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Crystal Palace and Leeds United have both been credited with an interest in Celta Vigo midfielder Okay Yokuslu this week.

And a number of Eagles fans have been giving their thoughts on the rumours on social media.

According to El Desmarque, cited by Sports Witness, both Palace and Leeds are in the picture to sign the 27-year-old.

The holding midfielder also has interest from his native Turkey, however, his agent admitted there is no desire to move to the Super Lig this summer.

Yokuslu made 16 Premier League appearances on loan with West Brom last season after joining for the second half of the campaign, one of which came in a 1-0 defeat to Palace in March.

It seems as if the Eagles hierarchy like what they see in the Turkey international, despite not having a first-team manager in place.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Yokuslu on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with many excited at the links and one describing it as ‘positive news’.

“Our team has been crying out for a proper dm since Jedi left so this would be perfect”Credit: @Connormzz”Yokuslu, Gallagher & AMN midfield is legitimately world-class.”Credit: @SWPalace”Some positive news”Credit: @CPFCMax9″Streets need a Yokuslu x Jairo pivot”Credit: @Sumo08112″Yes please”Credit: @Phillyconcarne”I’ll get his shirt if he joins”Credit: @Reid_Jenden15

In other news: Eagles keen on Premier League striker, find out more here. 

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to an update regarding former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

The Eagles are on the search for a new manager after it was announced that Roy Hodgson will leave the club at the end of the season.

Lampard, who left Stamford Bridge in January, was thought to be closing in on a Selhurst Park switch, however, according to Football Insider, that has now changed.

They claim that the 42-year-old has now pulled out of the race to take over and doesn’t want to be considered for the vacant post going forward.

The report adds that Lampard views the position as a huge rebuilding job and fears they will get sucked into a relegation battle next season, leaving Palace surprised.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news on Twitter on Thursday afternoon regarding Lampard’s stance on the role.

This is what some Palace supporters had to say in reply…

“If this is actually true…thank god…would have been a shocking appointment!!”Credit: @stevepcoffey”No Eze that’s why”Credit: @rayraybanks86″No way”Credit: @MATTT046″What a relief, he would probably have gotten us relegated, with a whole lot of debt.”Credit: @michael03407099″Lol good”Credit: @Mark_CPFC”If true, I can’t say I’m gutted”Credit: @danofthesouth_

In other news: Many CPFC fans react as source claims Parish and Freedman are torn, find out more here. 

‘The reality’ is that Freddie Woodman will leave Newcastle on loan once again next season, according to Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder.

The lowdown

The goalkeeper spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Swansea City, where he kept a league-high 21 clean sheets for Steve Cooper’s promotion chasers. The Swans reached the Championship play-off final, but it was heartbreak for Woodman and his team-mates as they were beaten 2-0 by Brentford at Wembley.

Nonetheless, Woodman was included in The Athletic’s Championship team of the season in recognition of his starring role. Despite his ‘hugely impressive’ performances, though, the door to the Newcastle first team is seemingly shut given that the incumbent Martin Dubravka signed a six-year contract as recently as the 2019/20 season.

The latest

Ryder says that both Swansea and the player himself are ‘keen’ on a return next season, although Woodman – who is ‘attracting so much attention’ – may have his head turned.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton and Scottish giants Celtic are now said to be ‘in the mix’ for the 24-year-old. Ryder noted that the Hoops first expressed an interest in Woodman back in 2018.

His colleague Mark Douglas had urged the club to sanction a sale for a fee of £15m, provided the deal included ‘smart clauses’ such as first refusal on future transfers or a ‘hefty sell-on’. However, it seems a seventh temporary departure (after earlier spells at Hartlepool, Crawley, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen) is in the offing instead.

The verdict

The likelihood of another loan for Woodman probably speaks to the weakness of the market right now, and it underlines the difficulties Newcastle may have in raising funds to boost a transfer budget which could be as meagre as £12m.

Still, a successful stint at Southampton or Celtic should only boost his price tag in time for next summer, while he remains fairly young and therefore could still attract a sizeable fee.

In other news, Newcastle are in pole position to land this forward.

