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Southampton have missed out on another of their reported transfer targets for the summer, with Leon Bailey set to join Aston Villa in the coming days.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Southampton were one of several Premier League sides keen on signing the £31.5m-rated winger from Bayer Leverkusen this summer but it appears as if Aston Villa have won the race to sign the 23-year-old after it was confirmed that they had reached an agreement with the Bundesliga side to sign him in a deal reportedly worth £30m.

Considering Southampton’s budget for new players this summer was always going to be less than Villa’s, even before the rumours of Jack Grealish’s £100m move to Manchester City began, it was perhaps never really on the cards for Southampton to sign Bailey this summer.

Was Bailey a realistic option for Southampton?

Ralph Hasenhuttl suggested before the window that the Saints would target players for £10m or less, so it would have been remarkable to see them bid three times that amount on one player, however, Bailey’s obvious ability and potential suggests that he could prove to be a superb addition to Villa’s squad this summer.

Whilst Southampton fans will appreciate that he was slightly out of their price range, they will no doubt be disappointed to see a fellow top-flight club, who were on the brink of relegation in 2020, spending so heavily this summer as they look to move up the Premier League table.

Although Southampton have been able to bring in Dynel Simeu and Theo Walcott on free transfers, with Romain Perraud confirmed and Tino Livramento likely to be announced in the coming days, you could argue that they are missing a marquee signing to take their squad to the next level.

Hasenhuttl does have a number of options to him on the wing including Nathan Redmond, Moussa Djenepo, Theo Walcott, Stuart Armstrong, Nathan Tella and recent returnee Mohammed Elyounoussi, but those players managex just 11 Premier League goals between them last season,  whereas Bailey managed nine goals and eight assists in just 30 Bundesliga appearances by himself.

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Therefore, whilst Bailey always looked like a slightly unrealistic option for Southampton, Saints fans will be disappointed to see him join Aston Villa instead of moving to St Mary’s this summer.

And, in other news… Athletic report drops exciting Southampton transfer news on “huge talent”

Former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned Valerien Ismael about the club’s board, suggesting they have too much of a say on football matters.

West Brom confirmed the appointment of Ismael as manager on Thursday, with the ex-Barnsley boss signing a four-year contract at The Hawthorns.

Baggies chiefs stole the headlines for the wrong reasons last season when they sold central defender Ahmed Hegazi to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad behind Slaven Bilic’s back just before a Premier League fixture, a decision that left the Croatian fuming.

And now Palmer has warned Ismael that managers at West Brom are not getting enough of a say on matters.

“The chairman [ and board] has too much of a say on what’s going on and the manager doesn’t have enough say,” the ex-West Brom player said in an exclusive interview with FFC.

“Bilic’s picked his team on the day of the game [practically] and then when it comes to teatime, that player is not able to play because the chairman sold him. Now, you can’t be having that as a manager.”

Indeed, the whole thing was a strange ordeal, with Sky Sports confirming that Hegazi was set to start in that Monday night clash against Brighton.

From Ismael’s perspective, he will surely be hoping for owner Guochuan Lai and chairman Li Piyue to not make any similar decisions like the above as he looks to take West Brom back to the Premier League.

Graham Potter is an option for Everton in their search for a new manager, according to The Athletic.

The Blues are still searching to secure a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti, who left to return to Real Madrid last week.

They held talks with former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo over the vacancy, but with ‘doubters’ in the club hierarchy, they haven’t moved to appoint the Portuguese tactician

Instead, Nuno looks set to take over at Crystal Palace.

What’s the latest on Graham Potter’s chances?

Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, chairman Bill Kenwright and director of football Marcel Brands have refused to ‘disregard’ Potter.

And the report states that Brands ‘particularly rates’ the Englishman, who has previously managed Ostersunds in Sweden and Swansea City in the Championship.

However, the trio have yet to reach a consensus, and as such there is no clear frontrunner at this stage.

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed the claims, and here’s how fans reacted, with one supporter claiming Potter is the ‘perfect’ man for the job.

Everton fans split on links to Graham Potter

“Pep says he’s the best English manager around. He plays front foot football, trusts young dynamic players. He speaks really well (got fed up of listening to Silva and Koeman). And he’s young, hungry and on his way to the top. What’s not to like?”

Credit: @StinkOfFun

“Think he will do a great job!”

Credit: @steainsey

“He had Brighton playing good football tbf to him. A lot better than what Carlo had us playing.”

Credit: @JayRicho60

“Well this will split a lot of people…”

Credit: @BrainyBrands

“Yesss”

Credit: @ifanjones77

“Perfect fit”

Credit: @thacktonhemlock

“This guy’s stats makes Chris Hughton look good”

Credit: @tomdean93

“Omg… No thanks”

Credit: @blunozebri

“He finished 16th last season no thanks”

Credit: @jay_smith1

In other news, Everton have been urged to give this former manager another opportunity.

