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Flocking to Twitter, many Tottenham Hotspur fans have erupted in response to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s update on Atalanta shot stopper Pierluigi Gollini.

Spurs have been linked sporadically with the 26-year-old as current number one Hugo Lloris enters the final year of his contract in north London.

The Frenchman is yet to put pen to paper on a possible extension, with his future remaining a topic of discussion, potentially prompting Spurs to look at alternative options or, at the very least, some capable backup.

As per Sky Sports reporter Di Marzio, writing on his website, there has been an update on the Lilywhites and their links to Gollini. Indeed, he explains that Tottenham are now in talks to sign the former Aston Villa man and have ‘started discussing a potential deal’ with Atalanta.

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This comes amid other Spurs talks to sign Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who The Athletic claimed is closing on a move to north London

Spurs are apparently negotiating an initial loan deal for Gollini, which could be extended by a further year with the ‘inclusion of an obligation to buy’.

Flocking to this update, in reply to The Spurs Express, The Spurs Web and Di Marzio himself, many Lilywhites fans held no shortage of opinions on this development – check out some of their best Twitter verdicts below.

Spurs fans erupt as Gollini talks emerge

“Please”

Credit: @TaylorJoshuah

“I have seen people say that he’d count as home grown, if that’s true, that makes it a deal clincher.”

Credit: @schmicklson

“I’d be happy with this”

Credit: @BuckeyeSpurs11

“Okay this is actually a really good deal, gets to learn under Hugo and if he impresses in conference league we can extend another season and then sign”

Credit: @dele_tubbies

“Love him!”

Credit: @malfono

“Good deal”

Credit: @C0YS28

“That’s actually an amazing deal if true”

Credit: @getchoboydawg

“YO THIS IS HUGE NEWS MAN”

Credit: @IceBergwijn

In other news: Bid made…Paratici swoops with fresh offer to sign ‘absolute beast’ for Spurs, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool fans absolutely love a video of Jack Grealish which has emerged this week, showing him joking with Jordan Henderson about the Champions League.

Henderson is currently on Euro 2020 duty with England, as he looks to take his club success with the Reds with him to the international stage.

The 31-year-old will be hoping to feature on Friday’s clash with Scotland at Wembley, in what promises to be a great occasion.

Another player who will be aiming to play a part is Grealish, with the forward standing out as one of the Premier League’s best players last season.

There appears to be a strong team spirit within Gareth Southgate’s squad, with a new video shared by Watch LFC on Twitter highlighting that.

The footage shows Grealish joking with Henderson about losing in the Champions League final, with Manchester City’s Phil Foden awkwardly watching on in the background, having just experienced defeat on that stage.

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Liverpool fans react to Grealish video

These Liverpool supporters found the video hilarious, providing their reactions on Twitter.

“So funny man”

Credit: @KwekuDankyi

“He’s coming to LFC”

Credit: @garysr1980

“Love it”

Credit: @HasanMirza25

“Foden burning insideeeee”

Credit: @JurgennK

“Ruthless, I love it!”

Credit: @LowseyPowerz

“Hahaha this is brilliant, come win it with us again @JackGrealish”

Credit: @_18Robbo92_

“Bit naughty that Jack but very good, well played lol”

Credit: @liverdaz70

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a transfer link regarding one player. Find out who it is here. 

Tottenham Hotspur may be on the verge of securing a replacement for Harry Kane…

What’s the word?

According to Sport Klub, Spurs are leading the race to secure coveted Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer transfer window.

It’s thought that AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and the North London outfit are interested in signing the 21-year-old but it is the Premier League, and subsequently, Spurs, he is closest to joining.

He is expected to cost in the region of €60m (£51.5m).

Ticks a lot of boxes

It would not be a surprise to see Daniel Levy spend big on a new forward before the start of next season and that’s because of the speculation surrounding Kane and his future in N17.

Back in May, Sky Sports reported that the England international had once again told the club of his desire to leave this summer. They, of course, do not want to sell him but this has alerted Premier League champions Manchester City and Champions League winners Chelsea among others.

In short, the 27-year-old wants to start winning trophies to back up his illustrious goalscoring record and he’s certainly more likely to do it at either of those clubs than he is at Spurs, who have not won anything since the 2008 League Cup.

He’s likely to command in excess of £150m, so Levy and newly-appointed sporting director Fabio Paratici would have a fair chunk to spend on his replacement and perhaps they have already found him in Vlahovic.

