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Newcastle fan favourite Allan Saint-Maximin has revealed that everyone at St. James’ Park felt ‘disappointed’ when the owners visited to share the news that Steve Bruce had been sacked.

The Lowdown: Bye bye Bruce

Bruce’s departure was confirmed on Wednesday, after taking charge of his 1,000th game in management last weekend, falling to another defeat against Tottenham.

The 60 year-old certainly can’t argue this wasn’t coming, winning just 28 of 97 games with the Magpies, a measly 29 per cent winning rate.

Of course, that worrying record doesn’t mean the manager didn’t have some positive influence on Tyneside, and perhaps the biggest silver lining of his tenure was the emergence of Saint-Maximin.

The Latest: Saint-Maximin reveals all

The 24 year-old shared a heartfelt thank you message to his gaffer on Twitter this week, before speaking to Sky Sports (via Football Daily) about the mood in the dressing room.

“It was a bad day, so they didn’t come in like ‘we enjoy, Steve Bruce is sacked’, that’s not what happened.

“Everyone feels disappointed and even the owner, to be honest, about what’s happened.

“So they just talked about the situation at the moment, they said if we need anything to make everything better, we just have to talk, because at the moment we need to feel comfortable.”

The Verdict: Fonseca time?

There is no question Saint-Maximin has thrived under the tutelage of Bruce, regardless of the manager’s poor record on Tyneside. The dazzling winger had never been able to add consistency to his game in France, but has bagged two goals and three assists in eight top flight appearances this season.

That said, the only way the club can feel ‘comfortable’ again is if they start putting points on the board, something they will look to kick-start at Crystal Palace this weekend when Graeme Jones leads them to Selhurst Park.

The rumour mill is heating up with new manager links too, with Paulo Fonseca seemingly the front runner at the moment.

And, given that the Portuguese tactician was hailed as ‘one of the greatest coaches I’ve had in football’ by Euro 2020 winner Alessandro Florenzi, perhaps he will have the perfect man-management style to continue to bring the best out of Saint-Maximin.

In other news, the KSA consortium are already eyeing up a ‘fantastic striker’ who Shearer loves! Find out more here…

West Ham remain interested in Sam Johnstone, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Irons were originally linked with a move for the West Brom goalkeeper during the summer transfer window, when Football Insider claimed that the 28-year-old was a firm target for David Moyes and he was “very keen” to join the east Londoners.

With his contract set to expire in the summer, the Scotsman could well plot to sign him once again.

“WBA and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is targeted by Tottenham. Southampton and West Ham are the other interested teams with the young keeper,” claimed verified Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur.

He added: “Johnstone will be free to negotiate with those clubs in January. His West Bromwich contract will expire at the end of this season.”

Bye-bye Fabianski?

The Hammers brought in Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris Saint-Germain instead of signing the England international, so this renewed interest could mean one of two things.

Either Moyes is not convinced by the 6 foot 5 loanee or he wants to replace the likes of Lukasz Fabianski, Darren Randolph and Dave Martin, all of whom are the wrong side of 30.

The latter scenario seems more likely and a goalkeeping department of Areola and Johnstone would be very competitive and something you’d expect from a Premier League side vying for a European spot.

West Ham’s new head of recruitment Rob Newman could seal a bargain in the Baggies shot-stopper, especially if he secures him for nothing.

Despite being relegated last season, Johnstone made Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020, though that should come as little surprise as he was one of the more impressive options between the sticks. No goalkeeper made more saves (161) than the 6 foot 4 glovesman in the 2020/21 Premier League, as per FBRef.

Former Villa boss Steve Bruce lauded him as a “diamond” for his work ethic on the training pitch. “He’s a diamond – first in, last out. He’s a typical goalkeeper who wants to learn,” the 60-year-old said, via BirminghamLive.

The £7.2m-rated star is only thought to be earning around £32.5k-per-week at The Hawthorns, which further suggests that it would be an absolute steal to secure him, especially ahead of Spurs and the Saints.

Newman and co must look to replace Fabianski with Johnstone in 2022.

AND in other news, Signed for £18m, now worth 81% less: GSB endured nightmare with “special” West Ham dud…

This was a difficult summer for Wolverhampton Wanderers. They lost Nuno Santo early on due to a rift over recruitment and it’s probably just as well he left.

The Portuguese had been informed by Jeff Shi and co that he’d have to operate in a market that revolved around loan deals.

