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Derby County are attracting the interest of an American consortium regarding a takeover of the club.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Alan Nixon’s report for The Sun on Sunday (via The 72), with the journalist revealing that the former CEO of Manchester City, Garry Cook, and his American backers are still in the running to purchase the crisis hit Rams, who recently entered administration due to their significant amount of debt.

Cook was reported to be interested in a takeover at Derby earlier this year, with The Sun claiming that the 63-year-old was in discussions with Mel Morris regarding the purchase of the club, however, he was unable to progress these talks due to the Rams’ feud with the EFL regarding their accounting irregularities.

Fans will be buzzing

With Derby fans having to endure a considerable amount of bad news in recent months, seeing two separate takeover attempts of their side fall through, being placed under a transfer embargo in the summer transfer window, facing a nine point deduction for breaking EFL accounting rules and being hit with a 12 point penalty for entering administration, the news that Cook and his backers are still interested in purchasing the club is sure to have the Pride Park faithful buzzing.

Indeed, exactly why anyone is interested in buying the club considering the fact that they have around £100m worth of debt to pay off simply to survive, as well as more than likely dropping down to the third tier of English football at the end of the current campaign, is questionable, however, should he put his money where his mouth is, Cook could well be the saviour fans have been waiting for.

Although, with a number of factors still up in the air at present, whether or not Cook and his American consortium do come forward with a bid remains to be seen, however, their interest is undoubtedly promising for the future of Derby County.

In other news: John Percy drops fresh Derby County EFL update which will have fans of the club livid

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Max Meyer has joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a free transfer.

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

The 25-year-old made 56 appearances during his two-and-a-half-year stay at Selhurst Park and left back in January for German side FC Koln.

Palace, who signed and allowed Meyer to leave for nothing, didn’t stay at FC Koln for long and has now secured a two-year deal at new club Fenerbahce.

The attacking midfielder, who was involved in just five goals during his Palace stay, will be looking to get his career back on track, with his Transfermarkt valuation falling from £16.2m when he arrived in south London in 2018 to just £1.35m in 2021.

Palace fans react

Fenerbahce shared the news regarding Meyer on Twitter on Thursday. This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one describing a transfer as a ‘great move’.

“Let’s gooooo”

Credit: @SWPalace

“Good move for him imo. Hope he destroys the league.”

Credit: @CPFCMax9

“Great move for Max. Hope he proves himself there.”

Credit: @Wheddsta

“go on lad”

Credit: @cpfcbeast

“Upgrade on Ozil”

Credit: @liamb0117

“Hope he does well and finally finds some stability in his career”

Credit: @IocaIpIa999tic

In other news: ‘Unreal’, ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Lots of CPFC fans flock to ‘beautiful’ Eze update. 

Liverpool kicked off their new Champions League campaign with an entertaining 3-2 victory over AC Milan at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

It was the Italian giants’ first game back in Europe’s elite cup competition following a seven-year absence, but the home side ruined their return, sealing all three points thanks to a second-half comeback.

After a fast start by the hosts, an own goal from former Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori deservedly gave Liverpool the lead within the first 10 minutes when his attempted block took Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross above a helpless Mike Maignan.

However, their advantage was wiped out just before the interval as, after Mohamed Salah missed a penalty, the Rossoneri stunned the Merseyside giants.

Strikes from Ante Rebic and Brahim Diaz drastically altered Jurgen Klopp’s half-time team talk, but whatever the German tactician said clearly worked as Liverpool were back in the driving seat just three minutes later.

Salah bagged his fourth goal of the season in the 48th minute before captain Jordan Henderson sealed an enthralling victory with a fabulous long-range strike.

And although it’s Salah who will get the headlines after coming to Liverpool’s rescue once again with yet another big goal, it was one of his teammates who was the real star of the show under the lights at Anfield.

As per SofaScore, Fabinho received a match rating of 7.6 out of 10, the joint-highest total achieved by any player on the pitch.