Football.london writer Alasdair Gold has revealed Tottenham are not looking at Marcelo Gallardo to become their new boss despite him being similar to Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Spurs still in manager hunt

Although Ryan Mason is currently in charge at Spurs, it feels unlikely he will be given the job on a full-time basis due to his inexperience. As such, the search for a new boss goes on.

A number of names have previously been mentioned, such as Julian Nagelsmann (The Daily Mail) and Hansi Flick (Sport 1), but Daniel Levy appears to be no closer to getting a deal confirmed.

The Latest: Gold discusses Gallardo

During a Q&A with football.london, Gold was asked whether Gallardo or Julen Lopetegui had been considered for the role. He said:

“Gallardo is certainly growing his reputation and some people believe he’s similar to Pochettino in style and Lopetegui has plenty of experience now but as far as I’m aware they’re not in the mix.”

The Verdict: Plenty of experience

Gallardo may not be a household name as a manager in Europe – many European football fans will know him from his time with Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco as a player – but he is one of South America’s best coaches.

He has won the Copa Libertadores on two occasions with River Plate, adding to the one he won as a player, and has picked up 13 trophies throughout his managerial career despite only being 45.

As Gold went on to mention with his answer, a move from River to Tottenham would be a big culture shock, so it is unlikely he would be considered for the role at this point. In the future, though, he may be one to keep an eye on if he proves himself elsewhere in Europe.

In other news, Alasdair Gold drops this Mauricio Pochettino claim.

Sheffield United’s hopes of signing Ryan Gauld this summer have taken a blow after Southampton joined the race to sign the Scottish midfielder, with reports suggesting that he would prefer a move to St Mary’s.

Sheffield United were one of several sides including Norwich City, Brighton, Blackburn Rovers, Swansea City and Brentford to be linked with a move for the former Sporting Lisbon man recently.

However, the Daily Record have now claimed that Southampton have also registered an interest in the 25-year-old, who would be happy to join Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in order to link up with Scottish compatriot and fellow former Dundee United man Stuart Armstrong.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a superb campaign with SC Farense in the Portuguese top-flight but will be a free agent this summer when his contract at Estadio de São Luís expires, so it is no surprise that so many sides including the Blades are keen on signing him.

In 33 Liga NOS appearances this season, the Scottish midfielder has contributed an impressive nine goals and seven assists, earning a superb 7.19 average rating from WhoScored.

Considering this is more goals and assists than any Sheffield United player has managed this season, it is clear they need a player of Gauld’s ilk ahead of next season in the Championship, otherwise a return to the Premier League is looking extremely unlikely.

One of Gauld’s coaches at Farense was full of praise for him recently, dubbing him a “top player”, and considering he will be available on a free transfer, he looks to be a must-have for Sheffield United this summer if they want to improve their squad, so it is definitely a blow that an established Premier League side like Southampton have seemingly joined the race.

Therefore, current sporting director Jan van Winckel must act quickly if is going to be able to convince Gauld to make the switch to Bramall Lane this summer, as otherwise, it seems clear that he will be snapped up by another Premier League or Championship club.

And, in other news… Sheffield United handed huge boost with “shining light”, Blades fans will be buzzing

Liverpool have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe ironically by the French club’s interest in current Reds’ star Mo Salah.

According to Telefoot, the reigning Ligue 1 champions have opened talks with the Egyptian forward in the event that Mbappe elects to leave the Parc des Princes.

The Frenchman is out of contract next summer and could leave on a free transfer, with the Reds thought to be interested in swooping for his services.

The simple fact that the Parisiens are looking for a replacement already could suggest that he has decided on his departure as early as this summer, giving the Reds a huge boost in his pursuit.

Mbappe would certainly be an exhilarating signing for the Merseysiders having plundered an eye-watering 123 goals in 163 appearances for the French giants since arriving from AS Monaco.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-gravenberch-keita-mane-williams-kabak” title=”Read the latest Liverpool news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Despite that, it would also be leaving current Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp with a huge dilemma over whether to let the £200k per week Salah leave for PSG.

The 28-year-old has been nothing short of sensational in his time at Anfield after arriving from AS Roma. He has scored 122 goals, ironically one fewer than Mbappe, in 195 appearances as the Reds have scooped the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Should he depart then, he would certainly be a big miss. However, should Liverpool elect to sell to Paris Saint Germain, this would give them a huge boost in the pursuit of Mbappe, with a potential swap deal maybe in the offing.