Bruno Lage, however, was keen to come to the Premier League and has worked duly with what he’s been given at Molineux.

Trincao arrived from Barcelona and South Korean speedster Hwang-hee Chan was also signed on a temporary basis from RB Leipzig.

Both players are eye-catching additions but beyond that, there was little to shout about in the market.

Wolves looked to complete deals on deadline day but ultimately fell short in their pursuits of Kieffer Moore, Sven Botman and Renato Sanches.

The Old Gold came into the final day of the window looking as though they’d sign the latter. They were in talks with Lille over landing the midfielder on a loan deal before paying to sign him next summer.

However, with the 23-year-old injured and a disagreement over the future fee, a deal fell through.

It was a gut-wrenching blow for the club who were keen to bring in one of the most promising central players in Europe.

Sanches’ previous spell in the Premier League with Swansea had been unsuccessful but he’s come on leaps and bounds since moving to French football.

He was involved in four goals throughout the league campaign and was tantalising with the ball at his feet.

The Portuguese dynamo recorded a pass success rate north of 85% and registered 1.7 dribbles per game.

Yet, they shouldn’t be too disheartened about missing out on Sanches. After all, Lage may already have Wolves’ very own Renato lying within their ranks.

That happens to be Chem Campbell, the new darling of the Wolves academy.

Of course, he’s not at the level that Sanches currently is but his future at Molineux and in the game, in general, is huge.

The 18-year-old was courted by Borussia Dortmund last year and was named in The Guardian’s 20-best players at Premier League clubs for 2019.

Writing in that piece, Paul Doyle said: “He is a skilful, direct dribbler with a knack for bursting forward from central midfield.”

That reminds us of Sanches, a skilful ball carrier who is capable of dragging his team up the pitch.

Campbell became the second-youngest player to feature for Wolves at senior level when he played in the Carabao Cup back in 2019/20.

He’s not played a first-team game since but has taken part in the EFL Trophy, gaining regular football against senior professionals.

The teenager is one of the most vibrant players in the academy and a glowing review from former U18 boss Steve Davis says a lot: “[He can] go as far as he wants in the game,” Davis began.

“He can produce things out of nothing.

“Defensively he’s got work to do in terms of his responsibilities but with the ball he can create things just with his skill. He catches the eye.”

Campbell has a long way to go before he becomes a regular part of the furniture at Molineux but the midfielder has plenty of potential.

After missing out on Sanches, Lage should look to unearth it.

With Leeds United having the second-youngest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 24.8 according to Transfermarkt, it seems as though the Yorkshire club could be looking to add a player to their squad that could offer them a lot of Premier League experience.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Calcio Mercato (via Sport Witness) Leeds are interested in signing Juventus and former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey on a loan deal in the upcoming January transfer window.

Before jetting off to Juventus back in the 2019 summer transfer window, Ramsey made a total of 371 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, scoring 65 goals and providing 65 assists in the process.

With 262 of those appearances coming in the Premier League, this shows just how much experience the Welshman could offer Marcelo Bielsa’s side if he does leave Juventus next month and fancies a return to England with Leeds and play alongside some of his Wales teammates such as Dan James and Tyler Roberts.

Labelled as an “outstanding technician” in the past by pundit and former Arsenal star Martin Keown, Ramsey could definitely offer some creativity and goals to this Leeds side who have only managed to score 15 times in as many games so far this season.

Additionally, with Leeds only having four central-midfield options in their squad at the moment, this backs up why signing a midfielder such as Ramsey, who is currently valued at £9m according to Transfermarkt, would be a good idea for the Yorkshire club to do in January to give Bielsa that bit of extra depth in that area of his squad.

The report does claim, however, that Leeds would look for a loan deal for Ramsey whereas fellow Premier League club Everton could be willing to make a permanent deal for the 30-year-old, which might be more appealing to Juventus rather than a loan deal and therefore put the Whites on the backfoot in the chase for his signature.

Either way, with January around the corner, Leeds and Victor Orta should definitely explore the option of signing Ramsey either on a loan deal or permanent basis if they can, as it would definitely start their transfer window with a bang given his pedigree at the top level.

In other news: Huge setback: Leeds struck with double injury blow that’ll surely have Bielsa fuming – opinion

Many Everton fans have been left lauding a transfer update on Philippe Coutinho.

