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Keeping hold of Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen was good business for West Ham, says former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

As per The Telegraph, both Manchester United and Chelsea were interested in signing Rice. Elsewhere, The Athletic reported that Bowen was on Liverpool’s radar as Jurgen Klopp considered bringing in another attacking player during the summer transfer window.

Both players ended up staying at the London Stadium, however, and Palmer has hailed the Hammers for keeping hold of the £90m-rated English duo.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Rice and Bowen, the ex-England international said:

“I think it’s good business for West Ham that they’ve kept those players, but obviously the valuations of the players are really high. So as far as I’m concerned, nobody was going to pay the type of money they were asking for.”

Having kept the likes of Rice and Bowen, West Ham look to be in for another strong season.

While it is obviously early days, the Hammers are currently second in the Premier League, two points behind London rivals Tottenham.

It gives them something to really build on after the international break, while they will also have European football to look forward to.

Crystal Palace’s under-23s enjoyed a fantastic night in Premier League 2 on Monday, recording a 6-1 win away to their Leicester City counterparts [cpfc.co.uk].

In a comprehensive victory away to the young Foxes, David Omilabu, Rob Street and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi all scored braces as they ran riot at the Midlands club’s training facility. Wanya Marcal-Madivadua hit back with a consolation strike for the home side. [cpfc.co.uk].

Summer signing Michael Olise made his first start in Palace colours, playing 60 minutes before being replaced by Nya Kirby.

The victory takes Crystal Palace into seventh position in the Premier League 2 table [Premier League].

In light of this news, it’s little wonder that loads of Crystal Palace diehards took to social media to express their reaction to the “outstanding” result.

Crystal Palace fans react

Replying to the Crystal Palace Academy Twitter account, here is what some Eagles supporters had to say about the under-23s’ emphatic triumph:

“Amazing performance from the boys. Rak-Sakyi is so close to being in the first team squad. Amazing from all of them and some valuable minutes for Olise”

Credit: @redandbluesite

“Congratulations boys. Fantastic effort. Keep it going.”

Credit: @LeeJack1905″Absolutely brilliant boys, well done”Credit: @cpfcmaz”Absolutely outstanding”Credit: @Ukhilal1957″You’ve just got THRASHED by the best academy in the country @LCFC”Credit: @eliascpfc”Brilliant performance by our young Eagles and a well deserved victory! The front three of Omilabu, Street, and Rak-Sakyi all got a brace.”Credit: @alex_westryIn other news, a former Crystal Palace man has given his prediction regarding where the Eagles will finish in the Premier League.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been dealt a big injury blow regarding Yerson Mosquera ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by BBC Sport, the 20-year-old has been ruled out for around five months after picking up a hamstring injury just nine minutes into his Wolves debut in the club’s Carabao Cup penalty shootout loss to Tottenham Hotspur last week.

In a statement posted on the club’s official website, the Wolves medical team provided an update on the condition of the Colombia under-20 international, stating: “Unfortunately, Yerson suffered a high-grade hamstring injury in the Carabao Cup game with Tottenham Hotspur and is undergoing surgery this week in London.

“It is too early to give a return date as there is such variation in how quickly players heal and recover fitness, but as a guide 4-5 months is usual.”

Massive blow

Considering that Mosquera was Bruno Lage’s first signing as Wolves manager, in addition to the club’s technical director Scott Sellars revealing that the 45-year-old was “involved in the process” of landing the centre-back, the news that the 20-year-old looks set to be sidelined for a large part of the season is sure to have left the Portuguese boss gutted.

Indeed, in a recent interview with Give Me Sport, Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield revealed just how big of a blow Mosquera’s absence is for Wolves, stating: “It’s a big loss for the club because the squad size isn’t big and they’re working with smaller numbers than many other clubs. The timing is always a massive blow so it’s a real shame.”

As such, while it never appeared likely that Mosquera would be available for the visit of Newcastle today given the recent setback, the lengthy absence of the £1.53m-rated centre-back will nevertheless come as a huge blow to Lage. The 45-year-old now has a potential shortage of options at the back for the clash with the Magpies, particularly with Jonny Otto and Rayan Ait-Nouri also sidelined.

In other news: Lage must unleash “smooth” £19.8m-rated Wolves dynamo today, he’d terrify Newcastle

Carlton Palmer reckons that West Brom signing Manchester City youngster Liam Delap is a move that would suit all parties.

The teenager, son of former long throw specialist Rory Delap, has made three first-team outings for City, but has caught the eye of most of the Championship following his exhilarating form in Premier League 2.

Delap, who netted on his senior debut in the EFL Cup for Pep Guardiola’s men, struck 24 times in 20 appearances for City’s Under-23s last term, including three hat-tricks and four braces.

And according to The Express and Star, West Brom are the latest second-tier outfit to register their interest in the 18-year-old, even though he’s currently injured and hasn’t been involved in either of City’s two competitive fixtures this season.

But with Delap desperate for regular first-team football, something that’s unlikely to happen at City, Palmer believes a switch to the Hawthorns would benefit the youngster.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“Of course, because he’s a young player. And I have said young players need to play first-team football.

