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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who played 561 times for Wolves, has urged West Brom star Matheus Pereira to stay at the Hawthorns, even if they are relegated.

Pereira was a standout performer for the Baggies last time they were in the Championship as he registered eight goals and 20 assists in just 42 league games as West Brom finished second.

The £6,000 per week midfielder has once again been a shining light for West Brom in a relatively poor season, but it has been reported that the Baggies could look to sell their star midfielder.

Speaking on why Pereira should stick with West Brom and what he owes them after being given a chance to prove himself, Bull told FFC:

“I don’t know what will happen because it’s one of those where you don’t know his contractual situation either.

“I’m not sure whether Pereira will stop there but I think West Brom have put faith in him this year so he should stick with them next year and help get them straight back out of the Championship.”

Despite the Baggies spending the majority of the season in the bottom three, Pereira has been able to show he can cut it in the Premier League with seven goals and five assists in 26 games.

It has been reported that Sam Allardyce has a break clause in his West Brom contract for if they get relegated, however, it’s still unclear if he will walk away or not.

Noel Whelan has suggested Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is wasting the talent of Kemar Roofe by playing him on the wing.

Whelan discusses Gerrard’s use of Roofe

Roofe signed for Rangers last summer from Anderlecht. Despite being a natural striker, he has played the majority of his games on the left or right flank this term as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan believes Gerrard should play the £5.4m-valued 28-year-old (Transfermarkt) more centrally. He explained when asked whether Roofe would prefer to play through the middle:

“Yeah, I believe so.

“He came to Leeds as a winger and that was his position pretty much, for a long time he was out wide.

“I just think you get more benefit and his movement is much more effective in that central area, he’s alive, he makes great runs in behind and those little diagonal runs.

“I feel that he’s very regimented out wide, there’s not much movement from him, they miss that quick movement getting in behind.

“Those little quick balls in between defenders, he’s very static out there for a player like Kemar Roofe, his movement is exceptional in and around the box and to have him out wide. Yeah, it does seem a little bit of a waste.

“But if you asked Roofe if he’d rather be on the bench or on the wing, he’ll tell you the answer.”

Actually performed well on the flanks

Roofe shone at Leeds as a striker before moving to Belgium, where he managed seven goals in 16 games before making the switch to Scotland. However, while he has played in the unfamiliar role of a winger for much of the campaign, he has actually done rather well, netting 10 goals in 13 games in that role.

With Alfredo Morelos being the number one striker for Gerrard right now, it is hard for Roofe to nail down a starting spot as a central striker unless there is a change in formation. If the Colombia international were to leave in the summer, Roofe may be one of the biggest beneficiaries.

In other news, Rangers are delighted with this 20/21 news.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, ex-Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes it would be the right decision for his old side to hand Matty Cash a new contract.

Cash only joined Villa in the last summer transfer window, but the former Nottingham Forest defender looks set to put pen to paper on fresh terms.

According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, the Midlands club are keen to discuss a new deal with Cash, clearly impressed with what they have seen from the 23-year-old right-back this season.

And it appears that Hendrie has also been pleased with Cash’s form, with the ex-Villa player calling for the Premier League outfit to get this new contract sorted.

On Cash, Hendrie told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“I watched him at Forest and he was exactly the same, but I feel that he’s got better coming into this Villa side. He’s granted a new contract because people will be looking for someone of his calibre and the way and styles teams play these days… he likes to get forward and he’s got that aggressive manner in him.

“Get him signed up. You know, these are the players that we want to see signed and we want to build on, and he’s still got plenty of years ahead of him.”

As well as Cash, left-back Matt Targett could also be in line for a new contract. According to The Athletic (via Goal), the Villans have already opened talks with the former Southampton man over an improved deal.

Patrick Bamford addressed the proposed European Super League following Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Monday night.

Bamford played the entirety of the match at Elland Road and was quickly quizzed on the new competition following the full-time whistle.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham signed up for the ESL over the weekend before all withdrawing their interest on Tuesday evening.

As reported by talk SPORT, Bamford, when asked about the tournament, said:

“We’ve just seen what pretty much everyone else has seen on Twitter.