Both Crystal Palace and Norwich City have been linked with a move for FC Koln defender Sebastiaan Bornauw recently.

And, according to Bild, the Bundesliga side are looking to receive at least €15m (£13m) for the centre-back’s services this summer.

The 22-year-old, who has two caps for Belgium, was a regular in Germany last season. He made 24 league appearances and scored his only goal of the campaign in a 1-0 win over Schalke on the final weekend.

Wolfsburg are also keen on signing Bornauw, so should the Eagles wish to bring the defender to London, they may need to act relatively fast, despite not having a manager in place.

Palace have three senior central defenders out of contract in a matter of weeks at this moment in time in Scott Dann, Gary Cahill and Mamadou Sakho.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the asking price for the Palace target on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.

This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with one describing it as ‘positive news’.

“We have to make this happen”Credit: @matthew_poole30″Please do it”Credit: @Kikoojap3″Positive news”Credit: @CPFCMax9″Give it to me”Credit: @Kevbartleyy”That would be great for #CPFC. That would be so important after Sakho is no longer there!”Credit: @VK_FCA1907″Without a manager, these are not real links. Agents spreading news.”Credit: @PalaceScout

In other news: Eagles keen on Chelsea defender, find out more here. 

Patrick Vieira has agreed to become the new manager of Crystal Palace, according to Sky Sports.

In what is an unforeseen turn of events in South London, the former Arsenal captain looks set to take the reigns at Selhurst Park, bringing the curtain down on their drawn out managerial hunt [Sky Sports].

Lucien Favre looked favourite this time last week to land the role, however, talks collapsed with the former Borussia Dortmund man as he wanted to take more time out of football [BBC].

Seemingly re-entering the fray as a manager, Vieira has had previous spells in charge of New York City FC alongside OGC Nice [Transfermarkt]. Now, the 45-year-old will manage in the Premier League for the first time

As you can imagine, loads of Crystal Palace diehards took to Twitter to voice their frustration at these recent developments, as they worry over his inexperience.

Crystal Palace fans react:

Replying to popular Crystal Palace outlet PALACE XTRA, here is how some Eagles fans summarized the latest news:

“Will get behind him if it’s him but for such an inexperienced manager being given a job of this size is too risky, screams absolute desperation and cheapness from the board and completely uninspiring won’t be surprised if we are down by Christmas.”

Credit: @CPFCwill20″Feels like death”Credit: @cpfc_sean”Yeah safe prem we going down NOT MY MANAGER”Credit: @CPFCtomm”No”Credit: @LaFapickle”Townsend defo just got a new 3 year deal”Credit: @cpfcjude”Were do these rumours come from next we will be linked with Mark Hughes”Credit: @MarkDre44138040″I feel sick”Credit: @palacesamIn other news, Crystal Palace have received a boost in a reported transfer pursuit.

Alan Hutton believes that Lewis Ferguson would be ready to snub a move to the Premier League to instead join Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: Gers eye Ferguson

The 21-year-old recently handed in a transfer request at Aberdeen (BBC), and as such, the Gers are said to be interested in his services (The Scottish Sun).

However, the midfielder’s agent has suggested that it is the youngster’s dream to play in the English top flight, with Watford believed to circling.

The Latest: Hutton believes Ferguson wants Ibrox move

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton believes that Ferguson will be eager to make the move to Ibrox. He said:

“We know the ties he’s got family-wise. He’d be desperate to follow in their footsteps also and play for Rangers.

“It didn’t work out for him as a kid there. Sometimes that gives you that little chip on your shoulder to go back and prove yourself. 

“You say the word legacy, that’s exactly what it is with his dad and obviously Barry as well, who was the captain. You want to continue that. He obviously tried as a kid and it didn’t quite work out. Maybe it made him the player he is today.

“It’s like anything, you look at Aberdeen, he’s possibly outgrown them now. He wants to go to Rangers, he wants to improve again. The opportunity, hopefully, will be there and then he’s still young, he can then move on from there.

“It would be nice for him to continue that Ferguson legacy through Rangers because it means so much to them as a family. The bottom line is he’s good enough to play within that team, in my opinion.”

The Verdict: Don’t baulk

Ferguson has enjoyed a good campaign with Aberdeen. The Scotland under-21 international scored 10 goals and provided five assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt), showing his attacking threat from the middle of the park. Given that his father Derek and uncle Barry both appeared for Rangers, it makes sense for him to heavily linked with a move to the 55-time Scottish champions.

Former Aberdeen defender Willie Miller reckons that the Dons will be looking for at least £4m to part ways with their young asset (Evening Express), which is a considerable sum in the Premiership. However, with the Gers targeting a Champions League campaign, they cannot afford to baulk at such prices, so hopefully they can attract Ferguson to Ibrox if the price is right and if that is what he wants.

