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Fulham manager Marco Silva has claimed that he wants to keep Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa at Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Mirror, who relayed the 44-year-old’s comments regarding the future of the Fulham midfielder, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the west London side in the summer transfer window, with Arsenal and Aston Villa both reported to be keen on the 25-year-old.

However, Silva does not appear willing to cash in on the Cameroon international any time soon, stating: “It’s something we will keep inside our football club. With Frank and all the others, I want them 100 per cent involved. I want all of them with a desire to work and win football matches in this shirt. All the other things are for us to talk about inside our club.”

Fans will be buzzing

Taking into account the considerable amount of interest from the Premier League in Anguissa this summer, the potential of the midfielder remaining at Fulham for their 2021/22 Championship campaign appeared incredibly unlikely – particularly as it was reported that the 25-year-old was left out of the club’s opening game of the season as a result of his desire to leave.

However, following Silva’s latest comments, it would seem as if the chances of Anguissa remaining a Fulham player beyond the transfer deadline at the end of the month have been given a substantial boost, something that will undoubtedly leave the Craven Cottage faithful buzzing.

Indeed, retaining the services of the former Olympique Marseille player would appear to provide Fulham’s promotion hopes with a huge boost, as the midfielder impressed for the club last season.

Over his 36 Premier League appearances last term, the £22.5m-rated man made an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 0.4 clearances and won 7.3 duels per game.

The £70k-per-week midfielder also impressed in a creative capacity, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, along with making an average of 0.8 key passes per league fixture.

These metrics saw the player Joachim Andersen dubbed a “machine” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as the Cottagers’ 10th-best player in the top flight of English football.

As such, should Silva indeed be able to hold on to Anguissa in the summer transfer window, it would undeniably be a fantastic outcome for everyone involved with the west London side.

In other news: Silva drops claim on “important” hardly-seen Fulham gem that’ll leave fans buzzing

Even though the transfer budgets aren’t what they used to be, there have still been some interesting and expensive transfers. One of them being Manchester City’s very expensive buy of Aston Villa’s midfielder Jack Grealish.

The budgets for this summer’s transfer window are nowhere near the usual transfer window budgets. The impact of the pandemic is still very much to be felt. Last year clubs spent no less than €1.5 billion less than the year before. In January there was also a drop of 50 percent in activity. Nonetheless, there have already been some exciting and very expensive buys this summer.

EURO 2020 has just been held and in many places in the world people are allowed back into the stadiums. Therefore, it’s a matter of time before the budgets are back on track. Not to mention the increase in popularity in betting and especially betting on football. Fans seem to be getting more and more hooked on betting on football. These betting sites are providing major sponsorships to the different clubs, which also influence a football club’s budget. You can bet on betting.com.

Jack Grealish (Aston Villa to Manchester City)

One of the most talked-about transfers of summer 2021 is Manchester City’s buy of the midfielder and winger Jack Grealish. Grealish has been at his former club Aston Villa since the youth ranks. This is a big change for Grealish and Aston Villa, but the club cashes in an enormous check. No less than £100 million. Some commentators are a bit sceptical of Manchester City’s huge investment in Grealish since they already have several star players in his position. But Grealish is without a doubt a great signing, and in general, fans seem to be pleased with the buy.

Ben White (Brighton to Arsenal)

Another expensive buy is Arsenal’s buy of the English defender Ben White. They’ve spent half of the City’s big investment on White. The £50 million will be much needed in Brighton even though they will probably be very sad to lose White. Arsenal has taken a bit of risk with such a big pay-out for White. Even though he is one of the best young defenders in the Premier League, he is still very young and has limited experience. But there’s no doubt that he will be a great addition to their defence.

Donyell Malen (PSV to Dortmund)

Dortmund has bought the third most expensive player in this transfer season so far. The young 22-year-old Donyell Malen is a star in the making. Some years back PSV made a scoop by buying Malen from Arsenal. Now they’re letting him go for €30 million. But there’s no doubt that Malen will make a terrific forward for Dortmund.

The transfer window doesn’t close until August 31., so there’s still time for new and interesting transfers to be confirmed. Even though the transfer window probably won’t fully recover until 2023, there have been many other exciting and interesting transfers this summer. These are just the three most expensive ones, so check out the rest, if you’re interested in the news for this season.

Many West Ham United fans have been delighted on Twitter, following news that winger Pablo Fornals has received a call-up to the Spain squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers [West Ham United FC Official].

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the 25-year-old played a key part in the Hammers’ UEFA Europa League qualification, registering ten goal contributions in 36 appearances; six goals and four assists [Transfermarkt].