“So yeah, go out and play first-team football, get experience, be in the first-team dressing room – and it’s a benefit for all parties.”

West Bromwich Albion have been handed a major boost in their bid to keep Sam Johnstone at The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee (via WBA Report), with the West Ham United insider stating that David Moyes’ side had opted to pursue a deal for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola ahead of the Albion shot-stopper.

It is reported that the Hammers had been locked in negotiations with West Brom regarding a deal for the England international, however, with the Premier League side reluctant to pay the £12m the Baggies were demanding for the 28-year-old, Moyes turned his focus back to Areola.

And, after West Ham completed their deal for the PSG ‘keeper on Thursday afternoon, the Irons’ pursuit of Johnstone now appears to be over.

Fans will be buzzing

With West Ham having always looked to be the most likely destination for Johnstone this summer, the fact that the club have now landed another target in the position would seem to have drastically increased West Brom’s chances of retaining their number one ahead of next season, something that is sure to have left Albion fans buzzing.

And, should the club go on to keep hold of the 28-year-old come the end of August, it would undoubtedly provide Valerien Ismael with a huge boost to his chances of securing an immediate return to the top flight next season, as, despite Albion’s struggles last time out, Johnstone proved himself as one of the club’s most influential players.

Indeed, over his 37 Premier League appearances last term, the £7.2m-rated man kept six clean sheets, made an average of 4.5 saves per game and stopped a total of a whopping 166 shots over the course of the season.

These returns saw the player Steve Bruce dubbed a “diamond” earn a highly impressive average SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Albion’s second-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, with there currently not looking too many avenues out of West Bromwich for Johnstone, the £28k-per-week could well be set to remain at The Hawthorns next season, something that appeared an almost impossible scenario a couple of months ago.

In other news: Imagine him & Mowatt: West Brom initiate talks for 26y/o, he makes a “big difference”

Sheffield United may only be able to sign Ben Davies on a permanent deal this summer, with Liverpool making their stance on the defender clear.

The Lowdown: Blades linked with Davies move

The Blades made a disappointing start to their Championship season this weekend, losing 1-0 at home to Birmingham City on Saturday.

With Slavisa Jokanovic eyeing up new signings, United have been linked with a move for out-of-favour Liverpool centre-back Davies.

The 25-year-old is yet to play a minute of competitive action for the Reds, despite arriving in February to alleviate their defensive injury crisis.

The Latest: Liverpool want to sell centre-back

According to The Sheffield Star, Jurgen Klopp is ‘willing to part company’ with Davies this summer, but a loan exit is seen as the less likely option.

Sporting director Michael Edward is keen for the former Preston man’s departure to be a permanent one, which could make the situation trickier.

Davies is thought to favour a move to Bramall Lane, though.

The Verdict: Perfect defensive addition?

Davies could be an ideal signing for the Blades, even though his time at Liverpool has proved to be disappointing.

While the Premier League may have been a step too far for the Englishman, he has made 129 Championship appearances – he knows the division inside out.

Not only that but Davies was voted Preston’s Player of the Year in 2018/19, highlighting the impact he could potentially enjoy for United in the second tier.

In other news, Sheffield United are reportedly eyeing a loan move for one player. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Sunderland target Daniel Jebbison regarding his thoughts on a move to Belgium.

What’s the talk?

The Sun’s Alan Nixon has revealed that the Sheffield United forward has opened the door on a domestic loan by turning down Belgian outfit Beerschot.

Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing the striker on loan this month, but could still face issues with his potential loan fee.

Johnson will be delighted

Lee Johnson will be delighted with this news as it hands Sunderland a boost in their efforts to land Jebbison before the transfer deadline. As Nixon stated, the door has now been opened to a loan move to an English club as the player is not interested in moving to Belgium for a temporary switch at this point in his career.

This is where Sunderland can swoop in and offer him the chance to play regular League One football, or at least the opportunity to win his place in the XI to play consistently. The Black Cats have already signed Nathan Broadhead on loan from Everton, but the Toffees youngster is capable of playing on either flank. This means that he could provide a versatile option across the frontline whilst Jebbison competes with Ross Stewart for the number nine role.

Former Premier League defender Micah Richards lauded Jebbison as Sheffield United’s shining light during the 2020/21 campaign. He told Sky Sports (via Yorkshire Live): “I really like the look of him. He just gets in the right areas, and they needed that with all the negativity that’s gone on at the club.

“You want to bounce back straight away, and you want to go to the end of the season with positivity. They’re playing for pride, and he’s the shining light.”

The £900k-rated gem averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.60 in the Premier League term as he started in three of his four appearances. He scored one goal and showed off his defensive work rate as he won 4.3 duels and 1.5 tackles per game.

Given that he was able to stand out to Richards at Premier League level, along with scoring in the top flight, he could thrive by dropping down to League One. At the age of 18, he has plenty of potential left to fulfill, and Johnson could love having the chance to coach him this season whilst also adding a player who could make a big impact in the third tier.