Writing in his latest piece for The Liverpool Echo, football journalist Phil Kirkbride has claimed that the Goodison Park faithful have been offered the chance to sign the former Liverpool star before the summer window shuts.

However, it is unlikely that they will sign him at this moment in time, as he is a player that they are not currently actively pursuing, and his wages may present an issue.

Of course, Coutinho is proven in English football, having scored no fewer than 54 goals and made a further 45 assists in 201 games in total over all competitions across six consecutive seasons at Anfield (Transfermarkt).

There may be a bit of bittersweetness if he signs having played for the Reds before, but it seems as if a lot of Merseyside club supporters want him signed.

Everton fans on Coutinho transfer update

These Toffees lauded the transfer update as it was shared across Twitter:

“Sign him up, improves us straight away.”

Credit: @Gazala2

“I would take him he’s quality adds more options for us tbh”

Credit: @KieranTB20

“What get on it Mosh lad”

Credit: @eveoblue

“If he agrees a lower wage I’ll take him”

Credit: @OscarFinch15

“I’d bite your hand off for him.”

Credit: @JayRicho60

“Sign him up @rafabenitezweb @Everton”

Credit: @CursedToffees

In other news, find out what transfer update has Blues raging here!

Former Liverpool loanee Ozan Kabak could be released from his current employers Schalke this summer in order to allow him time to find a new club, amid continued speculation surrounding his future [Liverpool Echo].

Enjoying a profitable spell on loan at the Reds, making 13 appearances as he helped the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League [Transfermarkt].

Earlier in the window, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly turned down the chance to secure his services for £18 million [Liverpool Echo].

After talks with Crystal Palace fell through, it is now said that he could have his contract in Gelsenkirchen terminated before the end of August due to his high salary.

The Anfield side are not believed to be interested in Kabak, however this hasn’t stopped loads of Liverpool diehards taking to Twitter to voice their desire to snap him up on a free transfer.

Liverpool FC fans react:

Replying to popular Liverpool fan outlet LFC Transfer Room on Twitter, here is what some supporters had to say about a prospective move for Kabak:

“Sell Phillips bring in Kabak and loan him out”

Credit: @lfcjason1″That’s crazy, surely someone will snap up @ozankabak4 he’s better than 80% of Premier League CBs.”Credit: @oldhairy1

“Get him on a free even better. Get him and then loan him out for a season”

Credit: @Matthew46012930″Get him in for Phillips.”Credit: @SchwarzHertz”Edwards is a genius”Credit: @YaasinEdoo”Liverpool get him if they terminate his contact all u have to pay is his contact”Credit: @LiverpoolFan_20In other news, a Liverpool ace is nearing a new contract.

Leeds United have again been linked with a move for Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, with Marcelo Bielsa reportedly happy to pay his release clause.

The Lowdown: Leeds move mooted

The Whites secured a highly impressive ninth-place finish in the Premier League last season, with the aim now to replicate that in 2021/22, at worst.

For Leeds to go up another gear, top-class new signings may be needed and Nandez is a player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road in the past.

The Uruguayan started 31 of Cagliari’s 38 Serie A matches last season, registering two goals and assists apiece, and has won 36 caps for his country.

The Latest: Fresh update arrives

According to La Nuova Sardegna [via Sport Witness], Leeds ‘insist’ on signing Nandez, with Bielsa prepared for ‘economic madness’.

The Whites manager is willing to pay the €36million (£30.9m) to prise the 25-year-old away from Cagliari, although it is stated that they may try and buy him for less than that.

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

The Verdict: Stellar midfield addition

There are arguably times when Leeds have been too reliant on the performances of Kalvin Phillips, so a top-quality midfield addition makes perfect sense.

At 25, Nandez still has years ahead of him in the game, but is also an experienced figures, as highlighted by his international exploits.

He averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.5 clearances per game in the league last season, showing his tenacious side, but also played an average of one key pass per match, displaying a well rounded skill-set on both sides of the ball.

The midfielder has been talked up as a ‘great player’ by his agent, Pablo Bentancur, and like Phillips, he looks to be adept both in and out of possession, which is exactly what Bielsa wants in his players.

In other news, a pundit has given some key insight regarding one Leeds United player. Find out who it is here. 

Ange Postecoglou has no intention of using Celtic left-back Boli Bolingoli, according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Bolingoli’s summer

Bolingoli returned to Parkhead over the summer following a loan spell in Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir.