So, whilst interest in star forward Salah will initially worry the Reds, it could potentially morph into a benefit in the club’s long-term transfer aspirations of signing Mbappe.

AND in more news, take a look at why swooping for a Barcelona star this summer would be a mistake by FSG…

Sheffield Wednesday gave their survival hopes an almighty boost on Tuesday night as they defeated Blackburn Rovers 1-0 at Hillsborough Stadium to move to within four points of safety.

In the absence of manager Darren Moore from the dugout, the Owls edged this close affair thanks to a 37th-minute strike from Josh Windass, taking his tally for the season to nine goals.

And whilst he deserves plenty of plaudits – he did receive YorkshireLive’s ‘Man of the Match’ award – there was another name who was potentially Wednesday’s unsung hero on the night.

Joey Pelupessy.

Keeping that clean sheet was just as important as the 27-year-old finding the net and it was the Dutchman’s bustling energy and drive in the heart of midfield that was most notable, and ultimately infectious towards his teammates.

You’re never going to get anything fancy from the Jos Luhukay signing and truth be told, he’s rarely looked fantastic in an Owls shirt but against Rovers, he has to be given more credit.

[snack-amp-story url=https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-sheffield-wednesday-news-transfer-rumours-and-recent-gossip” title=”Read this week’s latest Sheffield Wednesday news, latest transfer rumours and more!]

The 27-year-old beast won 83% of his duels – five of six – to dominate his battles and drive Wednesday forward, often giving the ball to Barry Bannan to provide some sort of creativity.

But it is often that dirty work that goes unnoticed. He also chipped in with four successful tackles, which was the most of any player on the pitch – either home or away – and also managed an Owls-high two interceptions, only further proving his ability to read the game perfectly on Tuesday night.

Furthermore, he was a hard man to shake off. From his 36 touches, he only lost possession three times – by far the lowest of any starter on the pitch. He even made 75% of his long balls, and 88% of his 25 passing attempts, as per SofaScore.

These figures were all better than his averages for the campaign, where he has featured 36 times, too.

The Star summed it up perfecting in their post-game column, describing Pelupessy’s display as “unflashy but assured,” also adding: “Wednesday won the midfield battle and Pelupessy was a part of that.”

Indeed that was certainly the case and as a result, Pelupessy was Moore’s, assistant Jamie Smith’s, and the Owls’ unsung hero from this wonderful victory.

He and the side must now back it up with another win this weekend.

AND in other news, “He’s someone who’s always..” – Exclusive: Palmer drops Sheff Weds player claim amid club issues…

Many Everton fans have been left to slam the news from the Daily Express that Thierry Small is reluctant to sign a new deal with the Goodison Park faithful.

As per the news outlet, the 16-year-old does not want to commit his long-term future to the Merseyside club as he has been given a lack of opportunities in the first-team squad, including just training with them.

Small is understood to be wanting to prioritise a breakthrough into the men’s game and is even willing to turn down any interest from both Arsenal and Manchester United for his signature.

Bayern Munich have also shown an interest in signing him, while Brighton and Hove Albion, Leeds United and Brentford are all prepared to offer the left-back a direct pathway straight into their first-team set-up.

Small will enter the final year of his scholarship in the next term, meaning that the Toffees would still be entitled to demand a transfer fee for the Englishman in the region of £1m, but it seems as if several Blues supporters do not want to sell.

Everton fans on Small contract update

These EFC fans slammed the contract update on Small on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that he is ‘the best young talent we have’:

“People thinking this is an April Fools joke, it’s unfortunately true”

Credit: @Paul1971EFC

“This is an April Fools joke isn’t it? Right?…please?”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“Hope it’s an April Fools joke arguably the best young talent we have”

Credit: @dadalife369

“Seriously?”

Credit: @lewissefc

“Grim, supposed to be very good this lad. Can’t get my head around why we don’t use either him or Niels as a LM while they are developing and we need more options in that position tbh”

Credit: @Shakeitupbaine1

“NOOOOOOO”

Credit: @jonesyefc

In other news, find out what fitness update before Crystal Palace has been slammed by Everton fans here!

A new report has emerged and it has exposed a worrying trend of Jose Mourinho’s at Tottenham Hotspur this season.

