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Kristoffer Ajer’s representatives are ‘exploring all options’ amid strong links to Newcastle United, according to a report from Chronicle Live.

The lowdown

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh revealed at the end of May that Ajer had been ‘scouted extensively’ by Newcastle and that Celtic ‘anticipated an offer’ from the Magpies.

The 23-year-old defender has only one year left on his Celtic contract, having made 176 appearances for the club.

It appears Newcastle face competition for his signature though, with the Glasgow Times claiming earlier this month that Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen had made ‘tentative contact’ with the player’s representatives.

Newcastle are working within a tight transfer budget of just £8million-£10million in the summer window (via Football Insider).

The latest

The report explains that Ajer’s agency, Sports Entertainment Group, are currently assessing all possible routes out of Celtic for their client, hence the delay.

They’re said to have ‘good, solid links’ in Germany, Italy and Spain, which means the links to Leverkusen should come as ‘no surprise’.

It’s thought that Celtic will accept offers in the region of £6million-£8million for the Norwegian centre-half due to his contract situation, the high end of which would still absorb the entire aforementioned Magpies kitty.

The verdict: Bad news

Ajer’s Hoops deal ticking down means the transfer fee is pretty reasonable, and so this deal might simply come down to which club can offer the player himself the best package.

Reports of interest from Leverkusen are worrying, given that they can offer European football, but Ajer’s first-team prospects would surely be greater at Newcastle.

It would be a shrewd signing without a doubt, but equally the Magpies won’t want to find themselves being manipulated by his agents and playing a damaging waiting game while the wage demands go up and up.

In other news, Steve Howey has set an appropriate price limit for Joe Willock. 

West Bromwich Albion have run into a last minute delay in their prospective appointment of Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael over the structure of his compensation payment [Football Insider].

With pre-season fast approaching at the Hawthorns, the Baggies seem all but set to put an end to relentless managerial speculation by appointing the 45-year-old.

Needing fresh impetus in order to mount a sustainable promotion bid, who better to turn to than the man who overachieved at Barnsley by unbelievably guiding them to the Sky Bet Championship play-offs against all odds [Barnsley Chronicle].

However there may be a slight snag in negotiation proceedings. Rumoured to cost a fee of around £2 million to break from his contract, Barnsley would like the money up front in order to allow Ismael to leave Oakwell [Football Insider].

Conversely, West Brom are said to be keen on paying in instalments, creating a wrangle that may require some further discussions between the clubs [Football Insider]

As you can imagine, loads of Baggies diehards took to Twitter to vent their frustration at these latest developments.

Baggies fans react:

Replying to popular West Brom fan outlet WBA Report, here is how some fans summarized their feelings regarding this Ismael development:

“Wagner part 2”

Credit: @MattMannion4″We want it in used tenners, no consecutive numbers, dropped off under the toilet door in the Taco Bell Barnsley.”Credit: @neilmeynell”Of course there is it’s Albion”Credit: @FoulkesJustin”Scraping round for air miles”Credit: @BaggiesTotal”What a shock”Credit @JonnyDrury7″Makes me laugh when people say “Just pay the money” Same as when we chase a player. We value at £5M… selling club want £8M… Baggies fans shout “Pay the money…. ” We are never going to be like that. Unlike many football clubs, we don’t just throw money at it. Get used to it.”Credit: @KeirFrench”Cash flow that bad at Albion?”Credit: @MarkAbel_28In other news, WBA fans react to a significant off-field development.

Crystal Palace are considering talking to Paulo Fonseca regarding the Selhurst Pak vacancy.

And those links have had a number of Eagles fans talking on social media.

According to 90min, Palace are weighing up whether to talk with Fonseca, who almost joined Tottenham.

The report adds that, should Palace want to discuss a move with Fonseca, they’ll have to be quick, as he is in negotiations with Italian side Fiorentina.

Steve Parish is still looking for Roy Hodgson’s long-term successor and has come close twice already with moves for Nuno Espirito Santo and Lucien Favre.

Deals for both available bosses collapsed in the end and it seems as if Fonseca and Swansea City’s Steve Cooper are on the club’s radar.

Cooper’s £3m fee to take him from the Liberty Stadium remains an issue, according to 90min.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Fonseca on Twitter on Friday. This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with many fed up at the ongoing process.

