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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Southampton vice-chairman Les Reed has said signing Graziano Pelle in the 2014 summer transfer window was a “no-brainer”.

Pelle was brought to the club by Ronald Koeman, reunited with his manager at Feyenoord. And looking at his goalscoring record at the Dutch outfit, it was no surprise that Koeman was so keen on a reunion.

In 66 appearances, Pelle scored 55 goals. And given his height and stature, something Koeman spoke about upon his arrival, the Italian looked like the perfect Premier League striker.

Ultimately, for Reed, Southampton had no choice but to sign him as they looked to replace Rickie Lambert, who had left for Liverpool the same summer.

“We wanted to replace Rickie Lambert,” Reed exclusively told FFC. “Ronald had worked with Graziano at Feyenoord. Graziano had a similar style, you know, scoring record etc.

“So it was a no-brainer out of three choices of strikers to go with Graziano because the the manager knew him, trusted him, knew how to handle him and so on.”

Pelle went on to make 80 appearances for Southampton, scoring 30 goals during his two-year stint at St. Mary’s.

During that time, he also had a key role in the Italy national team, a member of the squad highly appreciated by Premier League title winner Antonio Conte.

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.

Aston Villa could sign their new Idrissa Gueye in Metz starlet Pape Sarr as a major transfer update emerges.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Dean Smith’s side are interested in signing the 18-year-old this summer, and it now appears that his current club are willing to let him go for the right price.

Metz’s president, Bernard Cerin, said: “All the clubs now want to buy him for cheaper. We are in the opposite situation. We want to keep him a little longer.

“The wish is to keep everyone – but we do not control everything. A very high offer makes it difficult for you to convince a player to stay.”

A new Idrissa Gueye

Villa fans will, of course, know all about Gueye and the tenacious midfield work that he got through in his time at Villa Park, before making the move to fellow Premier League side Everton and now PSG.

In Sarr, Smith could find an exciting, younger version of the Senegal international.

The 18-year-old is enjoying a real breakthrough campaign with the Ligue 1 side this season, playing 22 times in the league, and has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet in recent weeks for Metz boss Frederic Antonetti.

And, Antonetti has not shied away from lavishing his midfield starlet with praise, saying: “Pape Matar Sarr is elegance in the midfield, it’s talent, it’s making others play.”

He said: “He will be able to go as far as he wants to go. He must work, be as he is there, modest, regular, hardworking. He must continue to love football and he will do like the great players, he will go far. I think he will go very far.”

Dubbed as someone who’s “got everything” to his game, Sarr has averaged an impressive two tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, while also boasting a passing accuracy of 85.3% – compare that to Gueye who’s managed 2.3 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per match in Ligue 1 this season, and having a 92.6% pass accuracy.

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Given his age, and the fact he’s already piling up plento of experience in terms of top-level football, and Sarr could be the kind of young talent who can fill those considerable shoes that Gueye left at Villa when he departed.

Meanwhile, Villa are facing a major transfer battle over this star…

Leeds are continuing to keep a close eye on Lens starlet Loic Bade ahead of a potential move for the centre-back in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports from Foot Mercato earlier this year suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are one of the teams interested in signing the 21-year-old.

Now, Actufoot claim that along with Leeds, the likes of Sevilla and Lyon have also earmarked the young Frenchman as a transfer target, and that with Lens aware of the growing interest in the defender, they are ready to cash in.

Leeds’ new Pontus Jansson

Before Bielsa grew tired of Pontus Jansson, the big centre-back was a imposing figure at the back, dealing with everything in the air and ensuring the Whites had a monstrous presence in their own box.

In fact, on Jansson’s way to earning his place in the PFA Team of the Year in 2018/19 season, the Whites let in just 13 goals from corners and free-kicks over the season. The Swede was superb in the air, winning 4.9 aerial duels per game during his final season in the Championship for the club.

And in Bade, Bielsa could find his next Jansson.

The Frenchman has a big future ahead of him and has already earned reviews for his performances with Lens, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig calling him “dominant” and insisting that he has “huge potential”.

Just like Jansson, Bade is a formidable presence in the air, with his 3.7 duels won per game in Ligue 1 this season actually ranking him fifth in the entire division.

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That’s also not to mention the fact he makes an impressive 1.9 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game, which puts him third and first among his Lens teammates this campaign.