The 6 foot 3 talisman enjoyed a breakthrough year in Italy, where he found the net 21 times in 37 appearances, via Transfermarkt. And it’s no wonder he has caught the eye of many interested parties.

“[He’s] Incredible, and it really caught me by surprise because I’d seen him play in the flesh a few times and he scored a great goal against Inter and there was a lot of hype in Florence about him. People were saying this guy’s the real deal and I just couldn’t see it,” revealed Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy to This is Futbol.

“He’s just a complete number nine and I know it’s just off the back of one season, but he’s strong, can link play up, can hold the ball up and most importantly, he’s scoring goals. He’s one of those players that when he looks confident, you almost expect him to score every time he plays.”

Indeed, this glowing endorsement isn’t too dissimilar to what you’d expect with Kane – after all, he’s been a well-rounded beast for years, only recently adding a phenomenal range of passing and creativity to his game, having provided the most assists in 2020/21.

An average of 3.1 aerials duels won, 2.3 shots and 0.7 dribbles per outing in the Serie A certainly suggests that Vlahovic is capable of backing up such praise, as if his impressive form in front of goal wasn’t enough.

The Serbian international has also been lauded as being up there with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland by Inter Milan legend Christian Vieri, who claimed: “I think that, after Haaland and Mbappe, he is one of the strongest in Europe. He has quality, technique. He is Serbian and they are all technically good.”

If the £36m-rated marksman going to be the next big thing, then Paratici must ensure it’s Spurs at the front of the queue to sign him and then maybe their likely blow to Kane won’t be as so devastating.

Levy must sanction a move for Vlahovic this summer.

AND in other news, Spurs have been dealt yet another cruel manager blow…

As explained in the Athletic’s scout report for Euro 2020, West Ham United are now one of the teams interested in signing VFL Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst this summer.

The Lowdown: West Ham in the striker hunt…

Manager David Moyes reportedly has three priorities for West Ham this summer in a new central defender, permanent deal for Jesse Lingard and a fresh centre-forward (Claret & Hugh).

Striker Michail Antonio suffered his fair share of injury problems over 2020/2021 and the Hammers are on the look out for fresh additions to their forward line.

West Ham have been linked with a host of attackers as another name now enters the fray.

The Latest: West Ham want Weghorst…

As explained by the Athletic in their scouting guide for Euro 2020, Weghorst is now attracting interest from West Ham.

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There is also an understanding that he will be allowed to leave if ‘certain conditions’ are met, namely his €30 million (£25.9m) price tag.

Wolfsburg are expecting concrete offers for their talismanic striker this summer, and with such a reasonable price tag, a move to the Premier League could beckon, as explained in the report.

The Verdict: A must…

Scoring a fantastic 25 goals in all competitions last season for the Bundesliga side, all while assisting nine of his teammates, it’s safe to say Weghorst is a monster up front.

Austrian tactician Oliver Glasner, who coached the 28-year-old last season, lauded him as the ‘most dangerous player in front of goal’ he has ever coached (Bundesliga).

Meanwhile, in an interview with FootballFanCast, Get German Football News editor-in-chief Daniel Pinder explained how he is ‘similar’ to legendary Premier League forward Ruud van Nistelrooy.

At around £25m, he could be a real steal for the Hammers.

In other news: Barry Fry makes claim on potentially ‘great news for West Ham fans’…find out more here.

Manchester United have had a bid rejected for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane as the race for his signature hots up this summer.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been strongly linked with a move for the 28-year-old in recent weeks as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to bolster his first-team squad, and now they’ve made their first move.

A £50m offer was tabled for Varane, but Los Blancos are holding out for closer to £80m despite the World Cup winner only having one year remaining on his current contract, according to the Manchester Evening News.

United must swoop

United are reportedly still in contact with the Spanish giants over a potential deal, as they hope to reach a compromise over Madrid’s asking price.

However, they remain reluctant to match the capital club’s £80m valuation, with Varane set to become a free agent next summer.

The France international has been courted by United for many years now, and it seems as though a transfer could finally be on the cards for the 6 ft 2 centre-back.

David Alaba’s arrival at the Bernabeu means a replacement is already in place, and Madrid’s spiralling debts mean the club’s hierarchy are willing to sell one of their prized assets.

A new partner for Harry Maguire at the heart of defence is thought to be high up on Solskjaer’s wish list for this summer’s transfer window.

Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have failed to prove their long-term suitability as United aim to challenge for football’s top prizes, meaning Ed Woodward and co. must swoop for Varane this summer.

During his decade-long stint in Spain, the former Lens ace has won four Champions League crowns, three La Liga titles, and one Copa del Rey.