AND in other news, Lee Johnson provides injury update on £4k-p/w “revelation”, Sunderland fans will be relieved…

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest news on Manchester City’s interest in Sporting Lisbon left-back Nuno Mendes, and it seems as if Pep Guardiola is still desperate to add the teenager to his squad at the Etihad Stadium.

What’s the word?

City have regularly been linked with a move for the 19-year-old throughout the summer and Romano shared the latest on a potential transfer on his Twitter earlier this week, writing: “Manchester City are interested in signing Nuno Mendes. He’s considered a top left-back for the future – but the City board have no intention to pay the full €50m price tag to Sporting.

“Sporting are not accepting any proposal around €30m, as of today. Race still open.”

Would Mendes be a good signing?

Mendes has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in European football in recent seasons and played a huge part in Sporting’s impressive title win last season, despite only turning 19 earlier this month.

The Portuguese full-back made 29 appearances in Liga NOS, contributing one goal and one assist and averaging a superb 7.24 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This was enough to rank him as the third-best performer in Rúben Amorim’s squad, which emphasises just how important he has become at Estádio José Alvalade, and it is no surprise that City are showing such a keen interest in him.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Manchester City transfer rumours and news!”]

Although Guardiola has the likes of Joao Cancelo, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Nathan Ake and Benjamin Mendy available to him at left-back for the 2021/22 campaign, you could argue that only Mendy is a natural in that position, which is hardly ideal given his injury issues.

Therefore, it would make a lot of sense to sign someone such as Mendes, for if he proves to be a success, he could easily nail down a starting spot at the Etihad for the next few years, which suggests that he would be well worth the investment.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

Although Romano’s update suggests that City aren’t willing to meet Sporting’s demands at the moment, this certainly seems like a transfer which could happen if negotiations progress. Considering Mendes’ obvious potential, City fans may be very excited about the prospect of the “outstanding” youngster (in the words of his former coach Diego Goncalves) joining Guardiola’s squad.

In other news… Txiki should seal Man City swoop for “extraordinary” beast, he loves Pep

Jack Hendry completed a permanent move from Celtic to Belgian outfit KV Oostende on Saturday.

A number of Hoops fans were quick to give their immediate replies to the news after the club posted confirmation of the deal on their official Twitter page.

Hendry joined Celtic back in 2018 for £1.5m during Brendan Rodgers’ Parkhead tenure. The 26-year-old made just 27 appearances for the Hoops and impressed out on loan with Oostende last season by being their fourth-best performer, as per WhoScored.

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They had an option to buy Hendry in that loan move, with the centre-back agreeing on a three-year deal with the Jupiler Pro League side.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will get back the £1.5m that they spent on the defender, but reports have suggested that Oostende could look to make an immediate significant profit on him this summer.

Celtic fans react

Celtic tweeted about Hendry’s exit on Saturday afternoon but didn’t attach a club statement.

These Hoops supporters weren’t exactly bothered at the exit, with on describing the deal as ‘superb’ as the Scotland international often struggled during his appearances for the club.

“Things are on the up”Credit: @ThomasJ60796311″Ange doing bits”Credit: @alysonthomsonx”Superb”Credit: @Dalycfc1″Deadwood out, nice to see keep it going”Credit: @McgregorC90″Good – utterly hopeless – another failure of a project”Credit: @Aoifes_daddy”Thank God for that, though more importantly, how much did they get for him?”Credit: @AnthonyBrogan1

In other news: Postecoglou pushing Mario Vuskovic closer to Celtic move as news emerges, find out more here. 

Lots of Everton fans have been giving their thoughts on Twitter as a transfer update emerged on Richarlison.

As per ESPN journalist Joao Castelo-Branco, Carlo Ancelotti has asked to sign the Brazil international for Real Madrid in the summer window, with him firmly on their radar.

Richarlison did not have his best season in 2020/21, scoring just seven goals in the Premier League, and was often criticised by some members of the Goodison Park faithful for his performances.

However, he has been a key player for the Toffees over the years, scoring 42 times and supplying a further 10 assists in 119 games in all competitions across the last three campaigns (Transfermarkt).

Therefore, Rafa Benitez’s side should only consider selling the 24-year-old if a big offer came in which would be hard to turn down.

Everton fans on Richarlison transfer update

These Toffees supporters seemed split as the transfer update was shared across Twitter, with one fan describing it as ‘amazing news’ that Ancelotti wants a swift reunion with the Brazil international:

“If we sell him I’m buying a banner”

Credit: @James50581391

“Carlo, I’ll never forgive you if..”

Credit: @markowenf24

“GET OUT!!!”

Credit: @CathyMcAlle

“£80m and I’ll drive him there myself. Maybe he’ll then show up more than one game in three.”

Credit: @DougalPaver

“This is amazing news, the lad is absolutely bang average. Get the biggest fee possible and run”

Credit: @andyb4ker

“I’d snap their hand off, too inconsistent”

Credit: @neilbretherton

In other news, Everton are in a Premier League race to sign this ‘giant’