Kicking off the present term in fine fettle, the ex-Villareal man has now received a call-up to play for his native country in their upcoming qualifying matches against Sweden, Georgia and Kosovo [West Ham United FC Official].

Poised to make his first appearance for the national team since 2018, no wonder loads of West Ham United diehards took to Twitter to revel in the latest developments.

West Ham United FC Official:

Replying to multiple different outlets, here is what some Hammers supporters have had to say about the ‘beautiful’ news:

“Quality way to announce the squad. Bravo @pablofornals”Credit: @gropingwhu”Beautiful!”Credit: @Abs_Singh_1″We’ve got Fornals Pablo Fornals I just don’t think you understand he’s our Spanish man he’s better than zidane we’ve got Pablo Fornals”Credit: @BIGelz24″Well Deserved…”Credit: @PW57WHU”Pablo Fornals is so deserving of his call up to the Spain national side. He’s become one of West Ham’s most productive attacking players and is very tactically versatile under David Moyes. Such an under-appreciated player.”Credit: @danwoff98″Thoroughly deserved”Credit: @Scott_BurgessIn other news, West Ham United fans react to David Moyes rejecting the chance to sign a striker. Find out who here.

Sunderland’s hopes of signing Daniel Jebbison appear to be over, with the latest reports suggesting that he is set to join Burton Albion on a season-long loan.

What’s the word?

The Black Cats have been heavily linked with the 18-year-old in recent weeks, with Johnson looking to add to the attacking options in his squad as Sunderland target promotion back to the Championship.

However, they appear to have been pipped to his signing by fellow League One side Burton Albion, with BBC Radio Sheffield journalist Rob Staton suggesting on Twitter that the teenager is heading to the Brewers.

Would Jebbison have been a good signing?

Although Jebbison has very little first team experience, he burst onto the scene at Sheffield United late last season and scored on his Premier League debut in a 1-0 win against Everton.

Sunderland lost Charlie Wyke during the summer after his impressive season in front of goal, whilst Will Grigg looks unlikely to re-establish himself at the Stadium of Light after a number of loan spells away, which leaves Johnson relatively short of attacking options.

Ross Stewart has enjoyed a strong start to the season with four goals in five league games thus far, but other than the former Ross County man, Johnson only has young forwards Nathan Broadhead and Benjamin Kimpioka to call upon.

Although Jebbison would also have been an inexperienced option, he would’ve added to Johnson’s squad depth, and his performances in the Premier League at the end of last season suggest that he could’ve been very dangerous in League One.

Micah Richards was full of praise for the teenage striker last season, saying: “It shows that little bit of confidence, he’s getting in the right areas, and at just 17 to score on your debut is fantastic.

“That’s what they needed, they needed that little bit of a lift. I would call that bursting onto the scene!

“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.”

Therefore, Johnson will no doubt be disappointed to miss out on Jebbison, especially to a Burton side who, whilst resurgent under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, were fighting relegation for much of last season, whereas Sunderland are currently top of the third tier.

In other news… Journalist provides update on Will Grigg’s situation at Sunderland 

Former Premier League striker Nigel Jemson insists that Paul Pogba “rubs people up the wrong way” after he failed to leave Manchester United in the summer.

Reports at the beginning of the transfer window suggested that Pogba was hoping to seal a move to PSG in the summer.

That deal did not happen, of course, and the France international has subsequently remained at Old Trafford.

Pogba has laid on five assists in three games thus far this term, including a staggering four-assist haul against Leeds United in the 5-1 win on the opening weekend.

United have yet to lose, also drawing with Southampton and beating Wolves, but Jemson thinks that Pogba will be seen as an irritation in the United dressing room due to his consistent flirting with an exit, and his general inconsistency.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: “He’s a top, top player. The problem with Paul Pogba is he likes the limelight, he needs to be centre of attention, he rubs people up the wrong way at times.

“He’s not consistent with his performances. His agent doesn’t help him. So all these things come together and I’m not going to say he’s a cancer in the dressing room, because I don’t know, I don’t know the fella, I don’t know what the dressing room’s like, but it can’t help it when your team-mates are reading that he wants to go and he’s not signing a new contract and he’s doing this and doing that.

“He’s going to rub people up the wrong way. But when he’s got his head right, he’s a top player.”

Pogba is currently on international duty with France but will return to United action against Newcastle United.

Phil Hay has shed light on the injuries to Leeds United pair Diego Llorente and Adam Forshaw following the defeat to Liverpool at the weekend.