The 6 foot 3 Bade could be exactly the kind of “dominant” centre-back Leeds could do with, and signing him could give Bielsa his new Jansson at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, a Leeds source has revealed some exciting plans at Thorp Arch…

Manchester City’s hopes of signing Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge this summer look to have been handed a boost after reports suggested that he sees his future away from Bramall Lane and that his release clause has also dropped to £35m, which should surely put Pep Guardiola and his staff on high alert as they consider transfer options ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Norway international was linked with a move to City recently, with Voetbal24 claiming that the 23-year-old is top of Guardiola’s list to replace Fernandinho at the Etihad this summer, with the Brazilian’s future in doubt as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Berge was only signed by the Blades in January 2020 and established himself as a key fixture at Bramall Lane as the South Yorkshire side enjoyed a superb campaign back in the top-flight following their promotion.

However, things have not gone to plan for United or Berge this season, as long-standing manager Chris Wilder was sacked earlier this year with the Blades bottom of the league, and they have since been relegated back to the Championship.

Injuries have certainly played their part in Sheffield United’s demise, with Berge missing a significant portion of the season after requiring surgery, which saw him sidelined between December and March.

As a result, he has managed just 15 appearances in the Premier League, averaging a less than impressive 6.43 rating, which is a stark contrast to the solid 6.81 rating he managed in the second half of the 2019/20 campaign.

This suggests that when he’s fully fit, and perhaps playing in a better team, Berge can still be an excellent player in the Premier League, and given that he is only 23, he still has plenty of time to develop.

Former manager Wilder has previously tipped the youngster for a move to a Champions League club, and was full of praise for him earlier in the season, saying:

“He’s a positive boy with a brilliant attitude, I love him to bits and would love him to stay regardless of what happens.”

Therefore, following the news about Berge’s release clause and the reports suggesting that he wants to leave Sheffield United, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely work hard on bringing him to the Etihad this summer, as he could prove to be an excellent addition to Guardiola’s squad.

And, in other news… Guardiola could be set for huge boost over “very special” Man City star after major development

Lee Ryder has slammed the display of Emil Krafth for Newcastle United in their 2-2 home draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Joe Willock, who is currently on loan from Arsenal, scored a deserved equaliser for Steve Bruce’s team at St James’ Park after a Harry Kane double cancelled out an early opener from Joelinton.

While there were some very good performances from the home side, Ryder was far less impressed by Krafth, who was largely at fault for Kane’s first goal.

Writing in his latest player ratings piece for Chronicle Live, the journalist claimed that the Sweden international ‘didn’t inspire much confidence’ in the defence for Bruce’s side and also hinted that he was a passenger in the game, giving him a mere 4/10 overall rating, the lowest out of any Magpies player to have set foot on the pitch.

Krafth not at his best for Newcastle

It was an inspired point for the Toon in their battle to avoid relegation to the Championship, but Krafth’s performance certainly flattered to deceive.

The Sweden international lost out on two of his duels and also failed to make a single interception or win a tackle, all while losing possession of the ball on 10 separate occasions in the match, the joint-fifth most out of any of his outfield teammates (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, the 26-year-old will have to perform a lot better if he is to keep his place in the starting XI for the final few weeks of the campaign.

In other news, find out what claim has been dropped on one NUFC-linked manager!

Keith Gillespie has urged Manchester United to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United this summer in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

The West Ham United midfielder has enjoyed a sensational season at the base of the Irons’ midfield.

They are currently pushing for Champions League qualification, with Rice playing in every single game prior to the Wolves and Leicester clashes after picking up an injury.

Rice has formed an exceptional partnership with Tomas Soucek, as the club look to gatecrash the top four.

He has also become a cornerstone of the England squad under Gareth Southgate, winning 15 caps and playing in two of their three World Cup qualifiers recently, only missing out against San Marino.

Gillespie believes that United need to strengthen in midfield as they make plans for the summer window and has touted Rice, who is valued at £54m by Transfermarkt, as a potential target.

Speaking to FFC in an exclusive interview prior to West Ham’s game against Wolves, the ex-United academy product said: “I think Declan Rice is exceptional. He would be a fantastic signing for United.”

He has also credited Soucek, and believes that he is another who would add plenty to United’s midfield.

He added: “Soucek, you look at the goals he produces, he’s such a threat in both boxes.

“It is an area where Man United need to strengthen.”

A number of Liverpool fans have been calling for Divock Origi to leave this summer following reports surrounding his Reds future.

The Belgian has enjoyed a curious career at Anfield in many ways, producing moments of magic but also proving to be a frustrating player.

Origi famously scored a string of vital goals back in the 2018/19 season, netting against Tottenham in the Champions League final and Barcelona in the semis, not to mention crucial late winners against Everton and Newcastle United.

