Revealed: 91% of Celtic fans believe Tierney will remain at club this summer

Celtic have had to fend off a great deal of summer interest in Kieran Tierney, and Italian giants Juventus were the most recent club to reportedly throw their hat in the ring for the Scottish international.

However, it appears that Brendan Rodgers has managed to hold firm and convince the Old Lady to look elsewhere after reports emerged that they had turned their attention to Alex Telles as they prepare for the departure of the Porto man’s namesake and compatriot Alex Sandro.

With Everton and Manchester United also seen off so far this summer, there is a growing feeling that the Bhoys will be able to keep their highly-rated full-back at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.

So, we decided to put that to the test and asked Celtic fans whether they thought that Tierney would stay this summer and 91 per cent of them believe that he will, as shown by the full results below…

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Levy simply must finance Martial move to salvage Tottenham’s awful summer window

Tottenham Hotspur’s lack of activity in the transfer window thus far has given the supporters plenty of legitimate cause for concern for the new season with just ten days left to bring in new faces, but a recent report from Football.London suggests their next move in the market will see an exciting young player depart the club.

The player in question is, of course, Reo Griffiths, Tottenham’s teenage star of the 2017/18 campaign. According to the report, Griffiths has already left the club with a potential move to Lyon on the cards, despite the fact he extended his scholarship in North London back in June.

On the back of a season in which Griffiths notched 27 goals from 20 appearances for Tottenham’s U18 side, the news will arrive as a deep disappointment to Spurs supporters who had high hopes for the 18-year-old’s future at the club.

There was even a suggestion that Griffiths could slot into the senior squad next season and play the role of Harry Kane’s understudy, but the latest report has quashed that suggestion.

With Fernando Llorente and Vincent Janssen both seemingly below the level that is required to provide quality backup for Kane at the spearhead of Tottenham’s attack, Daniel Levy must react to Griffiths’ departure by finally sanctioning a move for Anthony Martial.

Martial’s future has come under intense scrutiny this summer after three seasons of underachievement at Old Trafford and, with Jose Mourinho’s comments over the weekend regarding the Frenchman’s failure to report back to pre-season after the birth of his second child in mind, it could not be a better moment for Spurs to make a bid for his services.

It’s become abundantly clear that Martial is the perfect Tottenham target this summer: he is versatile, possesses the quality to fill in for Harry Kane and has plenty of scope for improvement.

With a Transfermarkt valuation of £58.5 million, there’s no doubt that Daniel Levy would have to break the club record to bring Martial to the club but, with Griffiths’ departure in mind and just ten days remaining to bring in new talent, he would be wise to end the ongoing saga by financing a deal as soon as possible.

Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Crystal Palace can breathe sigh of relief following Schurrle’s move to Fulham

Crystal Palace have potentially received a big boost in their attempts to keep hold of Wilfried Zaha following Fulham’s capture of Andre Schurrle.

What’s the word?

On Wednesday evening, Fulham announced the arrival of former Chelsea winger Schurrle on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

The German World Cup winner, who won the Premier League title at Stamford Bridge, has agreed to play for the Cottagers for the next two years.

Last week, it was reported by Bild that Dortmund were considering a deal with Palace for Schurrle – valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt – that would see Zaha move the other way.

The Ivory Coast international has been linked with an exit from Selhurst Park this summer, but it seems that one potential move has been scuppered.

Will Zaha stay?

Palace fans can breathe a sigh of relief following Schurrle’s switch to Craven Cottage, but Zaha’s position remains uncertain.

According to the London Evening Standard, the 25-year-old has expressed a desire to leave the Eagles.

It is believed that Zaha wants to play Champions League football, which opens the door for a potential switch to long-time admirers Tottenham Hotspur.

Losing the winger would be a huge blow to Palace given that the team did not pick up a single point last season when he didn’t play.

Right now, fans can be relaxed about a possible swoop from Dortmund, but Zaha’s future is far from resolved.

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West Ham fail to land Tom Jones

West Bromwich Albion have been making a number of changes at their side this summer as they prepare themselves for the upcoming Championship campaign.

Darren Moore will be tasked with getting the Baggies back into the Premier League following their poor season, however, his job has not been made easy.

The Hawthorns have seen a number of their best players depart the club, however, the new manager has been busy trying to land recruits to help limit the damage and put them in a position to challenge for a place in the top-flight.

However, according to a report by BBC Sport, Tom James is one player that will not be joining up with Moore this summer. It is being claimed that the talented defender has failed to agree to personal terms with the Championship and will remain at Yeovil Town.

The Glovers had accepted an undisclosed offer from the Baggies for their Wales Under-21 international but now it looks as though they will be keeping the 22-year-old at Huish Park.

The Verdict:

West Brom will be disappointed not to have landed Jones after having an offer accepted by the League Two outfit.

The defender is considered to be one of the brightest prospects in the Football League and has attracted plenty of interest from other clubs.

Being able to play all across the backline, he would have been a solid acquisition, however, the Baggies will now need to look elsewhere as the deadline approaches.

West Brom fans – thoughts?