The Brazil international dominated the engine room in this midweek clash, winning a whopping eight duels, making an astonishing six tackles and also managing four interceptions, highlighting his impressive performance.

But the 27-year-old maestro was also accomplished in possession, making two key passes for his teammates, losing possession only seven times throughout the 90 minutes and achieving a passing accuracy of 89%.

It was a masterful display from Fabinho against Milan and came just days after an equally outstanding showing in Liverpool’s win over Leeds United.

Klopp will be hoping his South American midfielder can keep up this recent run of good form the rest of the campaign, as that will significantly increase the club’s chances of success this season.

And, in other news…Signed for £8m, now worth £58.8m: Edwards struck gold for Liverpool with £50k-p/w gem 

Celtic have once again been linked with a move for free agent Robbie Brady, with Ange Postecoglou quizzed on the Irishman on Thursday evening, The Scotsman report.

The Lowdown: Previous Brady links

The Hoops were linked with a summer move for the 29-year-old back in February when Neil Lennon was still in charge at Celtic Park.

Reports then suggested that Celtic actually wanted Brady in the summer of 2020 before he penned a one-year extension at Burnley.

The left midfielder’s release from Turf Moor was confirmed back in May, which once again led to rumours of a move to Glasgow.

Brady, who was once hailed by Roy Keane, has scored 35 goals during his professional career and is still without a club.

The Latest: Postecoglou quizzed

Postecoglou spoke to the media following Celtic’s 3-0 win over Jablonec on Thursday evening and was asked about transfers.

The Hoops boss was asked specifically about Brady, reported by The Scotsman, to which he said:

“I haven’t talked specifically about him. Nothing’s really happened yet where I can say that someone has signed for me.”

The Verdict: Sign?

Celtic have already brought one experienced free agent to the club in James McCarthy, so bringing another in Brady could be a shrewd move.

Keane hailed Brady’s set-piece delivery for Ireland back in 2017, and the 29-year-old could also provide cover for Postecoglou at left-back.

He has 160 games of Premier League experience to his name, along with 57 caps for his country, so you’d expect he’ll be able to find a new club relatively soon.

Celtic want another winger this summer, and although Brady’s primary position is a left-midfielder and not a winger, he could be a smart signing with his experience, versatility and dead-ball quality.

In other news: ‘Is in Glasgow’ – Celtic now in for ‘fantastic’ £780,000-a-year ace who’s wanted across Europe. 

Graham Roberts has told Manchester City to pay £160m or they simply won’t sign Harry Kane this summer.

The Premier League champions have made just one bid for the England captain of around £100m, which was rejected by Daniel Levy, who values him in excess of £150m.

Tottenham want to keep their star striker despite his off the field actions having missed training in a bid to push a move to City.

Kane later came out and denied missing his return to Hotspur Way but was then left out of Spurs’ opening day victory over Pep Guardiola’s men, although his lack of a pre-season could have been the reason for his exclusion – with the 28-year-old only joining the rest of his teammates on Friday.

Reports from The Times believe that City are set to return with an improved offer, although it’s still less than Tottenham’s asking-price, which means it’ll most likely be rejected by Levy.

Several Manchester City plays have seen their names thrown into the ring as part of a possible deal to bring Kane to the Etihad Stadium.

But Roberts exclusively told Football FanCast that City simply must pay the money or look elsewhere:

“All they have to do is pay £160m, that’s it. There’s no good throwing in Sterling, Silva, Laporte, those players are on mega wages. Sterling hasn’t signed a new contract because he wants £400,000 per-week.

“Pay us what Harry Kane is worth, Pep Guardiola should stop talking about players who aren’t his. If he wants him, come up with the money, and I’m sure the club will sell him to you.

“But are you going to pay what he’s worth? He’s worth £160m, pay it.”

Leeds United can finally land Manchester United’s Dan James amid a recent transfer twist in their pursuit of the winger.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Scottish Mail on Sunday (p129: 11/07), as transcribed by TBR Football, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are continuing to track the Wales international as they look to bolster their wide options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

It was then suggested that Manchester United actually had no plans of letting James go this summer, despite the recent arrival of Borussia Dortmund flier Jadon Sancho.