The Lowdown: Whites beaten by Liverpool

Marcelo Bielsa’s side are still without a win in their opening four Premier League games after they were beaten 3-0 by the Reds at Elland Road on Sunday. The Whites were comprehensively outplayed and Pascal Struijk’s red card made little difference to the eventual scoreline.

Llorente started the game but was replaced in the first half after picking up an injury, while Forshaw wasn’t part of the matchday squad.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Hay provides update on Llorente and Forshaw

Taking to Twitter on Monday morning, The Athletic journalist Hay said: “Diego Llorente went off with a muscular problem yesterday. Still being assessed. Adam Forshaw had a calf strain so wasn’t in the squad.”

The Spanish defender could now be set for a stint on the sidelines as medical staff review his condition, while the 29-year-old midfielder has only recently returned from a long-term injury absence.

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The Verdict: Frustration for pair

Llorente’s first season at Leeds was injury-plagued and the hope was that this time around it would be different, but that doesn’t look like being the case following his latest setback at the weekend.

The Spaniard can’t seem to string together a prolonged spell in the team and he is becoming increasingly difficult to rely upon, with this being the third time in his last 17 matches that he has gone off injured.

Forshaw may find it tough to recover from an injury which has kept him out for the best part of two years, sadly, and his availability should be judged more as a bonus than anything considering what he has been through fitness-wise.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly still keen on signing one player. Find out who it is here.

Danny Mills has offered Rangers defender Connor Goldson some advice over his contract situation at Ibrox.

What’s the talk?

The former England international has urged the 28-year-old to reject a new deal at Ibrox unless the club places a release clause in it.

West Ham are reportedly keen on the defender, who is out of contract next summer, and Mills believes that he should utilise his position of power.

The former Leeds right-back told Football Insider: “What we’re seeing now is players signing contracts with a release clause. He’s 28, so he’s no spring chicken.

“If the club doesn’t want to put the clause in the contract, then don’t sign it. If you’re in demand, whether it be one, two or three clubs – you have the power… but use it wisely.

“When you get to his age, you’re thinking about maybe one last move. Whether he’s good enough for West Ham… I’m not convinced.”

Gerrard needs him

Ross Wilson must now make a key decision in contract negotiations with Goldson. It would be a disaster to lose such a crucial member of the squad on a free transfer, with his deal up next summer, which means that Wilson must do everything he can to get him to put pen to paper, including a release clause.

Goldson has proven that he is a quality player for Rangers in recent years and losing him would be a huge blow for Gerrard. The 28-year-old has helped to keep 28 clean sheets in his last 42 Premiership appearances, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.39 last term and showing that he has been a brick wall at the back for the Gers, for whom he started every league game in 2020/21.

Gerrard has also hailed Goldson as a warrior and praised his leadership on and off the pitch. Back in February, he told The Scotsman: “Connor has been an absolute mountain for this team, a warrior.

“I can’t describe to you how well he has done for this team, not just in terms of what you have seen on the pitch but also his leadership on the inside of the club and his availability every single day.”

This shows that he combines excellent performances on the pitch with strong leadership skills around the club day-in-day-out. Therefore, he is a player who Gerrard needs at Ibrox and Wilson needs to work hard to keep; and if that means adding a release clause to the defender’s contract to ensure his short-term future, so be it.

It would be better for Rangers to extend his contract and potentially lose him for a pre-agreed fee further down the line than losing him for nothing next summer. With a release clause, the Light Blues would at least be reimbursed for his services and given funds to replace him, whilst also potentially keeping hold of him if no clubs come in and activate it.

Leicester City’s early-season struggles continued on the south coast as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Foxes fell behind thanks to a controversial penalty dispatched by Neal Maupay before Danny Welbeck doubled the hosts’ lead with a glancing header.

Jamie Vardy’s third goal in five Premier League appearances brought Leicester back into the contest on the hour mark, but they couldn’t find an equaliser.

Both Ademola Lookman and Wilfried Ndidi had late efforts ruled out after Harvey Barnes strayed offside, condemning the Midlands outfit to their third defeat in just five top-flight fixtures.

And one player who struggled more than most at the Amex Stadium was James Maddison. As per SofaScore, the 24-year-old received a match rating of just 6.3 out of 10, the joint-lowest total amongst his teammates.

He was unable to provide the creative spark on the south coast as Leicester found chances hard to come by, and his underlying numbers are evidence of this.

Maddison failed to make any key passes, couldn’t create any big chances and recorded an awful passing accuracy of just 63%, highlighting his inability to carve open the opposition defence or simply find a teammate with any regularity when in possession.