Forget Rojo: Everton should focus their efforts on landing his Man United teammate Lindelof

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Everton could switch their attentions towards either Chris Smalling or Victor Lindelof if they cannot agree a deal for Marcos Rojo. The Argentina international is one of several Manchester United players who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, not least because of the Red Devils’ interest in Leicester City and England star Harry Maguire, and indeed Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld.

And Marco Silva’s Everton are one side reportedly keen on Rojo, and while the report suggests that they will only turn their attentions towards £22.5 million-rated Lindelof (as per Transfermarkt) if they cannot land Rojo, they should forget about the latter altogether and instead target the Sweden international.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, 28-year-old Rojo hasn’t always proven to be a reliable and dependable defender since his move to United back in 2014, hence he has managed just 107 appearances during his four-year stint at Old Trafford.

And while the Toffees would receive the added bonus of the Argentine’s versatility, he again proved unconvincing at the World Cup with his country where, despite scoring an excellent goal against Nigeria, he was part of a backline that were pretty hopeless defensively.

Whereas the same cannot be said of Lindelof as part of Sweden’s defensive unit, as the 24-year-old helped his country to two wins from the four matches he played in, both of which came with clean sheets.

In fact, the centre back was a far cry away from the defender seen turning out and struggling for United in the Premier League last season, but the added confidence of a fine World Cup alongside having experienced a year in English football could well prompt Lindelof to produce the goods this season – Everton must take advantage.

The Toffees were pretty poor defensively for much of last season and are in serious need of reinforcements to strengthen their ageing backline, what with Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, and Ashley Williams all in the twilight of their careers.

And with Lucas Digne having arrived from Barcelona, and Yerry Mina looking set to follow suit, Silva has already been busy overhauling his defensive unit. But another accomplished centre back appears necessary if Everton are to bridge the gap to the Premier League’s top six.

And with Rojo not totally convincing during his time at Old Trafford, or indeed at the World Cup this summer, he doesn’t appear to be the answer, and while Lindelof struggled last season for Jose Mourinho’s side, a fine World Cup and a year’s top-flight experience will surely benefit him this term.

Thus, Everton should forget about Rojo altogether and instead target his United teammate Lindelof in the last knockings of the transfer window.

Everton and United fans… what do you think? Let us know!

These Arsenal fans think that letting Mavididi go was a mistake

Arsenal have officially announced the departure of Stephy Mavididi to Juventus.

The 20-year-old striker has switched to Juventus in a surprise move. He will initially link up with Juventus B – one of the Italian giant’s development squads.

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Considering Mavididi spent last season on loan with Preston North End in the Championship, before joining Charlton Athletic in League One for the second half of the campaign – and wasn’t able to have a big impact at either club – it’s hard to imagine he’ll be even close to first team contention upon arrival in Turin.

That being said, Mavididi has hit some impressive figures as part of the Gunners’ youth teams in the past, and there will be a concern that a major star of the future has just been allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium so young.

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If Juventus have spotted a greater potential in Mavididi, that the Arsenal academy failed to recognise, then that doesn’t reflect well on the North London club’s ability to produce top level players.

Many Arsenal fans on Twitter fear that this decision could come back to haunt the club…

Birmingham should pounce for Puncheon

According to the Evening Standard, Roy Hodgson is willing to let Crystal Palace ex-club captain Jason Puncheon leave on loan this summer.

What’s the story?

Puncheon was sidelined with a severe knee ligament injury in January, and hasn’t turned out for the Eagles since sustaining his injury despite having been back in training since May.

The 32-year-old is apparently now set to be allowed to leave on a temporary basis in order to get some regular football and revive his career following his long period out of action. 

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With the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Andros Townsend, Jordan Ayew and Max Meyer all likely to be ahead of him in the Selhurst Park pecking order though, it wouldn’t be surprising if Puncheon were to seek pastures new on a permanent basis in the not too distant future.

The English attacking-midfielder could still have a big impact at Championship level, and several second tier outfits ought to be on high alert following this report of Puncheon’s availability.

Birmingham City would be wise to act fast in order to bring Puncheon to St Andrew’s.

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A cure for the Blues

After a frustrating transfer window, Garry Monk’s Blues have got off to an equally frustrating start as they remain winless with four games played.

There is still time for Monk to make a few loan signings though, and his side really does look as though it could do with some fresh blood.

The arrival of Puncheon, with his many years of Premier League experience, would be a real coup for Birmingham and help them recover from a poor start to the campaign.

The Blues would also be able to offer the Palace man the regular football that he needs to complete his rehabilitation.

Rangers should seek to lure linked-away Reece Oxford to Ibrox

According to a recent report from The Daily Mail, Reece Oxford could be set for a move away this month. The versatile defender currently plays his football at Premier League side West Ham after coming up through the ranks at the East London club, although the 19-year-old has so far managed just 17 appearances for the first team.