His formidable partnership alongside Sergio Ramos led to ex-Real manager Zinedine Zidane hailing Varane as a “leader”, while Gary Neville labeled him an “amazing player.”

It’s clear that Varane’s addition would strengthen United considerably and edge them closer to an elusive 21st top-flight title, and the supporters will surely be hoping that the club’s hierarchy can get this deal over the line.

The club’s hierarchy simply cannot allow a transfer saga to develop and after failing to secure Jadon Sancho last year, they would risk upsetting the Old Trafford faithful even more.

And, in other news…Woodward heading for huge MUFC transfer mistake over £500k-p/w monster, Ole must avoid 

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Wolves striker Steve Bull thinks his old side could look at Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui in their bid to replace Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nuno shocked supporters when it was announced on Wolves’ website last week that the 47-year-old will be leaving the club after four successful years at Molineux.

It, of course, leaves the Midlands outfit needing a new manager, and various reports have suggested that ex-Benfica boss Bruno Lage is one of the frontrunners to succeed his compatriot.

Bull, however, would not be surprised to see his old club turn to someone like Lopetegui, who has been getting mentioned by supporters on Twitter.

Asked by TT whether he could see chairman Jeff Shi and Jorge Mendes headhunting the 54-year-old Sevilla manager for the position, the Wolves legend said:

“I think so, I think so. There’ll be names bandied left, right and centre. If [Jose] Mourinho was free, you would have dropped him in the hat as well. But, you know, it’s just a lottery at the moment.

“I’m like all the other Wolves fans, waiting with bated breath to see what’s happened or what’s going to happen in the future.”

Lopetegui came close to joining Wolves back in 2016, something he previously confirmed to the MailOnline.

The Spaniard has managed his country, Real Madrid and, of course, Sevilla, where he won the Europa League in 2020, so he would be quite some appointment for Wolves.

Former Premier League midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has exclusively suggested to Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Chris Wilder would be a better fit than Eddie Howe for Celtic.

The Glasgow club are yet to appoint a permanent manager following Neil Lennon’s resignation back in February, though Howe is said to be the leading candidate for the post.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, the coaches that the 43-year-old would like to bring with him are still contracted to Bournemouth, complicating things.

As far as alternatives go, however, Hendrie believes Celtic should be looking at Wilder, suggesting the former Sheffield United boss could actually be a better fit than the current frontrunner for the Celtic gig.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about the two managers, the ex-Aston Villa player said:

“I think most Celtic fans, they’d probably go with Eddie Howe I just feel for the football side of things. But I feel for the part and passion and the whole round circumference of Chris Wilder, I’d be looking at him. 

“I feel he’d get the club rocking again – I really do. And I just feel he’s got that temperament and that mentality to do that.”

In terms of managers who are available, Wilder, 53, definitely looks like he could be a good option given what he managed to achieve at Sheffield United.

Under his leadership, the Blades went all the way from League One to the Premier League. Last season, they were quite the success story, finishing in ninth place following their return to English football’s top flight.

Leicester City have received a crushing injury setback ahead of their pivotal clash with Chelsea in midweek.

Ahead of their Premier League encounter with the Blues this evening, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers delivered a fresh update on the situation surrounding centre-back Jonny Evans.

“He won’t play in the game, he’ll struggle for that,” said Rodgers (via the Leicester Mercury) of Northern Ireland international during his pre-match press conference on Monday.

“So we’ll see what he’s like for next weekend, but he’ll be ruled out for tomorrow.”

The former Manchester United man has been suffering from a heel injury for some time now, and although he started Saturday’s FA Cup final victory over the same opponents, he had to be substituted after just half an hour of action at Wembley Stadium.

It’s a gutting blow for the Foxes, who will be looking to secure their place in next season’s Champions League with all three points at Stamford Bridge.

Rodgers’ men are currently sitting in third place in the top-flight table, two points above fourth-placed Chelsea with just two games of the season remaining, but will have to take on Thomas Tuchel’s men without their first-choice centre-back.

Evans has been one of Leicester’s standout performers since arriving at the Midlands outfit back in 2018, making 111 appearances in all competitions for the 2016 Premier League champions.

Luckily for the Foxes, Rodgers has the likes of Caglar Soyuncu and Wesley Fofana to fall back on in the 33-year-old’s absence, but the former Celtic boss would surely rather have Evans’ experience on the pitch tonight so he’ll be gutted not to have his veteran centre-back available.