“Oh?”Credit: @cpfcaustin”please please please”Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_”Fool me twice. Not a single Portuguese flag in any profile. Promise? No way this happens.”Credit: @CHSCPFC”Not getting excited again are we”Credit: @Jordan18721653″Wake me up when we have signed a new manager”Credit: @rickyj555″don’t fall for it people, we can’t get excited any more”Credit: @Matchday365

In other news: Many CPFC fans fume at club’s official post after Fave deal collapsed, find out more here. 

West Ham have been dealt a crushing blow over one of David Moyes’ mooted transfer targets…

What’s the word?

The Irons have been linked with a move for versatile Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo, with Spanish outlet Sport claiming that they were holding talks with the La Liga giants to ‘finalise an agreement’ back at the start of the month (via Sport Witness).

However, it appears the Hammers’ top-flight rivals Leeds United have won the race to seal his signature this summer. The ever-reliable ExWHUemployee delivered a fresh update on a recent episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast.

“Firpo, the Barcelona left-back, is someone that we are interested in. It looks like he might be joining Leeds,” the trustworthy source claimed.

The Times also believe that the 24-year-old has opted for Elland Road over both Milan clubs, on top of West Ham.

Gutting blow

Firpo is expected to cost the Whites in the region of just €15m (£12.8m), which represents considerable value for money and will only cause more pain in east London. Moyes is lacking options right across the pitch, and heading into a potential 50-plus game campaign, this has to be a major cause for concern.

The Barcelona outcast would have been an intriguing option on the left flank, whilst his versatility to play on the right and through the middle only bolsters his credentials further.

West Ham suffered from regular injury setbacks throughout last campaign, with both Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku spending plenty of time on the treatment table.

At times, the English veteran has also slotted into a back three, so there’s certainly a need for a new left-sided addition this window and Firpo was seemingly a cheap, ideal solution, especially considering that he’s only 24.

“He’s a player with a lot of potential. He could be one of the best left-backs in the world,” Barcelona legend Eric Abidal once claimed. “I always tell him that he must work hard and be aware of the (style of) play. He’s going to get better, for sure. It’s always difficult to get started at Barca.”

An average of 1.4 tackles, one interception and 0.7 dribbles per game (via WhoScored) certainly suggests that Firpo can contribute at either end of the pitch – just like Cresswell, who ended the 2020/21 season with the most assists (eight) in the West Ham squad.

Therefore, on the above evidence, Moyes will surely be gutted and perhaps a little angry that the club have let one of his targets join a Premier League rival who can’t even offer him European football.

The Scotsman will now have to go back to the drawing board in his search for left-back reinforcements.

AND in other news, Moyes risks transfer disaster in West Ham move for “ungrateful” £26m-rated striker dud…

An update has emerged on Tottenham target Mikkel Damsgaard, regarding how much Sampdoria are demanding for his signature… 

What’s the talk?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Sampdoria are demanding £25.7m (€30m) for Tottenham transfer target Mikkel Damsgaard this summer. The report claims that Milan have been in contact with the Serie A club over a potential deal and have been told that they will need to part ways with £25.7m to land him.

Spurs chief Fabio Paratici has reportedly identified the Danish international as a target ahead of next season following his strong performances in the European Championships for his country.

Fans would love it

Paratici must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Damsgaard as the fans would love to see him in North London next season. The former Juventus man now knows exactly how much it will take to prise the midfielder away from Italy and now he needs to act on the club’s interest and offer what Sampdoria want for him.

In an ideal world, Paratici would have time to negotiate with Sampdoria and potentially lower the price to secure a bargain for Damsgaard. However, they might not have that chance as interest appears to be mounting for his services. Along with Milan, Barcelona, West Ham and Liverpool are also reportedly eyeing up the young talent.

Therefore, Spurs must strike quickly to secure a deal for him before the other clubs are able to make their moves, which is why they should be looking to go straight in with a £25.7m offer. He could be a quality addition to Nuno Santo’s squad.

TV2’s football expert Martin Mikkelsen lavished praise on the “dynamic” attacker and highlighted the maturity in his games despite only turning 21 earlier this week, saying: “He’s magical – what speed!

“He is dynamic and can go both ways. He is creative but also so mature in his decisions.”

Damsgaard could be able to come in and make an instant impact at Tottenham. He has three goals and three assists in his last five games for Denmark, including a goal and an assist at the European Championships this summer, suggesting that he could be a decent option for Santo to call upon in the Premier League next season.