And it appears that manager Manuel Pellegrini is willing to let the £4.5 million-rated sensation (as per Transfermarkt) go out on loan again this season, which is news that should be of interest to Rangers manager Steven Gerrard as he seeks to round off an outstanding summer of business at Ibrox with another shrewd addition.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, it was pretty clear from their problems last season that much work was needed to be done at Rangers this summer, and new manager Gerrard has certainly embraced that with no fewer than 11 additions so far during the window, ranging from experienced professionals to exciting young talents.

And with the likes of Allan McGregor, Connor Goldson, and Jon Flanagan, to name but a few, already having hit the ground running at the Scottish giants, it’s evident that the Light Blues have embarked upon an excellent window, although they still could do with another signing to really strengthen the squad ahead of what they hope will be a successful season both domestically and in Europe.

And sealing a deal for the versatile Oxford would see Gerrard bolster many different areas of his squad with one single addition.

The 19-year-old has been touted for some time as one of England’s brightest young players and earned his West Ham senior debut at the tender age of 16, although things haven’t quite worked out for the youngster since then with failed loan spells at Reading and Borussia Monchengladbach.

And with Oxford unlikely to command regular football under Pellegrini this term, having failed to make either of his opening two matchday squads in the Premier League, another loan spell would be of great benefit to the 19-year-old – Rangers would also reap the rewards were they to bring him to Ibrox.

Not only would the Englishman bolster the Light Blues centre back ranks, which itself would be ideal given Goldson, Nikola Katic, and Ross McCrorie are currently the only recognised stars in that position, but Oxford also has the ability to play in a defensive-minded midfield role – Gerrard would have options were the 19-year-old in his squad.

Yes, his prior loan spells haven’t quite gone to plan, but there is no doubting that Oxford has huge potential just waiting to be fulfilled – and the opportunity of regular gametime at a club on the up could be exactly what he needs.

Thus, not only would Oxford benefit from a stint at Rangers, but the Gers themselves would benefit from a player of his calibre in the squad, which is why Gerrard must seek to round off an outstanding summer at Ibrox by luring the 19-year-old north of the border this month.

Rangers fans… what do you think? Let us know!

West Ham should already be lining up Eduardo Salvio in January

West Ham avoided a scare against AFC Wimbledon to progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup.

The League One side took the lead in the second minute, but late goals from Angelo Ogbonna, Issa Diop and Javier Hernandez helped Manuel Pellegrini secure his first win as West Ham manager. Despite their progression in the cup, West Ham remain bottom of the Premier League with three defeats from their opening three fixtures. The Chilean will be hoping to address their slide against Wolves on Saturday.

The former Manchester City boss significantly strengthened their squad in the summer but have been unable to produce the goods on the pitch. Pellegrini should be looking to address any weaknesses when the window reopens in January. West Ham should attempt to sign Benfica winger, Eduardo Salvio, who is yet to pen a new deal.

Valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, the Argentinean has been a critical player for the Portuguese giants since joining from Atletico Madrid back in 2012. Salvio has made over 230 appearances for his side and was a key player last campaign, scoring nine and assisting four during 26 appearances in Liga NOS. His current deal expires next summer, and fresh terms are yet to be offered.

Salvio would give West Ham another option in attack and the 28-year-old is approaching the prime of his career. With terrific pace and excellent dribbling ability, the Argentina international has all the right attributes to be a success in England. With the Hammers struggling for goals, Salvio could be the catalyst for their revival.

Potentially available at a great price, this move should be a no-brainer.

West Ham fans, thoughts?

Burning Mitrovic only makes Newcastle United’s dire situation worse

Newcastle remain in the Premier League relegation zone with just one point from their opening four fixtures.

The Magpies’ wretched start to the new campaign continued on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Raheem Sterling opened the scoring after just eight minutes before DeAndre Yedlin levelled proceedings before the interval. A thunderbolt from Kyle Walker was enough to hand Pep Guardiola all three points and pile the pressure on Rafael Benitez.

The Spaniard bemoaned the lack of support he received in the summer transfer window with Mike Ashley failing to make funds available to strengthen the squad. The weaknesses in the team are in plain sight, and the Magpies are in real danger of returning to the Championship if Benitez is unable to improve their fortunes soon. While Ashley is taking the majority of criticism from the fans, the former Liverpool boss must also shoulder some of the blame.

Valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, Benitez loaned out Aleksandr Mitrovic to Fulham last season following a difficult start to life on Tyneside. The Serb hit the ground running at Craven Cottage and ended the season with 12 goals in the Championship, helping his new side achieve promotion to the Premier League. Benitez should have trusted the 23-year-old to lead the line when he returned, but he was sold permanently.

With four games played in the league, Mitrovic sits alongside Sadio Mane at the top of the Premier League scoring charts on four goals – more than the entire Newcastle squad have managed this season. Still only 23, Mitrovic will only get better, and it will be Fulham, not Newcastle, who will benefit from his goal scoring exploits. The forward may not have suited Benitez’s system, but working with limited funds, he was never going to sign the finished article and adapting his style to suit Mitrovic would have seriously bolstered his firepower.

At the moment, it’s his goals that make the Cottagers look far more capable of remaining in the Premier League.

Newcastle fans, thoughts?

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