Leicester missed out on Champions League qualification by the narrowest of margins last season, losing to the Red Devils on the final day of the campaign to top off an awful run of form.

Their supporters will be hoping that there is no such repeat this time around as Rodgers and co. look to break into the Premier League’s top four and cement their status as one of the countries top teams.

And, in other news…Rodgers handed huge boost with ‘fantastic’ beast, Leicester fans will be delighted – opinion

Portsmouth have been dealt a huge blow in the race to land £450k-rated West Brom starlet Josh Griffiths as it has been revealed that the shot-stopper wants to return to Cheltenham.

What’s the talk?

According to Hampshire Live, Portsmouth are one of a number of clubs looking at Griffiths as a potential signing following his impressive campaign on loan at Cheltenham. Pompey are currently set to go into the 2021/22 campaign with one senior goalkeeper on the books, with Alex Bass the only player contracted beyond the end of the month between the sticks.

Cheltenham chairman Andy Wilcox has now claimed that Griffiths is eager to return for a second loan spell with the club and has reiterated that he would like the 19-year-old back as his club’s number one. Wilcox told Gloucestershire Live:

“Ideally, we’d want Josh Griffiths back on loan as number one, but we’ll see how it goes.

“Firstly, he wants to come back to Cheltenham, which is the most important thing. He really enjoyed it here.”He’s just got better and better, so credit to Booky (Steve Book, goalkeeping coach) for giving him confidence. He has a big future, that lad.”

Cowley will be gutted

Portsmouth’s goalkeeper situation heading into next season is looking increasingly murky and this news is a huge blow to their plans.

Craig MacGillivray is unlikely to extend his contract, as per Hampshire Live, and that would leave Cowley without his trusted number one goalkeeper. MacGillivray played all 46 of Portsmouth’s games in League One, keeping 15 clean sheets and conceding 51 goals. This shows how important he has been to Cowley and why his absence could leave a huge gap to fill this summer.

That gap now looks unlikely to be filled by £450k-rated West Brom goalkeeper Griffiths. The shot-stopper made 44 appearances in League Two for Cheltenham, keeping an incredible 21 clean sheets – conceding just 37 goals. He played a huge part in Cheltenham’s title success in League Two as they had the best defensive record in the top six. From this perspective, it is easy to see why Wilcox wants to bring Griffiths back to the club for another season as the teenager heavily impressed during his first season in senior football.

Cowley will be gutted that Griffiths is eager to return to Cheltenham as it could prevent Portsmouth from being able to land the teenager this summer. Griffiths could now sign for Cheltenham, who are potential rivals for Portsmouth in League One next season, and Cowley will be left still searching for a new number one to replace MacGillivray, unless he suddenly decides to trust Bass with a first-team role. It will now be down to Portsmouth to scour the country in search of an alternative to Griffiths to bolster their goalkeeping unit.

Manchester City will be looking to seal their place in this season’s FA Cup final as they take on Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side in the semi-final at Wembley on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side can keep their quadruple hopes alive with a win against the Blues, who have dramatically improved since the German manager’s appointment in January. Both sides progressed to the Champions League semi-finals in midweek, with City beating Borussia Dortmund 4-2 on aggregate, whilst the west London side scraped past Porto 2-1.

Rotation always seems likely when Guardiola is involved but the Spanish manager will surely go with something close to his strongest XI given the importance of Saturday’s fixture.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Guardiola to line up against Chelsea, with three changes from the side which started against Dortmund on Wednesday…

Despite Zack Steffen featuring earlier in the competition, it seems likely that Guardiola will keep his faith in Ederson to start this fixture.

There’s one change in defence as Joao Cancelo comes in at left-back for Oleksandr Zinchenko after the Portuguese defender was left out in midweek.

In midfield, Kevin De Bruyne takes the place of Bernardo Silva, with the Belgian dropping further back despite impressing up front in the win in Germany.

This allows for two changes in attack as Gabriel Jesus returns up front in the hope that he can stretch Chelsea’s ageing defence with runs in behind, with Riyad Mahrez supporting him on the right flank.

Phil Foden is also unfortunate to miss out after a starring display in midweek, but the “exceptional” Raheem Sterling – in the words of England boss Gareth Southgate – has barely featured of late and his pace could prove to be a game-changer for Guardiola. That is especially the case as Reece James will likely push up on the right-hand side, which could leave a lot of space in behind to be exploited by Sterling, so he gets the nod ahead of Foden.

In other news… Man City handed boost in transfer race for £31.5m-rated beast amid Romano claim