However, ESPN now claim that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have had a change of heart, with the Welshman among a group of players who are now available for the right offer.

Bielsa really wants him

Speaking on his eponymous The Phil Hay Show, the journalist said: “That’s a question for Bielsa because Bielsa’s forever interested in Dan James, and you probably remember last summer that before they did the deal for Raphinha, they were looking into the possibility of bringing Dan James in on loan from Manchester United.

“I don’t think it was ever really a possibility because it didn’t seem as though Solskjaer wanted him to go. I get the feeling that Bielsa will consistently be interested in Dan James, because he was very big on him when Leeds nearly got him from Swansea.”

The £60m-rated winger is clearly someone for whom Bielsa has longed for a considerable time, especially given that the Whites were close to signing him when he was still at Swansea.

That extra pace and ability to be a real threat in the opposition box – he has managed six goals and seven assists in 48 Premier League games – could add another dimension to Leeds’ attack, particularly off the bench if Raphinha and Jack Harrison continue as the two starting wingers.

His Old Trafford teammate Andreas Pereira lauded the 23-year-old as being “explosive and so fast” in an interview with the club’s official website last season.

With Bielsa clearly desperate for him, this latest twist over James’ future should see Leeds finally pounce for the Welshman this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have had a bid accepted for this player…

Former Nottingham Forest striker Nigel Jemson has urged Lyle Taylor to show his true quality and win over the City Ground faithful this season.

Taylor arrived from Charlton on a free transfer 12 months ago but failed to replicate his previous goalscoring exploits in south London – scoring just five goals in 42 appearances in all competitions.

He had previously proved himself as one of the most lethal frontmen in the second and third-tier with both Charlton and AFC Wimbledon, reaching double figures in five consecutive campaigns.

But keeping in line with Forest’s shocking season, Taylor himself struggled to showcase his talent, and heads into the new campaign on a 28-match goal drought in the Championship since scoring twice against Wycombe back in November.

Chris Hughton hasn’t yet added any strikers to his Forest squad this window, which would suggest that Taylor is going to get his fare share of opportunities in the coming weeks.

And Jemson exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he must prove his worth:

“He has come from Charlton, has moved out of London, new club, new surroundings, but I expect a little bit more.

“I was excited when he came because I thought he would be a fantastic signing, but I think he’s got a bit to prove to win the supporters over now.”

Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool defender Tony Gallacher, according to The Liverpool Echo. 

What’s the story?

Gallacher has been with the Premier League side since 2018, having previously played for Scottish side Falkirk earlier in his senior career.

The left-back has made only one appearance for the Liverpool first-team, which came in their Carabao Cup match against Aston Villa.

Gallacher spent part of last year’s campaign on loan with MLS Side Toronto, where he went on to make ten appearances in total for the club, before returning to Anfield.

But his return is set to be short-lived, with it being claimed that Gallacher is set to depart the club this summer, with Liverpool keen on a permanent exit for the 22-year-old.

That same report claims that Gallacher is one of a number of the club’s academy players to be heading for the exit door this summer, as they prepare for the upcoming 2021/22 campaign.

Sunderland are believed to have made enquiries into a potential loan deal, although a permanent switch isn’t being ruled out at this stage of the negotiations.

He’ll have a point to prove

Sunderland could certainly benefit from adding additional depth to their defensive options this summer, as Lee Johnson looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion into the Championship once again.

The Black Cats were beaten by Lincoln City in their League One play-off semi-final last term, in what was a frustrating end to the 2020/21 season.

Dion Sanderson was ruled out of action towards the end of that campaign, and with Callum McFadzean leaving the club when his contract expired in the summer, it leaves Johnson with a lack of depth in defence, which will be concerning heading towards the new league campaign.

Therefore it makes sense for the club to target a deal for Gallacher, who will be eager to make a name for himself in senior football in England.