“It’s amazing the amount of uproar that comes in to the game when somebody’s pockets are being hurt.

“It’s a shame it’s not like that when all the things that go wrong with things at the minute, racism and stuff like that.”

Reliable reporter David Ornstein has since shared a piece for The Athletic regarding the collapse of the ESL.

Ornstein revealed that a planned Wednesday meeting between all 20 Premier League captains is now cancelled before adding that Bamford, Jurgen Klopp and James Milner’s comments specifically ‘made the biggest difference’.

Transfer Tavern take

We feel that Bamford got every single word he said spot on. He was one of the first Premier League players to publicly give his thoughts on the ESL to the camera and it seems as if his passionate opinion helped the six English sides have second thoughts.

Owner Andrea Radrizzani quickly made his feelings known and director of football Victor Orta held up a ‘football is for the fans’ t-shirt prior to kick-off, and really, the Whites couldn’t have handled the situation any better from top to bottom.

With Ornstein now reporting that it was indeed thanks to the comments of the likes of Bamford and Milner that things were turned around so quickly, it seems the fans in Yorkshire have a lot to be proud of.

In other news: Phil Hay provides Leeds transfer update involving Kalvin Phillips, find out more here.  

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Orkun Kokcu, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

La Repubblica (via Sport Witness) claim Spurs could battle their north London arch-rivals Arsenal and teams from Italy to sign the Feyenoord midfielder.

It’s suggested that the Eredivisie outfit are open to a sale and value the 20-year-old at around €12m (£10m).

Despite Kokcu being under contract until 2025, there are thoughts that the Turkish international will leave the Dutch side this summer.

Shades of Eriksen

The Netherlands has long been a breeding ground for some of Europe’s best talents, such as the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong, who have gone onto thrive at Juventus and Barcelona, respectively. Whilst the Premier League and Spurs, in particular, have experienced it first-hand.

One fine example is Christian Eriksen, who signed from Ajax and became one of the best attacking midfielders the club has seen, providing 69 goals and 90 assists across 305 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

His departure 18 months ago is still being felt today, as neither of Tanguy Ndombele or Giovani Lo Celso – Spurs’ pair of £55m signings – have stepped up to the plate, at least in terms of creativity and goal contributions.

The Frenchman has elevated his game this term, for sure, but has still only directly accounted for 16 goals in 72 appearances (one goal every 4.5 games), whilst the Argentine’s 11 contributions in 62 matches (one goal every 8.8 games) is far from inspiring.

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Neither are close to Eriksen’s level. He was such a crucial influence in providing a goal or assist every 1.9 games.

On the face of it, Kokcu doesn’t seem like the solution, given he’s only made two goals and one assist this campaign but it’s the diversity in his skill set that could suggest he’s a far more suitable option for Spurs right now.

Even more so if Daniel Levy manages to clinch Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, who has quickly risen up his shortlist to replace Jose Mourinho following a double blow over Julian Naglesmann and Brendan Rodgers.

The 51-year-old has a proven track record in developing young talent in the Eredivisie, with both the aforementioned Dutch stars a product of his stewardship.

Kokcu’s distribution is very impressive, averaging over an 83% passing accuracy despite managing 1.8 long balls, proving he has the capability to pull the strings in the middle and dictate play, as per WhoScored.

That’s on top of his capabilities from set pieces – one accurate free-kick and 0.9 accurate crosses per 90 minutes – something Eriksen was renowned for.

Speaking to Goal, Jaap Stam backed the 20-year-old’s potential for the Premier League.

“The pace of the game, the quality, the intensity is a lot higher. But he has the ability. He is a player who has the personality to want to improve, he always wants to do better,” explained the former Man Utd colossus.

“He’s certainly got the ability to make that step to the Premier League. He has creativity, scoring ability, stamina and running ability. He keeps on going. I saw him as a very promising player.”

His average of 2.2 shots and 1.5 key passes in the Eredivisie this term would suggest that he’s also been rather unlucky to not have added further numbers to his poor-looking returns.

If Levy manages to clinch ten Hag, then he should absolutely also try to raid Kokcu from the Dutch top-flight, too. Spurs could well replace Mourinho and finally Eriksen in one summer.