In other news, this Rangers man has refused to rule out an exit from Ibrox.

Former Hibernian man and now pundit Tam McManus has admitted he’d ‘be very surprised’ if Celtic didn’t try to bring goalkeeper Ofir Marciano to Parkhead this summer.

The Lowdown: Celtic’s interest

Celtic have been linked with the 31-year-old in recent months. Reports back in March suggested that the Hoops were monitoring the Israel international following their goalkeeping woes this season.

The Hoops have used summer signing Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain and youngster Conor Hazard during the current campaign, with none of the three exactly establishing themselves as first-choice at Parkhead.

Marciano, who has been with Hibs since 2017, is out of contract in a matter of months and it looks as if the shot-stopper is a man in demand ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

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The Latest: Marciano ‘has offers in Scotland’

Edinburgh Evening News were informed from a source close to the player that the goalkeeper ‘has offers in Scotland’, with Marciano already reportedly rejecting a return to his native country with Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

McManus gave his thoughts to the news on Twitter, saying:

“I’d be very surprised if Celtic didn’t try and get Marciano on a free. Can count on one hand the mistakes he has made at Hibs in 4-5 years. He is a better goalkeeper than any currently at Celtic IMO.”

The Verdict: One must go

Should Celtic firm up their recent interest in Marciano with a view to signing him on a free transfer, we feel as if one of Barkas, Bain or Hazard would need to make way.

Having four senior shot-stoppers to pick from could be too much for the new Hoops manager. Barkas only signed last year in a deal worth £4.5m and Hazard recently signed a new Celtic deal.

On that basis, should the Hoops want to stick with the big-money signing and young prospect, perhaps Bain could be the man to leave.

Celtic may not even be on the search for a new goalkeeper, but McManus would be very surprised if they didn’t make their move for Marciano, so it could be a move worth keeping an eye on.

In other news: ‘We hear’ – 62 y/o drops unconfirmed ‘done deal’ claim at Celtic, find out more here. 

Georginio Wijnaldum’s agent spread baseless reports that the 30-year-old had received a contract offer from Bayern Munich, FCB Inside have claimed.

The lowdown

Wijnaldum is rapidly nearing the end of his £90,000-per-week Liverpool contract and is currently set to depart Anfield on a free transfer this summer.

The Dutch midfielder has won the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time at Liverpool, but he has been free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club since January.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman, formerly his national team boss for Netherlands, is said to be keen on a reunion with Wijnaldum at the Camp Nou, but it was reported at the end of last month that Bayern would compete for his signature. Julian Nagelsmann, who will be in charge at the Allianz Arena next season, was described as a ‘huge fan’ of the 30-year-old.

The latest

FCB Inside claimed that Humphry Nijman, Wijnaldum’s representative, told the press that Bayern had offered his client a three-year deal.

However, it then emerged the Bayern hierarchy ‘seem to have no interest in a commitment’ for the 30-year-old, with the report stating that Nijman had been spreading rumours about a contract offer from Munich, only for the club’s future CEO Oliver Kahn to shut those down.

The verdict

If the claim is true, then it’s not particularly surprising. It could merely be a ploy from Nijman to extract a better offer from another of Wijnaldum’s suitors.

The player’s disagreement with Liverpool is said to be financial, with their offers failing to reflect his perceived value to the team, but it may be difficult to persuade other clubs to commit to a sizeable multi-year deal when Wijnaldum will turn 31 before the year is out.

In other news, Liverpool have been urged to avoid this potential Wijnaldum replacement.

Jack Grealish will not be leaving Aston Villa in this summer transfer window, according to the Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece.

Despite admiration from Manchester City and Manchester United respectively [Daily Express], with reports earlier on Tuesday suggesting the Etihad as the more likely destination, the boyhood Lions supporter looks set to stay on at Villa Park for the foreseeable future.

According to the report, Villa do not believe their skipper is for sale at any price.

Though an admirer of his footballing exploits, Citizens boss Pep Guardiola is rumoured to be targeting a striker first and foremost. Unsurprisingly, these developments will have intensified after the official exit of Sky Blues legend Sergio Aguero to Barcelona [BBC].

This will come as music to the ears of the Villa Park faithful. Producing ten assists and six goals in the 2020/21 campaign, it comes as no surprise that the England international is now up for the Premier League player of the season award [Aston Villa FC].

No doubt buzzing, loads of Villa fans have taken to social media to voice their delight at the news.

Tuesday delight for Aston Villa fans

      “Cancelling my vaccine to inject this instead”   

Credit: @charlie_avfc”SUPER JACK GREALISH”Credit: @haani_m1″I love you rn”Credit: @AVFC_Alex”ASHLEY PREECE AT THE BACK POST”Credit: @TomFshAV”Just give us the league now”Credit: @EdKershawAVFC”Oh my”Credit: @elootorIn other news, Jack Grealish has been nominated for a prestigious award