, 25-year-old Norwich City striker Carlton Morris and the 20-year-old loan signing of Orlando City centre-forward Daryl Dike, with Barnsley not paying a penny in transfer fees for the trio.

As such, given West Brom’s presumably larger transfer budget, as well as a squad brimming with Premier League quality, it would very much seem as if the club’s chances of going on to secure a return to the top flight next season could dramatically increase if Ismael is given the job at The Hawthorns this summer.

In other news: Ismael must make “quality” £33k-p/w gem his first WBA signing as Baggies show interest

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is eyeing a move for BSC Young Boys centre-back Mohamed Ali Camara this summer.

What’s the story?

With Emi Buendia from Norwich already signed, and a bid for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe also made, it appears Villa are keen on making some quick moves in the transfer window.

And now, according to Sport Witness, Smith’s side are interested in the 23-year-old Camara, and that they, along with fellow Premier League side, West Ham, have asked BSC Young Boys for some information.

The report claims that Camara’s club form has caught the attention of several clubs, including Villa, and that “despite the renewal (of his contract), a source has told Sport Witness the Swiss champions would allow the player leave this summer if they receive a convincing offer.”

Better stats than Ezri Konsa

When you compare his stats to one of Villa’s star defenders last season, Ezri Konsa, the 6 foot 3 titan favours very well.

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old averaged 0.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, and had an impressive success rate of 58% duels won in total, while that percentage goes higher to challenges made in the air (65%).

Compare that to Konsa, who averaged 0.7 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game, while winning 68% of his duels in total and 63% in the air.

Camara also appears to be someone is comfortable with the ball at his feet too, averaging far more touches and boasting a far better passing accuracy too.

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While he may only be playing in the Swiss league, and his stats should be taken with a pinch of salt, the centre-back certainly has some of the attributes that appear to make him a real perfect fit for English football.

His combination of size and aggression marks him out as an old-school rugged defender, but his ability to play out from the back too shows he’s got a bit more to his game than the classic ‘hack it into row Z’ style of defending.

It’s no surprise Villa are eyeing a move for him, and especially with rumours linking Bjorn Engels with a move away.

Villa could wave goodbye to Engels and reinforce the centre of defence with a move for Camara this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa must avoid selling this star this summer…

Former Leeds midfielder David Norris believes that signing another striker this summer would increase the pressure on Rodrigo.

Rodrigo made the big-money switch from Valencia 12 months ago, but only scored seven Premier League, four of which came in Leeds’ final four matches, and didn’t come close to dislodging Patrick Bamford from the side.

But strong reports from The Telegraph believe that Marcelo Bielsa could be set to add to his strike department this season by bringing in Michy Batshuayi to compete for a starting place with Bamford.

The Belgian striker is still a Chelsea player, but doesn’t appear likely to be in Thomas Tuchel’s long-term plans, meaning he could be allowed to move away from Stamford Bridge.

Batshuayi spent last term on loan at Crystal Palace, although he scored just twice, and only has 17 goals to his name across the previous three years combined.

However, a move to Elland Road and reunion with Bielsa would offer the striker a fresh start, but it would also crank up the pressure on Rodrigo following his mixed first season in English football.

Norris exclusively told the The Transfer Tavern:

“If you’re a player and you are playing and they bring in someone else, your first thought would be ‘are they going to replace me?’

“But if you’re doing well, and the manager trusts you, especially someone like Bielsa, then you will get your minutes, but it will put pressure on you.”

Michael Ball said that Duncan Ferguson’s spell as caretaker manager prior to Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment got Everton “bouncing again”, amid recent reports that he turned down joining the Italian at Real Madrid as he wants to manage the Toffees.

Following Marco Silva’s sacking early in December of 2019, the legendary Toffees striker was placed in temporary charge with Everton sitting in the relegation zone following a 5-2 Merseyside derby loss.

And despite a dauting run of Premier League fixtures on the horizon, Ferguson relished the big occasion and laid the foundations for incoming manager Ancelotti.

Two Dominic Calvert-Lewis goals inspired Everton to beat Chelsea in Ferguson’s first game in charge before backing up that result by earning a point at Old Trafford, although that afternoon was more remembered for the Scotsman showing his brutal side when he famously substituted a substitute in Moise Kean.

Everton were then knocked out of the EFL Cup by Leicester three days later, but Ferguson rounded off his cameo in the dugout by holding Arsenal to a goalless draw to ensure he remained unbeaten in the Premier League.

And Ball told The Transfer Tavern that Ferguson’s brief spell in charge of the team got Everton back on track:

“The last time I went to Goodison Park and really enjoyed going again and watching Everton being Everton under Duncan Ferguson, it was only for four games, but he’s the one that got the club bouncing again against Manchester United and Chelsea.

“And that’s what Carlo came in and witnessed, he saw Goodison full, the performance that Duncan got and that atmosphere.”