However, it could be in the long-term where Spurs benefit from spending £25.7m on Damsgaard. He is only 21 and has plenty of room left for development, which means that he could improve over the course of several seasons and grow into being an influential player.

The supporters could love watching the flying winger make progress in a Spurs shirt, potentially working his way from being a squad option to being one of the first names on the teammates, with the form he is showing at his current age suggesting that he could have a bright future.

AND in other news, Paratici must avoid error with “brave” £24k-p/w beast, Spurs fans would be gutted…

Leeds United could sign a dream Rodrigo de Paul alternative in Arsenal star Joe Willock amid David Norris’ transfer claim.

What’s the story?

The England U21 international spent the last Premier League season on loan at Newcastle, starring for the Magpies as they staved off relegation with some impressive form towards the end of the campaign – they won five out of their last eight games.

And now, Norris has claimed that with the Gunners potentially being open to letting Willock go this summer, he has the potential to turn into a “decent signing” for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Speaking exclusively to This is Futbol, Norris said: “I think initially like it was at Newcastle, he would be a slightly underwhelming signing but would come with the potential to turn into a decent signing.”

Forget De Paul

Reports in recent weeks and months had claimed that De Paul was a key target for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, but Fabrizio Romano recently delivered a crushing blow to their hopes, claiming that Spanish giants Atletico Madrid were now close to clinching his signing.

While Bielsa may be gutted at having missed out on the Argentine’s signing, he could get a similarly dynamic midfielder in the much-younger Willock.

After seeing him score on his Newcastle debut against Southampton last season, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce claimed that Willock has the style of play from which his side could really benefit.

He said: “It was a classic midfield player’s goal from the ability to arrive in the box, and that’s what he’s brought us. He can go box-to-box, he’s a terrific athlete, the kid, a typical modern-day midfield player who has the ability to get up and down the pitch quickly and has that added ability to score a goal.”

That ability to get into the box at the right time to finish things off is something about which Arsenal legend Martin Keown has waxed lyrical, too, hailing him after his goal-scoring display against Dundalk in the Europa League earlier last season.

The ex-Gunners defender said: “The point is, he can do so much, he gets in the box in the right place at the right time. He wants it to feet, he’s always on the half-turn, which is nice to see. Today I saw a bit more athleticism rather than just coasting in there. His overall game is really good.”

The £34m-rated midfielder haul off 11 goals in all competitions last season was actually better than what De Paul managed (nine), and went on a real hot streak to end the campaign – he bagged seven in seven in the Premier League, becoming the youngest player ever to achieve that feat, making him a top-flight record breaker.

With his ability to score goals from midfield, Willock has everything in his locker to be a real dream alternative to De Paul, and offer the same kind of attacking dynamism that the Argentine would have brought.

Meanwhile, Beren Cross has dropped a Leeds United transfer update…

Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach has shared an update on Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans for Shane Long this summer, with it looking likely that he will depart Southampton on a permanent deal.

What’s the word?

In a Q and A session with Saints fans, Leach shared his thoughts on Long’s future with Southampton, after the 34-year-old striker spent the second half of last season on loan with Bournemouth in the Championship.

He said:

“As things stand, Shane Long is training with the first team at Staplewood and has been front and centre of their pre-season preparations.

“It looks likely, at this stage, that he will leave this summer but Hasenhuttl is open to watching him during these early weeks, as he is with all his returning loan players.

“However, Long is not currently in his plans and will have plenty of Championship interest.”

Should Southampton sell Long?

Last season saw Long manage just 201 minutes of Premier League action across 11 appearances, in which he failed to contribute a single goal or assist.

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The Irishman has never been a consistent goalscorer for Southampton, with the 10 goals he managed in the 2015/16 season the only time he has managed double digits in the Premier League, so it is somewhat strange that he has remained at the club for this long.

Whilst he was a useful squad player to have in the past, at 34, it seems clear that Long is no longer of any use to Hasenhuttl, and considering he reportedly earns £60k per week at St Mary’s, it would be for the best if he was let go this summer, even if it meant sacrificing any sort of transfer fee.

He did however manage two goals in 11 appearances whilst on loan at Bournemouth last season, so it is no surprise that some Championship clubs are keen to take a chance on him this summer, so hopefully, this update from Leach means that Southampton are well on their way to getting rid of him good, which fans will be delighted with considering his lack of impact in recent seasons.