His underwhelming performance against Brighton extended his run to 17 games without a goal or assist in all competitions, but it’s his overall displays that may be of more concern to Brendan Rodgers.

The one-cap England international was hauled off at half-time by his manager after only having 19 touches in the opening 45 minutes, failing to pick out a teammate with either of his two crosses, and winning just one of his four duels.

Rodgers and Maddison alike will be hoping the attacking midfielder can turn his form around in midweek when Leicester take on Championship outfit Millwall in midweek as the Carabao Cup returns.

And, in other news…Lost every single duel: Leicester lightweight badly let Rodgers down against Brighton 

Celtic winger Mikey Johnston is a player with enormous potential at Parkhead. He is also an individual with vibrant qualities, someone who should have been front and centre of Ange Postecoglou’s rebuild in Glasgow.

However, every now and then you come across the sad tale of an injury-prone footballer being robbed of their professional career.

Their careers are short, and when they’re not playing, their life takes on a weird meaning. They aren’t kicking a ball around and have the limelight taken away from them. They also have the adrenaline of a matchday in front of a packed crowd sapped away.

For some players this could be a good thing, as it gives time to re-focus and re-energise. However, with someone like Johnston, it can only be a bad thing.

The forward is still only 22 years of age and is trying to make his way in the game. Sadly, you’d feel as though his time to make an impression at Parkhead is waning.

He only featured on ten occasions for the Bhoys last term because of a crushing MCL injury which had also impacted him in the back end of 2019/20.

Unfortunately, Johnston has also missed the early exchanges of Postecoglou’s reign after sustaining a problem in a pre-season clash with Charlton. He returned to the field in the defeat to Livingston last Sunday but unfortunately the youngster has since suffered another crushing blow.

After the forward was absent from Celtic’s squad to face Raith Rovers on Thursday, the manager revealed that he had picked up an injury in training.

This is devastating news for Johnston, who is in a position where he is probably running out of time in Glasgow.

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His contract doesn’t expire for another few years, but with Postecoglou making such sweeping changes to the playing staff and Karamoko Dembele coming through the ranks, opportunities will be few and far between.

It sounds harsh but it might just be time to cut ties altogether once January comes around.

It’s a shame because, with the likes of Mohamed Elyounoussi and Ryan Christie departing over the summer, there was a vacancy open in the wide attacking areas.

The latter is someone to whom the 5 foot 9 wizard has even been compared. Tweeting back in December 2018, Chris Sutton wrote: “Is Mikey Johnston the new Ryan Christie? Celtic’s fringe players at the start of the season coming to the fore when it counts.”

The club’s number 19 has very rarely been seen since and it’s unlikely that we’ll see too much more of him this season if Celtic have a fully fit squad.

AND in other news, Celtic have just been rocked by another big blow, Hoops fans are surely gutted…

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have been left excited by news on Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic as the Sky Blues continue their search for a centre-forward.

Pep Guardiola guided City to a Premier League title and Carabao Cup-winning campaign last year, as well as a Champions League final, while barely playing with a natural centre-forward.

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Club legend Sergio Aguero was the subject of many absences through fitness issues or coronavirus, while Gabriel Jesus was arguably struggling to find his best form at some points.

As such, Guardiola often deployed a false nine or makeshift centre-forward options like Raheem Sterling, and despite their success, much of City’s summer window was dominated by discussion of signing a star striker.

The likes of Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo were targeted by sporting director Txiki Begiristain with news now emerging on yet another target.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the club ‘dream’ of signing La Viola star Vlahovic amid his ongoing contract dispute at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

His deal runs out in 2023 as it stands, meaning City could have some leverage in potential negotiations to sign the dazzling 21-year-old who scored 21 Serie A goals last season and 35 in all competitions since his move to Fiorentina (Transfermarkt).

Begiristain and co are showing an intense interest as as supporters get excited by this news, find all of their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

Man City fans excited by Vlahovic news…

“MY BABY”

Credit: @ZinnySZN

“Vlahovic would be a Beast under Pep”

Credit: @izzy900is

“Go all out!!”

Credit: @Hiz_Zam

“SIIIUUU”

Credit: @rubenbias_

“YESSSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @Kelvinclasher

“Get it done

Sterling + cash”

Credit: @Dhayveed15

“Bring him home in January I beg”

Credit: @LordAtrexia

“He’s coming to Manchester”

Credit: @Jacob4rmstrong

“a competent striker at this club am I dreaming”

Credit: @c_c__cc_c

In other news: ‘Finally’, ‘Yesssss’, ‘Get him home’ – Many Man City fans erupt as claim emerges on 163-goal superstar, find out more here.