Tom Flanagan and Denver Hume are the current options at left-back, and you would imagine that Gallacher’s potential arrival at the Stadium of Light would push Flanagan further down the pecking order in Johnson’s plans.

We’ve not been able to see much of the left-back since he moved to Liverpool, as he’s only made one senior appearance for the Reds, but he’ll fancy his chances of performing to a high standard with a Sunderland team that are keen on a return to the Championship this term.

At the age of 21, he’s got plenty of room to further his development in senior football though, and a move to Sunderland could be the ideal move for the defender this summer.

The Sunderland supporters are likely to like the sound of this potential agreement to sign Gallacher, as additional competition for places in a team that are likely to be challenging for promotion is the ideal scenario, with all the players attempting to perform to the highest possible standard.

Premier League duo Brentford and Burnley are both interested in a swoop for West Bromwich Albion right-back Darnell Furlong, according to Football Insider.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a solid 2020/21 season at The Hawthorns despite the Baggies’ relegation, registering four goal contributions in 36 appearances with one goal and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Furlong could now be set for a move back to the Premier League. Contracted to West Brom until 2023, they may elect to cash in on his services due to his status as a sought-after commodity [Football Insider].

The top-flight duo are both looking to add depth to their defences. Intriguingly, both clubs have targeted Furlong due to his previous experience and propensity to perform well against high-profile opposition [Football Insider].

In light of this news, loads of West Brom fans have took to Twitter to vent their frustration at these recent developments.

West Brom fans react

Replying to popular West Brom fan outlet WBA Report, here is how some supporters summarised their feelings on the Furlong rumours, which one described as “shockingly bad”:

“this is quite possibly the one transfer I do not want to see happen. Furlong has been immense since coming to the club”

Credit: @Baggieboy75Mike”Need to keep this guy, he’s so good & would be difficult to replace imo”Credit: @ArjunKang5″Please no”Credit: @Joshwbaaa”Believe it when I see it, this source is shockingly bad”Credit: @_DanielNeed”Man that talks sense!!! For years we’ve struggled with fullbacks, this would be a massive blow”Credit: @itsjaylee13″We have to keep him by slapping a ridiculous price tag on him”Credit: @BaggiesTom1In other news, a pundit has dropped some intriguing insight on this reported West Brom target.

It seems as if Celtic have extended Olivier Ntcham’s Parkhead deal by a further 12 months, The Scottish Sun report.

The Lowdown: Recent reports on Ntcham

Reports back in May went as far as saying the Hoops were planning to terminate the midfielder’s contract.

Celtic were reportedly set to exploit a loophole in Ntcham’s deal that would’ve seen him become a free agent.

A move to AEK Athens appeared to be on the cards after personal terms were reached, however, the Greek side pulled out of a move at the end of June.

Ntcham’s future seemed to be up in the air still, however, The Scottish Sun think Celtic may have completed some under-the-radar business when it comes to the 25-year-old.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-8/” title=”Celtic updates” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Ntcham travels to Wales

The Scottish Sun ran a story on Monday evening, claiming Ntcham was a shock passenger on Celtic’s pre-season tour of Wales.

The report claimed that Ntcham trained on his own at Lennoxtown last week but is now a part of Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

They even suggested that it seems Celtic have decided to take up the one-year option on Ntcham’s contract, however, the club haven’t confirmed anything on their website or social media platforms.

The Verdict: Postecoglou to make final call?

Following The Scottish Sun’s claim regarding the Hoops exercising the one-year option on Ntcham’s contract, perhaps they actually had to make a call one way or the other.

It makes sense for Postecoglou to have a look at the midfielder before the start of the new season, as he can then make a decision on whether or not to make him a part of his plans for the 2021/22 season.

Last year wasn’t the best for Ntcham, making just nine league starts combined for Celtic and Marseille, but it seems as if he has been handed a Celtic Park lifeline by Postecoglou’s arrival.

In other news: Celtic now ‘moving’ to sign ace on Top-100 prospects list alongside Sancho, Foden and Saka, find out more here.