AND in other news, How Spurs could line-up under managerial target Erik ten Hag…

Many West Ham United fans want the club to sign Emiliano Buendia this summer after the Irons were linked with his signature.

This campaign has been a magnificent one for the Hammers. As it stands, they are sixth in the Premier League table and are well in with a chance of clinching a spot in Europe. If they do qualify for European competition, it promises to be a busy summer as David Moyes prepares his squad for the step up in quality.

As such, it is being reported the Irons are interested in Norwich winger Buendia (Sunday Mirror, via HITC). The Argentine has been in terrific form in the Championship so far this term, scoring 14 goals and providing 17 assists in 38 matches (Transfermarkt) – that even saw him named as the league’s best player for 2020/21 (BBC).

Given his displays in the second tier this season, many West Ham fans are eager for him to move to the London Stadium. These supporters took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts, with one calling for the underwhelming Felipe Anderson to be used as a sweetener in any prospective deal.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Buendia links

“Would love this. Absolute baller”

Credit: @MattDay97

“Come on”

Credit: @oliver90820149

“Give them Felipe Anderson + cash I beg”

Credit: @Jackcoyi

“Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes please”

Credit: @WHUNath8

“YES”

Credit: @Mertins1801

“Agent Lanzini do y’all thang”

Credit: @WestHamUtdFC2

In other news, Frank McAvennie wants the Irons to sign this striker.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League defender Michael Ball believes Chris Wilder would be a good fit for West Brom if Sam Allardyce ends up departing the club.

Allardyce has been unable to turn around West Brom’s fortunes and his future at the Hawthorns remains unclear.

As for Wilder, the 53-year-old is available for work following his exit from Sheffield United back in March.

It means he could be one name West Brom possibly consider should they decide to part ways with Allardyce at the end of the season, and Ball thinks the Midlands club could do much worse than the former Blades boss.

He told TT in an exclusive interview:

“It seems to be the right fit. He’s got that right experience of bringing teams together, improving them, knows how to win promotions.

“The Championship, you’ve got to be more on the front foot, and Chris Wilder has that in abundance and experience in how to do that. So, yeah, it seems a good fit.”

As Ball mentioned, Wilder has a track record of winning promotion, though the same can be said about Allardyce.

Bearing that in mind, whether it is Wilder or Allardyce, West Brom would be in good hands next season and should be well placed to bounce back after a largely disappointing 2020/21 campaign.

Some Liverpool fans have been left delighted after Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Nathaniel Phillips is fit to face Southampton this weekend.

The Reds are back in action on Saturday evening, with Saints making the trip to Anfield in the Premier League.

It has been a fortnight since Jurgen Klopp’s men were last in action, due to last weekend’s scheduled clash with Manchester United being postponed.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

Liverpool simply have to beat Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side if they are to have any chance of finishing in the top four this season – even then, their chances still look slim.

Someone who hasn’t played since the 0-0 draw with Real Madrid last month is Phillips, who has been missing though injury, albeit being named in the initial team to face United last Sunday.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Klopp confirmed that the 24-year-old is fit, firing and available for selection, with the last week further aiding his recovery.

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Liverpool fans pleased with Klopp’s update on Phillips

These Liverpool supporters have been sharing their happiness at Phillips being available on Twitter.

“NAT PHILLIPS IS FIT YESSSSSSSS”

Credit: @NoSwearingHere7

” Super news”

Credit: @TheKopiteOFF

“Nat Phillips is fit & should be back in defence. Fabinho back in midfield then. Find your scoring boots guys!”

Credit: @Sakethscribbles

“The Incredible Flying Brick”

Credit: @kevezlowey

“Yay”

Credit: @JacobTaschler

“Yessir”

Credit: @Podgeeeeeeee

In other news, one Liverpool player is set to be offered a monster new deal. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa have emerged as contenders to sign Fulham midfielder Zambo Anguissa this summer.

What’s the story?

Following the Cottagers’ relegation from the Premier League last weekend, it would be no surprise to see a few, if not many, of the club’s best players leave the London side over the course of the summer transfer window.

And, according to The Daily Mail, Dean Smith’s Villa side are monitoring developments over Anguissa ahead of a potential move, with Fulham braced for offers for many of their key men.