Spurs have endured an indifferent season. Back in December things were rosy, with the north London outfit sat top of the Premier League but now in April, things have taken a turn for the worst.

They are out of the FA Cup, Europa League and their chances of making the top four appear all but over – the one thing going for them is the upcoming Carabao Cup final, though they’ll face the red-hot league leaders, Manchester City.

A lot of Spurs’ issues have come down to their defensive problems, perhaps a surprise statement considering they hold the fourth-best defensive record in the top-flight but having dropped a whopping 18 points from winning positions, their season could’ve been far, far better.

But now a study conducted by the CIES Football Observatory has highlighted another worry.

As of this month, the Lilywhites are just one of three Premier League teams that have failed to give a single minute of league action to a player aged 21 or younger.

Given their troubles throughout the campaign, it surely can do Spurs no harm if they took a step back and put one eye on the future.

By comparison, Wolves have given an astounding 16.2% of all their minutes to U21 players, even Man City are up there in fifth and they occupy the top spot, so clearly it can pay dividends to have just a little bit of faith in your up-and-coming prospects.

[snack-amp-story url=https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-and-recent-gossip” title=”Read this week’s Spurs news, latest transfer rumours and more!]

Of course, we have seen Mourinho hand out such opportunities, but these have come in dead rubber encounters, such as the second-leg against Wolfsberger AC in the Europa League, where Spurs were already in possession of a three-goal advantage.

The likes of Alfie Devine, Dane Scarlett, and Oliver Skipp are hugely talented and impressive youngsters, who are all more than worthy of playing some minutes at the very top level.

After Brexit, and with Spurs’ likely upcoming homegrown registration battle next season, Mourinho must do more to map out a better plan for the club’s current crop of youngsters.

This will leave Daniel Levy teeming with frustration too, as he’s less likely to make a substantial profit on these players if they are not being exposed to senior football.

Young prospects like Scarlett have cost the club nothing to develop but if he lives up to his true potential, then Levy could easily make a substantial sale on him in the future – though, not if Mourinho keeps up this concerning trend.

He has a history of it too, letting the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah slip his grasp at Chelsea, so again, the Spurs chairman ought to be feeling a little anxious over this latest report.

AND in other news, £18m-rated “role model” wants Spurs move, Levy must now strike…

Having been allowed to leave Aston Villa on loan in the January transfer window, it’s fair to say Conor Hourihane is doing his best to remind those at his parent club why he should have been kept.

The Republic of Ireland international had struggled to get much game-time at Villa Park in the first half of the season in the Premier League, playing just 228 minutes of top-flight football before his departure for Swansea.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of a game against West Ham earlier this season, Villa manager Dean Smith was quick to acknowledge that it was difficult for Hourihane. He said: “Conversations can be difficult but if you’re just speaking to the players with honesty then you usually find a way through that.

“We’d played two, won two and Conor had come off in both games. We signed Ross and I felt we needed to go a different way against Liverpool given who we were playing against. I explained that to Conor and, yes, he was disappointed because he had been involved in the first two games but we felt we’d brought in a real, high-calibre, different type of player.”

Now on loan at the Liberty Stadium, Hourihane is underlining just what a talented player he is on his day, already racking up five goals in just 12 games in the Championship.

It’s no surprise that Steve Cooper, his manager at Swansea, has raved about the Irishman, saying: “He’s been so impressive from the day he’s come through the door, which wasn’t that long ago. I thought his composure and quality on the ball is what we want it to be. If that’s the start of things to come then happy days.”

Last summer, Villa journalist Dan Bardell waxed lyrical about the midfielder’s ability following an impressive performance in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace towards the end of the 2019/20 season.

He said: “Whether you rate Conor (Hourihane) or whether you don’t, and obviously we’re two people that rate him highly, you can’t deny that when he’s on the pitch, we’ve looked better this season. And he’s a weapon from set pieces.

“The way he looks after the ball is very underrated as well. I think a lot of people take that for granted.”

Given how well he has performed for Swansea in the short time he has been there, and the troubles which Villa themselves have faced in recent weeks (they’ve managed just three goals in their past five games), Smith must surely be ruing letting the 1.81m-tall (5 foot 11) Hourihane leave in January.

Meanwhile, Villa are making a big mistake over signing this midfielder…