And, in other news… Carlton Palmer suggests Saints should sell this star player…

Gennaro Gattuso has revealed he was distraught to miss out on the Tottenham Hotspur job before Nuno Espirito Santo was given the role.

The Lowdown: Gattuso a target

Former AC Milan and Napoli boss Gattuso was approached by Spurs to take over from Jose Mourinho (via TEAMtalk), who was sacked in April.

However, after discussions had progressed, Daniel Levy and co decided to go in another direction (via The Daily Mail).

The Latest: Gattuso shares disappointment

Speaking to Italian outlet Il Messaggero (via theworldgame.sbs), Gattuso shared his disappointment at being overlooked. He said:

“It was a huge disappointment, but I wasn’t described the way I am and there was nothing I could do,” Gattuso told Il Messaggero.

“I am sorry I could not defend myself and explain that I am not the person they were talking about in England.

“I had to accept a story that hurts more than any defeat or dismissal, in a moment when we don’t want to understand how dangerous the internet can be.”

The Verdict: Spurs went with safer choice

As a player, Gattuso was one of the best midfielders in the world, winning countless trophies with AC Milan as well as the World Cup with Italy in 2006. While his managerial career has not yet hit the same heights, he has still done relatively well, even managing to win the Coppa Italia with Napoli.

The 43-year-old is outspoken – just as he was as a player – and he has rarely settled at any club of which he has been in charge (sportskeeda.com). Nuno, meanwhile, appears to be the safer choice. He has managed in the Premier League and has not been followed by controversy. Only time will tell whether Levy made the right decision.

In other news, Tottenham make a bid for this Euro 2020 winner.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Metz midfielder Farid Boulaya as Marcelo Bielsa eyes up summer reinforcements.

The Lowdown: Midfield depth required

The Whites finished ninth in the Premier League last season, and while that was an undoubted success, it is important that they kick on in 2021/22.

For that to happen, new signings could be needed so that the squad doesn’t become stagnant or threadbare should injuries arise.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with Boulaya

According to Mohamed Toubache-Ter on Twitter [via Get French Football News],  Leeds are keen on signing Boulaya for around €4.5m (£3.85m) following an impressive 2020/21 campaign for Metz.

The 28-year-old scored six goals and registered eight assists in the French top flight last term and Marcelo Bielsa sees him as a strong option to bring in at Elland Road.

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The Verdict: Strong option for Whites

Boulaya could be a shrewd addition by Leeds, possessing undeniable quality going forward and also having experience at the top level, making 61 appearances in Ligue 1.

It was from the French top flight that the Whites signed Raphinha last year and the Brazilian had a strong first campaign in Yorkshire, leading the way for key passes with 2.1 per game. Boulaya’s average for this metric was even higher last season as he recorded 2.3 per match, indicating a strong ability to unpick opposition defences.

The four-cap Algeria international’s current £8,300-per-week deal expires next summer, so Metz may feel that now is the time to cash in and receive a healthy fee for him, which could play into Leeds’ hands perfectly.

In other news, Leeds are believed to have pulled out of a deal to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Brennan Johnson is set to sign a new deal with Nottingham Forest, according to a fresh report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Johnson move

Marcelo Bielsa will be looking to make additions to his squad this summer in order to take his team to the next level.

Leeds have been linked with Forest youngster Johnson, who made 43 League One appearances on loan at Lincoln City last season.

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The Latest: Youngster set to sign new deal

According to The Athletic, the 20-year-old is set to sign a new deal at  Nottingham Forest, which would put pay to any chance of a permanent move to Elland Road.

Johnson is set to be given plenty of playing time for the Championship club next season as he continues to mature as a player.

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The Verdict: One that got away

While Johnson still seems short of Premier League level – he only has four Championship appearances to his name thus far – he seems a highly precocious talent.

The midfielder scored 11 goals and registered five assists in League One last season, highlighting his quality, and he also has two caps to his name for Wales. Upon his loan switch to Lincoln last autumn, Imps manager Michael Appleton gushed about how the youngster was “going to bring real quality” to the League One side, which he did judging by his goal return at Sincil Bank.

Should the 20-year-old go on to star at Forest and duly earn a move elsewhere further down the line, he could be regarded as one that got away from a Leeds perspective.

In other news, Leeds have been tipped to make a move for a Liverpool player this summer. Find out who it is here.