The Belgian was linked with a return to Turkey with Altay SK back in June, however, he remained a Parkhead player beyond Tuesday’s deadline.

He posted a picture on Instagram prior to the 2021/22 campaign in Celtic colours ready for the new season with the caption ‘let’s go’. However, he hasn’t been used in a competitive match under Postecoglou, and it seems as if he isn’t in the Parkhead boss’ plans.

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

The Athletic shared a story on Wednesday about some players who have been left high and dry after failing to secure a summer transfer.

Devlin contributed with a section on Bolingoli, claiming there is no intention in Glasgow to use him in the first team.

Bolingoli, on £780,000-a-year at Celtic, still has two years remaining on his deal.

The Verdict: January exit?

With Postecoglou preferring Adam Montgomery and new right-back Josip Juranvoic on the left-hand side in Greg Taylor’s absence, it looks like a New Year exit for Bolingoli could be on the cards.

The Hoops may well be open to a loan or permanent deal for the 26-year-old, and should it be the latter, they could struggle to recoup the £3m fee they forked out for his services back in 2019, especially with his Transfermarkt valuation dropping to £1.98m.

In other news: Ange’s first January target emerges; Celtic will watch ‘really important’ ace tomorrow. 

Everton have ‘been offered’ former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo as a possible replacement for Carlo Ancelotti.

That’s according to the print edition of Spanish publication AS (via Sport Witness).

Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Real Madrid were in talks with Ancelotti, whom they identified as a candidate to replace Zinedine Zidane. Los Blancos were said to be ‘pushing’ to bring the Italian back to the Bernabeu, and the Italian’s departure has since been confirmed.

Ancelotti signed a four-and-a-half-year deal when he took over at Goodison Park in December 2019 but Nuno could now be a decent replacement option.

The 47-year-old parted company with Wolves at the end of the season after they finished 13th in the Premier League. Prior to that, he led them to promotion and back-to-back seventh-place finishes.

Twitter account Everton News Feed relayed the claim from AS, and here’s how supporters reacted. Many were unconvinced by Nuno’s credentials as a possible successor to Ancelotti off the back of a poor season, with one even remarking that they would rather have the much-criticised Marco Silva back at Goodison Park.

Everton fans concerned by Nuno links

“Don’t think he’s good enough for our club, he’s done a great job at Wolves don’t get me wrong but no Ancelotti replacement”

Credit: @KingKierxn

“I’d rather Marco Silva back”

Credit: @jake_everton

“Just no”

Credit: @bobadilla

“This is so typical Everton”

Credit: @JoshuaBartley

“Avoid this at all costs”

Credit: @BigChungusREE

“Yikes”

Credit: @ajpb03

In other news, many Everton fans flocked to this transfer update on one Toffees midfielder.

Celtic are back in SPFL action this afternoon with an away match against Ross County.

The Hoops will be looking to put last weekend’s defeat against Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final behind them and add some more league points to their tally to take a step closer to securing the title.

On the chalkboard

One player that started in the defeat at Hampden Park that should not be in the team on this occasion is midfielder Reo Hatate.

Celtic signed the 24-year-old during the previous January transfer window in a deal worth £1.4m from Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale.

Since then, the midfielder has made 17 appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists along the way.

Despite his efforts in front of goal, his display last weekend was not up to scratch and arguably cost his side a place in the Scottish Cup final.

According to the Daily Record, Hatate was “too often second best in 50-50 challenges and dominated by Jack and Lundstram for long spells,” in addition to his “lack of authority in [the] engine room.”

As well as his defensive shakiness, his attacking output was rather lacking as well, with The Herald saying that he “never really threatened in the final third.”

With this in mind and the fact that Celtic will be looking to pick up all three points before coming face to face with Rangers again in the SPFL next weekend, Postecoglou can’t risk seeing the midfielder put in another performance as he did last time out.

Therefore, it could be worth taking Hatate out of the starting XI on this occasion to see if he would be better off being used as a potential substitute if needed.

Having been slammed for a “nasty” tackle he committed back in March by former top referee Steve Conroy, the £14.5k-per-week midfielder has racked up seven fouls in total in the league.

Moving forward, when it comes to putting his starting XI together to take on County, Postecoglou’s best plan of action could be to leave Hatate out this time unless he’s convinced the Hoops boss in training that his dire display last weekend was just a one-off.

In other news: Sold for £2m, now worth £540k: Celtic struck gold on £17k-p/w dud who “had issues”