Constant reports have linked the 25-year-old with a move away from Liverpool this summer, considering he has managed just 182 minutes of league action all season.

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Origi has been tipped to join Borussia Dortmund in the next transfer window (per 90min.com), with the Bundesliga giants emerging as a surprise option for the striker.

It appears increasingly likely that he will move on to pastures new once the season reaches its conclusion, bringing an end to six years as a Liverpool player.

Liverpool fans react to Origi rumour

These Liverpool fans reacted to the news on Twitter, with the general consensus that it is time for him to exit the club, with some joking that Erling Haaland could head the other way.

“It was time for him to go long ago, came into clutch a few good times and he’ll be in Liverpool’s folklore forever. But not good enough”

Credit: @TonySop60754145

“Said it many times I’ll pick him and drop him to which ever club wants him lol”

Credit: @ThiagosFather89

“Origi for Haaland seems like a fair trade if you ask me”

Credit: @JM1745303

“Replacement for Haaland”

Credit: @96_19_96

“Should’ve gone after the Champions League when his value was high as he deserves regular games, but sad to say he is not good enough to challenge the front-three. Gonna be a busy summer!”

Credit: @dennism53706722

“Straight swap for Haaland yeah?”

Credit: @kevrobson4

In other news, Liverpool have suffered a big injury blow ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Read more here.

Luke Shaw’s dramatic career turnaround has certainly been stark and one that has proven former Red Devils’ boss Jose Mourinho wrong.

The Manchester United defender is enjoying a stunning campaign throughout 2020/21. He has started 36 games in all competitions, racking up six assists and scoring once, even keeping summer signing Alex Telles constantly marooned to the bench.

For a player who was constantly castigated by former manager Mourinho for his “attitude”, Shaw has certainly got one over the Portuguese.

His all-around game is one of the most eye-catching in the entire squad. According to WhoScored, the defender is averaging 1.4 tackles per game. Only four players in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad are providing more.

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Meanwhile, he has also been a hugely potent weapon going forwards by contributing 2.1 key passes for game. For context, these are the highest numbers throughout his career in the Premier League and are only bettered by the inspirational Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.

Praised for his “brilliant” performances by former Red Devils midfielder Roy Keane, the ex-Southampton full-back has even taken that excellent form onto the international stage by assisting Harry Kane for England’s opening goal against Albania on Sunday evening.

He now looks to be one of the first names on the teamsheet having started 30 matches this season, the second-most in his entire United career, and also returned to Three Lions contention for the first time since September 2018.

Only played 55 times in all competitions by the current Tottenham Hotspur boss Mourinho in his two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, the defender has already played 92 matches under his successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the same amount of time– faith that has certainly been rewarded.

It goes without saying then Shaw, who earns £150k per week at Old Trafford, will be aiming to continue his career turnaround throughout the remainder of the season and will hopefully aim to prove Mourinho wrong even more.

AND in more news, take a look at which Barcelona star the Red Devils must avoid signing in the summer…

Many Aston Villa fans are reacting to the performance of attacker Trezeguet in the match against Wolves on Saturday night.

The winger has now played 17 times this season, and has grabbed one assist, but he is yet to score this term and this will definitely be a worry for a side struggling to find goals without Jack Grealish.

The Egypt star has not shown enough attacking intent in recent months as he has only managed 1.5 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.8 successful dribbles per game (WhoScored, pre-Wolves).

Trezeguet came in for the Midlands derby as a replacement for Anwar El-Ghazi, who was also unavailable for the match due to a toe injury he picked up against Sheffield United. Clearly El-Ghazi was missed, with one fan calling Trezeguet ‘wasteful’, whilst another said they doubt the winger has a brain.

Valued at £9 million, he is contracted until June 2023 (Transfermarkt), but if he doesn’t start improving, then it would be quite likely that the club will see him as surplus to requirements and look to sell him on sooner rather than later.

Here is how Villa fans reacted to his performance:

“Trez is having a mare. How many times has he given the ball away already?”

Credit: @AvfcSims

“Elmo and Trez shouldn’t be anywhere near this first team”

Credit: @villarichie

“Trezeguet mentally kills me, so wasteful”

Credit: @TommmBrownnn

“If we want to progress next season, definitely going to have to upgrade on Trezeguet & El Ghazi. Both far too inconsistent”

Credit: @GreggMac11

“Not sure trezeguet has a brain”

Credit: @CurtHaycock

“Moronic from Trezeguet there”

Credit: @Paul_725

In other Villa news, fans have been piling praise on one star at the club following his latest comments. Have a read who it is here!