The report adds that the 25-year-old is likely to be one of those players sold following confirmation of Fulham’s relegation, while Villa are also set to face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Everton.

Upgrade on Douglas Luiz

A combative midfielder who has been one of the shining lights of Fulham’s season, Anguissa’s performances this campaign have been very impressive, and appears tailor-made to be a real upgrade on Douglas Luiz at Villa Park.

Joachim Andersen, his teammate at Fulham, has raved about about the £22.5m-rated powerhouse, saying: “He’s a top player. He’s a machine in the midfield. He’s winning so many balls and driving forward with it.”

And, Toni Conceicao, his coach for Cameroon, said: “He’s a quality player. In football, the collective is the most important, so you have to have players that work for the team. And although Anguissa is not a Messi or Ronaldo, he’s a player that has a lot of capacity to influence the match. He brings a lot of tactical culture and rigour to the team.

“He has got a really good passing ability, long and short, and is one of those players that makes the team tick without necessarily being the standout. As a coach and with all due respect to Fulham, which I know is a great club, Anguissa can reach an even higher level.”

And, when you compare the key stats between Anguissa and Luiz, it’s the former who comes out on top.

As per Whoscored, he is defensively far stronger than his Brazilian counterpart, averaging more tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League, and also committing far fewer fouls too – something Villa fans will be relieved to know after Luiz’s mindless challenge to give away a penalty against Manchester United at the weekend.

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And, as Andersen said, Anguissa is also adept at driving the ball forward, averaging a whopping 2.7 dribbles per game – far higher than Luiz, and actually only slightly below Jack Grealish with 2.8 in the entire Villa squad.

At 25, Anguissa seems like the dream Luiz upgrade and a player Villa must surely sign this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa have been handed a major boost that will have Dean Smith buzzing…

Kieran Maguire has reacted to the news that Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley claimed between £100,001 and £250,000 in February as part of the United Kingdom government’s furlough scheme.

The Lowdown: Ashley makes use of scheme

The global pandemic has wreaked havoc across Britian over the past year or so, with many being unable to work as result. As such, the UK government introduced a furlough scheme which allowed business owners to pay their staff via their funds.

However, Ashley decided to use the scheme even though he has the money to pay his employees himself. It has now been revealed he claimed between £100,001 and £250,000 during the month of February (www.gov.uk).

The Athletic reported that Newcastle have continued to receive state funding despite no public acknowledgement of their use of the furlough scheme.

The Latest: Maguire says it is “awkward”

Speaking to Football Insider, football finance expert Maguire has said that the news is “uncomfortable” for Ashley. He said:

“There is a case for saying that if football clubs are legally permitted to use furlough, what’s all the fuss about?

“The furlough scheme’s proper title is the ‘job retention scheme’. If in the long term this helps to retain jobs in Newcastle, you can see the benefit.

“From Mike Ashley’s point of view, he’s desperate to sell Newcastle. If this is a way of getting some more money into the club, why would he not do it?

“If he’s coped with all the criticism that’s come his way historically, this will be water off a duck’s back.

“It’s an awkward one, however. It looks uncomfortable.

“The sums involved are actually quite small. If it’s £100,000-a-month for a year, it works out as around 1.5 per cent of the total wage bill.

“For the clubs that have turned it down, they have probably benefitted in terms of their relationship with the fans.

“Ashley has no relationship with the Newcastle fans that can ever be resurrected. So he’s just said: ‘Sod you lot, I’ll do what’s best for my wallet’.”

The Verdict: Are we surprised?

It is hard to be too surprised by this latest news – it has long been known that Ashley puts profit above all else (The Mag). That is one of the many reasons why so many Newcastle fans are desperate for him to sell the club and leave St James’ Park (The Guardian), and who can blame them?

It must also be made clear that Ashley was not the only owner to take advantage of the scheme – both Daniel Levy at Tottenham (ITV) and John Henry at Liverpool (france24.com) went down the same path. The difference in both of those cases, though, is that they eventually changed their minds, whereas Ashley seemingly has no intention of doing that.

In other news, Newcastle are interested in signing this Premier League forward.